All things Historical
NEW SUMMER HOURS AT TUBAC PRESIDIO
TUBAC PRESIDIO HISTORIC STATE PARK
The Tubac Presidio Museum and Historic Park.
Experience our history at The Tubac Presidio Museum and Historic Park. Come see the location of the 1752 Spanish Presidio (fort), the Griffin Museum where exhibits bring to life the millennia of human history of this region, the oldest printing press in Arizona, the 1800s Rojas adobe row house, several interpretive gardens and the 1885 schoolhouse that served the community until 1965. Located in the heart of historic Tubac, we are the first state park in Arizona and a must-see when visiting. For more information and a calendar of events, visit www.tubacpresidio.org .
Tumacacori National Historic Park & MISSION
Tumacácori Mission sits at a cultural crossroads in the Santa Cruz River valley. Here O’odham, Yaqui, and Apache people met and mingled with European Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries, settlers, and soldiers, sometimes in conflict and sometimes in cooperation. Follow the timeworn paths and discover stories that connect us to enduring relationships, vibrant cultures, and traditions of long ago.
The Pima Alta Historical Museum , Nogales
The Pimeria Alta Museum is housed in the Old Nogales City Hall which was constructed in 1914. The museum provides information on the history of the Pimeria Alta and welcomes visitors to the border area.
The Pimeria Alta Historical Society (PAHS) was formed in 1948, when a group of 28 concerned citizens got together to preserve the rich and exciting history of the area. Since its inauguration, the mayor, and city council of Nogales have supported the society, turning over the first floor and basement of the Old City Hall to PAHS for use as a museum in 1980.
Patagonia Historical Museum
100 School Street, Patagonia, AZ
The Patagonia Museum was incorporated in the state of Arizona in 2004. The Patagonia Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting and preserving the culture and history of eastern Santa Cruz County.The Patagonia Museum has two immediate goals: (1) preserving and restoring the historic territorial one room Lochiel Schoolhouse and (2) maintaining the 1914 Grammar School as the facility.
Patagonia photos by Diane Jewkes
Learn about life on local Historical Ranches and the SCC area.
Call for hours # 520. 343. 5641
And just outside the Patagonia History Museum
Rio Rico History Museum
1149 W Frontage rd
Plaza de Anza, rio rico, AZ
520-394-7745
Call ahead to confirm they are open.
web: rioricohistroicalsociety.org
WELL WOTH THE VISIT !
Please consider donating to help pay for their costs.
501 (c) #3 non profit.
Nogales International file photo by Daisy Zavala Magaña
Elizabeth Gutfahr Sentenced: County Moves Forward After Historic Embezzlement Case
NOGALES, AZ - On June 23, 2025, former Santa Cruz County Treasurer Elizabeth Gutfahr was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to multiple felony charges, including the embezzlement of more than $38 million from county accounts. She received 10 years for the combined charges of embezzlement and money laundering and another 5 years for tax evasion. The two terms will be served concurrently, meaning she will serve a total prison term of 10 years. Gutfahr also received three years of probation and has been ordered to pay more than $38 million in restitution.
Following the court proceeding, Gutfahr was immediately taken into federal custody.
According to federal sentencing guidelines, Gutfahr must serve at least 85% of her sentence before she is eligible for release. This means she will serve a minimum of 8.5 years and a maximum of 10 years in custody.
Gutfahr pleaded guilty in November 2024. As part of the plea agreement, she faced maximum penalties of up to 10 years for embezzlement, 20 years for money laundering, and 5 years for tax evasion.
“We would have preferred the maximum sentence to reflect the severity of the crime more accurately and to serve as a stronger deterrent,” the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors said in a statement. “What matters most to us now is recovering the losses on behalf of the people of Santa Cruz County and restoring public trust in our institutions. We remain committed to transparency and accountability moving forward.”
The theft had significant impacts on essential services, including local schools and fire districts. To date, approximately $5 million has been recovered and returned to those entities. The County anticipates recovering a total of $10 to $12 million through asset forfeiture. All recovered funds will be directed toward supporting the affected public services.
The investigation began in April 2024 when Chase Bank flagged 11 suspicious transactions involving county accounts. The County immediately notified the FBI, and Gutfahr’s access to county financial systems was revoked. A civil suit ensued, and a court-appointed receiver was appointed to locate and manage her assets. After the plea agreement was reached later that year, formal sentencing took place on June 23, 2025.
County leadership remains focused on restoring financial integrity and strengthening oversight. The Board has committed to enhancing internal safeguards and ensuring transparency to prevent similar breaches in the future.