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Pre-Conference Workshops, Conference Sessions, and Events

2025 Preserve AZ Conference, Phoenix

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Wednesday, May 14, 2025

 

Morning

  • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Cultural Landscapes Tribal Listening Session, Community Room, S'edav Va'aki Museum, 4619 E. Washington St. (contact Mary-Ellen Walsh to register) This year's workshop will have traditional indigenous knowledge experts leading discussions about the critical need to address cultural landscape studies for large infrastructure projects. We are hopeful that the contribution of tribes will help lay the groundwork for a more holistic approach to authoring inventory reports and historic property treatment plans, an archaeological approach that recognizes the need for sustained collaboration with tribes through all phases of the Section 106 process.

  • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Historic Artifacts Workshop, A.E. England Building, 424 N. Central Ave. Historical archaeology examines human behavior through material remains (artifacts) and the written record (archival research), incorporating concepts from multiple disciplines, such as history, geography, and ethnography. Through the interaction of material remains and available archival records, historical archaeologists seek to document the fabric of everyday life, while simultaneously contributing to the understanding of regional social development. For more than two decades, members of the Historical Archaeology Advisory Committee (HAAC) have sought to better inform archaeologists, site stewards, and avocationists on the importance of adequate field documentation of historical artifacts in order to better interpret and evaluate historical sites on which they occur. For this year’s Preserve AZ Conference, HAAC will host an interactive exhibit that offers a personal, hands-on approach to the identification of historical artifacts. HAAC members will be available to answer any questions about artifacts and historical resources (i.e., sites, historical in-use structures, buildings, and objects), to share information on published reports, and to distribute reference materials and handouts and other materials.

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Afternoon

  • 9 a.m. to Noon, Preparing a National Register Nomination: From Basics to Best Practices Bureaucracy to Business, Room 128, ASU Cronkite Building, 555 N. Central Ave. State Historic Preservation Office historian Bill Collins and guest speakers will provide in-depth training on how to nominate a property to the National Register of Historic Places. Topics of this training will include a detailed examination of the National Register Registration Form and its requirements, a description of National Park Service guidance documents intended to identify both basic concepts and advice for best practices, and a thorough layout of the nomination process from preparation of the registration form to review by the Keeper of the National Register. Also participating will be speaker panels representing important aspects of the nomination process, including local historic preservation offices, the Arizona Historic Sites Review Committee, and professional historic preservation consultants. Participation by staff of the Keeper of the National Register is anticipated.

  • 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Assessment & Repairs of Plastered Adobe Buildings, 1938 WPA Building at Arizona State Fairgrounds, McDowell Rd at 17th Ave. Using the historic 1930s WPA Building, participants will learn how mid-20th century efforts to preserve adobe structures using cement plaster veneers came about, and what unforeseen problems developed from this approach. After reviewing recent condition assessments of the building, we’ll remove some of the delaminated sections of veneer, and discuss treatments for the underlying adobe substrate. We’ll finish by working with both mud and lime plasters to protect the exposed areas. Participants will have an opportunity to work hands-on with the tools & materials.

  • 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Certified Local Government Commissioner Training, Room 128, ASU Cronkite Building, 555 N. Central Ave. For 2025, Certified Local Government (CLG) training will focus on design review for historic resources. When remodels, modifications, new construction, or redevelopment is planned for historic districts or resources, it can be difficult to know what the next steps should be. We will have a primer on Arizona architectural styles, how to understand historic character, and examples of how historic buildings change over time. We will also learn how to evaluate potential changes to historic residential and commercial resources, and how to guide those changes to meet modern needs while still maintaining the character that makes our historic places authentic and unique. This training is intended for CLG commissioners, municipal staff members, and anyone involved with preservation at the local level.

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Evening

  • 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Elisabeth Ruffner Keystone Award for Community Leadership Reception, The Abbey on Monroe, 302 W. Monroe St.

  • 8 p.m., Meetup at State 48 Brewery (historic Welnick Arcade Market), 345 W. Van Buren St. For those not ready to call it a night, head on over to State 48 Brewery for an after-reception gathering.

