Unique Centerpiece Signs for 2023 Historymakers Event

 Debbie Gipson and her husband created these artistic table signs. Each one is unique and colorful, co-ordinating with the table centerpieces beautifully.

So grateful for the many Historical League volunteers who helped make 2023 Arizona Historymakers™ Celebration so special.

Oral Histories integral part of Arizona Historymakers Program

 What is an Oral History Interview? a well-prepared interviewer questioning an interviewee and recording their exchange in audio or video format. Oral history is a method to learn about past events from the spoken stories of people who lived through them. It enables us to take account of those many aspects of history that are not recorded in documents.

We are so grateful to Norma Jean Coulter, Carolyn Hartman, Zona Lorig, Josephine Pete, Tom Shumard, and Diane Smith for interviewing the 2023 Arizona Historymakers.

If you ask any of the interviewers, they will tell you it is a very rewarding experience.

The audience at 2023 Arizona Historymakers Celebration enjoyed these videos at the October 14 event at AZHC.

View them now on YouTube.com@ArizonaHistoricalLeague

Professional Photographers document 2023 Arizona Historymakers Celebration

 Capturing precious moments at the Arizona Historymakers™ Celebration Oct. 14 were two very capable photographers: Joshua Goode and Colleen Katz. The Historical League is very grateful for their wonderful works.

5 Stars to chair Diana Smith and 2023 Historymakers Committee

 You all deserve "5 STARS": Members of the 2023 Arizona Historymakers™ Committee did a marvelous job under the direction of chair Diana Smith. THANK YOU!

The event went very well with the new date (October vs February), new time (afternoon vs evening), new dress (business casual vs formal) and new venue (Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park vs hotel ballroom).

Angel Delgadillo, 2023 Arizona Historymaker

 A Rock Star . . . Angel Delgadillo was labeled that by emcee Carey Pena at the October 14 Historymaker™ Celebration. She realized there was a line to see him at his Seligman Barber Shop every morning. Visitors from Brazil, France, Scotland - all wanting to meet the man who saved historic Route 66. Honored as 2023 Arizona Historymaker, he spoke of the ten year effort to make Route 66 a historic road. His is the story of one man who never gave up in the face of nearly unsurmountable challenges. He finally retired from his barbershop in 2022 at the age of 95.

Carey Pena reflects on Oct 14 2023 Historymakers Celebration

Emcee for the 2023 AZ Historymakers Celebration Carey Pena writes, "For the better part of this year, we've been working on this documentary project, and I was so happy to stand at the famed Arizona Heritage Center for the big reveal!

Nine people were recognized as the 2023 Historymakers - people who have shaped and changed this state for the better.

I learned so much from spending time with each one of the Honorees. The main lesson I learned is never to give up! To the Historical League, thank you for trusting me to tell these stories in a real and authentic way."

Emcee, journalist and inspiration herself, Carey Pena guided the 2023 Arizona Historymakers evening October 14, introducing and welcoming each honoree to the stage. Along with her company, Inspired Media 360, Carey has spent the last year interviewing and filming the honorees for the video presentation, giving us an insight into their lives and dedication.

Independent Newsmedia reporter Caroline Yu wrote, “During the presentation of the Historymakers’ trophies, Pena showed interviews with each of the honorees talking more about their stories, detailing their individual contributions to the state’s reputation. To start, Pena shared her experience getting to interview all of the Historymakers, talking about how her involvement has been meaningful to her career as a journalist and the importance of understanding history through others’ stories.

Across the interviews, she said the Historymakers all shared common themes, which were “abiding love of Arizona and its freedom from set ideas, a willingness to experiment with new ideas, a determination not to take ‘no’ as an answer, a love of the Arizona landscape, a love of the Arizona people and a strong sense of community service."

The 2023 Arizona Historymakers:

• Frank M. Barrios

• Michael M. Crow, Ph.D.

• Angel Delgadillo

• Dolan Ellis

• Honorable Terry Goddard

• Denise D. Resnik

• Jeffrey M. Trent, Ph.D.

• Daniel D. Von Hoff, M.D.

• Mrs. Elizabeth J. White

Carey Pena reading Governor Hobbs Proclamation

Carey Pena and Mrs. Elizabeth White

Carey Pena with Denise Resnik

Friends greet each other at 2023 Historymakers Celebration

 Make new friends, but keep the old . . . Girl Scout song rings true. 2023 Arizona Historymakers™, family and friends had so much to talk about at the Celebration October 14 at Arizona Heritage Center. Congratulations to 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.