Culture

Arizona Historical Sites Road Trip

"This Road Trip Takes You To The Most Fascinating Historical Sites In All Of Arizona

Our state is home to some of the country’s most fascinating historical sites, but visiting them all could take multiple lifetimes. We’ve narrowed it down to just ten top spots and mapped out a road trip to see them. You might not be able to go everywhere in Arizona, but these are some of the best highlights."

This Only in Arizona site takes you to 10 of the top historical sites in Arizona.

Maricopa Historical Society

The MISSION of the Maricopa Historical Society is to share Maricopa's heritage and make Maricopa history fun for everyone.

The PURPOSE is to collect, identify, record, preserve and share stories and items of Maricopa's past and present with current and future generations.

The GOAL is to continue keeping Maricopa's diverse history alive. We aim to inform and inspire others with our team of enthusiastic volunteers in our Museum and the Silver Horizon railcar.

Maricopa Historical Society incorporated as a non-profit (501 (c)(3) in 2010. Meetings are held at the Library and Cultural Center at 18160 N. Maya Angelou Drive, in the Redwood Room on the first Monday of each month at 5:00 pm.

Since 2010 the Maricopa Historical Society has provided for the public various exhibits: The History of Maricopa Wells, Maricopa Train Days, Cotton and Cattle, The Quadrille de Mujeres, Maricopa Schools Everyday Living, and Maricopa Characters.

A permanent exhibit at City Hall gives a brief history of Maricopa and why its name and location changed.

Arts and Culture

"Although there is no central location for the arts in Maricopa, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy cultural events in the city. Three dedicated spaces feature artwork from local artists of various media. Musical, theatrical, dance and chorale performances are also a cultural staple in Maricopa and are curated by local artistic organizations."

A January 2020 article from InMaricopa magazine regarding the Arts in the City of Maricopa. A little out of date, but it does provide some insights into the Arts Culture in this city.

Heard Museum

The Heard Museum sets the standard for collaborating with American Indian artists and tribal communities to provide visitors with a distinctive perspective about the art of Native people, especially those from the Southwest.

About the Heard Museum:

Since its founding in 1929, the Heard Museum has grown in size and stature to become recognized internationally for the quality of its collections, world-class exhibitions, educational programming and its unmatched festivals. Dedicated to the advancement of American Indian art, the Heard successfully presents the stories of American Indian people from a first-person perspective, as well as exhibitions that showcase the beauty and vitality of traditional and contemporary art.

Wild Horses Live Free and Protected in Arizona as Symbol of West

Home, home on the Arizona range, where the wild horses and burros play.

"It’s not the first thing you might think of when you come to the county (for many it tends to be a pleasant surprise), but Pinal is home to wild horses.

According to information at Wild Horse Pass Casino, operated by the Gila River Indian Community, there are about 1,500 wild horses across GRIC lands. The community actively protects these horses since they’re on tribal land."

This information packed article was written by Pinal Ways Staff Writer Kimlye Stager and published in the March 2023 issue. The article provides considerable insight into the history of these horses first introduced to the area in the 1500s by Spanish explorers. They're part of our culture and touch the hearts of many local residents.

They are a symbol of this website to explore and thrive!

Check out the website link. I think that you will find it interesting!

Maricopa Historical Society Museum and Visitor Center at Heritage Park -

This is the site of the City of Maricopa Museum and the “Silver Horizon” CB&Q 375. The Silver Horizon was one of seven rear sleeper-observation cars used on the California Zephyr trains that ran between Chicago, IL and San Francisco, CA. It was later used as Amtrak 9250 on the Texas Chief from Chicago to Texas and on the Sunset Limited from New Orleans LA to Los Angeles CA – through Phoenix AZ.

The City of Maricopa has transitioned through 3 different names and locations as the transportation needs of the region evolved. Check out the museum and the Zephyr! The City of Maricopa has a very rich and interesting history!