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Thursday, May 15, 2025

 

Early Morning

  • 6:30 a.m to 7:30 a.m., Park of Four Waters Tour, S'edav Va'aki Museum, 4619 E. Washington St. This tour will take you on a walk through undeveloped, natural desert to the ruins of prehistoric Ancestral Sonoran Desert People (Hohokam) canal systems.

  • 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., Masonic Temple Tour, 345 West Monroe St. Dedicated in 1925, the Phoenix Masonic Temple is housed in a prominent Neo-Classical building. Led by tour guide and lodge member Vic Olson, the tour will take you through the masonic museum and library, dining and entertainment halls, and lodge rooms.

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Morning

  • 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., Welcome & Plenary featuring Sehila Mota Casper, Latinos for Heritage Conservation, ASU Beus Center for Law and Society, 111 E. Taylor St. Voces de Cambio: Latinx Stories Reshaping Preservation

  • 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Break

  • 10:30 a.m. to 11:40 a.m., Commemorating Arizona’s Role in America's Semiquincentennial, Room 140, ASU Beus Center for Law and Society, 111 E. Taylor St. Join the Arizona America250 Commission and panelists to explore key initiatives commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. This session will highlight the commission’s key initiatives and tentpole projects, such as the Traveling Museum, Passport 250 app, and the Legacy Historic Preservation projects, offering valuable opportunities for collaboration and community involvement. The panel will feature Arizona America250 subcommittee members sharing strategies for engagement and public participation. Discussion will include insights into project planning, partnership opportunities, and recommendations for creating impactful legacy projects. The panel will also include a historian to provide context for Arizona’s contributions to U.S. history and its significance leading into 2026. Participants will leave with guidance on how their organizations can get involved in Arizona’s Semiquincentennial celebration and help shape a more inclusive and engaging narrative of our state’s history.

  • 10:30 a.m. to 11:40 a.m., An Introduction to the Western Chapter of the Association for Preservation Technology and Why We're Fun!, Room 121, ASU Cronkite Building, 555 N. Central Ave. WCAPT promotes the interchange of ideas and knowledge concerning preservation of historic buildings, structures, sites, landscapes, museum artifacts, and related materials. The session will provide an introduction to the WCAPT, what they do, and how participation at events or as a member can support your career goals and objectives through networking and education opportunities.

  • 10:30 a.m. to 11:40 a.m., Home of Harmony at Fort Apache – Rehabilitation Case Study, Room 122, ASU Cronkite Building, 555 N. Central Ave. The Home of Harmony Rehabilitation Project is an adaptive reuse of Building 116 on the Fort Apache campus in western Arizona. SWABACK was chosen to lead the reuse of this National Historic Landmark contributing structure. The Neoclassical stone building was built in 1933 as a boys’ dormitory. The site has been used by the Apaches for hundreds of years. In a darker chapter in our Nation’s history, the fort was established in the late 19th century by U.S. forces to conquer the indigenous population. Later, the erection of dorms for the Theodore Rosevelt Indian Boarding School was another injustice to the Tribe via the assimilation of their children. The Fort Apache Heritage Foundation, a non-profit chartered by the White Mountain Apache Tribe, envisions Building 116 as a home for office spaces, apartments, and assembly space. It is a keystone of their efforts to preserve tribal heritage and foster economic development.

  • 10:30 a.m. to 11:40 a.m., A 360-Degree Approach to Virtual Site Visits, Room 125, ASU Cronkite Building, 555 N. Central Ave. Site visits are essential for agency and Tribal staff to understand how cultural resources are situated on the landscape. Archaeological site visits, especially those in remote locations or accessible over rough terrain, are increasingly difficult to coordinate, and visiting industrial historic buildings and structures can pose health and safety concerns that require extensive protective equipment and training. Borrowing 360-degree LiDAR camera technology from the facility management and real estate sectors, the presenters describe and demonstrate approach to capturing high resolution scenes and models that afford an opportunity for meaningful and immersive virtual visits. The presentation will be followed with a discussion about Tribal perspectives on virtual technology and the pros and cons of these types of site visits.

