2023 Arizona Historymaker Denise D. Resnik interviewed by Carolyn Hartman

Denise D. Resnik – Visionary leader brought compassion and significant change to the treatment of autism. She is being honored by the Historical League as a 2023 Arizona Historymaker at the event Oct. 14, 2023 at Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park.  

Recently League member Carolyn Hartman enjoyed interviewing Denise for her oral history. Photo taken by Historymaker Chair Diana Smith at Inspired Media 360 studios.

First Place AZ announced, “We’re proud to share that Founder & President/CEO Denise Resnik is this year’s @phxbizjournal's Nonprofit Summit keynote speaker. The summit is a great opportunity for nonprofit executives to connect with Valley business leaders & participate in enriching, educational workshops.”

Congratulations to all the 2023 Arizona Historymakers:

Frank M. Barrios

Michael M. Crow Ph. D.

Angel Delgadillo

Dolan Ellis

Ira Fulton & the Fulton Family

Terry Goddard

Denise D. Resnik

Dr. Jeffrey M. Trent Ph. D.

Dr. Daniel D. Von Hoff M.D.

Mrs. Elizabeth J. White

150 Tastes & Treasures Vol II gifted to Glendale Elementary School District

 Arizona’s historic hospitality venues, AZ Historymakers, special people in our lives along with their stories and recipes are told through Tastes & Treasures Vol II: A Storytelling Cookbook of Historic Arizona. 

The Historical League supports Arizona’s teachers. Working with School Connect, Clede Gorrell and Nina Filippi delivered gifts of 150 of these award-winning books to Glendale Elementary School District.

NHDAZ student builds AZ Historymaker John F. Long website

Congrats to National History Day AZ student Aarav Senthilkumar, a 6th grader from New Vistas Center for Education in Chandler who designed a website featuring John F. Long. https://site.nhd.org/02079413/home

One of the 45 students headed to Wash. D.C. and NHD finals in June, he visited the AZHC to research materials and find artifacts. During his visit he filmed the scale model of a John F. Long solar electric home, as well as found great resources for his project.

Needing an interview with a primary source, Historical League member Josie Pete was happy to share stories of her first and second home in Maryvale, built by John F. Long. Her insight was invaluable.

Aarav’s teacher Stacey Trepanier commented, “It has been inspiring working with Aarav on his NHD project this year, as he started with such a broad topic of air conditioning and narrowed it down to a more specific story that connected to his community and how he lives today. That is the beauty of NHD-it allows students like Aarav to connect with history at all levels, and discover unknown stories through in-depth research, primary sources, and interviews. I feel confident as he leaves my classroom; he is prepared to tackle any research project that lies ahead of him.”

John F. Long was honored by the Historical League as an Arizona Historymaker in 2001 for his contributions to the state. The League Is proud to support the National History Day AZ program. www.historicalleague.org/historymakers/john-f-long

Historymakers Planning Committee

 Brainstorming sessions with the Historymakers Planning Committee are very productive. Diana Smith leads the group as we look forward to honoring our Arizona Historymakers, Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park.

Congratulations to the 2023 Arizona Historymakers:

Frank M. Barrios, Michael M. Crow Ph.D., Angel Delgadillo, Dolan Ellis, Ira Fulton & the Fulton Family, Honorable Terry Goddard, Denise D. Resnik, Jeffrey M. Trent Ph.D., Daniel D. Von Hoff M.D., Mrs. Elizabeth J. White

New Board announced at Annual Recognition Luncheon

 Annual Recognition Luncheon was a day celebrating our volunteers with Thank you gifts and words of praise. We are grateful that President Chris Hackett will continue her year into October 2023. Nancy Evans had a special Thank you for Chris, who is always so thoughtful at the Historical League and at animal rescue. Thanks to Anne Lupica who will be our President in November.

Desserts were a highlight of our Recognition Luncheon. Biggest problem was deciding which one!

Thanks to Katie Tovar, Ruth McLeod and Dr. David Breeckner for the photos.