San Xavier del Bac Mission -- Spanish Colonial Missions of the Southwest Travel Itinerary

"By the 1700s Spanish colonists expanded northward from Mexico into present day Arizona claiming more land for New Spain, and Jesuits founded a chain of missions along the Santa Cruz River in the Sonoran Desert. The San Xavier del Bac Mission, now a National Historic Landmark, was founded in 1700 by Father Eusebio Kino, a Jesuit missionary who worked to spread Christianity in New Spain. The Tohono O'Odham and subsequent Franciscan missionaries built a mission at the site that continues to capture the imagination of visitors today. Constructed between 1783 and 1797, the historic white stucco church stands on the site Father Kino chose and has become a treasured part of the community's history, restored and cared for over generations. Often called the "white dove of the desert," the mission is located in the San Xavier Reservation, part of the Tohono O'odham Nation southwest of Tucson, Arizona."

This is a National Park Service introduction to the magnificent San Xavier del Bac Mission in Tucson, Arizona. A good way to plan your trip.

MIM - Musical Instrument Museum

MIM has a collection of more than 8,000 instruments from more than 200 world countries. The galleries reflect the rich diversity and history of many world cultures. The music and instruments also show us what we have in common. This is a thought powerfully expressed in our motto, "music is the language of the soul."

Note from Ron Smith - MIM is on top of my list when I'm recommending places to visit in the Phoenix area. It is a very unique museum that shouldn't be missed if you have the time.

Celebrating freedom, resilience: Maricopa community members reflect on the lasting influence of Juneteenth

"Juneteenth. It’s an amalgamation of the words “June” and “nineteenth.” Today is a celebration of freedom, culture and resilience for many in the African American community. It’s a period of education and reflection of the country’s complicated history for Americans at large.

Juneteenth is a day that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the U.S. on June 19, 1865. On that day, Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger issued a legal decree that enforced the Emancipation Proclamation upon his arrival in Galveston, Texas. There, roughly 250,000 people were still living under slavery in the formerly confederate state."

"For the holiday’s 158th anniversary, InMaricopa asked community members to reflect on why Juneteenth continues to stand as a notable holiday in Maricopa."

The article from a June 2023 issue of InMaricopa Magazine provides multiple insights into the importance of this holiday. The personal insights from several Maricopa residents that many of us know helps to add meaning that we might not have otherwise acquired. An important read!

Maricopa Historical Society debuts Black History exhibit Saturday.

"The Maricopa Historical Society will debut a presentation featuring prominent Black figures since the city’s establishment in 2003 this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The public is invited to view the 20-minute video presentation, accompanied by live jazz and gospel music at the museum, 44240 Maricopa-Casa Grande Hwy.

The idea originated from Paul Shirk and Jim Irving while enjoying coffee on the library porch. However, it took months of planning, research and meetings with local community members to pull it together."

“Maricopa has a rich tapestry of people and a beautiful blend of residents that make us wealthy at heart,” Chrystal O’Jon said.

This April 2023 article from InMaricopa Magazine documents a team effort that "recognized the significance of sharing Black history with Maricopa." This was a very successful project that was well executed and enjoyed.

Learn with Aloha LLC

The owners of Learn with Aloha LLC after moving to Maricopa felt the need to teach their culture as a way of giving back to their new community. They desired to teach their culture and keep it alive in their family. See interview in Maricopa Lifestyle Magazine (Quarter 2 - June 2023) with Janelle Gomez.

Their school offers Hawaiian Cultural Educational Classes and workshops including Hula and other related courses.

Russia native finds home, family in America.

Mari Leanna Emily remembers the struggle of making it to America from Russia.

"At age 13, she left the Russian orphanage where she spent her formative years, adopted by a family that brought her to the United States. Her journey to America was a mix of excitement and apprehension as she left everything behind, including friends, caretakers and teachers."

This story was written by Cameron Jobson, an InMaricopa reporter and first published in the July edition of InMaricopa Magazine.

Check the website for the complete story.

TikTok chef shares love of food and culture — with millions of fans

"Shortly after their children leave for school, Ana Regalado and her husband, Ricardo, begin cooking and setting up filming equipment in their Maricopa kitchen. Lights and tripods sit on a countertop along with neatly placed décor and ingredients."