  • 10:30 a.m. to 11:40 a.m., Getting Students to Dig it: an Archaeology-based Interdisciplinary Curriculum for Upper Elementary Classrooms, Room 128, ASU Cronkite Building, 555 N. Central Ave. Basic concepts and materials for 9-week interdisciplinary curriculum, tied to Arizona State Educational Standards, designed for 5th-8th graders. The program covers cultural resource principles and ethics, cultures, artifacts, scientific method, and hands-on creation and excavation of "sites" and interpretation of the materials recovered.

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Noon Hour

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Early Afternoon

  • 1:40 p.m. to 2:50 p.m., Arizona's Betsy Ross: The Legacy and Future of the May Hicks Curtis House, Room 140, ASU Beus Center for Law and Society, 111 E. Taylor St. Join us for an inspiring session that explores the remarkable legacy of May Hicks Curtis Hill, often hailed as Arizona's Betsy Ross. Discover how she profoundly influenced Flagstaff's early history through her contributions to art, culture, community, and commerce. An assistant postmaster and accomplished photographer, May's most notable achievement was sewing Arizona's first state flag, proudly displayed at the State Capitol Museum. This session will explore the history of the May Hicks Curtis House, a significant property facing imminent demolition. Learn about the collaborative efforts and innovative partnerships working diligently to relocate, rehabilitate, and preserve this historic home ensuring May Hicks Curtis Hill's legacy endures for future generations.

  • 1:40 p.m. to 2:50 p.m., Innovation in Historic Preservation Outreach, Room 121, ASU Cronkite Building, 555 N. Central Ave. This session will explore new and exciting ways to engage advocates and communities in historic preservation. Topics include demystifying historic preservation, empowering underrecognized communities, and engaging youth. Asami Robledo-Allen Yamamoto of Latinos in Heritage Conservation (LHC) will provide an overview of the Latinx Preservation Toolkit, a virtual resource that introduces people of all ages to the principles and practices of historic preservation, encompassing both community-led preservation and mainstream approaches. Cletus Montoya of the City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office will discuss the city’s initiative to create an HP 101 series to engage and educate the public on historic preservation topics, with a focus on the local level. Kellie Rorex and Matthew Kriegl of the City of Mesa will discuss their annual youth student essay and visual arts contest which creatively engages youth with the concepts of local history and historic preservation. With real world examples, this session explores forward-looking outreach programs that can be adapted and expanded for your own use.

  • 1:40 p.m. to 2:50 p.m., Historic Benson: A Small Community Balancing Historic and Contemporary Needs, Room 122, ASU Cronkite Building, 555 N. Central Ave. This session will cover the process of creating Benson's recent historic preservation plan from preparation to completion. The presentation will first cover the initial planning phase, and the creative efforts employed to engage the public. The session will also discuss the formation of a plan that focused on the role of preservation and urban planning in a small community, and how it addressed the integration of history and contemporary needs in modern day Benson.

  • 1:40 p.m. to 2:50 p.m., Consultation Basics – State Historic Preservation Act Part 1, Room 125, ASU Cronkite Building, 555 N. Central Ave. Why, when, and how to consult with SHPO pursuant to the State Historic Preservation Act.

  • 1:40 p.m. to 2:50 p.m., A Tri-University Collaborative: Engaging the Next Generation in Historic Preservation Compliance, Room 128, ASU Cronkite Building, 555 N. Central Ave. Arizona’s three major universities – Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University – have joined forces to meet State Historic Preservation Act (SHPA) compliance while providing students across multiple disciplines with hands-on experience in historic preservation. This session will explore how students from architecture, heritage conservation, sustainable built environments, and related fields are actively involved in reviewing campus building inventories, researching historical significance, and completing Historic Property documentation to assess eligibility for local, state, and national registers. Learn how this interdisciplinary collaboration between universities and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) not only fulfills compliance requirements but also cultivates future preservationists and sustainability advocates by integrating heritage conservation, adaptive reuse, and responsible stewardship of the built environment into the student experience.

