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 / Modified aug 14, 2024 5:56 p.m.

Discovering dynamic history in "Coronado: The New Evidence".

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Simon Donovan shares a story about a beloved dog named Betty.
by Mark McLemore

Coronado: The New Evidence artifact Dr. Deni Seymour shows the recently discovered medieval firearm called a "wall gun" in a scene from "Coronado:The New Evidence."
Courtesy of Frances Causey Films

Arizona Spotlight

August 15, 2024

NPR
(Download MP3)

Featured on the August 15th, 2024 edition of ARIZONA SPOTLIGHT with host Mark McLemore:

  • Learn about some fascinating discoveries made in the Sonoran desert by Dr. Deni Seymour that shed new light on the history of first European settlement in North America. It’s the subject of a new documentary film called “Coronado: The New Evidence”. Mark talks with Dr. Seymour, Tony Burrell, an elder from the Tohono O’odham Nation and descendent of the Sobaipuri O'odham, and filmmaker Frances Causey about this collaboration.

Tony Burell, Deni Seymour, and Frances Causey (Left to right) Tony Burrell, Dr. Deni Seymour, and Frances Causey visit the AZPM studio to talk about the new documentary "Coronado:The New Evidence."
AZPM staff/ Alecia Vasquez

Coronado: The New Evidence poster VIEW LARGER Coronado:The New evidence will air on PBS 6 August 21 at 8 p.m.
Courtesy of Frances Causey Films

  • Tony Paniagua introduces this month’s storyteller, Simon Donovan. Known for his public art installations, including the elephant in front of The Reid Park Zoo and the Rattlesnake Bridge over Broadway, Donovan has also made many live appearances to share stories from his life. You’ll hear one about a dog named Betty that begins with tears, but ends with laughter.
Reid Park Elephant Simon Donovan VIEW LARGER Local artist Simon Donovan made this elephant that is placed in front of the Reid Park Zoo.
Courtesy of Donovanolmstead.com

Rattlesnake Bridge Simon Donovan Local artist Simon Donovan helped create the Rattlesnake Bridge that oversees Broadway just west of Euclid.
Courtesy of Donovanolmstead.com

Unity Simon Donovan VIEW LARGER Simon Donovan's piece "Unity" in Tucson.
Courtesy of Donovanolmstead.com
Simon Donovan's Betty VIEW LARGER Local Artist Simon Donovan was featured as a storyteller to recite a piece of his sweet dog Betty. This is her in 1987
Courtesy Simon Donovan

Simon, David and Betty Simon Donovan, his husband David, and their dog Betty in 1987
Sandy Leonard

Arizona Spotlight
Arizona Spotlight airs every Thursday at 8:30 am and 6:00 pm and every Saturday at 3:00 pm on NPR 89.1 FM / 1550 AM. You can subscribe to our podcast on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, or the NPR App. See more from Arizona Spotlight.

Web page by Alecia Vasquez.

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