OVHS Newsletter — July 2026
The Greater Oro Valley Chamber’s new community directory is out, and OVHS was invited to share historic facts for this year’s edition. Grab a copy at the Chamber offices (Innovation Parkway) and especially check out pages 34–35 for our article, and keep searching for “Fun Facts” listed throughout the issue.
OVHS Highlights:
Digitizing Our History - One Artifact at a Time
Our project to digitize the entire OVHS collection is well underway! We’ve photographed hundreds of artifacts and objects, documenting their stories in our new museum software, CatalogIt. Each entry reveals new details about our history and deepens our understanding of the collection.
Soon, you’ll be able to explore these treasures online through our website—relaunched just over a year ago (special thanks to Red Coyote Services and Michael Burns for their great work!).
It’s a big lift, but an exciting one. We’re energized by the challenge and the possibilities ahead. Join us as we refresh our history and build a stronger future for OVHS.
Jim Click Raffle Challenge: Help Us Make History!
Did you know that every single dollar from each Jim Click raffle ticket we sell stays right here with our nonprofit? That’s not just generous; it’s extraordinary. It means that when someone buys a ticket, they’re directly supporting local history, education, preservation, and the work we do for the community.
And this year, our President, Bob Kellar, has challenged us to step up and sell more tickets than ever before. It’s a fun, friendly competition with a real impact. The more tickets we sell, the more resources we have to bring new exhibits, programs, and stories to life.
Jim Click’s long-standing commitment to Southern Arizona nonprofits is one of the reasons our community thrives. This raffle is just one of the many ways he gives back — and now we get to be part of that ripple effect.
If you’re ready to help us meet the challenge, consider grabbing a ticket or sharing the opportunity with a friend. Every ticket truly counts.
I recently visited the Rolling Thru Times Museum in Tucson, and it gave me an even deeper appreciation for the Jim Click legacy. The collection is incredible — classic cars, vintage trucks, muscle cars, and even beautifully restored farm equipment. But the real showstoppers? The Jim Click Racing Team cars, including a stunning 1966 Shelby GT‑350 and a sleek 2018 Ford GT.
If you haven’t been, it’s absolutely worth the trip. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours wandering, learning, and admiring the craftsmanship and history behind each vehicle. And seeing this collection firsthand makes the Jim Click Raffle feel even more meaningful. His support for Southern Arizona nonprofits runs deep — and this raffle is just one of the many ways he gives back.
Summer Heat is Here!
The Heritage Garden at Steam Pump Ranch is soaking up the sunshine and gearing up for the sizzling months ahead. Luckily, our amazing volunteers are keeping the garden refreshed—showering every plant with plenty of water and a whole lot of love.
This sunny corner is on its way to becoming a showstopper as the roses stretch toward the trellis and jasmine on the iron arch. And with more irrigation on the way, our plants will stay happy all summer long. Stay tuned for the bloom‑tastic results!
Join us in the garden at 5pm every Wednesday evening this summer. No need to sign up; just stop by and lend a hand! Hope to see you!
New Adventures on the Website
Discover the fourth and final installment in Brittnie Smith’s series on the Indigenous peoples of the Southwest: Indigenous Networks Beyond the Major Cultures. This concluding article explores the smaller, interconnected communities whose influence shaped the region far beyond the major cultural groups.
Explore the full series on our website:
Did you know the Oro Valley Historical Society is highlighted every month in OV Style Magazine that features the outstanding research and writing of our very own Devon Sloan? Check out the May 2026 article about the Tully & Ochoa Wagon Attack of 1869.
We’re always adding new pages and stories to the OVHS website. Want to help? Have a story, photo, or fun fact to contribute about the Greater Oro Valley area? We’d love to hear from you— email info@ovhistory.org.
Supporting Arizona’s Museums, Together
For our like-minded lovers of history –
The Arizona Heritage Center in Tempe is preparing for a major refresh of key permanent exhibit galleries at the Arizona Heritage Center. This work will reimagine two major gallery areas: Becoming Arizona, which explores the people, places, water, industries, communities, and choices that shaped Arizona; and the World War II Gallery, which highlights Arizona’s wartime impact, heroes, and legacy at home and abroad.
Infrastructure improvements will enable a rebuild of spaces with updated interpretation, stronger visitor experiences, and renewed relevance for students, families, educators, and communities across Arizona. Since the opening of the Heritage Center in 1994, these galleries have remained untouched and are overdue for a refresh to better engage and excite new generations of visitors, just as they have done successfully for the last three decades. Your financial support is needed by year-end and can be sent to Robert Ballard.
