Here’s some free events occurring in Tucson, leading up to the State of Arizona’s 100th Birthday celebration.

On February 14, 1912, Arizona became the 48th state and the last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the United States of America. But the lens through which we look at Arizona goes back much further than 100 years and as well peers forward to the years ahead.

The Colleges of Letters, Arts and Science invite you to explore with us Arizona’s rich history and its promise for the future.

In January 2012 we embark upon a journey of reflection and discovery in Southern Arizona venues from Tumamoc Hill to the Tucson Scottish Rite Cathedral, from San Xavier del Bac to the UA Poetry Center, in activities and events that encompass our cultural heritage and showcase the diversity of people and places that make us what we are.

Our exploration culminates with Arizona 100: A Celebration on Saturday, February 11, 2012, as the community comes together in Centennial Hall on the university campus for a multifaceted view of our past, present and future.

Sponsored with generous support from the University of Arizona’s offices of the President, Provost and Vice President for Research and by Confluence: Center for Creative Inquiry, join us as the University of Arizona celebrates Arizona – 100 and Counting!

Go online now to get complimentary tickets to some of these events, starting Sat. January 21 — The Arizona Radio Hour (with musical theatre company Encore!) at the Tucson Scottish Rite Cathedral downtown at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are also required for the AZ 100: A Celebration closing event at Centennial Hall on Feb. 11, followed by a reception in front of the AZ State Museum. Website: www.Az100.arizona.edu, or call 520-621-9062.

Other events:

Tumamoc Hill Open House (two weekends: Jan. 21, 22, 28, 29 – 10 a.m to 5 p.m.);

UA Poetry Center event on Jan. 26 with opening reception (5 to 7 p.m.) for an exhibit entitled “Voices from Arizona’s Past: Sharlot Hall & Hattie Lockett”;

Architectural tour on Jan. 28 of Mission San Xavier del Bac by architect Bob Vint at 11 a.m., followed by a concert by the Tucson Arizona Boys Choir at 1 p.m.

98 years ago on February 14, 1912, Arizona became the 48th state, the last of the 48 contiguous states to be admitted to the United States of America.

State of Arizona flag

Both Alaska (49th state) and Hawaii (50th state) were admitted quite a few years later in 1959 – January 3rd for Alaska, and August 21st for my home state of Hawaii.

Thus, in 2 years in 2012, Arizona will be celebrating 100 years of statehood! What an accomplishment despite the current economic woes.

In 2005 then Governor of Arizona, Janet Napolitano, established a coordinating committee to honor Arizona’s centennial in 2012. The mission of the organization is to:

“Develop, encourage, and coordinate a statewide plan for Arizona’s centennial in 2012 including:

* advising the legislature and state agencies on centennial history and heritage, arts and culture;
* assisting the governor’s countdown to the centennial to support school children learning about Arizona’s history; and
* recommending activities and projects that will ensure lasting legacy accomplishments to commemorate the centennial”.

Today 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Agua Caliente Park, 12525 E. Roger Rd. is a talk on Arizona Statehood. Explore with David Levine the history and challenges that led Arizona to become the 48th state. For more information call 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov.

Current Governor Jan Brewer has an interesting website entitled “Facts about Arizona” (click here.) These include the state motto, flag, seal, flower, gem, official neckwear (?), tree, bird, fossil, mammal, reptile, fish, amphibian.

Only 2 years to go before the Centennial celebration. “Ditat Deus (God Enriches)”.

Happy Statehood Day today!