6th grader Matthew Davies-Venn is excited about NHD National Contest

When asked what he’s most excited about for Nationals, 6th grader Matthew Davies-Venn replied, "I’m especially excited about competing with other individuals from different states and U.S. territories, watching their documentaries and learning about their projects.

I’m also looking forward to collecting all the pins, the parade and the exciting museum trips that my teacher has planned for our group."

Matthew did a documentary The Cool Revolution: How Air Conditioning Reformed the Valley of the Sun into a Habitable Metropolis.

The Historical League is proud to support the National History Day program.

Happy Parent Appreciation Day!

 National History Day Arizona comments, "Behind every NHD student is a parent or guardian offering encouragement, support, and plenty of rides to libraries, museums, interviews, competitions, and late-night project work.

Thank you for cheering on your students through every stage of the research process. Your time, patience, and support help make their discoveries—and their success—possible.

Today, we celebrate the parents and families who help inspire the next generation of historians!"

The Historical League is a proud supporter of this program.

Bashas "Your Arizona hometown Grocer"

 The story of Bashas', ‘Your Arizona hometown grocer,’ started when Lebanese immigrants Najeeb and Najeeby Basha opened a general store in Ray, Arizona, in 1910. azcentral. Full story: bit.ly/4ppqqvn

Listen to Eddie Basha tell his story when he was honored as 2001 Arizona Historymaker https://historicalleague.org/historymakers/eddie-basha/

NHDAZ students have a lot of support

 Family support means so much to the NHD students. Thanks to all the parents and families that joined NHDAZ this June in Washington D.C. at National Contest.

Silent Heroes

Excellent Program.

 

Thank you from Ruhi Rane NHDAZ student

Dear NHD AZ team,

 

I just wanted to say thank you so much for all of your support throughout my National History Day journey. It meant so much to me to have your encouragement and guidance as I worked on my project and had the opportunity to represent our state at Nationals.

 

Going to Nationals was an incredible experience that I will always cherish and remember. I learned so much, not just about history and research, but also about presenting my work, meeting students from around the country, and challenging myself to do my best. None of this would have been possible without the support of the state team.

 

Thank you for all the time, effort, and care you put into helping students like me succeed. I am truly grateful for everything you do.

 

Thank you again!

Sincerely,  Ruhi Rane 

Where was Ruhi Rane at award ceremonies? She gave an award-winning performance and received the Special Award in category Latino American History. Then NHD teacher Stacey Trepanier accepted her award.

Ruhi was off on another adventure . . . Speech and Debate Conference, Richmond, Virginia. One busy and talented girl!!

Title of her performance "Voices of the Vineyards: El Teatro Campesino and the Rise of the Farm Workers Movement".

Lattie F. Coor Jr. 1936-2026, 2014 Arizona Historymaker

 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Lattie F. Coor Jr. on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at age 89.

Honored as 2014 Arizona Historymaker, Lattie was the 15th president of Arizona State University whose tenure achieved major milestones for ASU as a research institution.

His successor ASU President Michael M. Crow (2023 Arizona Historymaker) commented, “ASU would not be the institution it is today without Lattie Coor’s vision, leadership and commitment to the community.”

Michael Crow continues, "As ASU’s 15th president, Lattie helped move the university into a new era. During his tenure, ASU achieved Research I status, expanded its multicampus vision, connected with the community and strengthened the philanthropic foundation that helped accelerate its growth.

He understood that ASU could become a major research university guided to support the success of Arizona and its people. He and Elva warmly welcomed Sybil and I, and then became beloved colleagues, friends and mentors.

With Lattie's passing, ASU and the state have lost a true champion. Sybil and I will miss him dearly, but his legacy will continue to shape this university and Arizona for generations to come."

Listen to Lattie talk about his life story at https://historicalleague.org/historymakers/lattie-finch-coor-jr/