  • 2:50 p.m. to 3:10 p.m., Break 

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Mid-Afternoon

  • 3:10 p.m. to 4:20 p.m., Where is South Phoenix and Why Does it Matter?, Room 140, ASU Beus Center for Law and Society, 111 E. Taylor St. Since 2017, students, faculty, and researchers affiliated with South Mountain Community College have been investigating the history of South Phoenix, primarily through the auspices of the South Phoenix Oral History Project. The South Phoenix Oral History Project was founded by twelve community college students in 2017, in an effort to capture and preserve the history of their own community. In researching the story of the diverse and understudied neighborhoods surrounding South Mountain Community College, hundreds of students have run into this question time and time again: “Where is South Phoenix?” Using archival research, oral histories, and community surveys, this paper defines the geographic and historical boundaries of South Phoenix. Traditionally marginalized and environmentally burdened, South Phoenix was shaped by both a complex history of racial segregation and by thriving community traditions. Today, South Phoenix faces an uncertain future full of promise and potential loss.

  • 3:10 p.m. to 4:20 p.m., Future Anterior: New Strategies on Education and Preservation at the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Room 121, ASU Cronkite Building, 555 N. Central Ave. From its inception, Taliesin West, situated in the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale, was not only a winter home for Frank Lloyd Wright and his apprentices, but also their “desert laboratory.” It was a space for architectural experimentation and immersive education, a space for “learning by doing” and building a sense of community. Today, these values are deeply embedded in the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation’s approach to preservation and the higher education work of the Taliesin Institute. This session will illustrate the ways that the Taliesin Institute and the Preservation team currently work together to create innovative opportunities to continue Wright’s legacy of “learning by doing” through partnerships and exchange that advance the preservation work of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will provide a brief history of education and the Fellowship at Taliesin West, showcase recent and dynamic case studies, and facilitate an open discussion about future pathways at the intersection of preservation and education.

  • 3:10 p.m. to 4:20 p.m., Rediscovering Place through Story Maps, Social Media and Documentary, Room 122, ASU Cronkite Building, 555 N. Central Ave. As managers of change, heritage conservationists are often being called upon to tell the stories of groups not included in original historic district nominations, or of treasured places that no longer exist. Learn how social media, AI, story maps, short format documentaries and other technological innovations can help bring these lesser-known stories to light. Her documentary short, Legacy of A Mural, set in Clifton, Arizona will be shown.

  • 3:10 p.m. to 4:20 p.m., Consultation Basics - State Historic Preservation Act Part 2, Room 125, ASU Cronkite Building, 555 N. Central Ave. Why, when, and how to consult with SHPO pursuant to the State Historic Preservation Act.

  • 3:10 p.m. to 4:20 p.m., How ASU Stays Innovative Through Continual Renewal and Regeneration; A Look at the Built Environment and its Adaptations through History, Room 128, ASU Cronkite Building, 555 N. Central Ave. This presentation explores how Arizona State University (ASU) remains at the forefront of innovation through continual renewal and regeneration of its built environment. By examining key adaptations throughout ASU’s history, it highlights the university’s commitment to sustainability, technological advancement, and preservation. The discussion covers how ASU balances historic structures with cutting-edge facilities, fostering a dynamic campus that evolves to meet the needs of students, faculty, and the community. Case studies illustrate ASU’s approach to adaptive reuse, smart infrastructure, and resilient design, ensuring long-term relevance in a rapidly changing world. The presentation underscores how these efforts align with ASU’s mission to lead in education, research, and environmental responsibility, demonstrating that innovation in the built environment is essential for progress. Through strategic planning and a forward-thinking mindset, ASU exemplifies how institutions can thrive by embracing change while respecting their historical foundations.

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Evening

  • 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Governor's Heritage Preservation Honor Awards, Herberger Theater, 222 E. Monroe Ave. (doors open at 4:30 p.m.; awards begin at 5 p.m.) 

  • 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Reception, Arizona Center, 455 N. 3rd St.

