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

 

Jim Turner, February guest speaker "The West Most Western Town: Scottsdale"

 Getting our fill of Scottsdale history at the February meeting, guest speaker Jim Turner. engaged us. Filled with facts, fun humor and personalized stories, his presentations are quite entertaining.

February meeting Valentine's Special

Valentines, tacos and productivity - our Feb meeting had it all! BIG Thanks to President Jolynn Clarke for running an efficient meeting filled with great information. Shoutout to Sandy & Pat for making it look fancy, Creations by Sergio for the nom-noms. Thanks, team, for making it a success!

Holly Barnard thanked Cathy Shumard for her role with NHD co-ordinator. She updated us on in-classroom education, National History Day (first State Contest is Sat. Feb 21 in Chandler), Docent training, outreach and more.

Dr. Breeckner explained improvements to AZHC, refreshed exhibits, ongoing projects with diagrams and deadlines. Feb 10 is re-opening. Feb 14 is Arizona Statehood Day.

With a building that is 32 years old, Dr. B explained the process of upgrading HVAC, fire sprinkler system, exhibits, facade, theatres and more.

AZHC re-opening February 10!

 

Calvin Goode would be pleased to see AZcentral article 1/28/2026 "Look inside George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center"

 AZcentral article 1/28/2026 "Look inside George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center" is filled with photos and history.

As a graduate of Carver High School, Calvin Goode (2003 AZ Historymaker) remarked, “There was a lot of pride in the school. There are a lot of folks who graduated from Carver, not only in athletics but academically, who have achieved a great deal and what could be more fitting than where you went to high school, to bring it back as a museum.” The Carver alumni organization, led by Mr. Goode, acquired the old two-story building and worked to restore Carver High School to a place of pride in the community, as the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, showcasing the achievements of African Americans in Phoenix and Arizona.

Listen to him talk at https://historicalleague.org/historymakers/calvin-c-goode/

DUANE M. WOOTEN,M.D. I 2025 Arizona Historymakers Honoree

1. Duane M. Wooten, M.D.: Arizona Historymaker 2025, Well-Known Pediatrician, South Phoenix Community Leader 

Historymakers are Arizonans who have made significant contributions to Arizona by distinguishing themselves in diverse areas, including education, business, public service, sports, architecture, and the arts. Video by Carey Pena of Inspired Media 360, for Historical League; videographer Leonardo Buono. For more information on Duane M. Wooten, M.D., the oral history, and photo visit https://historicalleague.org/projects/duane-m-wooten-m-d/ 

New banners for Historical League special events

Ready to promote the Historical League at future events with these new banners, complete with QR code. 
 It will be fun to spot the different Arizona Historymakers.
The National History Day Arizona students are all smiles while traveling to Washington D.C. for National Competition.

NHDAZ student Thanvi Voruganti continues to impress

We are so proud of Thanvi and also her teacher Stacey who has worked with National History Day in Arizona students for many years. They have blossomed under her guidance.

NHD teacher Stacey Trepanier commented, "Super proud teacher/ mentor moment. After winning the VFW Voice of Democracy Audio Essay contest at district levels this amazing young lady won first in State. Along with a $2,000 scholarship award she is off to DC to compete at the National level. Incredibly proud of you Thanvi."

NHDAZ writes, "We’re thrilled to celebrate Thanvi Voruganti, who took home top honors in the VFW Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Contest! Open to students in grades 9-12, the contest challenged participants to answer the big question, “How do you show your patriotism?” — and Thanvi delivered a powerful 3-5 minute audio essay.

Her essay, Beyond the Fireworks, won at the VFW John McCain Post, then placed 1st out of 10 at the district level, earning her a $2,000 scholarship and a spot at the national competition in Washington, DC

A huge shoutout to her teacher, Stacy Trepanier, for the support along the way!

Thanvi is a proud National History Day participant for over six years, bringing history to life by uncovering untold stories, interviewing veterans, and turning research into real-world civic action. With this project, she has applied her NHD learning to real-world impact through youth civic engagement and nonpartisan voter registration efforts.

Thanvi reminds us that patriotism isn’t just flags and fireworks — it’s curiosity, courage, and showing up every day."

Sky Harbor Airport Museum Tour

Who knew there was so much art at the airport? Thanks to Sharron McKinney and Patt Walker for organizing an amazing tour.