ABOUT US

Organized in 1979, the Historical League, a 501(c)(3), is a fund-raising arm of the Arizona Historical Society Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate, at Papago Park, Tempe, Arizona. League members also support the educational, research and cultural center by volunteering in various departments. League sponsored events provide historical information and promote the Museum.

The Arizona Historical Society is Arizona's oldest cultural organization founded by the territorial legislature on November 7, 1864...charged  with preserving Arizona's history for the present and future. General Membership and Board meetings for the Historical League are held from September through June; all members are welcome to attend. Meetings are preceded by lunch and an educational program.

In depth articles, as well as League and Museum events, are featured in the OLD NED'S NEWS publication and on the website.

Local, statewide and international historical tours are a major attraction for League members and guests.

Members work on fund raising activities, conduct docent tours, help with school programs, greet visitors, answer phones, and assist staff in the departments of library and archives, collections and education. These volunteer hours supplement staffing and financial needs of the Museum and are reported to appropriate chapter and state boards.

League activities include the Fall Membership Open House, Annual Recognition Luncheon, Spring Party, Behind the Scenes and After Hours events at the Museum. Members receive invitations to exhibit openings, as well as discounts at the gift shop and on facility rentals.

The League logo is "Old Ned," a toy horse originally belonged to a small boy who became very ill. Just before he died, he gave the little horse to his mother and said, "Take care of Old Ned." In 1880, the family came to Phoenix and treasured Ned until he was given to the Museum. We, like his family, treasure important things.

Fund-Raising Activities: Each year the League sponsors various fund-raising activities to provide grants to the Museum. These donations help expand existing programs and enhance the professional quality of exhibits.

The Historymakers™ Gala and Recognition Program is a formal celebration honoring living Arizonans who have distinquished themselves in diverse areas. By contributing oral histories, portraits, photos and memorabilia, their life stories become an integral part of the Museum's archival material and Historymakers Hall and Historymakers Wall exhibits.

The Children's Holiday Party in December is a festive luncheon enjoyed by all ages. It is a day filled with entertainment, activities, games, Holiday Shoppe gifts, raffles, silent auctions, clowns and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Individual and memorial contributions may be designated to Historical League, Inc. Memorial Fund or to the Bill and Erma Bombeck Endowment Fund for At Risk Schools. The Bill and Erma Bombeck Endowment Fund was established to underwrite the cost of Living History characters, educational programs, exhibits and instructional materials. The Memorial Fund provides an opportunity to make contributions as a memorial, or in celebration of birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, or in honor of special individual accomplishments.

The League has written two cookbooks: Arizona's Cooking Heritage: An Antique and Contemporary Collection and Tastes & Treasures: A Storytelling Cookbook of Historic Arizona.

 Tell a Friend!