Friends of the Library Lecture: Uncovering the Forgotten History of Horses in Arizona

The R. H. Johnson Library will be hosting John Mack for an upcoming lecture titled "Debating Origins: Uncovering the Forgotten History of Horses in Arizona."

This is a free event, no tickets required, scheduled for Wednesday, April 30 from 2 to 3 p.m. inside the R.H. Johnson Lecture Hall.

Although European settlers are commonly credited with introducing horses to Arizona, Native American communities in the state have long had a deep and cultural relationship with these animals. This presentation explores the ongoing conversation about the origins of horses in Arizona, emphasizing the perspectives and insights of Indigenous Arizonans. By delving into the cultural and historical roles horses have played in Native American communities, specifically the Apache and Diné, it uncovers a more nuanced and accurate narrative of how horses arrived in the state. The presentation underscores the significance of recognizing and honoring Arizona’s Native American heritage and its impact on the state’s history.

About the Speaker
John Mack is a graduate of the University of Kansas with a master’s degree in Russian history and a Ph.D. in American history. His book on the settlement of southeast Kansas, Bucking the Railroads on the Kansas Frontier: the struggle over land claims by homesteading Civil Veterans, 1867-1876, was published by McFarland Press in 2012. Dr. Mack has published multiple peer-reviewed articles on aspects of both Russian and US history.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the R.H. Johnson Library.

You may also like the following events from Recreation Centers of Sun City West:

• This Thursday, 24th April, 06:30 pm, Friends of the Library Movie - The French Connection in Sun City West
• Next Friday, 2nd May, 11:00 am, Cinco De Mayo Pool Party in Sun City West
• This June, 11th June, 05:00 pm, Sizzling Summer Series in Sun City West