A history enthusiast plays an active role in the revival of a cherished museum in Arizona.
In the heart of Arizona, a history enthusiast named Savannah Dixon has been making a significant impact at the Arizona Military Museum. As a senior history major at Grand Canyon University, Savannah has been volunteering weekly, playing a pivotal role in renewing exhibitions and cataloguing items spanning over 500 years of Arizona's military history.
Savannah's journey began under the guidance of Bill Hensell, the director of the nonprofit Arizona National Guard Historical Society, and a military veteran. Contrary to her initial apprehensions about disturbing him, Bill welcomed everyone, eager to share his knowledge.
The museum, housed in an old adobe building that opened its doors as a museum in 1981, is a treasure trove of historical artifacts. It boasts thousands of donated items, including a large Nazi flag hanging from the ceiling and Japan flags inscribed with the names of American soldiers who brought them home. Among these relics, Savannah discovered old German grenades from World War I and pistols adorned with Nazi insignias.
Navigating through these historical relics, Savannah connected the Civil War display with her personal history. Her great grandfather fought in the Pacific during World War II, and her grandmother and family were in France under Nazi rule, part of the French resistance. This personal connection deepened her appreciation for the museum's offerings.
Savannah believes in the importance of studying military history, despite its sombre undertones. She sees value in remembering events like 9/11, believing that history repeats and it's crucial to remember the past to fight for peace. Her experiences at the museum have reinforced her desire to teach history after graduation.
Grand Canyon University students, including Savannah, have been volunteering at the museum to catalog items and create exhibits. Kim Kennedy, the lead faculty member of the history department at Grand Canyon University, has been instrumental in coordinating these efforts.
Unfortunately, the Arizona Military Museum has been closed for two years due to the pandemic. However, Savannah's dedication and passion for history continue to shine, and she looks forward to the day when the museum reopens and her fellow students can continue to learn from its rich history.
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