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Arizona History & Preservation Events & Activities!
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With cooler weather upon us in the Grand Canyon State, numerous history and historic preservation events and activities have been organized for you to attend, enjoy, learn from, and be inspired. Take a peek, click on the links for details, mark your calendar, and go! You'll notice there's a lot going on just in the next few weeks, so if you know of other new events or activities (or ones we missed), please send us an email.
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Under the Vintage Roof Historic Building Tour, Grand Avenue, Phoenix, Nov. 9. Click here.
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Grand Avenue Festival, Phoenix, Nov. 9. Click here.
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Camp Naco Fireplace Chat with Bill Cavaliere on the Chiricahua Apaches, Camp Naco, Nov. 9. Click here.
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Homolovi IV Pueblo Guided Tour, Homolovi State Park, Nov. 9. Click here.
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Riordan Mansion Special Tour: Stickley Room by Room, Flagstaff, Nov. 10. Click here.
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2024 LISC Annual Breakfast & Community Awards honoring The Abbey, Phoenix, Nov. 13. Click here.
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History of Heritage Square Walking Tour, Phoenix, Nov. 14 & 21. Click here.
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Webinar: Building an Equity-Based Preservation Plan Through Community Engagement, Nov. 14. Click here.
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Hello from the Heritage District Campaign Launch, Gilbert, Nov. 15. Click here.
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Tree Planting on 5th St. in vintage Evans Churchill Neighborhood, Phoenix, Nov. 16. Click here.
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Manistee Ranch Tour, Glendale, Nov. 16 & Dec. 7 & 21. Click here.
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Chillin' on Beale Street, Kingman, Nov. 16. Click here.
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Webinar: Evalutating Historic Significance of Postwar Historic Properties, Nov. 22. Click here.
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Trolley Talk: A Grand Plan, Phoenix Trolley Museum, Nov. 23. Click here.
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Trolley Talk: Holy Moses!, Phoenix Trolley Museum, Nov. 30. Click here.
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Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Exploration Tour, Fountain Hills. Dec. 5. Click here.
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F.Q. Story Home Tour & Holiday Street Marketplace, Phoenix, Dec. 7. Click here.
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Webinar: AACHAF Conversation Series on Revitalization & Culture, Dec. 12. Click here.
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Taliesin West Tours, Scottsdale, check schedule. Click here.
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Flagstaff Underground Walking Tour, check schedule. Click here.
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Descriptions of each program below
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A Homeowner’s Guide to Historic Preservation | Starts Thursday April 17th, 12pm Pacific
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PART II • Thursday, March 27th
10:00am - 1:00pm Pacific
$0-$108 Members | $120 Non-Members
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NEW! - Thursday, April 3rd
12:00 - 1:00pm Pacific
FREE
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Tuesday, April 8th
12:00 - 1:00pm Pacific
FREE
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Thursday, April 17th • Tuesday, April 22nd • Thursday, May 1st
12:00 - 2:00pm Pacific
$0-$54 Members | $25-$60 Non-Members
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Continuing Education Units:
AIA - 6 LUs | APA - 6 CEs (2 Law)*
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PART II - Thursday, March 27th
10:00am - 1:00pm Pacific
$0-$108 Members | $120 Non-Members
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New registrants will receive a recording a copy of the presentation from Part II.
This two-part program offers a practical, up-to-date understanding of the evolving intersection of CEQA and historic preservation. Part 1 covers the legal framework, key terms, and procedural steps in CEQA review, while Part 2 — through the use of illustrative case studies — focuses on real-world applications and strategies for navigating CEQA for projects affecting historic resources.
Whether you're a preservation advocate, planner, architect, property owner, or government official, this program provides the knowledge and tools to navigate CEQA effectively.
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Part 1: Setting the Framework - Thursday, March 13th, 10am-1pm
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Part 2: Application - Thursday, March 27th, 10am-1pm
This two part program takes place on Thursday, March 13th and Thursday, March 27th. You must attend the program live to receive CEUs (attendance verified though Zoom.) Each program is individually eligible for credits.
