Speakers Bureau Speaker
Peter MacMillan Booth, Tucson
A product of a fifth-generation Western family, Peter MacMillan Booth earned his Ph.D. in American West and Native American History. He has taught history on the college level and worked as a museum professional with the Arizona Historical Society-Tucson and the Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Wickenburg. He currently works with school districts across the country and serves as a member of the Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission.
Presentations are suitable for high school as well as adult audiences.
From the Trickster to The Braggart: Arizona Folktales
Hear about the misadventures of Coyote, the wit of Spanish riddles, the anguish of La Llorana, the exploits of Capt. John Hance, the ingeniousness of High John the Conqueror, the humor of Dick Wick Hall, the cowboy poetry of Gail Gardner, and much more. Arizona is blessed with several strong folk-telling traditions. These tales provide an insightful and entertaining way to explore Arizona’s heritage. Each culture that called Arizona home contributed its own unique style of stories, legends, riddles, games and poems. Whether they teach a lesson, preserve history, pass on traditions, or warn children to be good, these stories always entertain. This presentation explores these wonderful stories and the communities who shared them.
Native Borders: Arizona's American Indian Reservations
(Between Fences presentation)
Arizona has the second largest number of Native American reservations in the United States. They include the Gila Indian Reservation, created in 1859, up to the Yaqui Indian Reservation, created in 1964. However, few non-Indians in the Grand Canyon State fully understand these federally protected homelands. The stories of how the reservations came into being, as well as their purposes, are as varied as the people who inhabit them. Before the coming of the United States, the different Native groups controlled a land base that was continually shifting. As a means of subjugating the people and establishing control over the land, the United States government created borders with the American Indians on one side and the incoming American pioneers, as well as the resident Hispanics, on the other. Since then, the purposes of these boundaries have changed, depending on the demands of the larger society mixed with the needs of the Native Peoples. Explore why the reservations were created, how those reservations have evolved, and the modern implications reservations have for the future.
Territorial Kids
Experience Territorial Arizona from a whole new angle. Instead of explorers, founders and politicians, take a look at Arizona's past through a child's eyes. Travel back in time and discover what your life would have been like as a child in Territorial Arizona. Learn about the clothes you wore, the home you had, the language you spoke, the chores you did, the toys you played with, the games you enjoyed, the stories you heard, and the lessons you learned in school. Discover Territorial Arizona from a child’s viewpoint.
