Sandra Day O'Connor 1992 Arizona Historymaker

 Honored in the first group of Arizona Historymakers in 1992, SDO has been an inspiration to us all.

On October 23, 2018, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor announced her retirement from public life. This was not an easy step for an active public servant, but the diagnosis of dementia, likely Alzheimer's, led to the final quiet chapters of her amazing life.

In a letter to the public, she shared:

"While the final chapter of my life with dementia may be trying, nothing has diminished my gratitude and deep appreciation for the countless blessings in my life. How fortunate I feel to be an American and to have been presented with the remarkable opportunities available to the citizens of our country. As a young cowgirl from the Arizona desert, I never could have imagined that one day I would become the first woman justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.

I hope that I have inspired young people about civic engagement and helped pave the pathway for women who may have faced obstacles pursuing their careers. My greatest thanks to our nation, to my family, to my former colleagues, and to all the wonderful people I have had the opportunity to engage with over the years."

You can learn more about her amazing life, work, and her lasting legacy at OConnorInstitute.org.

Portraits of Courage on display from Oct 19 - Dec 29, 2018

The Arizona Historical Society, in partnership with Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, is pleased to announce that they will host Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors, a special exhibit from the George W. Bush Institute, this fall at the Arizona Heritage Center in Tempe, Arizona.

Growing out of President George W. Bush’s personal commitment and the ongoing work of the Bush Institute’s Military Service Initiative, Portraits of Courage brings together 66 full-color portraits and a four-panel mural painted by President Bush of 98 service members and veterans who have served our nation with honor since 9/11, and whom the President has come to know personally since leaving office.

Each featured painting is accompanied by the inspiring story of the warrior depicted, written by President Bush. As the stories unfold, visitors will encounter the faces and the hearts of those who answered the nation’s call and learn of their bravery on the battlefield, their journeys to recovery, and the continued leadership and contributions they make as civilians.

The Arizona Historical Society’s Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park in Tempe is one of just four venues nationwide selected to host the paintings this year. Portraits of Courage will be on display from October 19 through December 29, 2018. The Arizona Heritage Center is located at 1300 N College Ave in Tempe, Arizona.

To learn more, visit www.PortraitsofCourageAZ.org.