"On this day, Regalado prepares potato taquitos and sopa de fideo, a tomato-based noodle soup. It’s a simple, meat-free dish that is savory and filling.

She smiles for the camera as she goes through multiple takes pouring the soup, sprinkling cheese and presenting the dish to film a one-minute video for her TikTok channel, Salty Cocina."

Regalado may still be shy to talk, but each week she welcomes 2.5 million subscribers into her Maricopa Meadows home to teach them how to prepare a variety of Mexican dishes. She has gained attention on a local and national scale, finding herself featured on the “Today Show” and in The Oprah Magazine.

This article from a 2023 issue of InMaricopa magazine introduces us to our own TikTok channel celebrity chef who has introduced millions to her food and culture. This is a fascinating story of passion, talent and hard work that has taken on a life of its own! Congratulations! Enjoy. A great story.

"Salty Cocina is a family affair.

It’s usually a team effort,” Regalado said, motioning to her husband. “He does the recording and I do the cooking. It works out really well.”

Arizona Landmarks

This is a commercial travel blog written by Christina Pfieffer from Travel2Next. She has done a great job of identifying memorable landmarks found in the State of Arizona.

Arizona is rich in history and natural landmarks scattered throughout the state. Arizona’s most famous landmark is the Grand Canyon, but many other sites also deserve to be mentioned. The sixth-largest US state has plenty of places to see, from towering rock formations to red cliffs, historic mines, abandoned ghost towns and ancient petroglyphs. Meteor Crater was created by a meteor back in 508 BC and is one of the best-preserved craters on Earth.

Arizona is packed with natural monuments and the only USA state with four desert regions – the Chihuahuan, the Mojave, the Sonoran and the Great Basin Desert – full of treasures.

inFOCUS: Maricopa woman lived through Holocaust, World War II

Church gives new life to powerful InMaricopa story.

"Maricopa Church of Celebration hosted a viewing of an evocative InMaricopa interview with Holocaust survivor Lea Stockhammer this morning.

Dozens of locals filled a lecture room in the Maricopa Library and Cultural Center.

The 34-minute interview InMaricopa first published last year expanded on Stockhammer’s experience as a 5-year-old Jewish child in Yugoslavia during World War II."

"We have the opportunity to remember that the stories we read in the pages of our history books happened to real people,” Gores said. “Their stories and their experiences need to carried on … so that we can avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.”

InMaricopa reporter, Monica Spencer, reports on this event in her July 20, 2023, article on this event.

Ak-Chin Him-Dak Eco-Museum

"The Him-Dak EcoMuseum was established to collect, analyze, preserve, protect, promote and teach various aspects of the Ak-Chin heritage, culture and communication between generations. Tribal crafts, exhibits and photographs of the Ak-Chin people are displayed. The Museum is distinguished from a traditional museum in that land and territory replace the museum building, and the residents of the area take on the role of curator and public. This museum acts as an exhibit and storage area that reflects both prehistoric and local items from families housed here. It hosts two yearly celebrations: the annual Him-Dak Celebration held in April and the Native American Recognition Day Celebration in September.

City Manager Arts Initiative

"Our city manager believes that for a community to thrive, the arts and all of its different avenues is a critical component. It is also important to create a place that is worthy of our affection. Having a space where we can showcase the talents and diversity of our community allows us to bring in greater economic development, quality of life, and a family atmosphere that the city of Maricopa has fostered throughout its rich history. All of the hard work to enrich our community goes out to our committees, sponsors, volunteers, and of course, our wonderful local artists."

Maricopa Wild Horses Arts Project

"In celebration of the City of Maricopa’s growth, it is important to honor our roots and look to the future. In the early 1800s horse and mule drawn freight trains would pass through the area carrying goods from east to west. The mid 1800s brought the first continental Butterfield Overland Mail Line providing mail service and was the method used for communicating from coast to coast. The Pony Express were young, hardy riders traveling at great speeds by horse delivering catalogs and goods to the doorstep. In the late 1800’s four and six-horse Concord coaches would provide passenger service to and from Phoenix for those arriving by train. To the South, in the early 1900s horse drawn farming instruments where used by our native neighbors whose 16,000 acre Ak-Chin Farm is one of the most successful farming enterprises today. Entering Maricopa from the North passengers can likely find a heard of wild horses roaming the open fields and are living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West. In the heart of Maricopa lives the Heritage District. This unique district is generally defined as the “old part” of town where many “horse properties” still exist today. This is why the wild horse is relevant to the City of Maricopa’s History."

