Our much-loved annual event, the Winter Lecture Series, has returned! See below for dates, times, and topics. All events begin at 2:30 on the date listed with no registration required.
Our Winter Lecture Series is sponsored by the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and the Friends of the Apache Junction Public Library. Thank you!
Previous Lectures
January 9
Vera Walters presents Owls of Arizona
Whooo, whooo calls in the night? You guessed it? Owls! Come to the first of the Winter Lecture Series and see some of the many owls that we have in Arizona, maybe in your backyard. Vera Walters will share many interesting facts and stories about this fascinating bird and tell you where you can meet them face-to-face.
January 16
Laura Tohe presents Talking Code with a Secret Weapon: Navajo Code Talkers Speak
During WWII a group of young Navajo men enlisted in the Marines, unaware that they would develop a secret code against the Japanese military. This select group of Code Talkers devised a Navajo language code that was accurate, quick, never broken, and saved many American lives. Over twenty years passed after their discharge before Code Talkers were honored for their service by U.S. Presidents and the Navajo Nation.
January 23
Jay Craváth presents Rivers of Dreams: Songs and Stories of Arizona’s Waterways
The Colorado, the Gila, the Salt, the Verde, the Hassayampa, the Santa Cruz: Arizona’s rivers were lush green ribbons of life flowing through a desert landscape. Dr. Cravath weaves narrative, history, music, and images to share the stories of these vital resources.
January 30
Rodo Sofronac presents Take A Hike! Explore, Enhance, and Experience Your Understanding of Arizona
There are only eleven designated national scenic trails in the United States. Our Grand Canyon State has one of them—the Arizona National Scenic Trail! In this discussion, participants will have opportunities to: explore the history of the creation of Arizona’s greatest volunteer project and enhance their knowledge of Arizona’s diverse geography, animals, plants, and especially people.
February 6
John Mack presents The Selling of the Grand Canyon: the Santa Fe, Harvey Company and the El Tovar
Although American scientists, artists, writers, fur traders, and explorers had been visiting the Southwest since the early 19th century, the arrival of the railroads eased access, which in turn increased interest in both the natural and human history of the region. This presentation discusses efforts to coordinate, sustain, and profit from American interest in the region. Together the Railroad and Harvey Company played a pivotal role in creating the dominant mythology of the American Southwest.
February 13
Christine Reid presents Arizona Snake Oil Salesmen, Scams, and Hoaxes
Entrepreneurs offering assorted “get rich quick” schemes and “cure-alls” have visited Arizona since the early days. Benefitting from tales of abundant resources in the territory, limited law enforcement and communication, a scoundrel could create enticing promises of wealth and health without much external oversight. This program illustrates through newspaper articles, quotes, photographs and ephemera, some of the most famous, and some of the lesser-known, embarrassing scams and hoaxes that have found gullible Arizonans.
February 20
Gary Nine presents an Opie & Cleigh Book Talk
As a beloved Apache Junction community member, local author Gary Nine’s book Opie & Cleigh has captured the attention of many, boasting 4.9 stars on Amazon and 4.75 stars on Goodreads. Join us for an author talk, Q&A, and book signing. Books available for purchase and signing at the event.
February 27
Ethan Brown presents Water Conservation and Availability in Apache Junction
Water availability and conservation is an important topic for Sonoran Desert communities including Apache Junction. Join water conservation specialists from the Arizona Water Company and the Apache Junction Water District to learn about the ways water is handled in your community.