David Smith: Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame 2026 Inductee

 Congrats to David Smith, Inductee into Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame, husband of Arizona Historymaker Co-Chair Diana Smith, and all around great guy! Don't forget his dedication to National History Day also!

David Smith has devoted decades to strengthening Scottsdale through public service, fiscal stewardship, and community engagement. A former Scottsdale City Council member and the city’s Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, David championed transparent governance, responsible budgeting, and long-term financial planning. He further advanced civic involvement as chair of the Citizen’s Budget Review Committee, ensuring residents had a voice in shaping Scottsdale’s financial future.

Beyond government service, David has made significant philanthropic and cultural contributions. He is a dedicated Board of Trustees member and treasurer for Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, supporting the preservation and celebration of the American West. David and his wife, Diana, also strengthened the local business community as co-owners of Scottsdale Airpark News, a publication that highlighted Scottsdale’s growth and entrepreneurial spirit.

With a career rooted in integrity, public service, and civic pride, David Smith’s enduring contributions have helped shape Scottsdale into the vibrant community it is today.

Preserve The Future By Honoring The Past!

Friday, May 15, 2026

6:00-6:45pm Cocktail Reception

7:00-9:00pm Program & Dinner

Embassy Suites by Hilton Scottsdale Resort

5001 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250

National History Day East Valley Contest February 2026

 Enthusiastic students: eager to show their exhibits, perform, support their papers, open their websites. 

Judges: happy to help, give constructive critiques.

Parents: delighted to see their children expand their horizons. 

Volunteers: ready be of service.

National History Day: such a valuable program.

Calvin C. Goode, 2023 Historymaker, legacy continues with affordable housing plans

 Calvin C. Goode's sons plan to turn late Phoenix council member's house, office into affordable housing. (Source: 2/14/2026 Daily Independent at yourvalley.net)

Honored as an Arizona Historymaker in 2023, Calvin Goode's legacy continues with his sons' plans.

Two World War II barracks that were used as part of a POW camp in east Phoenix are being relocated this week to a new location.

TEMPE, Ariz — The Tempe Historic Preservation Foundation has announced that the two old structures will be going on a four-mile journey to an interim location as the structures potentially prepare to be rehabilitated and installed at the Arizona Heritage Center.

The barracks were used to house German prisoners of war at Camp Papago, which was located near 64th Street and McDowell Road. A group of prisoners notably attempted to escape from the camp in 1944 through a tunnel they had spent months digging.

The foundation salvaged the two surviving barracks and they were placed on a city-owned public works yard in Tempe. Now the foundation is moving forward with proposed plans to turn the barracks into an immersive museum exhibition.

The relocation effort to be started this week is a critical step in advancing this initiative, the foundation said.

The restoration and installation of the barracks is estimated to cost $900,000 and the foundation is asking the community for support in helping to complete the project. Author: Kevin Reagan; Published: 5:00 PM MST February 12, 2026

Arizona Historical Society: Great Papago Escape is considered the largest Axis POW escape from an American facility – and it happened in Arizona!

Camp Papago Park, originally intended to hold Italian POWs, was designated to hold members of the German Kriegsmarine in early 1944. At its peak, over 3,000 German prisoners were detained there, and they tended to have reputations as difficult, devoted Nazis, or as escape artists. Beginning in the fall of 1944, 25 POWs concocted and executed a plan to escape: dig a tunnel and float down the river. On December 23, the men left the camp, only to have their hopes of escape quickly dashed: there was very little water in the Salt River, and definitely not enough to get to the Colorado River. Many of the POWs surrendered a couple of days after escaping and within fairly close proximity to Camp Papago Park, but others made it within miles of the US/Mexico Border. Eventually, all POWs either surrendered themselves or were captured.

Happy Valentine's Day and Arizona Statehood Day

 Great way to celebrate Arizona Statehood Day and Valentine's Day!

Judging begins for 2026 National History Day projects

 Judges are so important to National History Day projects. Katie Tovar, Cathy Shumard and Diana and David Smith were busy with the 4th and 5th grade entries from Stacey Trepanier’s students at New Vistas Academy. 

Katie comments, "From this school activity, some students will move on to East Valley Regionals and the State contest. These were the youngest students in Individual Exhibits."

New Exhibit Opening Tuesday, February 10