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."

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.

David Smith: Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame 2026 Inductee

 Congrats to David Smith, Inductee into Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame, husband of Arizona Historymaker Co-Chair Diana Smith, and all around great guy! Don't forget his dedication to National History Day also!

David Smith has devoted decades to strengthening Scottsdale through public service, fiscal stewardship, and community engagement. A former Scottsdale City Council member and the city’s Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, David championed transparent governance, responsible budgeting, and long-term financial planning. He further advanced civic involvement as chair of the Citizen’s Budget Review Committee, ensuring residents had a voice in shaping Scottsdale’s financial future.

Beyond government service, David has made significant philanthropic and cultural contributions. He is a dedicated Board of Trustees member and treasurer for Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, supporting the preservation and celebration of the American West. David and his wife, Diana, also strengthened the local business community as co-owners of Scottsdale Airpark News, a publication that highlighted Scottsdale’s growth and entrepreneurial spirit.

With a career rooted in integrity, public service, and civic pride, David Smith’s enduring contributions have helped shape Scottsdale into the vibrant community it is today.

Preserve The Future By Honoring The Past!

Friday, May 15, 2026

6:00-6:45pm Cocktail Reception

7:00-9:00pm Program & Dinner

Embassy Suites by Hilton Scottsdale Resort

5001 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250

Diana Smith Award of Excellence

 Emotional reaction from Diana Smith to this award! She certainly deserved it and her name will live on . . .

"To recognize her dedication and countless volunteer service hours to the 2025 and previous Historymakers Celebrations; and her passion for National History Day Arizona.

This certificate represents the implementation of the annual

"Diana Smith Award of Excellence"

Beginning in 2026, $150.00 will be awarded in Diana's name from the Historical League general fund to the NHDAZ student who has submitted the most exemplary written paper in the annual NHDAZ."

Very Successful 2025 Historymaker Celebration Turquoise & Treasures

 Cheers to our fabulous leaders for a very successful 2025 Historymaker Celebration Turquoise & Treasures! They were recognized at the December meeting.

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

The Jersey Boys and League Ladies

Where were you in 1962?  Remember Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons?  "Big Girls Don't Cry" and "Walk Like a Man" and "You're Just Too Good To Be True."

A lively and enthusiastic presentation of The Jersey Boys brought the Historical League crowd to their feet. Lots of clapping, foot stomping, swaying to the music took place on Saturday, March 29 at Phoenix Theatre. 

The Historical League group agreed on the performance. . . "Oh, What A Night"!! 

Thanks to Josie Pete for the fun photos.

Diana Smith, Ane Lupica

Robin Ferguson, Josie Pete, Dean Willie

Katie Tovar, Karolee Hess, Josie Pete, Pam denDraak, Vanessa Rogers

2025 Historymaker Co-Chairs - the Smith Ladies

 The Duo Team of the two D. Smith ladies - two amazing leaders to Co-Chair 2023 AND 2025 Arizona Historymakers. Diane Smith does the Historymakers Recognition Program and Diana Smith focuses on the Historymakers Event. They make a great team with lots of support from Historical League Co-President Pam denDraak, many more League members and AHS Executive Director Dr. David Breeckner.

2025 Arizona Historymakers Announcement Event

Historymakers Co-Chairs Diana Smith and Diane Smith welcomed 2025 Arizona Historymakers.

Historical League members, Historymakers family and friends were enthusiastic, enjoying the time to visit with the honorees who have made significant contributions to a broad range of communities and the heritage of Arizona.

Credit to Colleen Katz for photos; Cathy Shumard and Jolynn Clarke for identifying all of them.

BOB BOZE BELL -- Writer, Humorist, Artist, Old West Historian

DIANA “DeDe” YAZZIE DEVINE -- Created Innovative Housing, Health Programs for Native    Americans

JOHN W. GRAHAM -- Real Estate Development, Deep and Enduring Community Involvement

SHARON HARPER and OLIVER HARPER, M.D. -- Business/Civic Leaders

SISTER ADELE O’SULLIVAN, CSJ, M.D. -- Sister of St. Joseph, Established Innovative Continuum of Care for Arizonans Experiencing Homelessness

F. RONALD “RON” RAYNER -- His Innovative Crop Management Practices Nationally Recognized, Community Leader

ERIC M. REIMAN, M.D. – World leader in the Fight Against Alzheimer’s 

DUANE M. WOOTEN, M.D. -- Well-Known Pediatrician, South Phoenix Community Leader