Justice O'Connor Named Among 250 Americans Who Shaped the Nation

 

HISTORY.com has named Justice Sandra Day O'Connor to its list of 250 People Who Shaped America. She appears in a section titled "What Glass Ceiling?" as the woman who, in 1981, became the first to serve on the United States Supreme Court.

(The Historical League named her as 1992 Arizona Historymaker. We knew she was amazing!)

 The recognition is fitting. But for the O'Connor Institute, the fuller story is the legacy she left behind.

Justice O'Connor was an Arizonan, a rancher's daughter, a state legislator, a judge, and ultimately a justice of the nation's highest court. After retiring, she devoted the next chapter of her public life to civic education, warning that self-government cannot endure if citizens do not understand it.

She called the decline of civics education a crisis. She built programs to address it. That work continues through the O’Connor Institute today.

https://www.history.com/articles/250-people-who-shaped-america

Rob Ward 1940-2026

 It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Rob Ward, husband of longtime Historical League member Mary Ward.

Mary served as Historical League president from 1990-1991. The Arizona Historymakers program was co-founded by Mary and she chaired the 2nd Historymakers Gala in 1993. Mary and Rob were generous supporters of both the Historical League and the Arizona Historical Society.

Posted online on May 15, 2026

Published in The Arizona Republic

It is with deep sadness that we share that Rob Ward passed away on Saturday, May 9th, surrounded by his family. Rob was born in Whittier, California, on September 20, 1940 to Barbara Burton and Marcum Ward. Rob is survived by his wife, Mary Ward; their three children: Brian Ward (Nelly); Mark Ward (Melinda); and Heidi Lopez (Manny); nine grandchildren: Tony, Scott, Sophia, Niko, Alex, Izzy, Danica, Leo, and Bear; five great-grandchildren: Bernice (Beemer), Louise (LouLou), Adam, Emmitt, and BB; a huge extended family; and many, many friends. Growing up in Whittier, Rob excelled in sports and carried this passion throughout his life through baseball, pickup basketball at the YMCA, coaching his children’s teams, taking ski vacations with friends and family, and being a longtime season ticket holder for the Suns, Diamondbacks and Cardinals. Rob delighted in taking each of his 9 grandchildren, while in their early teens, on a trip to New York. He would take them to a building at 250 Park Avenue, have their picture taken, take them to lunch and explain the significance of that address. When he graduated from high school, he had planned on going to a junior college close to home until his father brought home a scholarship application from the parent company that employed his dad who repaired pumps in the oil fields. 250 Park Avenue was the address of that company that gave him a scholarship to go to any school of his choice and paid full tuition, room and board, transportation and books. He would then say, that was a pivotal event in his life, which lead him to go on to Cal Berkeley where he met the love of his life, Mary Parkhill Nock (married 62 years) and eventually launched his career in real estate. He would emphasize that none of them would be here if that company hadn’t given him that scholarship. Rob was known by all as a family man and ambassador of fun. He and Mary hosted many fun parties and treated family and friends to excursions on their yacht, the MV Laura, throughout Mexico and Southern California. Sharing a passion for travel, Rob and Mary travelled to more than ninety countries on all seven continents. Rob started his career at Coldwell Banker in Oakland in 1964 and in 1967 transferred to the Phoenix office. The move put Rob at ground zero for the amazing real estate bonanza in Arizona. In 1974 he joined regional mall developer Westcor as a partner under the tutelage of Rusty Lyon, its CEO and founder. Over the next three decades, Westcor became one of the most successful real estate development firms in the southwest. Among their landmark projects are Scottsdale Fashion Square, Arrowhead Town Center, and Chandler Fashion Center, among others. Upon Rusty's retirement in 1994, Rob became CEO of Westcor and charted their path to a successful sale of the company to regional mall giant, Macerich, in 2002. In Rob's business dealing he always chose to invest in people rather than projects, valuing relationships and fostering many across the industry. Reflecting Rob’s accomplishments and his reputation for integrity and leadership, he was elected Chairman of the International Council of Shopping Centers in 2001-2002, and spent many years guiding the organization as a lifetime Trustee. Additionally, he was involved with Greater Phoenix Leadership, GPEC, the Board of Directors at Paradise Valley Country Club, Arizona Bank, Five Star Insurance Company, and served as a trustee at the University of California, Berkeley. With his love of sports he was also a longtime member of the Phoenix Thunderbirds. He continued on as a self described "deal junky," and remained very active in mentoring and investing with others in the Real Estate Industry across all market classes. Above all, Rob made friends wherever he went and will be remembered for his warmth, integrity, generosity and bigger-than-life personality. The family will hold a private celebration of life for Rob. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Keys to Change.

Save the Date Juneteenth on Sunday, June 14

 New Location. Same great experience. The Historical League is a proud sponsor!

Lessons in Social Media posting from Emily Hahn

 Forever grateful to AHS Education Curator and Team Member Emily Hahn who has taught me (a lowly volunteer for the Historical League) so much about the “ins and outs” of posting on Social Media.  

