Central Arizona

In pioneer Arizona, among the best places to experience the performing arts were in the mining towns. Striking it rich meant having disposable income and miners, like the well-heeled of the Gilded Age, wanted to demonstrate their sophistication with culture. From the early popular music of ragtime and minstrelsy during the forming of these communities […]

While doing research on our centennial book, Lisa Schnebly Heidinger developed a treasure trove of anecdotes that wove through the tapestry Arizona, and can custom fit a presentation to any audience, based on geography, interest and local population.  These include but are not limited to little heard details about famous figures (like when the Bucky […]

This session examines a chronological historic account of the lives, works and influence of The Beatles on contemporary society. We will discuss their phenomenal achievements from a musical and cultural perspective. The lecture will be enhanced with visual backgrounds and audio clips. Our historic journey starts from their early days as a cover band in […]

Whiskey’s for drinking, and water’s for fighting. The old quip about the West seems truer than ever as growth and climate change put pressure on water supplies. But history shows that Arizonans can solve water problems without a gunfight. In recent decades, Jack Pfister was a leader in reaching agreements on divisive water issues. This […]

Once your family arrived in the west often there was not a doctor within miles. The medical care of the family landed in the hands of the family. Luckily, it was soon learned that the plants held many secrets for someone who was ill. Chew a little willow bark for a headache, pine needles are […]

With the exception of the most ardent collectors and older generation, the influence and legacy of the big bands is largely forgotten despite their overwhelming popularity and significant role in early radio. Join Larson as he revisits the sounds America listened and danced to for more than three decades. Learn how iconic artists like Glenn […]