​Hellraising, Heroic and Hidden Women of the Old West

Juniper Library
Saturday, April 14 from 2 to 3 p.m.

Desert Broom Library
Thursday, April 26 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Although history tries to tell us ONLY men settled the Old West,  Jana Bommersbach will shatter this narrative with her tour through some of the amazing women who made all the difference. Any woman who came West in the 1800s had to be full of grit and spit to survive and Jana has collected the stories of dozens of women who prove it. Ever heard of Donaldina Cameron or Biddy Mason? Sharlot Hall or Pearl Hart—Arizona’s infamous stagecoach robber? Jana reveals the contributions of women like Lozen, the Apache warrior considered the “Joan of Arc” of her people, and Terrisita, the most famous Mexican woman in the nation at the turn of the century. Meeting these women, you will never think of the Old West the same again! 

​Set in Stone But Not in Meaning: Southwestern Indian Rock Art

Heard Museum
Saturday, May 5 from 1 to 2 p.m.

Ancient Indian pictographs (rock paintings) and petroglyphs (symbols carved or pecked on rocks) are claimed by some to be forms of writing for which meanings are known. However, are such claims supported by archaeology or by Native Americans themselves? Mr. Dart illustrates southwestern petroglyphs and pictographs, and discusses how even the same rock art symbol may be interpreted differently from popular, scientific, and modern Native American perspectives.  Provided by funding from the AZ Humanities and the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library. Register for this program. 

​Arizona Goes to the Moon

Mesquite Library
Saturday, May 19 from 2 to 3 p.m.

Arizona played a key role in preparing to send humans to the moon in the late 1960s/early 1970s. The Apollo astronauts themselves traveled to the Grand Canyon and volcanic fields around the state to learn geology and practice their lunar excursions. Meanwhile, U.S. Geological Survey engineers worked with NASA staff members to develop and test instruments while artists joined forces with scientists to create detailed maps of the moon that were critical to navigating around lunar surface.