Trivia Night August 28, 2026

 Historical League President Jolynn Clarke comments, "The trivia playing group has grown steadily over the past three months. We started at about 15 in May and we were up to about 25 in July. The questions are sometimes easy with the answers right on the tip of the tongue, and sometimes a little more targeted and obscure. In July, April Bivens and Nina von Schroeter joined my sister, Judy and me on a team. We found it was really helpful to have several generations represented. We didn't win, but we had a lot of fun playing.

The next trivia night will be Friday, August 28. Registration can happen online or night of. The cost is $10.00. Registration starts at 6:00pm and game play starts at 6:30pm. Max is the moderator and judge (whatever the judge says goes and he doesn't take bribes). Other AHS staff, like Holly Bernard, assist in counting correct answers and letting us know the right answers - after the fact. It's a lot of fun.”

Juneteenth event 2026

 Supporting the Juneteenth event, Historical League members are happy to volunteer. Thanks to Jolynn Clarke, Anne Lupica, Pat Faur, Laurie-Sue Retts, Bonnie Newhoff, Cathy Shumard and Norma Jean Coulter.

Norma Jean commented, "Senator Mark Kelly stopped at the 6888 table honoring those mostly black women who solved the mail problem for the troops during WWII." (Fascinating story).

Cathy Shumard, Pete Faur

Circle the City Tea with 2025 Arizona Historymaker Sister Adele O'Sullivan

Historical League members Jolynn Clarke, Diane Smith and Mary Parker were at the Tea to celebrate Sister Adele O'Sullivan and all she does for her charity Circle the City. 

Jolynn describes the pictures she took, "You’ll see Sister Adele O’Sullivan, 2025 Historymaker speaking and then a picture of her that was taken at the Historymakers Celebration. They spoke about how honored she was to be in the company of such illustrious Historymaker company. It was thrilling to have the Historical League called out."

The event was held at "Scottdale Resort at McCormick Ranch. There was a really big silent auction and there were some independent artisans selling their products. The proceeds go towards funding Circle the City and they are in the middle of a capital campaign to build a third medical respite center."

Listen to Sister Adele tell her story: https://historicalleague.org/historymakers/sister-adele-osullivan-csj-m-d/

 Circle the City’s 18th Annual Garden Tea & Silent Auction: 

 

The Garden Tea is a fundraising event rooted in compassion and community, supporting Circle the City’s mission to provide healthcare to individuals facing homelessness in Maricopa County. The event features a Silent Auction, Local Craftsman Corner, Boutique Shopping, a Wine Pull, and a Raffle. 

 Why it matters: 

Homelessness in Arizona has increased by 60% since 2017, with the East Valley experiencing a 238% surge. Many individuals are discharged from hospitals with nowhere safe to heal. 

 Where the funds go: 

All proceeds from the Garden Tea will directly support the development of Mesa’s first East Valley Medical Respite Center, an 85-bed facility that will provide medical care, supportive services, and a path to stability, all while reducing hospital readmissions and easing strain on emergency services.

 Every dollar raised helps ensure recovery happens with dignity and hope.

Picture of Sister Adele taken at 2025 Historymaker event was on the big screen.

League President Jolynn Clarke and Historymaker Co-Chair Diane Smith

Historymaker Co-Chair Diane Smith and past Historymaker Co-Chair Mary Parker

Sister Adele is very eloquent at the podium

March Historical League Meeting

 President Jolynn Clarke conducted an information-filled March meeting. AHS updates with Dr. Breeckner (Legislature, museum construction), Vincent Bradley (Capital Campaign), Leonard Moody (NHDAZ), Emily Hahn (3rd grade postcard contest). Dr. Rex beamed in via video of the postcard winners.

Thanks to Sandy Loeffler for Luck of the Irish decor

yummy food (especially the Tomato Bisque) from Creations by Sergio

  

Greg McNamee presented a program about the Gila River, with plenty of pictures. He is the author of Gila: The Life and Death of an American River; The Ancient Southwest; Tortillas, Tiswin & T-Bones: A Food History of the Southwest; The University of Arizona: A History in 100 Stories; and The Desert Reader.

February meeting Valentine's Special

Valentines, tacos and productivity - our Feb meeting had it all! BIG Thanks to President Jolynn Clarke for running an efficient meeting filled with great information. Shoutout to Sandy & Pat for making it look fancy, Creations by Sergio for the nom-noms. Thanks, team, for making it a success!

Holly Barnard thanked Cathy Shumard for her role with NHD co-ordinator. She updated us on in-classroom education, National History Day (first State Contest is Sat. Feb 21 in Chandler), Docent training, outreach and more.

Dr. Breeckner explained improvements to AZHC, refreshed exhibits, ongoing projects with diagrams and deadlines. Feb 10 is re-opening. Feb 14 is Arizona Statehood Day.

With a building that is 32 years old, Dr. B explained the process of upgrading HVAC, fire sprinkler system, exhibits, facade, theatres and more.

September League meeting at AZHC

September meeting is a time to reconnect with friends and work on plans for the next events.

Thanks to Josie Pete, Katie Tovar and Zona Lorig for photos.