NHDAZ thanks Historical League with Facebook video

 Since we are not able to post videos, here are screen shots from a Facebook video.

The feeling is mutual!!!

NHDAZ student Thanvi Voruganti in Philadelphia for VFW Voice of Democracy awards

 NHDAZ student Thanvi Voruganti continues to impress. She traveled to Philadelphia recently to receive another award, this time VFW Voice of Democracy. Thanvi Voruganti, from Chandler, Arizona, represented the VFW Department of Arizona, and was awarded the $2,000 Department of California and Auxiliary Scholarship. Congratulations!!

We are grateful to Thanvi for working with Historical League members Cathy Shumard, Ruth McLeod and Zona Lorig, helping create the Arizona Historymakers Video shown at the Celebration for 2023 and 2025.

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY

2025-2026 Theme

"How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?" 

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in-regards-to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 40,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of $2.1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. 

The national first-place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$15,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip Valley Forge.

2023 Arizona Historymaker Angel Delgadillo celebrates 99 years

 Happy 99th Birthday to Angel Delgadillo. Honored as Arizona Historymaker in 2023, Angel & Vilma Delgadillo's Original Route 66 Gift Shop continues bring vital attention to Seligman, supporting Route 66 and Arizona.

Arizona Family featured Angel in this video: https://youtu.be/JX6mPCA_5j0?si=L9P-kU-2U_BTwDIm

Arizona Heritage Center honors Historymakers after museum flooding by Independent Newsmedia

 

Arizona Heritage Center honors Historymakers after museum flooding

Independent Newsmedia/Tempe, by Madeline Bates, 4/16/2026

On top of a hill above Papago Park is the Arizona Heritage Center museum in Tempe. A 30-yr-old brick façade with a desert garden courtyard hosts hundreds of people and events year-round. In August 2025, disaster struck.

Several devastating monsoons and storms brought at least 2 feet of water to the museum’s Steele Auditorium, causing the area to flood significantly for months and leaving the administration to make difficult decisions on how to proceed.

“Oddly enough, the day of the flooding was the day we were doing our emergency management tour so I thought I was getting my leg pulled,” said David Breekner, executive director of the Arizona Historical Society.

“It was devastating though, and then for two months we would pump it out day by day and then the water would return,” he said.

Breekner explained that the property was built before Papago Park and the additional landscaping and construction could have resulted in creating a floodplain for the area of the property where the auditorium is located.

Because of the flooding, the AHS had to hold its Historymakers Gala at the Scott Hotel and Resort instead.

On April 15, the nine who were chosen for the award were finally honored with an exhibition of their own.

The award recipients cut the ribbon to symbolize the display of the Historymakers and the renovations to the property that are yet to be completed.

The Heritage Center will close in May for massive remodels, but the Historical Society will remain strong, Breeckner said as the group plans to still do offsite events, visit schools and continue to educate Arizonans on the history of the state.

The foundation is also launching a $3 million capital campaign to raise funds for the project with hopes of raising as much money as possible to create a more innovative and functional space for years to come.

“Just like our technology has changed in 30 years, I think the ways that we can tell those stories and the tools we can use to engage with it have evolved too so let’s make it more accessible to the next generation,” Breekner said.

To learn more/ donate to museum visit Donations | Arizona Historical Society.

2025 Arizona Historymaker Exhibit Opening

 These Arizona Historymakers have a lot of joy. Perhaps that is part of their success. Bob Boze Bell; Diana Devine; John Graham; Dr. Olliver Harper; Sharon Harper; Sister Adele O'Sullivan; Ron Rayner; Dr. Eric Reiman and Dr. Duane Wooten are cutting the ribbon for the new 2025 Historymaker Exhibit. Congratulations on a well-deserved recognition!

Volunteers at National History Day AZ State Contest

 A rewarding day with the students plus lunch when judging at National History Day!! So grateful for Historical League members who volunteered at the State Contest. 

Judges: Cathy Shumard, Laurie-Sue Rhetts, Pat and Pete Faur, Diana and David Smith, Norma Jean Coulter, Madison Barkley, Summer Cherland. 

Reception: Patt Walker, Margaret Baker, Caroline Bissell.

Cathy Shumard, Dr. Kristen Rex, Laurie-Sue Retts

Pat and Pete Faur, Diana Smith

Norma Jean Coulter with Stacey Trepanier

David Smith with Emily Hahn

State Contest NHDAZ report from Emily Hahn

162 students and 110 projects were presented at National History Day in Arizona state contest on Saturday, April 12. We heard all the details from AHS Education Curator Emily Hahn at our April meeting. The winners advance to National Competition in College Park, Maryland June 14-18. Exciting times!!