Sky Harbor Airport Museum Tour

Who knew there was so much art at the airport? Thanks to Sharron McKinney and Patt Walker for organizing an amazing tour. 

NHD student Nathan Davies-Venn wins Martin Luther King award

The Historical League and National History Day AZ is proud to celebrate Nathan Davies-Venn, recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Action Award. 

A student of NHDAZ for the past four years, Nathan exemplifies the spirit of Dr. King through his leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to justice, community, and empathy. 

As a member of his school’s Speech and Debate team, Nathan uses his voice to promote racial equality and social justice. He consistently approaches challenging topics with courage and integrity, encouraging inclusivity and respect both in and beyond the classroom.

His impact extends throughout the Chandler community through volunteering at his former elementary school, sharing his musical talents at church, assisting teachers, and giving back through local events. 

Nathan also runs Reenglad Sweets, a family peanut brittle business with his younger brother, Matthew, featuring traditional flavors inspired by Sierra Leone. He hopes to one day pass the business on to his future children and has already used its proceeds to support school programs, education, mentorship, athletics, music, and service.

Nathan’s journey has been guided and supported by his teacher, Stacy Trepanier, who nominated him for this honor. We are incredibly proud of Nathan’s achievements and grateful for the example he sets for the community.

Celebrating Nathan Davies-Venn and his award with family and friends (including Cathy and Tom Shumard) and amazing NHD teacher Stacey Trepanier!!

Eddie Basha oral history tells the story of Basha Grocery Stores

How and why these Arizona grocers outgrew their home state

 Rey Covarrubias Jr.

(Historical League photos not used in article) 

Eddie Basha Historymaker 2001

Arizona Republic.    

Jan. 10, 2026, 5:00 a.m. MT  

Arizona hosts dozens of national grocery and retail chains. Population growth and development continue to draw companies into metro Phoenix.

But which stores still in Arizona were also founded in the state?

Only a handful of major retailers were founded in Arizona and later grew into statewide or national brands. Expansion pushed each company away from local ownership through public offerings or corporate sales. Each company maintained significant operations in Arizona after that transition.

From grocery chains to a national retailer of pet products, here is a look at several retailers founded in Arizona.

Bashas' one of the originals

Bashas’ is one of Arizona’s oldest and most recognizable grocery brands.

The Basha family founded Bashas’ in Arizona in 1932, building the company from a single Chandler grocery store into a statewide supermarket chain, according to the Arizona Historical League’s oral history of Eddie Basha.

Bashas’ expanded across Arizona under multiple store brands, including Bashas’, Food City and AJ’s Fine Foods.

By the early 2000s, it had become one of the largest grocery operators in the state, with more than 100 locations across Arizona, New Mexico and the Navajo Nation.

The chain faced mounting pressure from national competitors and supply constraints, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In October 2021, the Basha family announced it would sell Bashas’ to California-based Raley’s Holding Co. President and CEO Edward “Trey” Basha III said the pandemic highlighted the disadvantages smaller chains face when competing for limited supplier inventory, The Arizona Republic reported at the time.

The transaction ended nearly 90 years of family ownership but kept the brand’s operational base in Arizona.

National History Day Arizona 2026

 Kicking Off 2026: National History Day Registration Is Open

As we ring in the New Year, we’re excited to share that NHDAZ registration officially opens January 1st!

Teachers must register first before students, but don’t worry! If you’re competing without a teacher, an adult can register as a teacher in the system so your account can be linked.

We can’t wait to see how students across Arizona bring the 2026 theme: Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History to life. NHD projects are challenging, rewarding, and full of discovery – and the journey begins now!

Need help or registration instructions? Reach out anytime at nhdaz@azhs.gov. Registration link is in our bio.

We’re here to help and can’t wait to see what these young historians create in the year ahead!