Arizona Heritage Center announces closure beginning in May

 

(INDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA/MADELINE BATES)

Entrance to the Arizona Historical Society Museum

Posted Wednesday, April 29, 2026 2:54 pm

The Arizona Historical Society announced the Arizona Heritage Center will temporarily close to the public beginning May 17, 2026 to implement major improvements and upgrades throughout the building.

The museum is expected to remain closed through at least June 2027.

This closure follows the identification of repairs to  building systems, most significantly, the replacement of the building’s fire-suppression system.

These improvements will require the removal, protection, and reinstallation of exhibitions to ensure the long-term preservation of Arizona’s historical artifacts.

Secondary improvements and projects will focus on major updates to many of the museum’s permanent exhibit galleries, several of which have not been touched in nearly three decades.

“While this project may have started over an issue of facilities care, the end result will be a newer, more dynamic, and more refreshed museum: one that embodies the learning styles and tools of the 21st century in our exploration and celebration of the history of Arizona in those centuries past.” said AHS Director Dr. David Breeckner.

In preparation for the project, AHS will undertake a process to safely deinstall exhibitions and secure artifacts throughout the duration of the work. The scope and care required for this effort are expected to extend the closure for approximately one year.

Visitors are encouraged to plan their visit before May 17, 2026, as this will be the final opportunity to experience current exhibitions at the Arizona Heritage Center before the temporary closure.

While the museum galleries will be closed, the Arizona Heritage Center will continue to host public programs and events and welcome opportunities for partnering with community organizations. In addition, the Arizona Historical Society’s museum in Tucson will remain open and plans are underway to reopen the Pioneer Museum in Flagstaff this year.

The museum at 1300 N. College Avenue is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and admission is $15. 

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.

December League meeting

Festive outfits and Vintage Santa centerpieces, provided by Sandy Loeffler, make our Holiday December meeting a consistently popular occasion. 

Susan Dale, Bonnie Newhoff

Patt Walker, Sharron McKinney, Katie Tovar

Pat Grogg, Anne Lupica

Pat Christopherson, Sandy Loeffler

Norma Jean Coulter, Dr. David Breeckner

Nina von Schroeter, April Bevins

Bonnie Newhoff, Josie Pete, Norma Jean Coulter, Carolyn Hartman, Zona Lorig

Cathy Shumard checking in members and guests on a cold December morning

Davie Garrison, Pam den Draak

Jan Murray, Davie Garrison, Jolynne Clarke

Laurie-Sue Retts with guests Joanne Pamperin, Martha O'Connor

Pat Grogg describing game for sharing holiday memories

2023 Historymakers Exhibit opens at AZHC by Caroline Yu Independent Newsmedia

 2023 Historymakers™ exhibit opens at Arizona Heritage Center

By Caroline Yu�Mail | X: @AzNewsmedia

The Historical League opened its 2023 Arizona Historymakers exhibit Oct. 14 at the Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park, honoring the latest Historymakers and celebrating their legacy to the state.

Since 1992 the Historical League has recognized more than 80 men and women who have “distinguished themselves with noted achievements in such diverse areas… and who have maintained their ties to Arizona,” according to its website.

At the exhibit’s official ribbon cutting, Chair of the Historymakers Committee Diana Smith and Arizona Historical Society’s Executive Director David Breeckner gave some brief words about this year’s Historymakers before a more in-depth program led by journalist Carey Pena about their contributions to the state.

“It has been our honor as the Historical League to spend the last year getting to know them and getting to be with them and understand their story,” Smith said.

The league works with the Arizona Historical Society to bring about the Historymakers exhibit each year, but the Historymakers recognition program also helps raise funds for Arizona Heritage Center education efforts and programs and supports Arizona students and teachers participating in National History Day.

Breekner said the program recognizes more than just “abstract facts written on a page,” but that it highlights what has shaped the world today and the ones who have inspired Arizonans with their work.

“Every single individual in this case here — and all of the Historymakers we’ve recognized, celebrated in the past — is one that has made our Arizona, this special state, an incredible reputation,” Breekner said.

Historymakers are not honored just for their past accomplishments but for their lasting legacy and the meaningful work that they continue to do in their respective fields while representing Arizona.

New 2023 Historymaker Exhibit coming soon

Like a blank canvas . . . this space will soon be filled. The 2023 Arizona Historymakers™ Exhibit will be available for viewing when the museum opens on Tuesday, October 17. Paul Wilson (left) from Thomas Printworks and Dr. David Breeckner, Executive Director of the Arizona Historical Society review details before Paul's team begins the installation.

Congratulations to 2023 honorees: Frank M. Barrios, Michael M. Crow Ph.D., Angel Delgadillo, Dolan Ellis, The Honorable Terry Goddard, Denise D. Resnik, Jeffrey M. Trent Ph.D., Daniel D. Von Hoff M.D., Mrs. Elizabeth J. White. They will be honored Saturday, October 14 at Turquoise & Treasures event.

AHS Staff helps at 2023 Arizona Historymakers Announcement Event

AHS Staff worked closely with Historical League members to make the 2023 Arizona Historymakers Announcement a successful event. Looks like they enjoyed the event and we are grateful for their support.

Congratulations to 2023 Arizona Historymakers:

Frank Barrios

ASU President Michael Crow

Angel Delgadillo

Dolan Ellis

Ira Fulton & The Fulton Family

Terry Goddard

Denise Resnik

Dr. Jeffrey M. Trent

Dr. Daniel D. Von Hoff

Mrs. Elizabeth White

 "Grateful Gathering" Friday, April 22 celebrated the Historical League's 40th Anniversary and the refreshed, enhanced Historymakers Hall at Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park.

Postponed by Covid-19, the event finally happened. Susan Dale stayed on as President for an unprecedented two years working towards the goals.

Special Thanks to Linda Corderman and her committee who volunteered countless hours towards the new enhanced Historymakers Hall.

Thanks to all those involved in the evenings events.

Photo credits to Sue Eberle, 2021-2022 President Claire Nullmeyer, and Norma Jean Coulter.

Linda and Dennis Corderman with Linda's sister Carol Bartoletti

AHS Exec. Director Dr. David Breeckner, Barbara Fenzl, Pam Betz (our Historymakers event consultant), Terry Fenzl

2021-2022 President Claire Nullmeyer and Sue Eberle

Diane Smith and Carolyn Mendoza

Dr. W. James Burns, Executive Director, Western Spirit, Scottsdale’s Museum of the West;  Ileen Snoddy; Michael Zirulnik, Development Director, Western Spirit, Scottsdale’s Museum of the West.jpeg

Claire's grandson Damian Joseph McGregor.

Jan Murray and Bonnie Newhoff

Janice Bryson, Janice and Don Prior

Kaye Roundtree and Sue Eberle

Laurie-Sue Rhetts

The Lupicas and the Garbaciaks

Ruth Ann Hogan and Claire Nullmeyer

Sandy Bruner

Sandy Loeffler and Patt Walker

Sharron McKinney and Julie Moore