  • 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., Historic Downtown Phoenix Walking Tour, meet at 1 E. Washington St. Setting out from Cityscape with tour guide Patrick McDaniel, this 3/4 mile loop walking tour will head north on Central to Van Buren and back to 1st Avenue hitting concentrations of historic commercial buildings, including one from the late 19th century (remodeled to International Style in the 1930s) to the 1970s.

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Friday, May 16, 2025

 

Morning

  • 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., Welcome, General Session, and Keynote with Ben Barnes, Chief of the Shawnee Tribe, ASU Cronkite Building, 555 N. Central Ave.

  • 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Westward Ho Tour, meet at A.E. England Building, 424 N. Central Ave. 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Westward Ho Tour, meet in front of A.E. England Building. This tour, led by Patrick McDaniel, will set out from the A.E. England Building and head north to 618 N. Central Ave., the location of the iconic ca. 1929 Hotel Westward Ho. The building was converted to subsidized elderly housing with ASU renting ground floor space for a clinic, office, and event space. The project is considered an exceptional example of adaptive reuse demonstrating the ability of historic properties to provide affordable housing. The tour will visit ground floor spaces of the former hotel.

  • 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Break

  • 10:30 a.m. to 11:40 a.m., ​Preservation of the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, Room 140, ASU Beus Center for Law and Society, 111 E. Taylor St. Learn about the preservation of the 1882 Cochise County Courthouse, today an Arizona State Historic Park. We will focus on the preservation of the building and include time for questions and answers. This includes a brief history of the building, the restoration of the building, the courthouse becoming an Arizona State Historic Park, and the continued preservation of this resource. Also discussed will be a 3D scan of the building and recent and future restoration projects for the building. We will also mention interpretation of the park and educational opportunities at the park.

  • 10:30 a.m. to 11:40 a.m., Barrio Stories – The Reason Why Our History is Important, Room 121, ASU Cronkite Building, 555 N. Central Ave. Our presentation will center around the mission of our site. We share, document, and preserve the stories of the vanishing barrios of Arizona. Many decades ago, the Hispanic barrios were thriving communities. Through the ages these barrios have disappeared. These barrios no longer exist because of city expansion and progress. Eminent domain forced many families to relocate far from their comfortable surroundings. Our site has helped neighbors and families reconnect. They share their stories of growing up in the barrios. Much of our history is NOT documented. We feel the need to share and preserve this part of history.

  • 10:30 a.m. to 11:40 a.m., PMM: Practical Education for the Next Generation of Preservation Professionals, Room 122, ASU Cronkite Building, 555 N. Central Ave. First class historic preservation requires a qualified cohort of professionals carefully trained in the subtleties of the preservation process. In Arizona, we are fortunate to have an extraordinary group of skilled professionals; but as that cohort ages, are we prepared to pass on that expertise and experience to the next generation? Reading the Secretary of the Interiors Standards, preservation appears to be a straightforward enterprise. However, those in daily preservation practice know that those Standards are filled with ambiguity and a range of interpretations. Unfortunately, the university programs in Arizona have not been able to fill this void. It is only through a broad range of real-world project experience, wrestling with the best path forward in the context of those Standards, that a true preservation understanding emerges. Representatives from the preservation practice of Poster Mirto McDonald will discuss how their multi-generational team works together to prepare young architects and planners for their preservation future.

  • 10:30 a.m. to 11:40 a.m., Preserving Sunnyslope, Room 125, ASU Cronkite Building, 555 N. Central Ave. In this session you will hear how the Sunnyslope Historical Society has been preserving their community. From how to run a small museum and maintain your values. Learn how SHS changed the media's thoughts on historic preservation and its value to the community. In the past two years they have done events that become standing room only with different speakers that are local celebrities such as Pat McMahon, Mary Jo West, and more. As well as their relationship with other historical institutions and how they work together. Finally, the properties they are working on getting historic status in Sunnyslope.

