Frank Barrios tribute featured on PBS with Carey Pena

 Thanks to Carey Pena for creating a lovely tribute to 2023 AZ Historymaker Frank Barrios.

TGen #13 most popular facebook 2023 post

 

3rd Grade Postcard Contest

 Postcards become a fun way for 3rd grade students to learn Arizona history as Dr. Kristen Rex travels the state promoting this contest. Contact her for more information krex@azhs.gov

Historymakers honored by Gov Hobbs: Dolan Ellis and Marshall Trimble

Sharing Arizona history in songs and stories, these two great friends continue to be recognized, recently by Governor Katie Hobbs on December 5. Marshall Trimble was named 2019 Arizona Historymaker and Dolan Ellis was named 2023 Arizona Historymaker by the Historical League.

Dolan writes on Facebook:

Dolan Ellis

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WHAT AN EXCITING WEEK...

Thanks to past mayor of Scottsdale, Sam Kathryn Campana, who secured the meeting, Marshall Trimble, (Arizona's Official State Historian), and I were reappointed to our respective positions by Governor Katie Hobbs, in her chambers on the 9th floor of the executive tower, at the state capitol building on West Washington in Phoenix. For me, this reappointment was extra special. Not only is Gov. Hobbs the 13th governor to appoint me as "Arizona's Official State Balladeer, and it is my 57th year at being such, I got to share this honor with my long time pals, Marshall Trimble and and Sam Campana.

But wait, there's more...

Not only that, but in true balladeer style, I whipped out my old geetar and laid a quick serenade on the governor, by singing a couple of new tunes that I have written about Tubac, where Merilee and I now make our home. ("A Toast to the Ghosts of old Tubac" and "On the Border of Mexico".)

Thank you to all involved who made this event so enjoyable.

"The Balladeer"

Alfredo Gutierrez 2019 Historymaker remembers Justice Sandra Day O'Connor 1992 Historymaker

 Always the diplomat Alfredo Gutierrez, former Arizona state senator and 2019 Arizona Historymaker wrote this Letter to the Editor about Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Arizona Republic Newspaper. December 10, 2023.

"She was the first woman to serve as majority leader of the state Senate. I sat immediately behind her on the Senate floor. We became friends in that term.

We often disagreed on policy, but nonetheless she taught this freshman 25-year-old senator the arcane ways of the Legislature. I would succeed her as majority leader.

She was precise and indefatigable; her husband John, like her was brilliant, but unlike her was a social beacon with an extraordinary sense of humor.

Together they were a power to behold in Arizona and soon they became a power in Washington.

That overused phrase, 'the passing of an era,' is true today. A powerful Republican mentoring a Democratic progressive fireball with whom in policy there was disagreement but humanity and decency nonetheless overwhelmed partisan politics?

Not now, not today. And that forebodes nothing good for this country."

Alfredo Gutierrez, former Arizona state senator

PBS Horizon features Arizona Historymakers

 Enthusiastic about Arizona Historymakers™, Diana Smith and Carey Pena shared stories of the 2023 Historymakers on Arizona PBS Horizon. https://azpbs.org/horizon/2023/12/the-historical-league-names-this-years-historymakers/

Bob Boze Bell December meeting guest speaker

 With guest speaker Bob Boze Bell, the Historical League December meeting was entertaining. Lots of history, good stories and humor. Thanks to Pat Grogg for organizing this program.