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Thursday, April 3rd
12:00pm - 1:00pm Pacific
FREE
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Thinking about buying a historic home? Whether you're drawn to the craftsmanship of a bygone era or the charm of original details, older homes can offer some things modern houses often lack. In this program, we’ll cover what to look for before you buy — starting with the importance of a thorough home inspection and how to work with your inspector. Then, we’ll dive into the features that make older homes special — original details, restoration potential, and timeless design — while also pointing out some key issues to watch for, especially in pre-1920s homes.
Whether you're actively house hunting or just curious about older homes, you'll walk away with a better understanding of what makes a historic home a great investment — and what might make it a challenge.
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Tuesday, April 8th
12:00pm - 1:00pm Pacific
FREE
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Join the California Preservation Foundation for a special one-hour online program highlighting the impactful work of the UCLA History-Geography Project (UCLA HGP). Key members of their team will showcase their efforts in bringing history and historic preservation into the classroom, demonstrating how they “[c]ollaborat[e] with teachers to make history relevant and empowering for students.”
Through their innovative approach, UCLA HGP bridges the gap between education and preservation, inspiring the next generation to value and protect historic places. This session will provide an inside look at their program, explore ways preservationists can support and collaborate with educators, and offer insights into how this work can strengthen preservation efforts and engage the next generation of preservationists.
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Thursdays, March 13th and 27th
10:00am - 1:00pm Pacific
$0-$90 Members | $100 Non-Members
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Historic homes offer a unique connection to the past, reflecting the architectural styles, craftsmanship, and stories of earlier generations. Owning and maintaining a historic property comes with both responsibilities and rewards. This three-part series is designed to help homeowners uncover their property's history, navigate financial incentives, and learn best practices for preservation and maintenance. By equipping participants with research techniques, funding opportunities, and expert guidance on restoration, this program aims to foster a deeper appreciation for historic homes and empower homeowners to preserve them for future generations.
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Part One – Researching Your Home's History - Thursday, April 17th, 12pm-2pm Pacific
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Part Two – Leveraging Financial Incentives - Tuesday, April 22nd, 12pm-2pm Pacific
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Part Three – Maintaining and Upgrading Your Historic Home - Thursday, May 1st, 12pm-2pm Pacific
Attendees are welcome to join all three programs, or pick and choose the ones of interest to them. Programs are priced individually or discounted for all three.
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As historic preservation month approaches in May, I’m reminded of the importance of safeguarding the places that define Las Vegas. From the railroad cottages that shaped our city’s earliest neighborhoods to the vintage charm of historic Beverly Green, these homes and districts showcase Las Vegas’ rich and diverse history. At NPF, we are committed to preserving these places—whether through nominating landmarks like Battle Mountain Grammar School or curating events that bring history to life.
Thank you for being part of our mission! Whether you join us as a tour guest, volunteer, or supporter, your involvement ensures that Nevada’s past remains part of its future. I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming tour or festival!
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PRESERVATION SPOTLIGHT
Preserving Las Vegas’ Historic Homes: A Link to the City’s Origins
Las Vegas may be known for its ever-changing skyline, but preserving its historic homes is essential to honoring the city’s roots. The railroad cottages on Casino Center Boulevard and Third Street, built between 1909 and 1911, are among the oldest homes in Las Vegas, offering a rare glimpse into the city’s early days. Constructed by the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad for its workers, these homes symbolize the transition of Las Vegas from a temporary settlement to a permanent community. Unlike the original tent houses, these cottages were built from concrete cinder blocks made on-site, a practical solution to the harsh desert climate.
As downtown evolved into a commercial hub, most cottages disappeared, with only a few remaining today. Some have been relocated to places like Springs Preserve and the Clark County Museum, but those still standing downtown face uncertainty. Preserving these homes connects us to Las Vegas’ early history, reminding us that the city’s railroad past is as important as its future. 
