Sheep ranching has been greatly overlooked in the history of Arizona. While it will never compete with the 5 C’s (copper, cattle, cotton, citrus and climate), sheep ranching added a great deal to the economic diversity of our state.

Barbara Jaquay will be the speaker Friday, July 14 starting at 6 p.m., at Bullion Plaza Cultural Center & Museum in Miami, for July’s 2nd Friday program. These events are free and for the public.

Many different ethnic groups settled here and raised sheep for a living, weathering the economic downturns as well as the prosperous years. They often weathered the storm better than cattlemen. These men and women raised their families on the frontier and left a lasting impact on the economic and ethnic diversity within the state. The story of the sheep industry is told through personal family memoirs collected over several years, including a photographic journey.