Explore our state through a free lecture series at the Foothills Branch Library, 19055 N. 57th Ave. This annual spring series explores Arizona’s unique people, places, customs and history. For more information, call 623-930-3844.

The following presentations will be held each month at 6:30 p.m. in the library’s Roadrunner Room:

• Monumental Places: Arizona’s National Parks and Monuments
  Wednesday, Feb. 13
  Arizona is home to some of the crown jewels in America's national park system including Canyon de Chelly, Saguaro National Monument and, of course, Grand Canyon National Park. It also harbors lesser known places such as Chiricahua National Monument, Hubbell Trading Post and the new Agua Fria National Monument. Join us for a visual tour of these natural and historic treasures presented by author and lecturer Greg McNamee and co-sponsored by the Arizona Humanities Council.

• Route 66: A Photographic Trip Along “The Mother Road”
  Wednesday, March 13
  See the sights along Arizona’s Historic Route 66 at this spectacular and fascinating slide presentation presented by professional photographer and former “Arizona Highways” photography editor Richard Maack. Also gain tips for improving the images you capture with your own camera.

• Healers, Hucksters and Heroes: Early Medicine in Territorial Arizona
  Wednesday, April 10
  Territorial medical history is traced from the pre-Civil War period to statehood in 1912 when "bleed, blister and purge" was the physicians' slogan. Military surgeons, charlatans and quacks, adventurous licensed physicians and health seekers were all involved in the saga of Arizona medicine. Learn about treatments for arrow wounds, amputations for lead shot shattered bones and herbs and patent medicines, as well as what the doctor on horseback carried in his saddlebags. Examine actual instruments used by Territorial physicians, as presenter and medical historian Dr. Robert E. Kravetz guides you on a tour of the Arizona Territory when the risks of the hospital often superseded the risks of the injury or disease. The Arizona Humanities Council co-sponsors this lecture.