Why Dinosaurs Still Matter in Mesa: Heritage Series

Join Simon Tipene Adlam, Director of the Arizona Museum of Natural History, for a dynamic presentation on how dinosaurs, deep time, and civic storytelling are shaping Mesa’s next century. From fossil beds to community futures, this talk explores why Arizona’s past—scientific, cultural, and spiritual—belongs at the heart of the American story. The event will be held on Thursday, January 29, at 7:00 PM at the Mesa Temple Visitors’ Center and is free to the public.

This conversation weaves together the legacy of Indigenous engineers, faith-led founders, and the role of public museums in fostering belonging, imagination, and resilience. With visuals from the museum and a glimpse into AZMNH’s transformation, Simon invites us to reflect on the land we share—and the story we’re still building together.