Tovrea Castle

The City of Phoenix has a rather nice web site for Tovrea Castle.

The Castle will be open for tours in the fall of 2010.

[Update: I've learned that opening date has been kicked back. Additional work is needed before the Castle and its grounds are open to the general public.]

Book Fair in Tucson

The Arizona Historical Society will be holding its annual Book Fair at the AHS Museum in Tucson on December 4 and 5.


Here is a list of the authors and info on the event.

Support Arizona History!

If you are not already a member but are interested in preserving and learning about Arizona history, you should join the Arizona Historical Society and become part of a group that has been around since 1864. Now more than ever, we need your support and involvement. You can find membership categories and benefits here.

And remember, this is a great time to give memberships in the Society to friends and associates who value Arizona's story.

If you wish to make a donation to support the Society's preservation, exhibit, and education programs, Deborah Ortiz of the Society's staff will be glad to help. Information on our donation program is here. To make a donation, please contact Deborah at (520) 617-1169 or at dortiz@azhs.gov .

Glendale's Memory Project

Here's an interesting video on the Glendale Historical Society's admirable efforts to preserve photos and memories.

And here is a gallery of some photos of old downtown Glendale.

Amerind Museum Tour

Affinity Group Tours is offering a special tour program to members of the Arizona Historical Society.

Its latest tour offering is a trip to the Amerind Museum in Dragoon on Friday, January 23, 2010. The Amerind Museum is noted for its collection of Native American art and artifacts. The tour will depart the AHS Museum at Papago Park at 7:30 a.m. and return at 5:30 p.m. Sun City and Tucson pick-ups are vailable upon request.

There is a special price for AHS members (with membership card) of $86. [Nonmembers pay $95.] The tour cost includes lunch.

Information on registration is at www.AffinityGroupTours.com or via phone at 480-544-0144.

Looking Back at The Orpheum

The Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix was built for $750,000 in 1929. That was a sizable amount of money in those days and, when you consider the year, what is known in business as very bad timing.


Here is a fact sheet on the theatre and a slide show of its architectural features. Information on the upcoming events as well as tours can be found at the Friends of the Orpheum Theatre site.

Many Thanks

Many thanks are due to Joan Robinson-Blumit, the Historical League member who, with humor, grace, and skill, designed this blog.

Without her assistance, we'd still be in the rocks and sticks stage.

Thanks, Joan!