Welcome Grand Canyon History Enthusiasts!
The Grand Canyon Historical Society celebrates and promotes the study and preservation of the
Grand Canyon region's cultural and natural history for the education and enjoyment of its members and the public.

Help support Grand Canyon Historical Society by becoming a member.
You can join and/or make a donation on our  Membership Page.

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NEWS

New Officers and Board Members

​At the GCHS Annual Members Meeting, held virtually on January 11, the 2025 board was seated and new officers selected.

President: Tom Sulpizio
Vice-President: Davy Crockett
Secretary: Mari Carlos
​Treasurer: Robert Lauzon

John Hasha
​Dave Mortenson
Wayne Ranney
Alan Petersen
​Kevin Schindler

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GCHS Research Grant in 2024 Awarded to ​Annie Shirley

The Grand Canyon Historical Society (GCHS) awards  grants for support of research involving history, historic or environmental preservation in the Grand Canyon region.

Annie Shirley works as a seasonal Visitor Services Assistant in the Interpretation and Resources Educational Division for the Village District at Grand Canyon National Park.  Annie will be transitioning in April into a seasonal Park Ranger position at Desert View District for the summer season.
The GCHS grant would go towards the Interpretation and Resource Education Division's oral history project.  This project aims to interview and record the life stories of people who have connections to Grand Canyon National Park, especially people who work here but may be retiring or close to retirement.
The GCHS grant would help pay for the costs associated with recording and preserving oral history interviews, such as paying interviewees for their time and any travel (if applicable).  The intention is to conduct interviews with at least 8 to 10 individuals, and copies of audio files and transcripts would be provided to the GCHS.
Congratulations to Annie for this award and most worthy oral history program.

​Click Here for More Information on how to apply for future grants

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GCHS is on Facebook 
Posting historical trivia and information on upcoming events at, or about, Grand Canyon, its pioneers, and our members.

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A Resource for Guides
Board member Rich Turner has been making presentations about the GCHS to river guides.  Download the new pamphlet he created to promote the Society to the next generation of members.  gchs_handout_for_river_guides_-_2024.pdf

EVENTS

Arizona History Convention
Saturday, April 5, 2025
Tempe History Museum and Library Complex
809 East Southern Avenue, Tempe, Arizona
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For details on the convention, please visit the Arizona History website at:
https://arizonahistory.org/2025-call-for-papers

Scenic view looking west from Pima Point to the Colorado River from the Hermit Road. Courtesy of Grand Canyon National Park Museum Collection

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"Grand Canyon Then & Now: An Online Photo Exhibit"

Grand Canyon: Then & Now, pairs 70 beautiful and interesting historic photos and artworks with modern photographs from the original vantage point.  These pairs and accompanying interpretation tell the broad historical, cultural, and scientific stories that make the Grand Canyon such a beautiful and fascinating place to visit and study. Topics include the spiritual and sacred of the canyon, revolutions in geology and botany, marketing and the growth of tourism, the development of the national park, the explorers and adventurers, and the artists that lead our imaginations.
You can access this resource at this link:www.nps.gov/grca/learn/historyculture/thenandnow.htm.

OUTINGS

Virtual Outing on Zoom
​Tuesday, April 8, 2025
6 PM AZ Time/6 PM PDT/7 PM MDT

Mike Nelson will present "We Are Going In"
The Story of the 1956 Grand Canyon Midair Collision - Part 3
 
Mike Nelson will present Part 3 of his talk on the 1956 Grand Canyon Midair collision covering the human impact of the tragedy: the terrible ordeals for the family members and the memorials.
More...

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Virtual Outing on Zoom
​Tuesday, May 13, 2025
6 PM AZ Time/6 PM PDT/7 PM MDT

Dr. Dennis Foster will present "The Walcott Expedition of 1882-1883:  An Extended Look." This is an expanded version of Dr. Foster's 2012 symposium talk.

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Virtual Outing on Zoom
​Tuesday, June 10, 2025
6 PM AZ Time/6 PM PDT/7 PM MDT

Kevin Schindler will present "The Story of Brighty the Grand Canyon Burro."

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