
Tubac Presidio State Historic Park and Friends of Tubac Presidio Win Award of Excellence from the American Association for State and Local History
June 12, 2025
PHOENIX – Tubac Presidio State Historic Park and the Friends of Tubac Presidio have received the Award of Excellence from the American Association of State and Local History for the “World at Your Table” permanent exhibit at the park. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards, now in its 80th year, is the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history.
The “World at Your Table” exhibit at Tubac Presidio State Historic Park provides a holistic look into how the natural resources of the southern region of Arizona and the movement of people over time have resulted in the unique and well-known Southwestern food. Trace the path of ingredients into Tubac in the exhibit, then visit the Spanish Garden and Rojas House Huerta to see a fusion of native and introduced plants. The exhibit is interactive and features authentic recipes to take home as well as translations in Spanish and O’odham.
"We're so honored to receive recognition for this project, which wouldn't have been possible without our community of passionate volunteers, expert community partners, and dedicated staff,” said Grace Auclair-Lee, museum and park director. “The connections we've created with our visitors through this project is a testament to how interpreting our past can help us build understanding and create a brighter future together."
The American Association for State and Local History is a not-for-profit professional organization of individuals and institutions working to preserve and promote history. The Award of Excellence is presented to recognize excellence for projects (including civic engagement, special projects, educational programs, exhibits, publications, etc.), and individual lifetime achievement.
The Friends of the Tubac Presidio and Museum, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that has operated Tubac Presidio State Historic Park in partnership with Santa Cruz County and Arizona State Parks and Trails since 2010. Featuring three historic buildings, a museum showcasing over 2,000 years of history, an underground archaeology exhibit, and vibrant interpretive gardens, the park preserves the first permanent European settlement in the state of Arizona and interprets the history and cultures of Southern Arizona past and present. To learn more about Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, visit AZStateParks.com/tubac.
Connecting people to the outdoors and history of Arizona to build a lifetime of memories.
For information about the more than 30 Arizona state parks and natural areas, trails, Off-Highway Vehicle program, and State Historic Preservation Office, call 1-877-MY-PARKS or visit AZStateParks.com.
PRESS CONTACT: Grace Auclair-Lee at (520) 398-2252 - Email: director@tubacpresidio.org