  • 10:30 a.m. to 11:40 a.m., Roundtable Discussion: Building the Future of Historic Preservation Education, Room 128, ASU Cronkite Building, 555 N. Central Ave. Join preservation advocates, park educators, archaeologists, cultural resource managers, museum educators, and federal and state historic preservation professionals for a dynamic roundtable discussion. Together, we’ll explore innovative ways to engage K-12 students in prehistory and historic preservation through formal and informal education pathways. This session will highlight existing programs like Arizona Project Archaeology, JTED, the Arizona Conservation Corps, and national initiatives like the Preserve America Youth Summit, offering insights on integrating preservation into lesson plans, camps, and competitions. Attendees will discuss strategies for creating a cohesive heritage education pipeline that nurtures the next generation of preservationists, emphasizing hands-on experiences, mentorships, and STEM integration. Whether you’re an educator, practitioner, or advocate, this roundtable is your chance to collaborate and share ideas for empowering youth to preserve Arizona’s rich history and cultural heritage. Let’s inspire the preservation leaders of tomorrow!

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Noon Hour

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Early Afternoon

  • 1:40 p.m. to 2:50 p.m., The Stabilization & Refinishing of the East Bell Tower of Mission San Xavier del Bac, 2021-2022 Part 1, Room 140, ASU Beus Center for Law and Society, 111 E. Taylor St. From March 2021 through April 2022 the iconic ‘unfinished’ East Bell Tower of Mission San Xavier del Bac, on the Tohono O’odham Nation, underwent a comprehensive stabilization and refinishing project. An innovative method was used to seismically strengthen the unreinforced masonry structure: basalt reinforcing. Basalt rock is melted and spun into fiber, to create both rebar and mesh. The result is non-metallic reinforcing -- therefore non-corrosive and non-conductive. The work was a collaboration of Vint & Assoc. Architects and Means Design & Building of Tucson, under contract to the Patronato San Xavier as project sponsor. The East Tower was the last remaining architectural element of the Mission encased in Portland cement plaster dating to the 1950s. Scope of work included removal of cement; repair of original low-fire brick beneath; seismic stabilization with basalt reinforcing, including a bond-beam at the unrestrained top of the tower; and refinishing with lime/sand/nopal plaster.

  • 1:40 p.m. to 2:50 p.m., Neon – A Bright Idea in Heritage Tourism, Room 121, ASU Cronkite Building, 555 N. Central Ave. For more than nine decades, neon provided the most brilliant, colorful and reliable light for outdoor signage. With the introduction of L.E.D.s in the 2010's, the artistry, complexity, and cost of producing spelled an end to commercial neon. But, recently there has been a revived interest in historic neon. Working closely with the Mesa Preservation Foundation, the City of Mesa has taken a leadership role in restoring and returning historic neon signs to public display in the Valley. In the early spring, five iconic signs were permanently installed in the Neon Garden behind the recently restored 1936 Federal Post Office building. In just a short time, visitorship to Mesa has been instrumental in bringing new dollars into the city's revived downtown. Joining Casa Grande and Tucson’s public display of neon, Mesa is the latest to capitalize on the revived interest in this commercial art form. This session explores intriguing ways it can be achieved in your city.

  • 1:40 p.m. to 2:50 p.m., Designing Infill Housing in a Historic Neighborhood, Room 122, ASU Cronkite Building, 555 N. Central Ave. An infill duplex project in the Garfield Historic District, designed and permitted by Taz Khatri Studios, was built in 2024 after two years of obtaining entitlements and approvals from the City of Phoenix. The duplex is built behind an existing house that contributes to the historic district. This proposed session is about how the duplex was designed to be compatible with the scale and historic context of the neighborhood. More broadly it is about how we can add much needed housing and density in historic districts while being sensitive to the historic fabric of the area. The session will also touch on the planning challenges of keeping the duplex one-story so that it fit in with the surrounding one-story historic single-family houses while meeting the zoning requirements for multifamily housing.