Check the website for more information regarding this exciting project.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

For your enjoyment, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is open 365 days a year! During inclement weather, please call (520) 883-2702.

PRO TIP: It typically takes at least two hours to see all that the Museum has to offer. We recommend arriving before mid-afternoon to make the most of your visit.

Hours:
October - May:
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Summer Hours:
June - September:
7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Editor: A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

"Last month, I learned a Holocaust survivor was living in our midst here in Maricopa. (Read story here.)

Lea Stockhammer resides in Province, but she’s lived through more history than a library full of books.

There are so many lessons to learn from a woman who has lived such an eventful life, especially during the times in which we now find ourselves."

"There’s a wise saying: Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.

Lea is one of the few people on this earth who have lived long enough and has the life experiences to understand the truth that rings out in those words."

On August 6th, 2022, InMaricopa Magazine Editor Justin Griffin introduced the article that he had written on holocaust survivor Lea Stockhammer who lives here in Maricopa with his opening remarks from the editor. This interview had a profound affect on him and those of us who read the article. Check out Justin's feelings on this interview.

4 tribal communities make up a large part of Pinal.

Pinal County is home to four Native American tribal communities.

Check this article from April 2023 that appeared in Pinal Central. It was written by Melissa St Aude a Pinal Central Staff Writer.

Huhugan Heritage Center

How many times have you driven past this museum on SR 347?

This modern cultural center highlights the ancestral, historic and current cultures of the Gila River Indian Community, made up of two tribes – the Akimel O’otham and the Pee Posh. Our mission is to ensure our Akimel O’otham and Pee Posh cultures flourish for future generations.

The Huhugam Heritage Center was built in 2003, fulfilling our Community vision to create a place for Community, culture, land, tradition and spirit: a place to honor and preserve our Him dak (our way of life).

Come experience our unique and calming architecture. The Center stairsteps up out of the desert, the building silhouettes designed to blend in with the nearby mountain ranges and hills.

In our state-of-the-art collections repository, we care for Huhugam, Akimel O’otham and Pee Posh treasures from our ancestral lands' boundaries of the Huhugam (also known by the archaeological name Hohokam), master artists, farmers and crafts people of our desert home.

Collections which include large archaeological project holdings including the Snaketown, Gila River Cultural Resources Management Program and Bureau of Reclamation Central Arizona Project Collections, an outstanding collection of nearly 500 O’odham baskets, an exquisite Pee Posh pottery collection, the trombone and memorabilia of renowned Akimel O’otham jazz trombonist Russell Moore and the Blackwater Store & Trading Post and Arts and Crafts museum collections.

Sap eth tha:thak em ñei

(We are happy to see you)

Maricopa Community Theatre

Maricopa Community Theatre was formed on January 23, 2010, as the baby of Artistic Director, Carrie Vargas. It stemmed from the desire to direct a local production of “The Importance of Being Earnest.”

She knew that Maricopa had abundant talent, and that being nestled in its location, there is a distance for the community to travel to see quality theatre. It is from that knowledge and experience, that Maricopa Community Theatre was created. MCT has established partnerships with the City of Maricopa Parks and Recreation Division, DSPA Gems, Inc and Maricopa Music Circle, among others, to broaden the scope of theatrical performance in Maricopa.

In 2017, the company shifted into a nonprofit corporation and reimagined what theatre could bring to the community. Through grants, donations and lots of blood, sweat and tears, MCT brings multiple opportunities for theatrical performance to the area. Board members, past and present, as well as community members, and cast/crew, have made Maricopa Community theatre what it is today.

And we look forward to many years of producing quality theatre in Maricopa!

Check out the following website for details on the Maricopa Community Theatre including upcoming performances.