Traveling Trunks

2025 Arizona Historymaker John W. Graham interviewed for his oral history by Carey Pena

 How do you tell your life story in two hours? Leave it to Carey Pena to know what to ask, allowing 2025 Arizona Historymaker John W. Graham to relax and share his experiences during his oral history interview. He is being honored for his Real Estate development, as well as deep and enduring Community Involvement.

The 2025 Arizona Historymakers™ Turquoise & Treasures Celebration will be held on October 25, 2025 from 3pm to early evening at Arizona Heritage Center in Papago Park, Tempe. At the celebration, a video presentation will highlight their contributions, followed by a buffet and reception with an opportunity to meet and talk to the Historymakers. Guests will be among the first to see a new exhibit featuring each of the 2025 Historymakers.

2025 Arizona Historymaker Dede Yazzie Devine oral history interview with Josie Pete

 Sharing your life story can be daunting. Leave it to Josie Pete (left) to ask the right questions of 2025 Arizona Historymaker Dede Yazzie Devine. This took palce during the oral history interview to record Dede's many accomplishments that make Arizona a better place for all of us.

The 2025 Arizona Historymakers™ Turquoise & Treasures Celebration will be held on October 25, 2025 from 3pm to early evening at Arizona Heritage Center in Papago Park, Tempe. At the celebration, a video presentation will highlight their contributions, followed by a buffet and reception with an opportunity to meet and talk to the Historymakers. Guests will be among the first to see a new exhibit featuring each of the 2025 Historymakers.

PBS News Hour highlights National History Day

National History Day Arizona helps tell the story on PBS News Hour. 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6gMDB5b-3I

Interview with Cathy Gorn, Executive Director NHD

National History Day Special Honors Showcase Students

NHD News Washington D.C. SHOWCASE Special honors at Nationals for these three students:

- Ruhi Rane was chosen to showcase her junior exhibit at the National Museum of American History on June 11. Title - Pins, Needles, and Responsibilities: The ILGWU and the Fight for Workers Rights.

Historical League members were impressed with her exhibit when they attended the mentoring "Day at the Museum" sponsored by Scottsdale's Museum of the West in May. Ruhi's attention to detail was so impressive. Great use of imagery and research.

- W. Ira Parsons was selected to attend a Writers Workshop sponsored by the White House Historical Association. His senior paper was Rights Without Responsibilities: How the Framers of International Space Law Failed to Anticipate Commercialization.

Ten students (out of 2,895) were selected for a virtual paper showcase at the White House Historical Association (WHHA), covering topics related to the history of the White House or the history of the presidency. These students, along with eight additional students, were invited to attend a writers’ workshop at The People’s House: A White House Experience on June 11.

- Brad Wu showcased his first place winning senior documentary at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Title is Camp Jened: A Revolution Born in the Mountains.

Historical League members got a preview of the documentary in May at Scottsdale's Museum of the West mentoring "Day at the Museum" and we appreciate his work!

To read the full Press Release, click below:

https://nhd.org/en/2025/06/04/nhd-showcases-2025/?utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=national-history=

day&utm_content=2025+Pre-Contest+Newsletter

Thank you note from NHD students Adrian Piel and Owen Yin

 Adrian and Owen learn lessons in patience at National Competition NHD, described in their Thank You note to the Historical League. Words of gratitude from National History Day students are appreciated. Historical League believes in the NHDAZ program, giving over $15,000 this year.

"Thank you very much for the traveling stipend to allow us to compete in the National History Day Competition. Exploring D.C. with fellow Arizona competitors was extremely rewarding; however, waiting for the results of the competition at awards was really stressful. Through NHD, my partner and I have learned about making connections with people that we wouldn’t have met otherwise."

Thank you again,

Adrian Piel and Owen Yin (Junior Group Website, Clippers, Cuts, and Community; Barbershops as Beacons of Black Belonging)

Thank you note from NHD student Logan Figa

 Logan Figa describes the hurdles she faced with her exhibit. Words of gratitude from National History Day students are appreciated. Historical League believes in the NHDAZ program, giving over $15,000 this year.

