Day at the Museum: Western Spirit

Exciting day at Western Spirit Museum of the West for National History Day students as they prepare for Nationals. This mentoring session is another chance to have helpful suggestions to fine-tune their projects before the June event at College Park, University of Maryland.

Historical League members greeted the students at 9 am, handing out cowboy hats, pins, NHD t-shirts and fun stuff. Thanks to Cathy Shumard for not only organizing volunteer duties but staying through the day for updates on the Washington D.C. trip, mentoring, and encouraging these amazing students. Other volunteers were Jolynn Clarke, Pam den Draak, Ruth McLeod and Josie Pete.

NHD is a program we are passionate about. We not only volunteer but we provide funding to the students with air fare and transportation for exhibits, underwrite t-shirts, cowboy hats, pins for trading and lots of swag to make this a fun and educational time. 

Thanks to Wade Weber and Western Spirit for sponsoring the NHD zip hoodies and this event. 

Pam den Draak, Cathy Shumard, Nathan Davies-Venn, Max Luo, Josie Pete, Ruth McLeod, Jolynn Clarke

Max Luo and Nathan Davies-Venn receive Historical Award ($150 each) from Cathy Shumard and Pam den Draak for their documentary Desert Inferno: Tracing the Lines of Inequality. 

It won Best Junior Group Award for an Arizona Story.

Happy to receive NHD zip hoodies for Washington D.C. ceremonies, sponsored by the Historical League

Pam den Draak hands out $300 travel vouchers for each student

AHS Education Dept. Taylor Kyle, Leonard Moody, Dr. Kristen Rex, Emily Hahn

Inspired by 5Cs of Arizona, Addie wins postcard contest

 Addie tells us the sunset and the 5Cs inspired her artwork for the 3rd grade postcard contest. Dr. Kristen Rex delivered the award and swag bag to Addie and writes, "Just finished my pizza party at the Duncan primary school. When I went to give Addie our winner, her swag bag the class surprised me with my own Duncan swag bag all sorts of treats and treasures! I am so blessed. Fun fact, my dad went to kindergarten in Duncan, Arizona, and I included the postcard of the original elementary school from my swag bag. PS sold out all the postcards, all 50."

Paisley Ann Walker wins 3rd grade postcard contest

 Paisley Ann Walker celebrated with her art teacher, extra Mom, classmates and her Great Grandmother at her pizza party!

Many students are learning about Arizona history through this 3rd grarde postcard contest. And AHS Dr. Kristen Rex is making it fun for everyone. The Historical League is proud to support this program.

Harper and Mika celebrate winning 3rd grade postcard contest together

 Dr. Kristen Rex gave Arizona third grade postcard contest awards to two students and writes, "They say lightning doesn’t strike the same place twice but at Benson primary school…it hit big! Both Harper and Mika celebrated their class pizza parties together after winning this year‘s postcard contest. Families came out, the press was there to record the event, and a great time was had by all!"

Skyler James: winner of 3rd grade postcard contest

 The latest 3rd grader to celebrate her win of the Arizona Postcard Contest is Skyler James. Along with her family, her teacher and classroom, they all enjoyed a pizza party and fun swag. (check out the cute teddy bear). We are appreciative of her creative artwork which has been made into postcards and can be found at AHS museums.

Thanks to Dr. Kristen Rex for all her efforts with this wonderful program. The Historical League is a strong supporter!

Dr. Rex writes, "If you’ve never been to the Clifton Morenci, Arizona area on the eastern side of the state, you must come check out this quaint town!"

Third grade postcard winner Andy Zhao

Andy wins! Celebrating 3rd grade AZ Postcard Contest winners with Pizza Party!

Dr. Kristen Rex interviewed Andy and writes, "This is the third time I have been able to do a pizza party at Twin Peaks! The principal came and served up the pizza and shared snacks with all the students. Andy’s mom came to help with the celebration. It reminds me of my great opportunities that I received from the Marana Unified School District when I went to school kindergarten through 12th grade here. Congratulations Andy!"

The Marana school newspaper writes, "We are thrilled to announce that Andy Zhao, a talented third grader at our school, has been selected as a winner of the Arizona Historical Society Museum's Postcard Contest! Andy’s artistic design stood out among many entries from students across the state, earning him this prestigious recognition."

 

Arizona Women's Hall of Fame honorees

Congratulations to nine very deserving women who were inducted into the 2025 Arizona Women's Hall of Fame at Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park. Historical Leagues own member Dr. Josephine Pete was one of the honorees. The bios tell the story of their many accomplishments! 

Thanks to Historical League members who have been a big part of the Hall of Fame committee: Norma Jean Coulter and Zona Lorig.