Buy Jim's book at the Pusch House Museum or contact OVHS!
NASHVILLE, TN—June 2025—The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) proudly announces that Jim Williams is the recipient of an Award of Excellence for his book “Oro Valley the First Fifty Years”. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards, now in its 80th year, is the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history.
Local Author, Jim Williams, wins Award of Excellence for his book “Oro Valley the First Fifty Years” from AASLH Leadership in History Awards.
Jim Williams, an Oro Valley resident since 2006 and past President of the Oro Valley Historical Society, is a retired social studies educator who worked as a teacher, department chair, and district coordinator in a school district in Doylestown, Pennsylvania and was recognized there for his contributions to education. During his time in Arizona, he has written two articles for the Journal of Arizona History, and his first book about Oro Valley, Claiming the Desert was published in 2018 and recounts the history of the settlers, homesteaders, and ranchers in Oro Valley from 1865 – 1965. This book is available on Amazon or the Pusch House Museum. Jim graciously donates his book profits to OVHS.
Oro Valley, The First Fifty Years, can be purchased at Amazon, the Western National Parks Store on North Vistoso Village Drive, or in the Pusch House Museum at historic Steam Pump Ranch, with proceeds benefitting the Oro Valley Historical Society.
Jim Williams, Author of Oro Valley, The First Fifty Years and 2025 winner of a national award from the American Association of State and Local History.
The Award of Excellence is the main award in the category of Leadership in History Awards program, and is presented for projects that include civic engagement, special projects, educational programs, exhibits, publications, and individual lifetime achievement. Winners represent the best in the field and provide leadership for the future of state and local history.
The AASLH awards program was initiated in 1945 to establish and encourage standards of excellence in the collection, preservation, and interpretation of state and local history throughout the United States. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards not only honor significant achievement in the field of state and local history but also bring public recognition of the opportunities for small and large organizations, institutions, and programs to make contributions in this arena. For more information about the Leadership in History Awards, contact AASLH at 615-320-3203 or go to www.aaslh.org.
OVHS used excerpts from a Press Release from AASLH to OVHS dated June 2025.
Read more about the Town Storyteller, Jim Williams from ILOVEOV.com, Featured Citizen — Jim Williams, January 2024
AASLH Logo (American Association for State and Local History)
The American Association for State and Local History is a not-for-profit professional organization of individuals and institutions working to preserve and promote history. From its headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee, AASLH provides leadership, service, and support for its members who preserve and interpret state and local history in order to make the past more meaningful to all people. AASLH publishes books, technical publications, a quarterly magazine, and maintains numerous affinity communities and committees serving a broad range of constituents across the historical community. The association also sponsors an annual meeting, regional and national training in-person workshops, and online training.