Preserving Arizona's History
The Arizona Historical Society is Arizona's oldest cultural organization. The Society was founded by the 
Arizonan territorial legislature in 1864. The Historical Society is responsible for preserving Arizona's rich and dynamic history, both for present and future generations. The centerpiece of the Society is the Arizona Historical Society Museum at Papago Park in Tempe. This magnificent tribute to Arizona's history is a Smithsonian affiliate.
The Historical League, Inc.
In 1979, the Historical League was formed as a not-for-profit fund-raising affiliate to further the development of the Arizona Historical Society Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate, at Papago Park in Tempe.
The Historical League was started by seven women who had a love of Arizona history and historic preservation. At the beginning, they met at members' homes and supported the work of the Arizona Historical Society Museum, then located in the Ellis-Shackelford House on North Central Avenue in Phoenix. The League's mission has been to preserve Arizona's rich cultural heritage and promote community awareness of the Arizona Historical Society, the state's oldest cultural institution.
As the museum grew and moved in 1992 to its new location on College Avenue in Tempe, the mission of the League remained the same. The League continues to provide funding and volunteer assistance for the museum and its activities. During its thirty-year history, League members have contributed more than one million dollars to the museum and its members have volunteered over one hundred thousand hours of their time to support the museum and Arizona's history.
An Organization for History Lovers
If you are someone who loves Arizona and its history, joining the Historical League may be right for you. Our organization is very social in nature and we feature lectures from historical experts at our monthly meeting, held the first Tuesday of each month. In addition, our members travel to historic sites and museums all over the state, as well as out-of-state trips to visit historic sites. Above all, members have a chance to meet and become friends with many other people who share their love of history and of Arizona.
The League's Contributions
Among the many contributions the League has made to support the museum and the larger Phoenix community are historical photo fairs, educational support, annual grants, and the Sandra Day O'Connor Exhibit at the museum. The League has been fortunate to have outstanding, talented members who volunteer their time and talents for the organization. Because of their hard work, the League has been able to:
- Historymakers Gala - The League hosts this recognition program, an ongoing project to recognize living Arizonans who have contributed to the cultural and historic fabric of Arizona.
- Books - Tastes & Treasures, a Storytelling Cookbook of Historic Arizona. This award-winning cookbook is now in its second printing. And Arizona Recollections and Reflections: An Arizona Centennial Historymakers Commemoration featuring biographies, photos and information on Arizona from its inception through today. You can buy both books from our store by clicking here.
- Exhibits - The League assists in the creation of museum exhibits.
- Newsletter - Old Ned Newsletter has been published for more nearly three decades. Five issues are published annually
- Website - www.historicalleague.org.
- Speakers and Tours - Monthly activities for League members.
- Children's Holiday Party - For more than twenty-eight years, this annual event has been enjoyed by all ages. The funds raised provide educational opportunities for children to learn about Arizona history.
Historymakers
The League is proud of its efforts to preserve the histories of outstanding Arizonans through oral histories, portraits, photos, and memorabilia. The Historymakers' stories are preserved as part of Arizona's heritage at the Arizona Historical Society Museum at Papago Park. You can also read their stories by clicking here.
Welcome to Our Site
We are delighted to have you visit our website. Please spend some time with us to learn more about the League, its many projects to support the museum, and consider how you might join with us to preserve Arizona's amazing history. We also encourage you to explore our rich Arizona history by visiting the museum. Your entrance donation helps support the work of many volunteers to work to keep Arizona's history alive.