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.
Introducing Todd Bankofier: New Western Spirit C.E.O. and Executive Director
There's a new sheriff in town! Please join us in celebrating the appointment of highly experienced local business and community leader Todd Bankofier as Western Spirit's new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Director. David Sherf, Interim Executive...
Meet New Western Spirit Board Member Carolyn Rock
WS: History is heritage for you. Can you tell us a bit about that? Rock: In 1840, my great-great-great grandfather William came by covered wagon from New Jersey to the Quad Cities—where I was born and grew up. William’s cousin, James Marshall, kept going all the way...
Western Spirit is a Blue Star Museum!
Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and museums across America to offer free admission to the nation’s active duty military personnel including National Guard and Reserve and...
New Western Spirit Board Member Dan Corazzi
WS: Can you tell us a bit about your background? Corazzi: I began my professional career, in Eastern Pennsylvania, as a French teacher. After 7 years, I became a high school principal and for my last 16 years in public education, I was school superintendent. In 2000,...
A Conversation with Natalie Reichert, Western Spirit’s Bruner Scholar
Natalie Reichert is Western Spirit’s Bruner Scholar for Spring 2023. We caught up with Natalie to ask her about her experience as a Bruner Scholar and her work in Visitor Services. WS: How did you become a Bruner Scholar? Reichert: After I was hired to work in Visitor...
A Conversation with Western Spirit Board Member Dr. Scott Robertson
Dr. Scott Robertson came to Scottsdale forty years ago, having been recruited to build a cardiovascular center. He’s been here ever since. The West, you might say, was always near and dear to his heart, as were horses. We caught up with him recently to ask him about...
Edward S. Curtis: Unpublished Alaska
Occasionally, unpublished Curtis photographs surface, but never in history has 100 emerged at once! What few unpublished pictures have surfaced are generally in private collections, and no one ever gets to see them. When Edward Curtis’ only grandchild, Jim Graybill,...
Stallion Stampede! Artist Nichole Laizure in Residence at Western Spirit
If you’ve visited Western Spirit lately, or plan to visit soon, you may well see an artist, hard at work in the lobby, painting a life-size fiberglass model of a stallion. The energy of creation is electric, setting the stage for visitors to enter into the artistry of...
Conversation with Board of Trustee – Dr. Betsy Fahlman
Dr. Betsy Fahlman is a professor of art history at Arizona State University, where she has taught since 1988. A specialist in American Art, her interests include public art, American modernism, the New Deal, industrial archeology, and the art history of Arizona. Since...
Ask The Author – Dr. Lydia Otero
Dr. Lydia OteroWestern Spirit is proud to host Dr. Lydia Otero, the first guest in our Ask the Author series. In addition to writing, they were a tenured professor of Mexican-American studies and founder of the public history department at the University of Arizona....