Photo credit: AHS Collections, Suzanne Silvercruys sculpting a statue of Father Kino, circa 1960s.

In recent years, historical monuments and memorials have been a point of contention and protest in the United States and around the world. From Arizona to the United Kingdom, the public value of monuments is undergoing unprecedented scrutiny. Monuments often have complex histories, and their meanings and interpretations can change over time. They can be both uplifting and controversial, but they always have a history.

On Thursday, September 17, the Arizona Historical Society will host a virtual presentation and conversation about the history of monuments and memorials in Arizona. Dr. Mark Tebeau of the ASU School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious studies will moderate a discussion among a group of graduate students whose research has explored the diverse monumental landscapes of Arizona, including religious monuments, the Arizona Capitol, Japanese internment, as well as monuments such as Father Kino,  the Madonna of the Trail, and John Greenway. The panel’s historians will talk about who placed the monuments, why they did so and in what historical contexts. Join us for a conversation about who and what is being memorialized and what may be lacking in Arizona’s monumental landscape.

Free event but registration is required.

Register: https://bit.ly/2EE61Rv

This program has been adapted from “Monuments and Memorials in Arizona”, a presentation from the 2020 Arizona History Convention.

Photo credit: AHS Collections, Suzanne Silvercruys sculpting a statue of Father Kino, circa 1960s.