Photo: Springs Preserve
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NPF'S LEGACY: PAST PROJECTS 
NPF is dedicated to protecting the state’s historic places, and in 2019, NPF wrote the nomination that secured Battle Mountain Grammar School and Oats Park Grammar School a place on the Nevada State Register of Historic Places. Designed by renowned Nevada architect Frederic DeLongchamps, these Classical Revival-style schools reflect the growth of rural education in the early 20th century.
Built in 1915, Battle Mountain Grammar School served grades 1-8 and became integrated in 1936, welcoming Newe (Western Shoshone) children alongside white students. A 1962 flood forced its closure, but it later housed the Lander County Courthouse from 1979 to 2015. This is Battle Mountain’s first property listed in the State Register, a milestone achieved through NPF’s research and advocacy.
Through preservation efforts like these, NPF continues to safeguard Nevada’s historic landmarks, ensuring their stories endure for future generations.
To explore the history of Battle Mountain Grammar School and read the full nomination form, click here: Battle Mountain Grammar School Nomination Form
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UPCOMING PROGRAMMING
Mid-Century Modern Las Vegas: A Keynote with Alan Hess
Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 6PM $65
Celebrate 10 years of Home + History Las Vegas at the iconic Fremont Hotel & Casino with a keynote presentation by renowned architectural historian Alan Hess. Enjoy a glass of wine or a cold brew in this historic casino while we dive into the lasting impact of mid-century design on Las Vegas. 
Built in 1956 and designed by Wayne McAllister, the Fremont Hotel introduced modernist design and Strip-style luxury to downtown Las Vegas. NPF is honored to welcome back Alan Hess, an architect, author, and advocate for twentieth-century architectural preservation. Hess played a pivotal role in the inaugural Home + History Las Vegas festival, kicking off the very first Vintage Vegas Home Tour in 2015. Now, a decade later, he returns to reflect on Las Vegas’ architectural transformation, the lasting impact of mid-century design, and the legacy of Wayne McAllister. His keynote will highlight the importance of preserving historic buildings and their role in shaping the city’s identity.
PLUS - Stay at the Fremont Hotel & Casino with this special Home + History discount! The Fremont Hotel & Casino in downtown Las Vegas is offering a special discount for Home + History attendees! Details here.
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PARTNER HIGHLIGHT 
Attention retro lovers and post-war style devotees! Atomic Ranch is your source for renovations and remodels, furnishings and décor with retro and modernist style. Subscribe to get modernist inspo straight to your mailbox and check out our website for everything a mod-loving homeowner needs to know, from real estate listings to product picks, history lessons and how-tos. Plus, Atomic Ranch is hitting the road with our new live event series, Atomic Ranch on the Road, bringing MCM home tours & events to a town near you! Follow us on your favorite social media platform to stay in the know. 
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VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT 
Olivia, a proud Las Vegas native, has long been passionate about architecture and history. While in graduate school at Cornell University, she reached out to NPF to inquire about internship opportunities. In the summer of 2016, she worked with NPF, cataloging the Hugh Taylor archives and researching historic neighborhoods in Las Vegas, forging a lasting connection with the organization.
After returning to Las Vegas in 2022, Olivia has eagerly volunteered as a tour guide for NPF, sharing her love for architecture with others. As an architectural historian, she has also contributed to projects for the City of Las Vegas, including the John S. Park and Beverly Green Historic Districts Design Guidelines.
Olivia is also an active member of the Junior League of Las Vegas and is passionate about giving back to her community. When she’s not thinking about buildings, she enjoys reading, rewatching Gilmore Girls, and spending quality time with her partner, Megan, and her dog, Mies van der Rohe.
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A LOOK AHEAD
Get ready for more exciting tours! Next month, NPF is reviving one of our most popular events—the Seeing Stars Bike + Talk, a guided ride through Las Vegas’ most stylish vintage neighborhoods. Pedal through Pinto/Palomino and Scotch 80s, soak in the mid-century charm, and hear stories of the glamorous celebrities who once called these streets home. Keep your eyes peeled—you might even spot a current local star peeking out as we ride by!  
Get the full Preservation Pulse newsletter here.
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Thank you for supporting historic preservation in Nevada. Our programming is one of the ways we support our historic preservation efforts.
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