Stephanie Joyner, the first Executive Director of the Pinal County Historical Society and Museum, was awarded the 2023 Humanities Award from the Arizona Department of Humanities. She was named Rising Star of the Year.

“Each year we honor and celebrate outstanding contributions to the humanities of the state. It has recognized individuals and organizations whose support has advanced the humanities in Arizona.

Joiner was credited with building a network of loyal volunteers and building a small but influential modern museum in Florence.

“The museum has become a community gathering place that reflects the broader community it serves. Joyner is an advocate for diversity and inclusion, and brings these core values ​​to life in the museum. She created bilingual signs to reach Spanish-speaking Florentines, designed exhibits focusing on the history of local women, and pivoted to virtual programs to reach a wider audience. I did,” the press release said.

Joyner organizes exhibits, programs, fundraising and operations. Outside of the museum, she consistently participates in museum advocacy days to secure federal funding for local communities.

She organizes regular meetings so that museums in Pinal County can support each other. She also volunteers with the Santan Historical Society.

Arizona Humanities is the Arizona chapter of the National Endowment for the Humanities, supporting public programs that promote an “understanding of the human experience” with cultural, educational, and nonprofit organizations throughout the state.