Stories from the Pierce Family and Homer Thiel
Saturday, February 1, 2025
10am-1pm

Come see us at the Arizona Heritage Center for a morning of inspiring genealogical stories that answer the question, “Why Arizona?”

“100 Years in the Making: A Journey from Oklahoma to Arizona, Letters from Janie and J.L. Pierce” is a presentation by the Pierce family, who discovered beautiful letters written by their great grandparents about life in the 1920s after the Oklahoma Massacre, and their move from Oklahoma to Arizona, where their family stayed for the next 100 years.

Our second guest speaker is Homer Thiel, historical archaeologist for Desert Archaeology, Inc., and President of the Tucson Presidio Trust. He has written a manuscript on the African Americans of Pima County, Arizona, and will discuss his genealogical research process and the stories he has learned along the way.

Join us and author of the recently published book, Picturing Sabino: A Photographic History of a Southwestern Canyon, for an exploration of the ways historical photographs can illuminate Sabino Canyon’s past.

Join the Arizona Historical Society on February 8, 2025 for an open house 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at both the Arizona Heritage Center in Tempe and Arizona History Museum in Tucson to commemorate Arizona’s Statehood Day. Both museums will offer free admission and activities–fun for history lovers of all ages! No need to register!

Arizona Heritage Center, Tempe
1300 N College Ave
Tempe, AZ, 85288

Arizona History Museum, Tucson
949 E 2nd St
Tucson, AZ, 85719

The National First Ladies Library and Museum is visiting Arizona, and excited to present a short program highlighting some of the “untold stories” of our nation’s First Ladies. These women were highly accomplished leaders who had a significant impact on the shape of our country and our culture, not only during their tenure as First Lady, but also throughout their lives. The presentation will also include historical references to First Ladies who have ties to Arizona, including Helen Taft, who was First Lady when Arizona became a state.

The National First Ladies Library and Museum is visiting Arizona, and excited to present a short program highlighting some of the “untold stories” of our nation’s First Ladies. These women were highly accomplished leaders who had a significant impact on the shape of our country and our culture, not only during their tenure as First Lady, but also throughout their lives. The presentation will also include historical references to First Ladies who have ties to Arizona, including Helen Taft, who was First Lady when Arizona became a state.