Ira Parsons "What has studying the past taught you about the present?"

In response to Washington Post reporter Alyssa Rosenberg's solicitation,  "What has studying the past taught you about the present?", NHD student Ira Parsons submitted this brief paper. He commented, "Although it was not one of the few she published, it was a great opportunity to express what NHD has taught me."

And don't forget, Ira won the Library of Congress medal (“Discovery or Exploration in History”) at 2025 National History Day finals, becoming the first person ever to win it twice. 

 NHD Nationals 2025

Washington Post: “What Has Studying the Past Taught You About the Present?”

Response from Ira Parsons

I have learned that, although our times, technology, languages, and cultures may vary, the people we study in the past are the same people we are today.  Throughout history, most people have worked to better themselves and their families, hoping for a brighter future, and it is easy for me to see myself in them.  History is as much what happened a thousand years ago as it is what happened five minutes ago.

Studying the past reveals mistakes and miscalculations that humans have made, providing an opportunity for us to learn and change our behavior.  It has shown me the power of human resilience, offering inspiration to face adversity, and perspective on how people thought about themselves and their world, helping to understand how we view ourselves and our world.

Studying the past has taught me that change is constant, and that any predictions we have now about the future are as far-fetched as 1960s visions of personal jetpacks.  It also has shown me how easily people can be misled, emphasizing the importance of reliable sources, verifiable facts, and critical thinking.

By studying the past, I have discovered tools to understand and navigate today’s world, which really is not so different from the past. 

Library of Congress Steve Wesson presents Ira with his medal at the awards ceremony.

 

National Navajo Code Talkers Day August 14, 2025

 Honored as Arizona Historymakers in 2005, hear the story at https://historicalleague.org/projects/merril-sandoval-navajo-code-talker/

Today is National Navajo Code Talkers Day, a day to commemorate those who developed an unique, unbreakable code to help carry our numerous operations in WWII.

Wink Crigler 2017 Historymaker and rancher

 Honored as 2017 AZ Historymaker, Wink Crigler is highly respected for her contributions to conservation planning, resource and livestock management, and community service. Listen to her tell her story at https://historicalleague.org/projects/wink-crigler/

Ira Parsons shares his story about NHDAZ

 After receiving Ira Parsons' thank you letter, we are even more impressed with his abilities and the benefits of NHDAZ.

"My name is Ira Parsons, and I just finished my sophomore year at Chaparral High School in Scottsdale.

Thanks to the Historical League’s sponsorship this summer, I won the Library of Congress medal (“Discovery or Exploration in History”) at this year’s National History Day finals, becoming the first person ever to win it twice, for my senior paper, “Rights Without Responsibilities: How the Framers of International Space Law Failed to Foresee Privatization.”

Competing this year was a great experience: the Washington Post invited us to submit a short essay, the White House Historical Association invited me to participate in a writer’s workshop, and I had fun touring the campuses of Johns-Hopkins and Princeton University.

Over the past four years, this contest has helped me develop not only as a writer, but also as a critical thinker and historical analyst. The important skills I have learned – such as interpreting the historical record, synthesizing research, and developing and defending a thesis – have allowed me to thrive in many endeavors, both in and out of school.

Thank you and the Historical League for your generous support,

Ira Parsons"

Butterfield Overland Stage Trail exhibit closing

 Butterfield Overland Trail exhibit closes Saturday, August 2 at 3 pm so don't miss this chance to see it.

This vivid exhibit by Marjorie Reed brings to life the rugged journey of the Butterfield Overland Mail Stage, one of America's earliest overland mail routes which stretched from Missouri to California, carrying passengers and mail through Arizona. Reed traveled the route of the Butterfield Overland Mail Stage from the late 1930s-1940s, sketching out various points along the trail.

In 1858, John Butterfield won a government contract to carry mail from St. Louis to San Francisco twice a week. He employed over 800 people and ran up to 250 coaches, 1,000 horse and 500 mules.

We are grateful to Historical League member Davie Garrison who co-ordinated the donation of painter Marjorie Reed’s Butterfield Overland Stage paintings to the Arizona Heritage Center. Born in Springfield, Illinois, raised in Los Angeles and later living in Tombstone, AZ, Marjorie Reed painted western scenes, including Butterfield Overland Stage coaches and cowboys, horses and people on the Overland Mail Route. Marjorie took organ lessons from Davie as did Mache Tuveson and they became good friends. Dr and Mrs. L.L. Tuveson donated the paintings to the AZHC.

Alfredo Gutierrez 1945-2025

 Alfredo Gutierrez 1945-2025

It is with great sadness that we share with you the passing of Alfredo Gutierrez honored by the Historical League in 2019 as an Arizona Historymaker.
His life and legacy are documented in video and oral history at
https://historicalleague.org/projects/alfredo-gutierrez/
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

NHD Teacher of the Year Dr. Rebekah West Keur

 Dr. Rebekah West Keur, a truly dedicated educator and a finalist for the prestigious National History Day (NHD) Teacher of the Year Award! Dr. West Keur has been a guiding force in the NHD program at her schools since 2018 including being the first teacher to bring the program to a large school district in Arizona, inspiring and impacting others along the way. She's had the privilege of mentoring around 700 students, helping them dive deep into history through research-centered passion projects.

"National History Day means so much to me as a scholar and an educator," Dr. West Keur shares. "This program allows all students to immerse themselves in history and historical thinking through research-centered passion projects. This offers them the opportunity to excel academically and as people."