Join us for our monthly lecture series, Salon and Saloon. Each month’s lecture focuses on a different aspect of Arizona’s history, given from the unique perspective of historians, authors, and archaeologists.
Lectures are NOW AT BARRIO BREWING CO. located at 800 E 16th St, Tucson, AZ 85719 except for March 21 which is at the Presidio Museum.
The 2025-2026 Season
All lectures are on the 3rd Saturday at 2 pm at Barrio Brewing Co.
Sept. 20, 2025 – Mainly Murals North of Congress Street and Tucson’s 250th Birthday Murals by Dorothy Yanez.
Dorothy will discuss the murals in the downtown area, including many of the new ones that were painted in honor of Tucson’s 250+ years. She will talk about the artists, the history of the murals, and many of the inspirations behind the pieces.
Register Here!
Oct.18, 2025 – The Trail to Anza: Forerunners, Context, and Significance by Mauro Trejo
Mauro will talk about the significance of the Anza Expedition and the previous expeditions that made it possible.
Register Here!
Nov. 15, 2025 – The Bold, Brave Gutsy Women of Arizona’s Past by Jan Cleere
The famous, infamous, and those not so well known women are featured in this lecture; each with a compelling story of surviving and thriving under less-than-ideal circumstances. Discover just a handful of these women who made a difference as the territory emerged and flourished into an amazing and diverse state unlike any other in the nation.
Register Here!
Jan. 17, 2026 – Danger Road – The Perils of Travel Through the Sonoita Valley by Rick Collins
The Sonita area was once a “no man’s land” and yet it defined southern Arizona in the 18th and 19th centuries. Though today it is known as wine country and a scenic wonder, both people and nature have historically made the region dangerous.
Register Here!
Feb. 21, 2026 – Pioneer African Americans of Pima County, Arizona Territory by Homer Thiel
Homer’s talk brings to light the lives of African American pioneers, who have largely been ignored in the published histories of the region. He has sought to identify these individuals and prepare biographical sketches for them.
Register Here!
At the Presidio Museum! March 21, 2026 – Baseball in Arizona by Mike Anderson
Military posts brought America’s favorite pastime, baseball, to Arizona in the 1860s, and by the 1880s, the game had really taken hold. Historian Mike Anderson will talk about Arizona’s colorful baseball history up to the first half of the 1900s.
Register Here!
April 18. 2026 – Why Tucson Matters in the American Revolution: the Role of Spain and Spanish America by Dr. Rudy Byrd
While most people know about the role of France and Germany in the American Revolution, Dr. Byrd will discuss how Spain and Spanish America helped the patriots in their fight for independence from England.
Register Here!