THANKS SO MUCH for sharing your expertise and taking time to educate me!

Emily Hahn and Ruth McLeod

National History Day AZ students ready for button trading at Nationals in College Park, MD

 Button trading will be happening at National History Day in College Park at University of Maryland. June 14-18. It's a fun activity encouraging students to meet other participants from around the USA and around the world. 56 buttons in the pack. Enough for all 50 states, U.S. territories, and international schools.

The topic "Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History" is found on t-shirts, hoodies, hats, buttons.

Prior to attending, students need to complete all medical and media release forms, submit project documents, and upload links for their project to be considered for Smithsonian showcases. Let the fun begin!!

Gene Rose Velasco, National History Day teacher at Dishchii’bikoh Community School

  Gene Rose Velasco is a dedicated educator, researcher, and author with a deep passion for the humanities and social sciences. Originally from La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, Philippines, she has built a distinguished career in teaching, research, and academic writing spanning over fifteen years, with a strong focus on social studies education.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education majoring in Social Studies from the University of St. La Salle, where she also served as a part-time instructor. She went on to complete her Master of Arts in Education specializing in Social Studies and recently earned her Master of Arts in Special Education, further strengthening her commitment to inclusive and responsive teaching. In addition, she has completed the academic requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies, reflecting her dedication to continuous learning and scholarly growth.

Throughout her career, Gene Rose has served as a Master Teacher in Senior High School, a college instructor, and a social studies educator across diverse educational settings. Her teaching journey includes meaningful work in indigenous schools in New Mexico and her current role at Dishchii’bikoh Community School, where she teaches middle school students with compassion, cultural sensitivity, and a deep commitment to student development.

She is actively involved in National History Day (NHD)–sponsored research initiatives, guiding students in exploring the stories of war veterans, with a special emphasis on Indigenous heroes. Most recently, she successfully led her students to win at the Regional National History Day competition, earning them the opportunity to advance and compete at the state level.

As a mother of four, Gene Rose brings warmth, empathy, and understanding into her classroom. Her nurturing approach inspires students to see education not only as a path to personal success but also as a way to honor their heritage, history, and cultural identity.

Her academic contributions include presenting research at national and international conferences and publishing in respected platforms such as the University of St. La Salle College of Education Journal and the Philippine Sociological Society Annual National Conference.

Beyond academia, she is passionate about theater, public speaking, and research. As an author, her work reflects a profound appreciation for culture, history, and human development, aiming to educate and inspire through narratives that celebrate identity, resilience, and lifelong learning.

Virtual Programs - A Black Army Saturday, May 16 at 10 am and Route 66 Wednesday, May 20 at noon

 Virtual Programming from AHS. Looking forward to it!  Details at https://arizonahistoricalsociety.org/#

Surviving WWII Camp Papago POW Huts to be restored and displayed at AZHC

 More details on WWII POW hut restoration fundraiser in the QR code. Be a part of the restoration and preservation of those surviving WWII Camp Papago POW Huts, and their stewardship at the Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park.

Meet the 26-year-old Julia Taggard preserving the Wallace and Ladmo Legacy

 Congrats to Historical League member Julia Taggart making news again with Wallace & Ladmo revival. Check out Arizona Republic May 10 issue, page B01.

Fun Fact: The Historical League honored them in 1992 as Arizona Historymakers.

Want to hear their story? https://historicalleague.org/.../patrick-john-mcmahon.../

Dr. Breeckner and Vince Bradley report at May Meeting

 Thanks to reports from Executive Director Dr. Breeckner and Deputy Assistant Director Vince Bradley, we always learn a lot about the happenings at Arizona Heritage Center at our monthly Historical League meetings. We are grateful they take the time from their busy days to keep us informed.

Dr. Breeckner answers questions from Historical League members

Vince explains the exciting topics of AHS virtual programming. May 16: A Black Army.

May 20: Route 66. June 10: Sandra Day O’Connor. Details at www.ArizonaHistoricalSociety.org

Dr. Breeckner talks about upgrades to AZHC including new seats for the Steele Auditorium

Arizona Historical Society sponsors 3rd grade Postcard contest

 Arizona Historical Society sponsored a 3rd grade Postcard contest again. With over 1000 participants, there were 14 winners. Below are three of them celebrating with their classmates. The Historical League is pleased to support this program.

Dr. Rex writes, "I am pleased to have hosted the inaugural Arizona Historical Society third-grade postcard contest pizza party at Gladden Farms Elementary School in Marana, Arizona, and I look forward to 13 more such events. Congrats Emmalyn Bourguet!"

Kudos to AHS Dr. Kristen Rex who has traveled around AZ celebrating the winners. Students are excited to be recognized, share a pizza party with family and classmates, have their art made into postcards for sale at AHS museums, and receive lots of SWAG!

Coronado Elementary student Kase Nelson was a winner!

Gowan Science Academy 3rd grader, Waylon Bedoya, celebrated his winning postcard!

Historical League volunteers at Mentoring Session May 2 for NHDAZ

Excitement in the air as National History Day AZ students checked in Sat., May 2 for mentoring, swag, details of Wash.D.C. trip, critiques, friendships.

