"A Place for All People" exhibit opening

"A Place For All People"  Exhibition Opening January 22, 2019 Special Preview for Community Voices Members at 5:30 p.m. General Public at 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Dear Community Voices Member, We are pleased to announce the opening of "A Place for All People" exhibition, and invite you and your family and friends to attend a special preview at 5:30 p.m. on January 22. The general public will join at 6:00 p.m. We are grateful for your support and participation in helping us bring the Arizona African American stories to the public. With your help, we plan to continue to add and change some of the stories presented throughout the duration of the exhibit. In addition, we will host a variety of related programming. On January 24th, Dr. Warren Stewart will share the lessons learned from his journey to achieve a Martin Luther King Day holiday, and on February 12th we will host a screening of Bruce Nelson's documentary, "North Town, the story of a small, segregated community in Mesa. As you know, this exhibition explores the African American experience through a series of posters from the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of African American History and Culture. The posters evoke the power of oration and freedom stories, the brilliance of artistic achievement, and the soaring heights of cultural expression, philosophy, sports, and politics. Moving from the national stage to the local one, the exhibition tells the stories of African Americans in Arizona. From the churches and schools to the boardroom; to the battlefields and to the neighborhood barbershops and beauty shops where important news of the day was discussed. These stories weave a rich tapestry of African American heritage. Discover the stories of African Americans who made Arizona history: The Tuskegee Airmen, Buffalo Soldiers, Lincoln Ragsdale Sr., Rev. Charlesetta Lee, Cloves Campbell, Dr. Warren Stewart, Calvin Goode, Eugene Grigsby, and many more. Special preview for Community Voices participants at 5:30 p.m. Opening reception for general public begins at 6:00 p.m. Special performance by Joyce "the Voice" Bailey, renowned gospel singer. Reception includes refreshments. Free. RSVP required to azheritagecenter@azhs.gov, or call 480.929.0292. This exhibition is a collaboration with our "Community Voices" partners; members of the local African American community who selflessly gave of their time to help us tell the stories of their community.

2019 Historymakers Gala and Recognition Program

Since 1992 the HistorymakersTM Gala and Recognition program has honored distinguished Arizonans who made lasting contributions to the community and distinguished themselves in diverse areas such as the arts, education, healthcare, communications, community service and philanthropy. The tradition continues on Feb 23 for 2019 Historymakers Gala at AZ Biltmore Resort. Tickets at www.HistoricalLeague.org

Barry Goldwater photography at Scottsdale Museum of the West

If you like photography, if you like Arizona, if you like history . . .you must see this exhibit of Barry Goldwater's photos at Scottsdale Museum of the West. 
Thanks to Diana Smith for arranging this event, we were so fortunate to have Barry's granddaughter, Allison, be our docent. She shared so much insight into his life, his passion and now her passion to preserve these photos. She lives in Atlanta but extended her Phoenix holiday trip to guide on on the tour.
In-depth Tours like this are one of the reasons many of us join the League. Where else would you hear memories from Barry Goldwater's granddaughter, Allison? or learn intimate details of his photography? or discover the stories that go with the photos? or find out the background of Scottsdale's Museum of the West from Director Michael J. Fox? or learn how this museum started from 2017 Historymaker Jim Bruner? or have Richard Stieves, editor of Arizona Highways describe the photos and his connection with the Barry and Peggy Goldwater Foundation?
Awesome exhibit and tour!

Robert Stieve of Arizona Highways also guided us as well as Director of the Museum and 2019 Historymaker Michael Fox. Wonderful to hear the back stories from 2017 Historymaker Jim Bruner who has been involved with this museum since the beginning. Inspiring day for the Historical League!

Portraits of Courage Exhibit is Meaningful

Portraits of Courage may have left the museum but the exhibit has left an impression on those who visited it. 
Docent Judy Kittoe reflects on her time there. "The highlight for me was on Military Day when a man thought he recognized one of the paintings which was of Chris Demars. Together we listened on my cell phone to President Bush telling the story of that soldier's injuries and the help he is getting to overcome his PTS and traumatic brain injury. 
Indeed the two men served together in Afghanistan and both have and are helping other veterans who are suffering from PTS. It was an inspirational conversation and one I will never forget."

2019 Historymaker Gala and Recognition Program

The Historical League is proud to present Turquoise & Tuxedos 2019 Arizona Historymakers Gala. On February 23, 2019 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, the Historical League will be honoring six new Arizona Historymakers for their contributions to Arizona’s heritage and culture.

Meet Our 2019 Arizona Historymakers:

L to R:

Michael J. Fox, Founding Director and CEO of Western Spirit: Scottsdale Museum of the West

Merrill Mahaffey; Western Artist, Painter & Teacher

Alfredo Gutierrez, Arizona State Senator & Community Activist

Dr. Arthur DeCabooter, Educator and Land Preservationist (seated)

Vernon Swaback, Internationally Recognized Architect

Betsey Bayless, Arizona Secretary of State, Health and Civic Leader

Very Success Family Holiday Party for "Elf the Musical"

So many volunteers worked together to create this fabulous event. From the check in table, to silent auction, children's toy raffle, we are so grateful for the enthusiasm and the success at Dec 8 "Elf the Musical"! 

Thanks especially to Donna Esposito, Mary McMahon, Renee Donnelly, Norma Jean Coulter, Anne Lupica, Mary Parker, Carolyn Mendoza.

Thanks to the lovely music of Susie Brinegar on the grand piano. The crowd enjoyed it so much, they joined in with singing Christmas carols.

Historymaker Sandra Day O'Connor

Honored as a Historymaker in 1992, former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor continues to inspire people.
New honorees for Historymakers 2019 will be inducted Feb 23, 2019 during the Historymakers Gala and Recognition Program at Arizona Biltmore Resort.