Bill Ponder retires after 25 year career with AHS

President Claire Nullmeyer comments on a recent event at the Arizona History Museum in Tucson honoring Bill Ponder's 25 year career. "Zona Lorig and I attended Bill's retirement event. He was very happy with the gathering and gentle “roasting and toasting”. Linda Whitaker, AHS Board President hosted the group of 20 invited guests.

Dr. David Breeckner and Tawn Downs presented Bill with a “Basket of Retirement Travel” gifts and a map of Arizona Museum locations signed by staff members from around the state."

Dr. Breckner writes, "Bill has been a quiet but powerful force at AHS, overseeing the institution's growth and transformation across the last quarter-century. We have been fortunate to count him as a leader and staff, and are sorry to see him go. He will be missed. It's with Bill in mind -- his vision, energy, and professionalism -- that we look ahead. I'm certain he'll remain in touch, and I am eager to work with you and all of the Historical League as we continue to grow his legacy across all of Arizona."

JOY at Spring Recognition Luncheon

JOY. Describes the feeling in the room as we gathered together for the Spring Recognition Luncheon and Awards celebration. Tawn Downs from the AZ Heritage Center gave us an update and Thank You from the staff. Outgoing President Susan Dale gave us a warm welcome after serving fabulously in this position for an unprecedented two years in a row. Advisor Nina Filippi gave us a heart-felt summary of the year. Incoming President Claire gave us an emotional talk. President Elect Chris Hackett was introduced and given her new label pin. We all were VERY appreciative for the work they have done during the pandemic.

Annual Holiday Meeting

Leslie Christiansen, host Joan Galloway, Sandy Loeffler

Laughter, fabulous food and friendly conversation were the focus of the event at Joan Galloway's home. The beautiful Christmas decorations got us all in a festive mood while the December meeting was full of good news.
Museum Director Tawn Downs mentioned the new carpeting in the Steele Auditorium as well as the new exhibits and programs at AZ Heritage Center at Papago Park.

Linda Corderman, Bonnie Newhoff

Nina Filippi, Linda Fritsch, Karen Swanson

Cookbook co-chair Linda Corderman gave encouraging news of the 15 historic venues that have submitted recipes for Tastes & Treasures Volume II cookbook. She also spoke of the new Cherished Legacy Recipes section where participants can honor someone special in their life with a Tribute Page. The page includes a photo, short story of the person and recipe. A lasting legacy, this section makes the book more personal as well as tells the history of members, food and family. Gift Certificates are available for Christmas, birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Anniversaries, etc.

Historymakers Gala co-chair Deb Hester told us about the Gala progress and the exciting dinner and program March 4, 2017

Hospitality chair Meg Knopf presented Sandy Loeffler with a Thank You gift for her support.

Tour chairs Sharron McKinney and Judy Blackwell spoke of the January and February tours.
Judy Blackwell and Claire Nullmeyer reported on the new members and their orientation programs.
The Esteban concert was a big hit. Chair Pam denDraak reported on his very enthusiastic performance.

Pam den Draak, President Anne Lupica, Sharron McKinney, Renee Donnelly, Karen Swanson

Silent Auction Dinner from David Wright House event

Historymaker Marshall Trimble entertains with stories of AZ

With guests of honor, Historymaker Marshall Trimble and Museum director Tawn Downs, the 18 people who bid on the Silent Auction dinner at the David Wright House event enjoyed their private "Evening Under the Stars."
So many volunteers came together to make this dinner happen. Mary and Bill Parker graciously hosted the evening at their home. Dancing Chef Mark Vanek prepared the delicious meal. Servers Susan Hoffland, Mary McMahon and Julie Moore were charming and witty. Linda Corderman, Cathy Shumard, Kay Holcombe, Ruth McLeod, Zona Lorig and Margaret Baker were instrumental in the organization of the dinner.

Ruth McLeod, Cathy Shumard, Zona Lorig, Mary Parker plan details of the evening.