Some final changes to their project then off they go in June to the National contest at University of Maryland, College Park. Thirty eight students will compete with 3 teachers and 4 AHS staff to guide them through their journey.

Historical League members showed up to volunteer, mentor and give support to these amazing young people: Jolynn Clarke, Chris Hackett, Cathy Shumard, Ruth McLeod, Diana and David Smith, Norma Jean Coulter, Pat and Pete Faur, Laurie-Sue Retts, Stacey Trepanier.

Thanks to the AHS team for organizing this event. L- R Holly Barnard, Emily Hahn, 
Taylor Kyle, Dr. Kristen Rex, Leonard Moody 

Cathy Shumard and Leonard Moody are excited about the new NHDAZ t-shirts

Chris Hackett, Jolynn Clarke, Cathy Shumard check in students, handing out reimbursement checks helping to subsidize travel to Washington, D.C.

NHDAZ student Mai Piel visits with teacher, mentor extraordinaire,
Historical League member Stacey Trepanier

Ruth McLeod is impressed by the very detailed hat bands AHS Holly Barnard sewed

David and Diana Smith share a story with Jolynn Clarke

Chris Hackett, Cathy Shumard, Ruth McLeod, Jolynn Clarke,
Laurie-Sue Retts with two friends

Leonard Moody, Pete and Pat Faur, Jolynn Clarke

Congratulations to Jeron Velasco nominee for Arizona Teacher of the Year.

Fifteen educators are up for a prestigious award, where one will be named the newest recipient for Arizona Teacher of the Year.

The Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) recently announced the top 15 candidates for the 2027 Arizona Teacher of the Year award, honoring the educators who are shaping the future of schools and students. Selected from a pool of 155 nominated teachers statewide, the Historical League is grateful to have nominee Jeron Brown Velasco as a National History Day teacher. 

Jeron Velasco is an award-winning educator, researcher, and author dedicated to empowering Indigenous youth through culturally responsive teaching, community-based learning, and storytelling. Currently teaching at Dishchii’bikoh Community School in Cibecue, Arizona, he brings over twelve years of teaching experience across the Philippines and the United States. He holds a Master of Arts in Education majoring in Social Studies and has also earned a Master of Arts in Special Education. He is currently a PhD candidate in Social Studies, further deepening his expertise in the field and his commitment to advancing educational practice and research.

Under his mentorship, students have earned top honors at National History Day Arizona, advancing to the national competition in Maryland and bringing recognition to their community through powerful, research-driven projects centered on Indigenous history and identity.

Passionate about preserving history through student voice and community engagement, Mr. Velasco founded the Dishchii’bikoh History Club and led the creation of the Heroes of Cibecue book series—an innovative collection of student-produced children’s books, coloring books, and cinematic audio stories in both English and Apache that honor the lives and legacies of White Mountain Apache veterans. His work transforms students into historians, authors, and cultural ambassadors.

Mr. Velasco’s visionary leadership has earned him numerous prestigious recognitions, including the 2025 Arizona History Teacher of the Year (Gilder Lehrman Institute), Pulitzer Center Teacher Fellow, C-SPAN National Teacher Fellow, the John J. Ross Memorial Award, the Al Mérito Award from the Arizona Historical Society, and the Christa McAuliffe “Reach for the Stars” Award. Most notably, he was named the 2026 National Smart/Maher VFW Citizenship Education Teacher of the Year by the Veterans of Foreign Wars—one of the highest national honors recognizing excellence in promoting civic responsibility and patriotism in education.

In addition to his classroom and research achievements, Mr. Velasco serves as a selected member of the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Advisory Board for Exceptional Children, contributing his expertise to support policies and programs that advance the education of Indigenous students with diverse learning needs.

Through his unwavering dedication to education, culture, and civic engagement, Mr. Velasco continues to inspire young people to honor their heritage, amplify their voices, and become transformative leaders in their communities.

Angel Delgadillo and 100th birthday of Route 66

 Historical League member Norma Jean Coulter reports, "Yesterday Diana, Dave Smith and I journeyed to Seligman for their 100th birthday of Route 66.  Of course Angel Delgadillo was the star of the show since he worked to get Historic Route 66 established."

Norma Jean Coulter enjoys the event with
2023 Arizona Historymaker Angel Delgadillo and wife Vilma

Diana Smith tells about the trip, "Dave and NJ enjoy a tasty Seligman Breakfast at the Road Kill Cafe -- complete with biscuits and gravy to accompany the eggs and bacon -- Happy Weekend. Great day, sun and sunshine with plenty of smiles all around. Vilma and Angel were the perfect honorees."

2025 Arizona Historymaker Bob Boze Bell as M.C.

Diana updates, "Bob Boze Bell welcomed the crowd and told wonderful stories about his family and family's life on Route 66.

Robert Ballard and his wife Marilyn from Kingman met us in Seligman -- Robert serves on the AHS Campaign Committee and is a board member of the AHS chapter."