Author of Arizona centennial’s official book appears as part of Glen Canyon lecture series

Lisa Schnebly Heidinger

Author Lisa Schnebly Heidinger was the center of attention this week at the Glen Canyon lecture series held at the Carl Hayden Visitor Center.

Her book “Arizona: 100 Years Grand,” is the official book of the Arizona centennial, highlighting each year of statehood with significant events, facts and historical figures all woven together through her storytelling.

A writer by trade, Heidinger has covered nearly every aspect of Arizona over the past 30 years, first as a journalist and later as an author.

She has written six books and numerous articles about a large array of subjects that pertain to Arizona, its culture and history.

Her work on this book began six years ago and the level of information included shows the great amount of dedication she put in to the work.

“The research was so much fun, it was the first time in my life I ever forgot to eat,” Heidinger said.

During her presentation she read sections of her book while taking time out to tell anecdotes she collected during the research and writing process.

While telling the story of Lees Ferry she told residents of the area, “You are so lucky that you get to live here.”

“Arizona has always attracted people who didn’t fit in back home, it defies a cliché citizen. They say that two out every three people that move here move on,” Heidinger said.

Many stories in the book hold personal importance to Heidinger.

She said that being an Arizonan goes so deep in her roots, Sedona is even named after her great-grandmother Sedona Schnebly.

Discussing the history of Arizona politicians who have been involved on the national political stage, she joked about Arizona being the only state where one can’t tell their children they can grow up to be president, “but anyone can be governor.”

In addition to writing our state’s official centennial book, Lisa serves on the Arizona Historical Advisory Commission and the Arizona Centennial Commission, as well as the Centennial Foundation Board. She currently resides in Phoenix with her husband Tom, son Rye daughter Sedona Lee, and dog Leupp.



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