Mike Burns lived a long life in two worlds. Born in about 1862 into the Kwevkepaya (Yavapai) people, he was taken prisoner by U.S. soldiers after his family was massacred at a place called Skeleton Cave. He lived for years as something between a captive and a servant until joining the Indian Scouts, riding against […]

Gratton uses unique census data, images, and maps to reveal the historical experience of Indians, Hispanics, other Americans, and immigrants in the region we call the American Southwest. Before the Mexican American War, the region was dominated by indigenous nations. Migrants from other parts of the United States and European immigrants sparked a rapid growth […]

Now Accepting Nominations for the 2014 Humanities Awards The new deadline for submissions is Friday, August 15, 2014. For nomination forms, please visit the Humanities Awards page. Each year, the Arizona Humanities (AH) honors individuals, organizations, or businesses for their contribution and advancement of the humanities. Dan Shilling Public Humanities Scholar Award This award recognizes […]

U.S. Route 66, known as the “Mother Road,” was built in 1926. It ran from Chicago to L. A. During the depression of the 1930s, it became the major path by which people migrated west, seeking work, warm weather and new opportunities. Shore shares the history of Route 66 in Arizona, including the impact it […]

This presentation is based on segments from two television documentaries that were produced in Arizona and broadcast on public television stations and cable networks throughout the United States. Longtime residents of Northern Arizona recount tales of the impact of “the mother road” (Route 66) on their communities. A history of the road is illuminated by […]