Susan Hoffland, Mary McMahon, Julie Moore

Zona Lorig, Historymaker Marshall Trimble, Mary Parker

Dancing Chef Mark Vanek and assistant

Silent Auction Dinner from David Wright House event

With guests of honor, Historymaker Marshall Trimble and Museum director Tawn Downs, the 18 people who bid on the Silent Auction dinner at the David Wright House event enjoyed their private "Evening Under the Stars."
So many volunteers came together to make this dinner happen. Mary and Bill Parker graciously hosted the evening at their home. Dancing Chef Mark Vanek prepared the delicious meal. Servers Susan Hoffland, Mary McMahon and Julie Moore were charming and witty. Linda Corderman, Cathy Shumard, Kay Holcombe, Ruth McLeod, Zona Lorig and Margaret Baker were instrumental in the organization of the dinner.

Ruth McLeod, Cathy Shumard, Zona Lorig, Mary Parker plan details of the evening.

Historymaker Marshall Trimble entertains with stories of AZ

Susan Hoffland, Mary McMahon, Julie Moore

Zona Lorig, Historymaker Marshall Trimble, Mary Parker

Dancing Chef Mark Vanek and assistant

More hats and happy faces at Recognition Luncheon, Wrigley Mansion

Kay Holcombe, new member Jolene Beard

Incoming President Anne Lupica thanks outgoing
President Margaret Baker

 Photos of fabulous hats and smiles at the Annual Meeting and Recognition Luncheon, Wrigley Mansion, May 3.

Nina Filippi putting finishing touches on Raffle Table

Pam den Draak, Norma Jean Coulter, Museum director Tawn Downs

Renee Donnelly introduces Barbara Barrett

Ruth McLeod with Tastes & Tresures cookbooks, Soleri Bell, aprons, Historymaker books

Wrigley Mansion lobby

Susan Dale, Sandy Loeffler and her daughter, Margie Herman

Susan Irwin accepts $17,000 from League for
National History Day program. Funds raised
from Evening Under the Stars at the David
Wright House April 9.

Tawn Downs accepts grant money for museum

AHS Museum new name is Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park

Tawn Downs Museum Director

The "Unveiling of 2014 Historymakers Exhibit" on October 22 brought dignitaries, supporters and Historymakers to the Museum. Tawn Downs, the new AHS Central Division Director, thanked the League for all its support and laid out her vision for a focused marketing initiative to increase the visibility of the museum in the Valley. She also announced the new name of our museum: AZ Heritage Center at Papago Park.

Entrance to Museum

2014 Historymaker Exhibit shows Jim Bruner and Marshall Trimble

Elva Coor, 2003 Historymaker Calvin C. Goode,
2014 Historymaker co chair Mary Parker

History in the Making Oct 22 at the Museum

 Event Chair Anne Lupica with Andrea Evans

Check in table with Tom Lorig

Beautiful skies over the courtyard at AHS Museum set the mood for a fabulous "Unveiling of the 2014 Historymakers Exhibit."  Anne Lupica organized a memorable event with dignitaries, speeches, food and drink. We were pleased to have many 2014 Historymakers in attendance along with previous Historymakers.
A big thank you to SRP for their sponsorship.

Historymakers L to R    Calvin C. Goode, Marshall Trimble, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, Jim Bruner, Lattie Coor,
Maxine Lakin, Bill Shover

Tawn Downs, new director at AHS Museum at Papago Park

Tawn Downs
Director of AHS Museum Papago Park

We were excited to have Tawn Downs, the new director at AHS Museum, speak at our September Historical League meeting. She is dynamic and energetic, with a great vision for our museum. Tawn also announced the November 19 opening of the new Mining Exhibit.
Also speaking were Leonard Macisz, President of AHS, and Kelly Corsette, President of the Central Arizona Chapter of AHS discussing the positive and strong connection the Historical League has with the Historical Society.

Kelly Corsette, President of Central AZ Chapter AHS

Leonard Macisz, President of AHS