Sandra Day O'Connor and Barry Goldwater: Rebel Spirits

 Rebel Spirit. Prominently featured photos of Arizona Historymakers Barry Goldwater and Sandra Day O'Connor in AZ Republic article.

The Historical League created the Historymaker Program in 1992, honoring many distinguished Arizonans.

Delores Tomasek 1942-2026, long-time Historical League member

It is with great sadness we share that Delores Tomasek passed away May 27, 2026.  Delores has been a league member since 1993. She was a past president 2003-2004, a Past Historymakers co-chair 2008, and also co-chaired the Children's Holiday Party. She has been fighting cancer for more than a year. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her. Her smile was infectious and we will miss her.

A funeral Mass celebrating Delores’s life was held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Church of the Ascension in Fountain Hills. Many Historical League members attended the beautiful service and lovely luncheon that followed. Cathy and Tom Shumard, Margaret and Larry Baker, Jolynn Clarke, Chris Hackett, Nancy and Stan Evans, Diane Smith, Carolyn Mendoza, Mary and Bill Parker, Susan Dale, Mary McMahon, Clede Gorrell, Jan Murray, Diane Linthicum, Joan Galloway, Lindy Isacksen, Bonnie Newhoff, Anne Lupica, Donna Esposito. 

Delores was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Francis Edward Tomasek with whom she shared 45 years of marriage.

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."

Spilling Tea with Dr. Gorn NHD Executive Director

 

Historymakers Planning Meeting March 30, 2026

 Susan Dale convened a planning meeting with 16 past Arizona Historymaker Chairs and active contributors to discuss future event strategies. We are deeply grateful for the dedication and commitment of these remarkable women.

Front Row: Zona Lorig, Anne Lupica, Jeannine Moyle, Nancy Evans, Bonnie Newhoff, Ruth McLeod. Back Row: Deb Hester, Carolyn Hartman, Pat Faur, Chris Hackett, Mary Parker, Mary Ward, Diana Smith, Diane Smith, Susan Dale, Janet Young.

Meeting information: Susan Dale welcomed 16 past Arizona Historymaker Chairs and those actively involved in the event. 

The AHS Museum opened in 1992 with no exhibits and little furniture. The first Gala in 1992 chaired by Marilyn Parke provided some great artifacts and publicity for the new museum as well as raising funds with attendance and auction items. The Wallace & Ladmo Team were honored as the longest running children’s television show in history. Barry and Robert Goldwater, Philip Curtis, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Bil Keane, Frank Snell and J. Eugene Grigsby Jr.  and were also honored.

Mary Ward spoke. She chaired the Historymakers Gala in 1993 with Susan Dale assisting. It was a major fundraiser again.

2017, 2023, 2025 Historymakers Co-Chair Diana Smith gave us some background. From 1992 through 2025, 96 individuals have been honored and over 2.5 million dollars have been give to the AHS. The new 2025 Historymaker exhibit will officially open in the lobby on April 15 with special invitation to guests.

Since 2018, this event has supported the AHS National History Day Arizona program with grants totaling $76,000.

As we move along into the 21st century, times have changed as we reflect on this fabulous Arizona Historymaker event. A lively discussion followed.

Dr. David Breeckner spoke about the significance of the Historymakers Hall and Historymakers Wall in the AZHC.  "The AHS Museum preserves history and the Historical League is making history."

And the discussions continued long after the meeting was adjourned.

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.

Updated Historymaker documentary includes 2025 honorees

 Youtube now has the updated Arizona Historymakers documentary including the nine honorees from 2025.

Thanks to Thanvi Voruganti for updating this.

https://youtu.be/zsM8a70WPyI

Historymaker Documentary for 2025 Turquoise & Treasures

Creating a documentary: Thanks to the knowledge of high  school junior, Thanvi Voruganti, 1992-2023 Arizona Historymakers have been recorded in a 20-minute documentary. Thanvi was the Curator. 

The documentary committee: Creative Director Ruth McLeod, Editors Cathy Shumard and Zona Lorig, AHS National History Day Coordinator Leonard Moody, AHS V.P. Education Dr. Kristen Rex, and NHD Advisor/Teacher Stacey Trepanier are grateful for her expertise. Ruth commented, “Thanvi was delightful to work with, clear grasp of the goals, creative and prompt in  her response to the project.

The documentary featured all Historymakers from 1992-2023. It was emailed to all 2025 Historymakers, Historymakers who came to the event and all attendees. 

https://www.youtube.com/@arizonahistoricalleague 

Thanvi posed with Eleanor Roosevelt while in Washington D.C. for National History Day competition

April Historical League Meeting/ Arizona Centennial Quilt on display

The Arizona Centennial Quilt was a perfect backdrop for a fun and well-attended April Historical League meeting.

Design ideas from quilters around the state started in 2010, completing the quilt in 2012 to honor Arizona's 100th Anniversary. It was displayed at the Arizona Capitol, then toured to Congressional offices in Washington D.C.

 https://www.instagram.com/coppercourier/reel/DGE91SQILaf/

Thanks to wonderful photos from Josie Pete and Katie Tovar.

Dr. Josephine Pete (Josie), Cathy Shumard

Emily Burns

Co-Chair Diana Smith gives an enthusiastic report on the 2025 AZ Historymakers progress

Mary Perona is currently working on updating our website

Norma Jean Coulter, Historymakers Co-Chair Diane Smith, Zona Lorig

Co-Chair President Pam denDraak

Sandy Loeffler, Pat Christopherson

The Black & White Club: Nancy Evans, Pat Christopherson, Norma Jean Coulter

Adorable table decorations thanks to Sandy Loeffler