Arizona History is on the move

 Over 1,000 linear feet of Arizona History has officially made its way to its new home! 

After 3 months of planning, 2 days of moving, 700+ boxes, and 4 trucks, our Northern Division archival collections are now safely at the Arizona History Museum in Tucson. 

A huge THANK YOU to our incredible staff, movers, and our partners at Northern Arizona University-Cline Library for making this move possible! 

The collections will become accessible to researchers and the public once our Library & Archives team organize the materials over the coming months. To learn more or for any questions please email AHSreference@azhs.gov 

Traveling Trunk for Education

Kudos to AHS Education Team, making learning history so much fun.

Rosson House reports: Attention teachers, camp leaders, librarians, and homeschool parents! 

 Thanks to a grant from the Arizona Historical Society, our Traveling Trunks have had a refresh. 

 

 Funds from this grant have paid for new containers, as well as fresh printing of all paper materials. 

 

We have trunk options to check out from The Square that can be used in the classroom, at home, and beyond. 

Reserve a Traveling Trunk today: thesquarephx.org/visit/field-trips-more/ 

Back to School circa 1910 in Tucson, AZ

 Back to School at Davis Elementary, Tucson, AZ in August. circa 1910. When recess meant actual recess, running in the playground, playing tag with friends . . . and not just a screensaver.

Photo from Arizona Historical Society Library and Archives.

Education Dept Grant to rural schools to share Teaching Primary Sources

 AHS Education Director Kristen Rex writes “Have I mentioned lately how much I love my job? The team was awarded a grant to travel to rural schools to share Teaching Primary Sources using the Library of Congress, AND share some of our amazing library and archives, supporting teachers grades 4-12. We also toured The Bullion Plaza Cultural Center and Museum, discussing future collaboration. So thankful for this team. Holly, Emily, Leonard, Lyndsey knocked it out of the park."

The Historical League is a supporter of the Education Department. Many of our members are past teachers and understand the need for this outreach. We also support the National History Day Arizona Program.

Historymaker Dolan Ellis talk and book signing August 22

Join 2023 Arizona Historymaker Dolan Ellis as he shares stories from his remarkable life — from his years as a traveling folk singer and member of the Grammy Award-winning New Christy Minstrels to his unforgettable adventures exploring Arizona's highways, back roads and hidden treasures.

Saturday, August 22

11:00 AM

Sunnyslope Historical Society

Come enjoy a morning filled with Arizona history, stories, laughter and inspiration as we celebrate one of our state's most treasured storytellers. 

Celebrate 251 + years of Tucson

 Celebrate 251+ years of Tucson with us and enjoy discounted admission to the Arizona History Museum, Tucson on Saturday, August 22, 2026! Open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., get out of the summer HEAT and enjoy walking through our COOL museum.

General Admission: $2.50

Kids 6 and under are free!

Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Arizona History Museum

949 E. 2nd St., Tucson, AZ 85719

In addition to exploring our exhibits, join the Arizona Historical Society and local broadcasting legend Ray Lindstrom for a fascinating lecture on 100 years of radio history in Tucson! The lecture will begin at 11 AM, registered guests will have priority seating beginning at 10:45 AM. Seating is limited, and on a first come, first served basis for attendees that are not registered.

Rattlesnake Dress

 Rattlesnake Dress: Talk About Fashion with Teeth!

These photos of Edith Holbert of Tucson, were taken in the 1930s. She was a rattlesnake fancier who hunted and captured the snakes on trips into the desert. She would tan the snake skins and create one-of-a-kind outfits. She kept newspapers on the floor of her house in case a snake got loose. This way she could hear the snake on the newspapers and catch him.

Would you wear one of her creations?

Courtesy of Arizona Historical Society archives.