NPS Grace Sparkes worked for the Yavapai County Chamber of Commerce, and later became the Immigration Commissioner, a position she held until 1945. In these positions, Grace often pushed for the preservation of historic sites in Arizona. In the 1930s, Grace was advocate for national parks. She supported the excavation of Tuzigoot during the Great Depression, advocated for establishing it as a national monument, and later onsecured a grant to build a museum adjacent to Tuzigoot. She also played a crucial role in establishing Coronado National Monument and expanding Montezuma Castle National Monument. By 1960, Grace worked part-time as a Park Historian. Grace’s passion for preserving the past is still alive and well in the work being carried at Tuzigoot today!
Further reading: A Look Back at the Life and Legacy of Grace Marion Sparkes Grace Sparkes Photograph Collection finding aid, Arizona Historical Society |
Last updated: July 30, 2020