Best Guardian of Local History by Phoenix New Times 2026 = Julia Taggart

 Best Guardian of Local History by Phoenix New Times 2026 = Julia Taggart

Growing up, Julia Taggart wasn’t much of a history buff. She aced AP history in high school, then promptly forgot most of it. Becoming a historian or preservationist was never a career goal. Funny how things worked out.

Over the past five years, Taggart has worked tenaciously to protect pieces of Valley history. And she keeps stacking wins.

Her first save came in 2021, when her research for a college documentary on Paradise Valley Mall helped preserve its carousel. She was hooked.

Then came a job as president of the Sunnyslope Historical Society and Museum, where she secured historic designation for the area’s landmark Rock Garden.

Her most visible efforts have involved beloved TV personalities Wallace and Ladmo, whose namesake show entertained generations of Valley kids. Last year, Taggart helped convince the Phoenix City Council to rename a downtown street after the duo.

In April, thanks to her efforts, Phoenix Public Library honored them with a commemorative library card.

This year, she led the effort to get historic status for the Acacia branch of the Phoenix Public Library and helped keep the iconic Mystery Castle away from the wrecking ball.

Historical League is glad to have her as a member!!

Mariamne Moore and Julia Taggart with Arizona Historymakers exhibit in background.

September meeting filled with news, laughter, updates

 Lots to discuss at the September Historical League meeting. It's a time to catch up on news and upcoming events.

And a time for friends to gather together after a summer of no regular meetings.

Although the Arizona Heritage Center is closed for renovations, they have a special room for us to meet.

Congrats to Anthony Fusco 2026 Al Merito Award recipient

 Anthony Fusco posted on facebook, "So excited to share that I’ve been selected as the 2026 Al Merito Award recipient sponsored by the Arizona Historical Society.

Fifty years ago, the Arizona Historical Society established the Al Mérito Award to recognize those who have contributed significantly to preserving and promoting Arizona history. Today, the Arizona Historical Society’s highest honor acknowledges meritorious service for those who preserve and celebrate Arizona history." Congratulations!

Dr. Eric Reiman, Alzheimer's research pioneer announces leadership transition after 38 years at Banner Health.

2025 Arizona Historymaker, Dr. Eric M. Reiman's groundbreaking work transformed Alzheimer's research and positioned Banner as a global leader in detection, prevention studies. 

Banner Health has announced a leadership transition at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, with Eric M. Reiman, MD, stepping down from his role effective Oct. 1 to embark on a new chapter in his professional and personal life. Over his 38-year career, Dr. Reiman helped shape the global fight against Alzheimer's disease. Under his leadership as founding CEO, Banner Alzheimer's Institute became an internationally recognized Center of Excellence, advancing prevention research and fostered landmark public-private partnerships that have brought the field closer than ever to the first approved Alzheimer's prevention therapies.

Honored as 2025 Arizona Historymaker by the Historical League, he tells his story here. https://historicalleague.org/historymakers/eric-m-reiman-m-d/

Sandra Day O'Connor, Arizona Historymaker in 1992

September 1981: Sandra Day O’Connor was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate to become the first female justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. She became a key swing vote and respected jurist, influencing many significant rulings during her tenure.

The Historical League honored her as Arizona Historymaker 1992 in the inaugural class of Historymakers. Listen to her tell her story at https://historicalleague.org/historym.../sandra-day-oconnor/

Dorothy Zhou and Thanvi Voruganti win Lowell Milken Discovery Unsung Heroes Founders Award

 "I’m thrilled to congratulate Dorothy and Thanvi on winning the Lowell Milken Discovery Unsung Heroes Founders Award. Working alongside these two exceptional young women as they researched and built a project honoring Judith Heumann has been a privilege. Thank you to the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, the Milken Family Foundation, and everyone who supported our pursuit to tell meaningful historical stories. Your encouragement empowers students to explore, question, and honor the people who inspire us to build a more inclusive future." from NHD teacher and incredible mentor Stacey Trepanier reports.

The Historical League is a proud supporter of the National History Day program and thrilled to see Dorothy Zhou and Thanvi Voruganti doing so well, and telling the Judith Heumann story.

Dorothy Zhou,  Stacey Trepanier, Thanvi Voruganti

teacher Grant Trepanier, Dorothy Zhou, Thanvi Voruganti, teacher Stacey Trepanier

Jon Kyl 1942-2026, Former Arizona Senator and honored as Historymaker in 2014

With heavy hearts we report that Jon Kyl has passed, September 16, 2026. He was honored by the Historical League as an Arizona Historymaker in 2014. Listen to him tell his story at  https://historicalleague.org/historymakers/jon-kyl/

 

"We know that Jon belonged to all of Arizona, a state he loved and explored with vigor, curiosity and wonder. Serving his state and nation in Congress was a privilege and responsibility he honored and respected. We are grateful for his full and meaningful public life.
We are grateful, too, for his full and meaningful family life, guided by his faith and endowed with honor, warmth and love. We cherish his presence in our lives and are thankful he has joined his beloved Creator, Jesus Christ." The Kyle family