Blog
Welcome to the archive of our Western Spirit Newsletter Blog! We’re thrilled to bring you updates, stories, and insights into the vibrant world of the Museum. As a cultural haven nestled in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, we take pride in preserving and celebrating the rich heritage, art, and history of the Old and New West. Join us on this virtual journey as we explore fascinating exhibitions, upcoming events, educational programs, and the incredible stories that make our Western Spirit Museum a true treasure trove of discovery and inspiration.
Edward Curtis and Red Cloud: Connecting the Past to the Present
On Thursday, March 31st, 2022, Western Spirit hosted a lively and timely evening event, Edward Curtis and Red Cloud: Connecting the Past to the Present. Edward Curtis’ great-grandson, John Edward Graybill, read an original speech given by Curtis in Santa Fe, New...
JENNIFER SANDS – BOARD TRUSTEE HONORED
48 Arizona Women and the Arizona Historical Society have selected the 48 Most Intriguing Women of Arizona for 2022. Now 11 years old, 48 Arizona Women, the sponsoring organization based in Scottsdale, started as an official Arizona Centennial Project in 2010 to...
5 QUESTIONS WITH BOARD MEMBER – PHIL HAGENAH
Q: You and your family are no newcomers to Scottsdale and the Phoenix area. Would you talk a bit about your family’s background here? A: I’m from the 4th generation in my family to winter in Arizona. My great-grandparents first stayed at Castle Hot Springs...
Honorary Emeritus Western Spirit Trustee Honored
On March 3, 2022, the Past Presidents’ Council of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the 27th Annual Scottsdale History Hall of Fame. The 2022 event was presented by The Scottsdale Charros. The Past Presidents Council of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of...
Henry Red Cloud – Executive Director of Red Cloud Renewables
Henry Red Cloud is the direct 5th generation descendant of Chief Red Cloud, one of the last Lakota war chiefs and one of the most famous Native Americans in history. Henry was born and raised on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, home of the Oglala Lakota...
John Graybill – President of Curtis Legacy Foundation
John is the youngest of only three great-grandchildren descending from Edward Curtis. John and his wife Coleen live in Buena Vista, Colorado in their perfect mountain cabin at 9000 feet. John got his photography degree at the Rhode Island School of Photography in...
Bench Repairs
If you see someone taking a mallet and chisel to the Ponderosa Pine Saddle Bench in the Christine & Ted Mollring Sculpture Courtyard at Western Spirit, never fear. What you are seeing is the artist, carver David Armstrong, taking care of some wood rot that...
Not So Anonymous, the Women who Created Hopi Pottery
One of the most important writers of the 20th century—or any century—British novelist Virginia Woolf once wrote that, “For most of history, Anonymous was a woman,” referring to the overwhelming number of books, paintings, musical compositions, artworks, textiles,...
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West Makes Key Development Hire to Spur Future Growth
Dr. James Burns, Executive Director, is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Michael Zirulnik as Development Director for the museum. In his new role, which began on February 2nd, Dr. Zirulnik will be responsible for engaging locally, regionally, and across the...
Back-Tracking In Memory – A new book sees Charlie Russell through Nancy Russell’s eyes and words
Here’s the truth: if Charlie Russell hadn’t married Nancy Cooper, he would not have become the Russell we know as one of the most important, prized, and beloved painters and sculptors of the rapidly changing West. Had he remained a bachelor—like the lone wolf in some...