  • 1:40 p.m. to 2:50 p.m., The Archaeology of Legacy Data: Unraveling New Perspectives Through Effective CRM Data Management, Room 125, ASU Cronkite Building, 555 N. Central Ave. In Cultural Resource Management, legacy data presents an exciting frontier for advancing archaeological research. The growing prominence of the FAIR (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability) principles has created vital discussions on the ethical stewardship of archaeological data—ensuring that data is not only preserved but accessible for future inquiry. For CRM professionals, legacy datasets, spanning multiple projects, firms, and generations of research on the same site, offer a unique opportunity to tackle emerging questions using existing resources. However, managing these datasets—maintained by different firms or institutions—can lead to challenges: from delays and costly redundancies to potential loss of archaeological information. This session will explore innovative strategies for overcoming these hurdles, demonstrating how new research avenues can be unlocked by revisiting legacy data. Additionally, we will discuss the potential for a standardized approach to data collection and preservation, promoting long-term accessibility, and enhancing the collaborative potential of archaeological data.

  • 1:40 p.m. to 2:50 p.m., Archaeological Education in the State of Arizona Part 1, Room 128, ASU Cronkite Building, 555 N. Central Ave. Archaeologists from a variety of institutions across Arizona will address the current state of archaeological education in the American Southwest. With a focus on undergraduate students, we will discuss our ongoing projects and programs to address how archaeologists across the state are preparing the next generation of students for work in cultural resource management, government archaeology, archives and museums, heritage management and historic preservation, academic research and graduate school, and other related fields.

  • 2:50 p.m. to 3:10 p.m., Break 

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Mid-Afternoon

  • 3:10 p.m. to 4:20 p.m., ​The Stabilization & Refinishing of the East Bell Tower of Mission San Xavier del Bac, 2021-2022 Part 2, Room 140, ASU Beus Center for Law and Society, 111 E. Taylor St. From March 2021 through April 2022 the iconic ‘unfinished’ East Bell Tower of Mission San Xavier del Bac, on the Tohono O’odham Nation, underwent a comprehensive stabilization and refinishing project. An innovative method was used to seismically strengthen the unreinforced masonry structure: basalt reinforcing. Basalt rock is melted and spun into fiber, to create both rebar and mesh. The result is non-metallic reinforcing -- therefore non-corrosive and non-conductive. The work was a collaboration of Vint & Assoc. Architects and Means Design & Building of Tucson, under contract to the Patronato San Xavier as project sponsor. The East Tower was the last remaining architectural element of the Mission encased in Portland cement plaster dating to the 1950s. Scope of work included removal of cement; repair of original low-fire brick beneath; seismic stabilization with basalt reinforcing, including a bond-beam at the unrestrained top of the tower; and refinishing with lime/sand/nopal plaster.

  • 3:10 p.m. to 4:20 p.m., Funding Resources Throughout the State, Room 121, ASU Cronkite Building, 555 N. Central Ave. Funding is always a concern for historic preservation, and funding sources are not always available when we need them. This is why it is so important to know of a wide range of groups who can provide resources to assist with your projects. Join us for a conversation with various organizations who provide funding and resources throughout Arizona. Guest speakers will discuss the resources their organizations can provide. In this session you will hear from those who work directly with the State Parks Heritage Fund, Local First Arizona Economic Resource Center, Arizona Community Foundation, and Arizona Humanities.

  • 3:10 p.m. to 4:20 p.m., Gold Spot Market Restoration as a Neighborhood Landmark that Honors History while Supporting Contemporary Needs, Room 122, ASU Cronkite Building, 555 N. Central Ave. The Gold Spot Market historic restoration revitalized a key neighborhood corner of the City of Phoenix Roosevelt Historic District, and helped preserve an important part of its neighborhood fabric and be a key to its rejuvenation. For over 20 years the once vibrant commercial center stood vacant and in disrepair. Previous attempts had been made to rejuvenate the site, but all required partial or complete demolition. The extensive building evaluation showed that it could be restored will be demonstrated. The restoration included major building stabilization and historic reconstruction that includes reconstruction of removed key street entry corner and custom glass storefronts. Today the Gold Spot is a functional symbol of the community's vibrant character.

