5 Stars to chair Diana Smith and 2023 Historymakers Committee

 You all deserve "5 STARS": Members of the 2023 Arizona Historymakers™ Committee did a marvelous job under the direction of chair Diana Smith. THANK YOU!

The event went very well with the new date (October vs February), new time (afternoon vs evening), new dress (business casual vs formal) and new venue (Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park vs hotel ballroom).

Angel Delgadillo, 2023 Arizona Historymaker

 A Rock Star . . . Angel Delgadillo was labeled that by emcee Carey Pena at the October 14 Historymaker™ Celebration. She realized there was a line to see him at his Seligman Barber Shop every morning. Visitors from Brazil, France, Scotland - all wanting to meet the man who saved historic Route 66. Honored as 2023 Arizona Historymaker, he spoke of the ten year effort to make Route 66 a historic road. His is the story of one man who never gave up in the face of nearly unsurmountable challenges. He finally retired from his barbershop in 2022 at the age of 95.

Carey Pena reflects on Oct 14 2023 Historymakers Celebration

Emcee for the 2023 AZ Historymakers Celebration Carey Pena writes, "For the better part of this year, we've been working on this documentary project, and I was so happy to stand at the famed Arizona Heritage Center for the big reveal!

Nine people were recognized as the 2023 Historymakers - people who have shaped and changed this state for the better.

I learned so much from spending time with each one of the Honorees. The main lesson I learned is never to give up! To the Historical League, thank you for trusting me to tell these stories in a real and authentic way."

Emcee, journalist and inspiration herself, Carey Pena guided the 2023 Arizona Historymakers evening October 14, introducing and welcoming each honoree to the stage. Along with her company, Inspired Media 360, Carey has spent the last year interviewing and filming the honorees for the video presentation, giving us an insight into their lives and dedication.

Independent Newsmedia reporter Caroline Yu wrote, “During the presentation of the Historymakers’ trophies, Pena showed interviews with each of the honorees talking more about their stories, detailing their individual contributions to the state’s reputation. To start, Pena shared her experience getting to interview all of the Historymakers, talking about how her involvement has been meaningful to her career as a journalist and the importance of understanding history through others’ stories.

Across the interviews, she said the Historymakers all shared common themes, which were “abiding love of Arizona and its freedom from set ideas, a willingness to experiment with new ideas, a determination not to take ‘no’ as an answer, a love of the Arizona landscape, a love of the Arizona people and a strong sense of community service."

The 2023 Arizona Historymakers:

• Frank M. Barrios

• Michael M. Crow, Ph.D.

• Angel Delgadillo

• Dolan Ellis

• Honorable Terry Goddard

• Denise D. Resnik

• Jeffrey M. Trent, Ph.D.

• Daniel D. Von Hoff, M.D.

• Mrs. Elizabeth J. White

Carey Pena reading Governor Hobbs Proclamation

Carey Pena and Mrs. Elizabeth White

Carey Pena with Denise Resnik

Friends greet each other at 2023 Historymakers Celebration

 Make new friends, but keep the old . . . Girl Scout song rings true. 2023 Arizona Historymakers™, family and friends had so much to talk about at the Celebration October 14 at Arizona Heritage Center. Congratulations to the 2023 Arizona Historymakers™:

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

2023 Arizona Historymakers Celebration Cuisine

Delicious food was served at the Arizona Historymakers™ Celebration Oct 14. Thanks to Bonnie Newhoff organizing this with Creations in Cuisine Catering. Inside AZHC and outside in the courtyard, there was plenty to choose from.

Frank M. Barrios 2023 Arizona Historymaker

 Frank M. Barrios story is inspiring. During his interview, with the help of Carey Pena, he told us about his life and work. We gave our full attention to the BIG screen at the 2023 Arizona Historymakers™ Celebration October 14. It brought many of us to tears as we realize he is no longer with us.

He knew about being honored as a Historymaker and was so very pleased to be recognized.

AZHC Courtyard transformed for 2023 Arizona Historymakers Celebration

 It was a magical night as the sun went down and the lights came on. On Oct. 14, the courtyard was transformed to a delightful space filled with energy. Friends, families, Historical League members and AHS staff celebrated the 2023 Arizona Historymakers™: Frank M. Barrios, Michael M. Crow Ph.D., Angel Delgadillo, Dolan Ellis, The Honorable Terry Goddard, Denise D. Resnik, Jeffrey M. Trent Ph.D., Daniel D. Von Hoff M.D., Mrs. Elizabeth J. White.

AHS Staff helps make 2023 AZ Historymakers Celebration a big success!

 Couldn't do it without you! AHS staff at AZ Heritage Center are the BEST!

Planning the 2023 AZ Historymakers Celebration was a huge undertaking. Setting up the Historymakers exhibit, unveiling and ribbon cutting ceremony, program in Steele Auditorium, dinner under the stars in the courtyard, speeches, videos, microphones, lights . . . the list goes on and on.

Thanks to a great staff for all their help!! Dr. David Breeckner, Shelley Coriell, Dr. Kristen Rex, Jenny Pennington, Jason Mihalic, Jennifer Merry, Rebekah Tabah-Percival, Dr. David Turpie, Todd Bailey, Vincent Bradley. We appreciate you!

NHD teacher/co-ordinator Stacey Trepanier, V.P. Education Dr. Kristen Rex

AHS Membership Shelley Coriell, Mr and Mrs Breeckner, Mrs. David Breeckner,
AHS Assistant Director Rebekah Tabah-Percival

Special Projects Todd Bailey, Assis. Director Rebekah Tabah-Percival, 1992 Historymaker Pat McMahon, Executive Director Dr. David Breeckner

Assis. Director Rebekah Tabah-Percival, 1992 Historymaker Pat McMahon,
Executive Director Dr. David Breeckner

Mrs. Elizabeth White 2023 Arizona Historymaker

 Who has made dinner for Charles Barkley, Alvin Adams, Jesse Jackson, James Brown and Senator John McCain (he was a regular)?

Mrs. White and her Golden Rule Café on Jefferson have played an important part in Phoenix history for the last 60 years. With her deep religious faith, she has been a role model for her family and her Eastlake neighborhood. Every important figure in Phoenix has stopped by to eat her soul food and feel this strong woman’s love for people.

Her motto: “We try to be good because that is what the Golden Rule means.”

She was honored as 2023 Arizona Historymaker at the October 14 Celebration.

Sitting with other 2023 Arizona Historymakers, enjoying the program.

With emcee Carey Pena

AZ Recollections & Reflections book enjoyed by AZ teachers

 "Teachers all over Arizona appreciate you!! Many thanks to the HistoricalLeague.org for the book donations to the 'Back to School' conference," AHS education director Dr. Kristen Rex writes.

The conference hosted by GeoCivics offered much for teachers including gifts of "AZ Recollections and Reflections". The Historical League’s Centennial book tells stories of Arizona in first person accounts (from the AZ Historymakers). It continues to be a go-to source for teachers.