"One of the most rewarding parts of competing in this competition was probably learning about things I didn't know existed. Not all things that happen in the world are able to reach some places. The most stressful thing was definitely the shipping process. We had gone into FedEx to ship it, and we chose the three day shipping deal. Our exhibit was supposed to get to Maryland University on a Friday, which was 2 days before our interview. However, we had to recreate our entire board because it didn't arrive until 1 hour after our interview had finished.

I learned to be prepared for anything and that you're never fully finished with something even if you think you are, there are always more ways you can improve.

My partner, Tanvi Thumma, and I, Logan Figa were in the Junior Group Exhibit category and our title was 'Title IX, a Slam Dunk in Women's History.'

Sincerely,

Logan Figa"

Thank you note from NHD student Ruhi Rane "Pins, Needles, and Responsibilities"

Words of gratitude from National History Day students are appreciated. Historical League believes in the NHDAZ program, giving over $15,000 this year.

 My name is Ruhi Rane and I competed in the Exhibit category with my project titled “Pins, Needles, and Responsibilities: The ILGWU and the Fight for Labor Rights”. 

I sincerely appreciate the help provided towards the costs of traveling to Maryland to compete in the national competition.

Participating in NHD regionals, state and then National competition was a very rewarding experience, which I am truly grateful for.

 

The most rewarding part of National History Day was getting to share my project with people and seeing how interested they were in learning about garment workers’ struggles. 

The most stressful part was the interview, but I practiced a lot and it really helped! I learned how important it is to speak up for what’s right and how to dig deep into research to tell a powerful story.

 

Thank you for an awesome experience!

-Ruhi 

National History Day student Brad Wu also winner in National Science & Engineering Fair

 You ROCK - Brad Wu! He took first place in documentary at the finals National History Day in College Park, Maryland!!

Now he has won third place in biomedical engineering at the National Science and Engineering Fair.

The Historical League is a proud sponsor of National History Day and excited to encourage students like Brad to be their best!!

New website in progress for Historical League

So much work has gone into creating a new, faster, more detailed, user friendly Historical League website. Thanks to Mary Perona and her team for making this happen.  Zoom calls were one of the many times her team has met to discuss the changes and updates.

From Historymakers events, Become a Member, Mission Statement, Volunteer, Donate, Contact, and Membership Connections, Mary has spent time making sure we are able to put our best face forward, better ways to function as a non-profit, attract new people, support the Arizona Historical Society and promote our events. All this plus great photos on a computer or cell phone. 

Juneteenth Celebration at AZHC

Juneteenth Celebration at AZHC. We are so grateful for all the volunteers and Historical League members at this event. Much appreciation to SRP and Historical League for sponsorship.

Thanks to Katie Tovar, Jolynn Clark and Norma Jean Coulter for the pictures. Jolynn commented, "We got to meet a lot of people and talk about the League and what we support. It was fun."

Researcher for Black Women & WWII: The 6668th Postal Directory with Katie Tovar

Katie Tovar, Sharron McKinney, Jolynn Clarke, Anne Lupica

Katie Tovar, Anne Lupica, Chris Hackett

Zona Lorig, Josie Pete, Katie Tovar

Katie Tovar, Sharron McKinney, Pat Faur, Chris Hackett

Susan Dale

Richard "Dick" Snell 1930-2025

Richard "Dick" Snell 1930-2025

It is with great sadness that we share with you the passing of Richard "Dick" Snell, one of our 2008 Arizona Historymakers.

His life and legacy are documented in video and oral history at 

https://historicalleague.org/projects/richard-dick-snell/

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

https://www.azcentral.com/obituaries/pazs1206684

Alice "Dinky" and Richard "Dick" Snell in 2008

Snell & Wilmer

National History Day article in The Guardian

 “The place where we are today didn’t come out of thin air. If we study history, dissect it, then we can progress.” commented NHD student Vritti Udasi, a high schooler from Florida.

Today's issue of The Guardian gives us insight into National History Day with interviews from the students.

The Historical League is a strong supporter of NHD!!

Read the article at https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2025/jun/19/national-history-day-school-students-trump