Last week, about 125 third graders at Ironwood Elementary School participated in a “Wax Museum” history project.

Once the flashing lights and ringing chimes of the casinos in Laughlin, Nev., reach their limit and relief is sought, a peaceful, historic canyon hike is less than half an hour away.

Pinal County, a Democratic county encumbered with a history of corruption, has been viewed by many as primarily a rural void between Maricopa and Pima counties.  

Special to The Explorer

Feb. 2, 2005 - In 1939, the style that screamed "modern" was Art Deco.

Aug. 11, 2004 - While the Oro Valley Town Council agrees a decision as to who will oversee historic preservation in the town is now due, who will be charged with the responsibility was a matter of debate at the Aug. 4 council meeting.

The Town of Oro Valley is accepting applications from local citizens who are interested in serving on the Historic Preservation Commission. To serve on a board or commission, members must be residents of the Town, be available to attend the designated meetings and be committed to the completion of the Town's Community Academy within their term.

After a successful trial-run of free, guided tours at Steam Pump Ranch in November and December 2012, the Town of Oro Valley has decided to continue and expand this community program into 2013.

The smell of spring is in the air, which means it’s time to bring the whole family to the inaugural Main Gate Fine Art Festival in the historic Main Gate Square shopping district. This year’s art extravaganza will showcase around 30 artists from across the region along with food, music and fun on Saturday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On Friday, the Steam Locomotive No. 844 will be on display in Tucson from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Union Pacific Rail Yard.

Arizona Theatre Company will offer free tours of the historic Temple of Music and Art at 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 26, March 5 and April 16.

Do you have an item of historical significance to the Town of Marana? Consider a gift to the Marana Heritage Conservancy, which seeks “items of historical interest,” according to a release.

The Oro Valley Historical Society took its annual meeting to the community's premier modern-day historic site, Steam Pump Ranch.