Explore Western History at Library Speaker Programs

You have your choice of two fascinating Arizona Humanities speaker programs next week, with convenient locations in West Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek. These upcoming events are part of the Arizona Humanities speaker series sponsored regularly by Sedona Public Library. Each program highlights an aspect of history or culture, often with an Arizona or Southwest focus. Speakers use a variety of techniques to present their topics, including costumes, props, music, and photographs. Take advantage of these entertaining, informative, and free programs to learn something new.
 
On Wednesday, October 12, Ken Zoll will present “The Billingsley Hopi Dancers.” The presentation will take place from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene, 55 Rojo Drive in the Village of Oak Creek. Zoll, who is the Executive Director of the Verde Valley Archaeology Center, will discuss a remarkable effort by the Hopi to educate the public about the cultural significance of their traditional dances. In the 1920s, the Hopi Snake Dance was viewed by some as pagan worship that should be banned. To dispel this idea, the Hopi, with the help of teacher Milo Billingsley, formed a dance troupe and performed around the country for many years, culminating in a dance at Carnegie Hall. This presentation provides background on the history of the Hopi dances and shows portions of a rare film of the dancers from 1957.
 
On the following evening, Thursday, October 13, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Si Birch Community Room at the main library in West Sedona, Hugh Grinnell will present “The Explorations and Discoveries of George Bird Grinnell, The Father of Glacier National Park.” George Bird Grinnell was an explorer who worked for the preservation of America’s wild lands and animals. The great West that he first encountered in 1870 as a 21-year-old man was shortly to disappear before his eyes due to exploitation of natural resources. Nobody was quicker to sense the desecration or was more eloquent in crusading for conservation. Grinnell founded the first Audubon Society, cofounded the Boone and Crockett Club with Teddy Roosevelt, and led the effort to establish Glacier National Park. During this living-history presentation, the audience will travel back in time to the 19th century, listening to Grinnell’s own words as taken from his field journals, memoirs, personal correspondence, and newspaper editorials.
 
These speaker programs at the Library, which are free and open to the public, are generously funded by Arizona Humanities. Speaker programs in the Village of Oak Creek are also funded by Friends of the Sedona Library. Donations are always welcome.
 
Sedona Public Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations and grants allow us to continue to offer free and innovative services to residents and visitors. Your tax-deductible donation is appreciated and may be sent to: Sedona Public Library, 3250 White Bear Road, Sedona, AZ 86336.

​Sedona Public Library
Column for October 7, 2016
Written by Elizabeth Cate, Collection Development Librarian