SAFFORD — The Graham County Historical Society is about $100,000 away from being able to begin construction of a new museum.
Society President Harvey John shared that information during the society’s annual meeting last Saturday at the Ranch House on the Eastern Arizona College Discovery Park Campus. John added that the Historical Society is seeking help and donations to complete the funding and start construction.
Plans fell through to put the museum in the old Stockman Bank building on Main Street in Safford, and the Historical Society has returned to seeking development at Graham County Fairgrounds, just south of the Arizona National Guard Safford Armory.
The Historical Society is the recipient of a donated metal building, and has raised more than $240,000, but additional funds are needed to prepare the ground, lay a cement slab and put in plumbing and electrical, as well as pay a contractor to re-assemble the building.
Also at the annual meeting, two Gila Valley residents were presented with Heritage Awards.
Peggy Hancock (Black, Curtis) Esplin was honored for her artwork, much of which can be found in area churches and chapels. She also designed the Graham County seal.
“The other day, when we were looking through my things, my books, (son-in-law) Keith (Alexander) said, ‘Oh, that’s the seal. You did that?’ And I have no idea that I did; it was too long ago,” Esplin said.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Also honored was historical chronicler and educator Keith Crockett.
“I appreciate what the Historical Society does to help motivate people to read more history, make more history and be more history,” Crockett said.
Keith was presented the Heritage Award by his son, Mike, who was also honored as a past president of the Historical Society.
The Graham County Historical Society meets the second Tuesday of each month, at 6 p.m. at the Safford City Annex. The public is invited to attend.
