January meeting starts off 2026

 

Abe Lincoln as portrayed by John Voehl. 

Katie Tovar commented, "He is a fascinating speaker and does complete justice to President Lincoln."

Abraham Lincoln was our guest speaker,
thanks to the generosity of Mary and Bill Parker who organized and funded it. 

Historical League members checking into the meeting

Encouraging to see work continuing to happen at AZHC

Nina von Schroeter

Gift shop has colorful new toys

Thanks to Sandy Loeffler for creative table decorations.

Senator Jon Kyl health news

 Arizona Republic reports that former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl has been diagnosed with dementia, plans to withdraw from public life.

The Arizona Republican served four terms in the House and three terms in the Senate, where he became the GOP minority whip.

Known for his work on water policy, a center at Arizona State University was named in his honor.

Complete article (Stephanie Murray/Dan Nowicki, Arizona Republic) at https://www.azcentral.com/.../jon-kyl.../87965953007/

Listen to Senator Kyl's interview with the Historical League when he was honored as 2017 Arizona Historymaker. https://historicalleague.org/projects/jon-kyl/

Bennie Gonzales 1997 Arizona Historymaker and his architecture

Saturday, January 3, 2026: Learn about Bennie Gonzales and his architecture/ legacy! at SunnySlope Historical Society. His son Barnie Gonzales will speak.

Also listen to Bennie Gonzales tell his story at https://historicalleague.org/.../bennie-montague-gonzales/ From his Oral History Interview when he was honored as 1997 Arizona Historymaker by the Historical League.

The Acacia Branch library sits today much as it did when it opened in January 1969 – with a modest slump cement block exterior, resembling burnt adobe, that contains within its walls an airy feeling and a multitude of knowledge and resources.

2026 Wishes. What are yours?

 What is your wish for 2026? Alberto Rios, Arizona Historymaker 2005, and Arizona's first Poet Laureate, eloquently states his in this Arizona Republic article.

Listen to him speak about his life at https://historicalleague.org/projects/alberto-rios/

Merry Christmas from The Historical League!

 Merry Christmas from The Historical League!

Sharon Harper, 2025 AZ Historymaker, working on new development at former Fiesta Mall site

 Arizona Historymaker 2025, Sharon Harper is working on a new development at the former Fiesta Mall site. Axios reports: "first of its kind" women's health and sports campus will "anchor" the overall project, including multifamily housing, offices, restaurants, retail and sports facilities.

It will incorporate a comprehensive network of health, wellness and athletic performance facilities focused on girls and women, Mayo said.

Sharon has been honored as a 2025 AZ Historymaker: She co-founded and serves as chairman and CEO of Plaza Companies, specializing in healthcare/bioscience, senior housing, hospitality and transformational re- development projects such as SkySong, Park Central, and Creighton University Health Sciences Campus, Phoenix. She serves as Trustee to the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, ASU, Creighton University, TGen and McCain Institute and chaired Prop 123 and Phoenix GOBOND Initiatives (collectively $5.5B impact to community).

Where we were successful, we want our communities to be successful. – Sharon Harper

NHDAZ student Dorothy Zhou Christmas ornament wins

A moment worth celebrating! 🎄✨ NHDAZ student Dorothy Zhou will have an ornament she designed displayed on the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C.
Be sure to watch the video to see Dorothy talk about her ornament during her interview on a local Fox News station 🎥

Dorothy received national recognition in 2024 for her patriotic artwork as a winner of the America’s Field Trip contest – an outstanding accomplishment we are so proud of.

Congratulations, Dorothy! Wishing everyone a happy holiday season and a joyful New Year! 

Another ornament honors Route 66

2024 Patriotic artwork winner from America's Field Trip contest

qr code for video of interview on facebook