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. Lectures will be held every Tuesday in January and February.
Our Winter Lecture Series is sponsored by the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, Oak St. Health, and the Friends of the Apache Junction Public Library. Thank you!
Upcoming Lectures
January 7 at 2:30 PM
Arizona Critters: Trail Cam Photos, presented by Randy Williams
Would you believe there are over 40 different wild animals in the vicinity of Apache Junction? This talk displays full-screen award-winning pics and videos of these exciting and sometimes weird critters. Also on display are blue ribbon woodcarvings of several of these local animals to enhance the experience.
January 14 at 2:30 PM
Amelia Earhart, presented by Nancy Burt
During the first half of the program, “Amelia” will arrive and share highlights of her amazing life story. After Amelia leaves, her cousin Nancy will step in to share the rest of the story. Nancy will present an interesting and educational slideshow of Amelia Earhart’s life, including audio and video clips.
January 21 at 2:30 PM
Author Talk: Birding With Benefits, presented by Sarah Dubb
A divorcee embarks on her “year of yes” and crosses paths with a shy but sensitive birdwatcher who changes her life in this charming rom-com that is perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Ali Hazelwood. Don’t miss out on an exciting book talk with the author of Birding with Benefits. It’s going to be an amazing event!
January 28 at 2:30 PM
Beyond the Kitsch: The Pervasive Spirit of Our Indigenous Creative Community, presented by Nanibaa Beck
Diné jeweler Nanibaa Beck will highlight contemporary Native American Art, focusing on eclectic indigenous creatives throughout Arizona and beyond. The presentation will leave participants with a better appreciation for the range of Native American creativity the state has to offer.
February 11 at 2:30 PM
Arizona and Immigration: Perspectives and Policy Considerations, presented by Dr. Thomas J. Davis
This presentation reviews the immigration crisis and its impact and invites reflection on how we, the people, in Arizona might best think about border and immigration policy.
February 18 at 2:30 PM
Debating Origins: Uncovering the Forgotten History of Horses in Arizona, presented by Dr. John Mack
This presentation explores the ongoing conversation about the origins of horses in Arizona, emphasizing the perspectives and insights of Indigenous Arizonans.
February 25 at 2:30 PM
Jerome: Too Stubborn to Die, presented by Jay Mark
Numerous fires, landslides, floods, labor strikes, polluted air, epidemics, Depression, recessions, financial collapse, one adversity after another. Any one of these might spell the end of a lesser community. But, in Arizona, one town survived these “near-death” experiences, and more; yet managed to survive. Some might even say, “thrive.” This presentation looks at the numerous disasters, tragedies and setbacks Jerome faced in its first ¾ century. And still come out on top. From the time in prehistory when the Sinagua’s mined copper for decoration and ornamentation, to the Spanish exploring for gold and silver, to the modern discoveries of copper riches all within Cleopatra Hill, Jerome exploded to the 4th largest city in Arizona. Less than half-a-century later, its numbers had dwindled to 243. How Jerome remade itself from a major mining center into a tourist-filled, living Ghost Town is a fascinating tale that features many seldom images.
March 4 at 2:30 PM
The History Matters: Yours Too!, presented by Dr. Pamela Stewart
Learn how “doing” a bit of history can help us understand our own value in creating change, open up possibilities for creatively moving forward, and lead towards resolving problems, whether on a small or much larger scale.