  • 3:10 p.m. to 4:20 p.m., The Gatekeepers: Zanjeros and their Houses, Room 125, ASU Cronkite Building, 555 N. Central Ave. The last historic SRP Zanjero House near 40th and Washington streets in Phoenix was lost to fire in July 2023. This retrospective presentation discusses SRP’s oldest job – the Zanjero – and explores their history, stories, the houses they lived in, and their essential and on-going role in delivering water to the Phoenix metropolitan area. The presentation will be followed by an audience discussion with SRP and Bureau of Reclamation staff to gather community input regarding the public interpretation or other mitigation to resolve the adverse effect of the loss of the last SRP zanjero house.

  • 3:10 p.m. to 4:20 p.m., Archaeological Education in the State of Arizona Part 2, Room 128, ASU Cronkite Building, 555 N. Central Ave. Archaeologists from a variety of institutions across Arizona will address the current state of archaeological education in the American Southwest. With a focus on undergraduate students, we will discuss our ongoing projects and programs to address how archaeologists across the state are preparing the next generation of students for work in cultural resource management, government archaeology, archives and museums, heritage management and historic preservation, academic research and graduate school, and other related fields.

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Late Afternoon/Evening​

  • 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Phoenix Indian School Visitor Center Tour, Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Rd. Located on the grounds of Steele Indian School Park in the former Phoenix Indian School band building, the visitor's center tells the authentic story of the Indian Boarding School experience. Take advantage of seeing the visitor center in advance of attending Trivia Night in the adjacent Memorial Hall. Donations welcome for nonprofit recipient.

  • 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Trivia Night, Memorial Hall, Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Rd. Located on the grounds of Steele Indian School Park, Memorial Hall was constructed as an auditorium in 1922 and is now operated by the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department.

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Saturday, May 17, 2025

 

Morning

  • 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Roosevelt Historic District Tour, meet at 1242 N. Central Ave. This walking tour will set out from the 1917 Ellis-Shackelford House with Kevin Weight and Maura Jackson from the City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office on a 1.5 mile loop highlighting the District and end with an exclusive look inside the Ellis-Shackelford House, home to Arizona Humanities.

  • 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., The Square PHX (formerly Heritage Square) Tour, 113 N. 6th St. Historian Sarah Machette will lead you through this detailed tour of The Square PHX (formerly Heritage Square), the oldest remaining residential block in Phoenix with ten fully-restored buildings. Learn about the significance of these historic buildings. Meet outside the Visitor Center, located at the Carriage House just to the south of Rosson House to meet Sarah. Parking available at the Hertiage Square Garage. Bring your ticket for discounted validation. Metered parking available.

  • 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Grand Avenue Commercial Historic District Tour, meet at 1117 Grand Ave. Join Preserve Phoenix and Arizona Preservation Foundation volunteers for a tour of the newly-listed Grand Avenue Commercial Historic District. The tour highlights key aspects of listing for this linear district. Grand Avenue has a unique history that spans from 1887 to 1975 and has resources from three distinct historic periods. The guided walking tour starts and ends at the Phoenix Trolley Museum, 1117 Grand Ave., and will cover a substantial part of the district between Van Buren and Roosevelt streets.

  • 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Highrises: The Luhrs Legacy & Southwestern Art Deco Lecture and Gallery, meet at 45 W. Jefferson St., 2nd Floor. Discover the details of towering Jazz Age gems as you’ve never seen them before with digital artist Chris Hytha and skyscraper historian Mark Houser. Don’t miss author and skyscraper historian Mark Houser speaking at the pop-up Highrises exhibit on May 17 at 11 a.m. Houser will dive into the history of the Art Deco Luhrs Tower and how the Luhrs family helped change rural Phoenix into the urban landscape that it is today. Also gain access to the gallery Hytha’s curated pieces from the Highirises collection that highlight southwestern influence on Art Deco design. Also on display is a history exhibit on the Luhr’s family legacy, one of the state’s pioneer families that helped change rural Phoenix into the urban landscape that it is today. Learn about the history of Art Deco design and how it impacted more than the architecture of the 1920s and 1930s with examples of fashion, industrial design, music, and more. For more information visit phoenixartdeco.org 

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Coming Soon!

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Due to unforeseen circumstances, times and locations of sessions may change. Check the online app for the most updated information.

 

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