Historians Katie Tovar and Karolee Hess do a fabulous job documenting the Historical League year in photos and creating scrapbooks. The most recent photo books were on display at the Annual Recognition Luncheon. We are all about history and we appreciate how they document our years.

Annual Recognition Luncheon at Seasons 52

Recognition Luncheon is always a highlight of the year, honoring all Historical League volunteers with speeches, awards, gifts. It was a full house Thursday as President Chris Hackett thanked all those she worked with this year. AHS President Linda Whitaker views the League as models of forward thinking in terms of finances, fundraising, online, social media. AHS Executive Director Dr. David Breeckner was appreciative of the League for the many programs we support, especially National History Day AZ.

Thanks to event organizers Anne Lupica, Nina Filippi and Ileen Snoddy for a lovely event.

Comments were made about the delightful scent in the room. It turns out Anne Lupica brought in 8 gardenia blooms from her garden. The day before she only had 4 blooms but nature co-operated! Ruth McLeod said, "I wondered who was wearing such lovely perfume." Carolyn Hartman said, "I had the most lovely scented dream that night."

NHDAZ holds Day at the Museum at AZHC

National History Day AZ Students gathered at AZHC on Saturday for a Day at the Museum.

Avery Greenfield, 7th grader at Sunrise Middle School in Paradise Valley, explains to others what his National History Day AZ project is all about. His project was inspired by a story by Nathan Hale. He then checks out the t-shirt he was given to wear at NHD National competition where he will compete with students across America for a first place win in his age division. On left, League member Josie Pete, on right, Avery's dad who will be with him at the competition. They showed their exhibits, met with teachers and students and families, finalized their plans for the trip and competition. Thanks to Diana Smith for photos.

Kaetyn Wyard and Grace Kim reviewed fellow teams National History Day AZ entry on Saturday, May 6. Benefits of Day at the Museum are many: getting feedback, making improvements, connecting with other students and teachers.

Kaetyn and Grace are entering a project about the Gold Rush when they compete in the National History Day competition next month at University of Maryland in Baltimore. Students at Northland Preparatory Academy in Flagstaff, their teacher is Mrs. Shafer.

 The National History Day National Contest is the culmination of the annual competition cycle and a celebration of student scholarship. After spending months on project research and preparation, and successfully competing at local and affiliate contests, student scholars are invited to share their work at the National Contest.

Each year nearly 3,000 students with their families and teachers gather at the University of Maryland, College Park for the week-long National Contest. They come from all fifty United States, the District of Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, Department of Defense Schools in the Atlantic, and international schools in China, Korea, and elsewhere (NHD International). The excitement can be felt across the campus.

Thanks to 2023 Historymaker Angel Delgadillo for saving Arizona's Iconic Route 66

Angel Delgadillo has been honored as 2023 Arizona Historymaker. He is “The Father of the Mother Road” – advocate for the preservation of Historic U.S. Route 66 and we are so grateful for his dedication to saving Route 66.

This is an interesting article talking about Route 66 across the country.

 HISTORY | MAY 4, 2023 2:44 PM

Route 66 Turns 100 in 2026. What’s in Store for the Iconic Highway?

Some states have renovations in the works

 https://www.insidehook.com/daily_brief/history/route-66-upgrades-turning-100

As Zona Lorig Historymakers Legacy Chair comments, "Hurray for Illinois. Maybe they’ll be a beacon for the other Route 66 states!"

National History Day AZ presentation by Dr. Kristen Rex at May meeting

With Dr. Kristen Rex and her staff plus the experience of Stacey Trepanier, the National History Day AZ is running very smoothly. How exciting to learn about the program from Dr. Rex's talk at our May meeting. Anne Lupica explained the League's support in NHDAZ, both with volunteering, judging, funding. The QR codes next to the students pictures are a direct link to their exhibits.

Many League members are retired teachers, appreciating the value of the program.

Thanks to Josephine Pete for photos.