Indian Citizenship Act also known as Snyder Act

 On this day September 4 in 1924, Tribes across Arizona voted for the first time after the enactment of the Indian Citizenship Act, also known as the Snyder Act. This photo is available on our #ArizonaMemoryProject, courtesy of the Arizona Historical Society.

The Snyder Act granted U.S. citizenship to those born to tribal communities. Although indigenous peoples lived on the continent long before the colonization of the Americas and the creation of the U.S. Constitution, legal interpretations such as the Elk v. Wilkins (1884) Supreme Court ruling excluded Native Americans from citizenship, even if they were born on U.S. soil. The Snyder Act reads in part: "...that all non citizen Indians born within the territorial limits of the United States be, and they are hereby, declared to be citizens of the United States..."

Swimming in Arizona

 Pool party like it's 1900!

Before public pools, Arizonans got their swim on in lakes, rivers, and ditches (talk about a wild ride!). Then came the safe haven of public pools, followed by private pools after WWII. And remember, no horsing around in the pool (literally! ) : Humans and horses getting their splash on at the Double U Guest Ranch.

Thanks to Arizona Historical League photos #100-0003278

Primary and Secondary Sources with National History Day

 Can you spot the primary source?

Understanding the difference between primary and secondary sources is one of the most important skills you'll build through National History Day. 

Primary sources give you firsthand evidence from the time you're studying, while secondary sources help explain, analyze, and interpret that evidence. Both have an important place in historical research, but knowing when and how to use each one is what makes a strong historian.

National History Day Arizona statistics

 VERY Impressive statistics! National History Day Arizona is such a worthwhile program. The Historical League is a proud supporter.

Grateful for the Education Team at Arizona Historical Society.

Historical League Board of Directors meet during the summer

 Historical League Board of Directors (plus one guest) continue to work during the summer months. Zoom meetings can be fun as well as focused. We are grateful for their cheerful dedication.

Leonard Moody featured in NHD Affiliate Coordinator Spotlight

Featured in Affiliate Coordinator Spotlight from National History Day:

Meet Leonard Moody, the Affiliate Coordinator for NHD in Arizona! Learn more about Leonard and the NHD in AZ program, including an amazing upcoming professional development opportunity for educators!

Learn more at arizonahistoricalsociety.org › education › National History Day in Arizona

AHS National History Day Affiliate Coordinator Spotlight

 Can you find the Arizona NHD students in these pictures from NHD National Contest?

There was so much happening at that time, so here’s a behind-the-scenes look at a few moments throughout the week you might have not seen!

Arizona Historical Society is featured!

Arizona History is on the move

 Over 1,000 linear feet of Arizona History has officially made its way to its new home! 

After 3 months of planning, 2 days of moving, 700+ boxes, and 4 trucks, our Northern Division archival collections are now safely at the Arizona History Museum in Tucson. 

A huge THANK YOU to our incredible staff, movers, and our partners at Northern Arizona University-Cline Library for making this move possible! 

The collections will become accessible to researchers and the public once our Library & Archives team organize the materials over the coming months. To learn more or for any questions please email AHSreference@azhs.gov 

Traveling Trunk for Education

Kudos to AHS Education Team, making learning history so much fun.

Rosson House reports: Attention teachers, camp leaders, librarians, and homeschool parents! 

 Thanks to a grant from the Arizona Historical Society, our Traveling Trunks have had a refresh. 

 

 Funds from this grant have paid for new containers, as well as fresh printing of all paper materials. 

 

We have trunk options to check out from The Square that can be used in the classroom, at home, and beyond. 

Reserve a Traveling Trunk today: thesquarephx.org/visit/field-trips-more/ 

Back to School circa 1910 in Tucson, AZ

 Back to School at Davis Elementary, Tucson, AZ in August. circa 1910. When recess meant actual recess, running in the playground, playing tag with friends . . . and not just a screensaver.

Photo from Arizona Historical Society Library and Archives.

Education Dept Grant to rural schools to share Teaching Primary Sources

 AHS Education Director Kristen Rex writes “Have I mentioned lately how much I love my job? The team was awarded a grant to travel to rural schools to share Teaching Primary Sources using the Library of Congress, AND share some of our amazing library and archives, supporting teachers grades 4-12. We also toured The Bullion Plaza Cultural Center and Museum, discussing future collaboration. So thankful for this team. Holly, Emily, Leonard, Lyndsey knocked it out of the park."

The Historical League is a supporter of the Education Department. Many of our members are past teachers and understand the need for this outreach. We also support the National History Day Arizona Program.

Historymaker Dolan Ellis talk and book signing August 22

Join 2023 Arizona Historymaker Dolan Ellis as he shares stories from his remarkable life — from his years as a traveling folk singer and member of the Grammy Award-winning New Christy Minstrels to his unforgettable adventures exploring Arizona's highways, back roads and hidden treasures.

Saturday, August 22

11:00 AM

Sunnyslope Historical Society

Come enjoy a morning filled with Arizona history, stories, laughter and inspiration as we celebrate one of our state's most treasured storytellers. 

Celebrate 251 + years of Tucson

 Celebrate 251+ years of Tucson with us and enjoy discounted admission to the Arizona History Museum, Tucson on Saturday, August 22, 2026! Open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., get out of the summer HEAT and enjoy walking through our COOL museum.

General Admission: $2.50

Kids 6 and under are free!

Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Arizona History Museum

949 E. 2nd St., Tucson, AZ 85719

In addition to exploring our exhibits, join the Arizona Historical Society and local broadcasting legend Ray Lindstrom for a fascinating lecture on 100 years of radio history in Tucson! The lecture will begin at 11 AM, registered guests will have priority seating beginning at 10:45 AM. Seating is limited, and on a first come, first served basis for attendees that are not registered.

Rattlesnake Dress

 Rattlesnake Dress: Talk About Fashion with Teeth!

These photos of Edith Holbert of Tucson, were taken in the 1930s. She was a rattlesnake fancier who hunted and captured the snakes on trips into the desert. She would tan the snake skins and create one-of-a-kind outfits. She kept newspapers on the floor of her house in case a snake got loose. This way she could hear the snake on the newspapers and catch him.

Would you wear one of her creations?

Courtesy of Arizona Historical Society archives.

Scott Baxter photographs Arizona Historymakers

 Documenting Arizona's most influential figures is a privilege, and Scott Baxter excels in this endeavor. His lens has captured the essence of the 2017, 2019, 2023, and 2025 honorees, preserving their legacies for posterity. Visit https://historicalleague.org/arizona-historymakers-2/ to learn more.

KJZZ highlights Scott Baxter's remarkable series “100 Years, 100 Ranchers.” You can catch a few of them on view in Terminal 4, level 1, international walkway (post-security)."

AHS Education Team visit Riordan Mansion

"Getting to hang with new education curator, Abigail Austin. We went to the Riordan and learned about the family and their impact on Flagstaff." writes Kristen Rex as she and Emily Hahn enjoyed Flagstaff, both ready to share their experiences with the rest of the education department at Arizona Historical Society.

Kristen Rex

Abigail Austin