James Addison Reavis - “The Baron of Arizona”

In the acquisition of land from Spain, the United States government pledged to honor land grants already enjoyed by the people there. James Addison Reavis happened upon a scheme that would bring him wealth and recognition by preparing documents to acquire more than 18,000 square miles of central Arizona and part of New Mexico. Reavis involved his wife, Carmelita, in a very creative plan which claimed her to be the last surviving heir to the Barony of Arizona. Find out how Addison devised and executed his idea, and, how it played out.

         Presenter:  Barbara Dienes and Roland Miller                                            Printer Version
         Suitable for grades 5 thru 12 and adults.                                                   Return to Menu

Martha Summerhayes - Early Arizona

Martha Summerhayes tells the story of her four years in Arizona, 1874-1878. She came here as the bride of a career soldier at a time when the territory was not yet tamed and was dotted with military encampments; when Indian incursions were still a threat and there was no respite from the harshness of the desert; when what you ate depended upon what you could grow, catch or hunt.
There were no stores from which to buy necessities, much less any luxuries, and transportation was either by horseback, wagon or foot... yet she came to love Arizona.

         Presenter:  Barbara Dienes                                                                  Printer Version
         Suitable for grades 5 thru 12 and adults.                                               Return to Menu

Sharlot Hall: “The Voice of Arizona”

An unusual woman for her time, Sharlot Mabridth Hall moved from Kansas to the Arizona Territory in 1882. A writer, poet, and a political activist, she is the founder of the museum in Prescott, Arizona, that bears her name.

Largely self-educated, Sharlot was appointed as the Territorial Historian in 1909. You will want to hear what life was like for a woman in early Arizona. Let her share her memories as the first female appointed to a public office.

         Presenter:  Barbara Dienes                                                     Printer Version
         Suitable for grades 5 thru 12 and adults.                                  Return to Menu