St. Augustine church in Tucson

 In 1885, the San St. Augustine church had been standing for nearly 20 years facing west on Tucson's Church Plaza. When the new and larger St. Augustine cathedral was constructed in 1896, the old church was converted into a hotel. Subsequently the building was painted yellow and turned into a garage. The old church building was razed in 1936, but its facade and rosette window were saved. Part of the facade and rosette window can now be seen adorning the front of the Arizona Historical Society building in Tucson.

This photograph of San St. Augustine church was taken circa 1885.

Get Involved with National History Day Arizona!

 Get Involved with National History Day Arizona!

NHDAZ is looking for students, judges, and volunteers to help make this year's program a success.

Students: Explore a topic you're passionate about while developing research, writing, and presentation skills.

Judges: Share your knowledge by evaluating student projects and providing constructive feedback that helps young historians grow.

Volunteers: Support competition day by assisting with event operations, welcoming participants, and helping create a positive experience for everyone involved.

Whether you're participating, judging, or volunteering, you'll play an important role in inspiring the next generation of historians.

To learn more, email nhdaz@azhs.gov

The Historical League is a proud sponsor of this program.

Sharlot Hall Museum and The Bashford House, Elisabeth Ruffner

 Thanks to Elisabeth Ruffner, 2008 Arizona Historymaker, the Bashford House (third picture) is one of the many projects she saved. Listen to her story at https://historicalleague.org/historymakers/elisabeth-friedrich-ruffner/

"Elisabeth Ruffner believes, “Buildings don’t exist just because they are handsome or old. They have to have a purpose." Arizonans can visit and enjoy many historic sites today, and in the future, because of her dedication to save the tangible places of the past.

Sharlot Hall writes,

For this week's Days Past, architect Bill Otwell takes a fascinating look at Prescott's rich architectural history and the preservation efforts that have protected many of our community's most treasured landmarks. From the Governor's Mansion to the Bashford House, these historic buildings tell the story of Arizona's Territorial beginnings.

Currently, our historic Governor's Mansion is undergoing rehabilitation and will be closed until early 2027. This important preservation project will help ensure Arizona's oldest territorial building on its original site can be enjoyed by future generations.

Want to experience that history for yourself? Join us for Living History Adventure: Frontier Timber & Territorial Beginnings on Saturday, August 8, from 10 AM to 3 PM at Sharlot Hall Museum. Step inside history and discover the people, places, and stories that built Prescott.

To read this week's Day's Past article, please click here: https://bit.ly/4wjP1Un

Photos in order of appearence:

1.Arizona Territorial Governor's Mansion c. 1880 (SHM Call #1403-0534-0003)

2. The Fremont House, 1976 (1100-2026-3101)

3. The Bashford House, towed down Elk’s hill by a moving truck. 1974 (1100-2026-3102).

Tanae Lupe at National History Day Competition

 Tanae Lupe shines bright as she shares her NHD exhibit "Thanks to J.D.C. Atkinson, My Language Is Dying" with fellow students. Traveling to National Contest from Dishchii’bikoh Community School in Cibecue, Arizona with her teacher Simon Kibe, the National History Day program provides valuable opportunities.

The Historical League is a proud sponsor.

Ed Mell, 2008 Arizona Historymaker "Bolts of a Storm"

 Some days you look up at the sky and think "It's an Ed Mell Day." KJZZ The Show comments, "The Southwest landscape and its clouds above have long inspired songs and musical projects like iconic paintings by Ed Mell. We recommend seeing “Bolts of a Storm,” a painting by Ed Mell that’s on the second floor of the Phoenix Art Museum in the Western American exhibition on the north wing."

Listen to Arizona Historymaker Ed Mell tell his story at https://historicalleague.org/historymakers/ed-mell/. Check out some of his many "storm" paintings.

NHDAZ Design Team

 National History Day Arizona students, Design Committee ideas through Arizona Historical Society

Education Team at AHS is creative

 Celebrating the wonderful and creative Education Team at Arizona Historical Society. The Historical League is grateful for them. They make the National History Day Arizona FUN!

Emily Hahn writes, "This team has shared early mornings, long competition days, road trips, countless planning meetings, and more laughs than we could ever fit into one video.

Every challenge has been easier because we’ve had each other.

We’re so grateful for this team, the work we do, and the opportunity to help students discover a love of history together. Every workshop, every competition, and every student we meet is supported by a team that genuinely cares about one another and believes in this program.

We can’t wait to welcome one more member to the NHDAZ family soon."

: nowhere, nobody by Ariana Grande

NHDAZ does not own the music in this video/rights to this music