The Era of the Big Bands – Gilbert

Southeast Regional Library 775 N Greenfield Rd, Gilbert, AZ, United States

The Big Band era, 1930s and 1940s, came during turmoil in the United States with Prohibition, the Depression and World War II. People were anxious to temporarily forget their troubles and the insurgence of the Big Bands gave them that outlet. For many, dancing and romancing to the bands were some of the happiest moments […]

Free

Set in Stone but Not in Meaning: Southwestern Indian Rock Art – Sedona

Red Rock State Park - AZ State Parks 4050 Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona, AZ, United States

Ancient Indian pictographs (rock paintings) and petroglyphs (symbols carved or pecked on rocks) are claimed by some to be forms of writing for which meanings are known. However, are such claims supported by archaeology or by Native Americans themselves? Mr. Dart illustrates southwestern petroglyphs and pictographs, and discusses how even the same rock art symbol […]

Free

African American Art, Fort Huachuca, and World War II – Sedona

Church of the Nazarene 55 Rojo Dr, Sedona

Fort Huachuca, in Sierra Vista, is the surprising site of a remarkable story of African American art during World War II. Central to the chronicle is Arizona painter Lew Davis. The base was home to two black divisions, and Davis painted murals for the two segregated officers’ clubs. For the black officers’ club Davis produced […]

Free

Arizona Goes to the Moon – Chino Valley

Chino Valley Public Library 1020 W Palomino Road, Chino Valley, AZ, United States

Arizona played a key role in preparing to send humans to the moon in the late 1960s/early 1970s. The Apollo astronauts themselves traveled to the Grand Canyon and volcanic fields around the state to learn geology and practice their lunar excursions. Meanwhile, U.S. Geological Survey engineers worked with NASA staff members to develop and test […]

Free

Hi Jolly and Mystery of the US Army Camel Corps – Apache Junction

Apache Junction Library 1177 N. Idaho Rd., Apache Junction, AZ, United States

This presentation will explore the US Army’s experiment with using camel from the Middle East to make it more mobile in the newly acquired Southwest.  In order to teach the soldiers about camels, a local from the Middle East, who was called Hi Jolly, was shipped over with the camels.  Even though Secretary of War […]

Free

Archaeology Cafe: Tumamoc Hill: More than a Place for a Good Hike – Tucson

The Loft Cinema 3233 East Speedway Boulevard, Tucson, United States

Archaeology Café – Tucson Underground. Knowledge seekers of every kind are welcome at Archaeology Café, where experts share their latest research on Tucson’s deep and diverse history in a jargon-free zone. On Tuesday, February 6, 2018, Paul and Suzy Fish will join Bernard Siquieros to discuss Tumamoc Hill: More than a Place for a Good Hike. […]

Free

Bands of Sisters: U.S. Women’s Military Bands during WW II – Sun Lakes

Ed Robson Branch Library 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes, AZ, United States

The novelty of these bands—initially employed by the U.S. military to support bond drives—drew enough spectators for the bands to be placed on tour, raising money for the war and boosting morale. The women, once discharged at the war’s end, refused to fade into post-war domesticity. Instead, the strong bond fostered by youthful enthusiasm and […]

Free

Riders on the Orphan Train: The Arizona Story – Wilcox

Elsie S. Hogan Community Library 100 N. Curtis Ave., Wilcox, AZ, United States

“The Orphan Trains – Arizona’s Hidden History” will be presented at six libraries: Winslow, Prescott, Douglas, Fountain Hills, Wilcox and Prescott Valley. The program is designed to inform, entertain, and engage audiences of all ages and to tell the story of about this little-known chapter of the largest child migration in American and Arizona history […]

Free

The Era of the Big Bands – Florence

Florence Community Library 778 N. Main St., Florence, AZ, United States

The Big Band era, 1930s and 1940s, came during turmoil in the United States with Prohibition, the Depression and World War II. People were anxious to temporarily forget their troubles and the insurgence of the Big Bands gave them that outlet. For many, dancing and romancing to the bands were some of the happiest moments […]

Free

The Ancient Hohokam Ballgame of Arizona – Phoenix

Pueblo Grande Museum 4619 East Washington St., Phoenix, AZ, United States

The ancient Hohokam culture of Arizona constructed at least 200 ball courts more than 800 years ago. These oval depressions were likely used to play a ball game that originated in southern Mexico, where the game was played with a rubber ball and had a very important role in reenacting the creation of humans in […]

Free

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