How once-controversial Tempe Town Lake became one of state’s top draws

2012 is only a few days old, however Tempe isn’t waiting for celebrants to put down their champagne glasses.

The city has already launched its year-long observance of a colorful past, coinciding with events that celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Arizona statehood.

On Saturday, Jan. 7, a fascinating pictorial chronology of the past 100 years goes on display at Tempe Historical Museum.

Then, four days later, on Wednesday, Jan. 11, former Mayor Neil Giuliano takes visitors on a lively journey recounting the development of Tempe Town Lake—once criticized by some, now second only to the Grand Canyon as a popular Arizona tourist destination.

These are only samples of what Tempe has lined up to mark this centennial year, and so far it seems likely that no historical stone will be left unturned.

To kick off the year, Tempe History Museum will host several events during January, including the return of “Lunch Talks” and “Third Thursdays,” as well as the first of several celebrations that will commemorate Arizona’s Centennial.

The Pictures Tell the Story: Continuity and Change in Tempe — Saturday, Jan. 7 — Some say a picture is worth a thousand words, but these pictures are worth a hundred years. The museum’s Arizona Statehood Centennial photo exhibit will be on display in the museum’s Community Room. Guest-curated by local photographer Dick George, the photo-story tells of the ordinary people, events and trends that have shaped Tempe over the last 100 years.

Tempe Historical Society Lunch Talk: It’s not about the Lake—Reflections on Bridging to the Future — Wednesday, Jan. 11, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. — Tempe Historical Society Lunch Talks offer a line-up of guests to continue “Tempe since Arizona’s Statehood: 1912-2012,” a lecture series commemorating Arizona’s Centennial. Guests can bring a lunch and join former mayor Giuliano as he discusses the creation ofTempeTownLake. At the time he held office, the project was just beginning—rejoiced by some, criticized by others. Now, a decade later, the former mayor provides details on how the dream became reality that some once were unable to envision.

Third Thursday Night Café at the Museum — Thursday, Jan. 19, 7 p.m. — After a holiday hiatus, Third Thursday Night Café returns with its current series, “Research Matters: the Latest and Greatest from ASU.” The series features discussions about some intriguing research coming out of the university. ASU’s Mark Klett will be on hand to show how his photographic projects relate historical photographs of Western landscapes to their present day locations.

For more information on Third Thursday Night Café and other history museum events, visit www.tempe.gov/museum or call 480-350-5100. Events will take place at Tempe History Museum, 809 E. Southern Ave.