AZHC Courtyard transformed for 2023 Arizona Historymakers Celebration

 It was a magical night as the sun went down and the lights came on. On Oct. 14, the courtyard was transformed to a delightful space filled with energy. Friends, families, Historical League members and AHS staff celebrated the 2023 Arizona Historymakers™: 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.

AHS Staff helps make 2023 AZ Historymakers Celebration a big success!

 Couldn't do it without you! AHS staff at AZ Heritage Center are the BEST!

Planning the 2023 AZ Historymakers Celebration was a huge undertaking. Setting up the Historymakers exhibit, unveiling and ribbon cutting ceremony, program in Steele Auditorium, dinner under the stars in the courtyard, speeches, videos, microphones, lights . . . the list goes on and on.

Thanks to a great staff for all their help!! Dr. David Breeckner, Shelley Coriell, Dr. Kristen Rex, Jenny Pennington, Jason Mihalic, Jennifer Merry, Rebekah Tabah-Percival, Dr. David Turpie, Todd Bailey, Vincent Bradley. We appreciate you!

NHD teacher/co-ordinator Stacey Trepanier, V.P. Education Dr. Kristen Rex

AHS Membership Shelley Coriell, Mr and Mrs Breeckner, Mrs. David Breeckner,
AHS Assistant Director Rebekah Tabah-Percival

Special Projects Todd Bailey, Assis. Director Rebekah Tabah-Percival, 1992 Historymaker Pat McMahon, Executive Director Dr. David Breeckner

Assis. Director Rebekah Tabah-Percival, 1992 Historymaker Pat McMahon,
Executive Director Dr. David Breeckner

Mrs. Elizabeth White 2023 Arizona Historymaker

 Who has made dinner for Charles Barkley, Alvin Adams, Jesse Jackson, James Brown and Senator John McCain (he was a regular)?

Mrs. White and her Golden Rule Café on Jefferson have played an important part in Phoenix history for the last 60 years. With her deep religious faith, she has been a role model for her family and her Eastlake neighborhood. Every important figure in Phoenix has stopped by to eat her soul food and feel this strong woman’s love for people.

Her motto: “We try to be good because that is what the Golden Rule means.”

She was honored as 2023 Arizona Historymaker at the October 14 Celebration.

Sitting with other 2023 Arizona Historymakers, enjoying the program.

With emcee Carey Pena

AZ Recollections & Reflections book enjoyed by AZ teachers

 "Teachers all over Arizona appreciate you!! Many thanks to the HistoricalLeague.org for the book donations to the 'Back to School' conference," AHS education director Dr. Kristen Rex writes.

The conference hosted by GeoCivics offered much for teachers including gifts of "AZ Recollections and Reflections". The Historical League’s Centennial book tells stories of Arizona in first person accounts (from the AZ Historymakers). It continues to be a go-to source for teachers.

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.

Dr. Michael Crow 2023 Arizona Historymaker

 The son of an enlisted Navy man, Michael Crow lost his mother at age 9, and subsequently attended 18 schools before attending college at Iowa State University. Inspired by his own education journey and an experience he had while completing his Eagle Scout service project, Dr. Crow became interested in the design of learning and research enterprises. Honored as 2023 Arizona Historymaker™ Oct 14, he accepted via video from a conference in Australia. The 16th president of Arizona State University, he has spearheaded ASU's rapid and significant transformation into one of the world's best public research universities.

Dolan Ellis 2023 Arizona Historymaker

 Music runs through every fiber of Dolan’s life. As Arizona’s Official Troubadour Dolan Ellis has traveled in his jeep to every corner of the state documenting its stories and legends. They become inspirations for his songs. Honored as 2023 Arizona Historymaker, he continues to share his love of Arizona culture and history with his many fans world-wide.

with wife Merilee Davito and emcee Carey Pena