In anticipation of the Smithsonian Water/Ways exhibit, opening Saturday, Sept. 22 at Bullion Plaza Cultural Center and Museum in Miami, BPCCM presents John R. Hoopes, vice president of Salt River Project (SRP) as the featured speaker for the free monthly, Wednesday Hardscrabble program, on Wednesday, Sept. 19, at 6:30 p.m.

SRP was founded in 1903 to fund the construction of Roosevelt Dam, and now delivers water and power to much of Central Arizona, as well as power to local mines in the Copper Corridor.

Roosevelt Dam, completed in 1911 and operated by SRP, was one of the first projects built under Teddy Roosevelt’s Reclamation Act of 1902, and was the catalyst for development and growth of Central Arizona. 

John Hoopes’ father was born and raised in Miami. His grandfather, John L. Hoopes, was a Miami pioneer who operated a livery stable in Miami that provided horse and mule teams for Roosevelt Dam construction, as well as local mine and road work. 

The Smithsonian Waterways is a traveling exhibit. Bullion Plaza Cultural Center & Museum was one of five rural communities in Arizona chosen to host the exhibit. The exhibit is free, and will be available to the public from Sept. 22 to Nov. 4.

Wednesday Hardscrabble programs are brought to the community by Gila County Historical Society in Globe and Bullion Plaza Cultural Center & Museum in Miami.

The programs are always free. Donations are appreciated to offset the cost of utilities, and to help bring more quality programs to the community.