Welcome to Pioneers' Cemetery Association
RESEARCH - PRESERVE - EDUCATE
About Phoenix & Territorial Arizona History
About Phoenix & Territorial Arizona History
The Mission of the Pioneers' Cemetery Association, Inc. is to conserve and protect the historic physical remains, grave markers, artifacts, and buildings of Pioneer & Military Memorial Park and provide a safe, accessible community resource for present and future generations; to acknowledge, celebrate, and promote Arizona's Pioneer History, represented by those interred in Arizona historic cemeteries, through research, education, conservation, preservation, and community engagement.
The Pioneers' Cemetery Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization with IRS 501(c)(3) status.
The Pioneers' Cemetery Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization with IRS 501(c)(3) status.
Historic Cemetery Preservation: How to Get Started
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Pioneers' Cemetery Association's Grave Marker Preservation team has prepared a seminar which will provide information on how to begin a cemetery preservation project, how to preserve the integrity of grave markers of all types, and more. This is appropriate for caretakers of historic cemeteries and champions of historic preservation who want to help with such things but aren't sure of best practice. Professional Conservator Joseph Ferrannini along with PCA's own Grave Marker Preservation team will be leading this seminar.
The morning will be filled with classroom-setting education while the afternoon will be at Pioneer & Military Memorial Park to see how the information is applied. Many resources are included in the course as well as lunch. All of the information is included in the course registration form to the right. We look forward to seeing you Saturday, February 2, 2019 as we learn best practices in cemetery preservation! Seminar is only $95 with a LOT of take-home material including a book valued at over $40 AND networking time with experts in the field! |
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Arizona Capitol Museum Tours
The Arizona Capitol Museum is offering “Historical Capitol and Grounds” tours at the Capitol. The next will be February 2nd starting at 11:30 AM.
This is not a tour of the exhibits inside the museum, which can be viewed either before or after the tour, but an examination of the story of the iconic Territorial Capitol building.
We will start outside discussing the history of the grounds and why this location was chosen for the Territorial Capitol. Then we will move inside and examine various interesting architectural aspects of the building that often go unnoticed.
You will hear about some interesting aspects of our Capitol, such as why the grounds once hosted a Chinese bamboo forest and banana plants! You’ll find out why the dome was not originally made of copper and the elements the architect – James Riely Gordon – built into the design to keep the building cooler in the days before air conditioning!
The tour is free and takes about an hour. We will start in the rotunda.
The Capitol Museum is open 10AM to 2PM on Saturdays and is located at 1700 West Washington. Free parking is available to the east, in Wesley Bolin Plaza.
It is listed as the “Architectural Tour” on the museum’s website:
https://azlibrary.gov/branches/arizona-capitol-museum/museum-events
This is not a tour of the exhibits inside the museum, which can be viewed either before or after the tour, but an examination of the story of the iconic Territorial Capitol building.
We will start outside discussing the history of the grounds and why this location was chosen for the Territorial Capitol. Then we will move inside and examine various interesting architectural aspects of the building that often go unnoticed.
You will hear about some interesting aspects of our Capitol, such as why the grounds once hosted a Chinese bamboo forest and banana plants! You’ll find out why the dome was not originally made of copper and the elements the architect – James Riely Gordon – built into the design to keep the building cooler in the days before air conditioning!
The tour is free and takes about an hour. We will start in the rotunda.
The Capitol Museum is open 10AM to 2PM on Saturdays and is located at 1700 West Washington. Free parking is available to the east, in Wesley Bolin Plaza.
It is listed as the “Architectural Tour” on the museum’s website:
https://azlibrary.gov/branches/arizona-capitol-museum/museum-events
Grave Marker Preservation Week - Boots in the Dirt!
Our Professional Conservator Joseph Ferrannini is coming February 3 through 10, 2019. We need as much help as possible. If you have worked with Joe before, you know how much you learn and get accomplished. PLEASE let Cindy Lee know what dates you are available. Lunch will be provided. Usual start time is around 8-8:30, end time 4:30-5:00.
Joe comes to Arizona once a year and this is a remarkable opportunity to learn and help preserve the cemeteries at the Pioneer & Military Memorial Park.
If you have any questions, please email Grave Marker Preservation Chair Cindy Lee at geckofamilee@cox.net.
Joe comes to Arizona once a year and this is a remarkable opportunity to learn and help preserve the cemeteries at the Pioneer & Military Memorial Park.
If you have any questions, please email Grave Marker Preservation Chair Cindy Lee at geckofamilee@cox.net.
Upcoming Events at Smurthwaite House & PMMP
Open House - Vintage Valentines
Saturday, January 26, 2019, 10 AM - 2 PM
We welcome the public and members to attend our special Saturday Open House! Bring your family and friends (young and old) to make your own special vintage Valentine card to keep or give away by getting inspiration from Valentines spanning the bygone eras. All craft supplies provided! Also, learn about the different “Valentine” symbols carved into tombstones as you stroll through the cemetery participating in a fun Valentine scavenger hunt. This is the final resting place of many of Phoenix’s first settlers. Light refreshments will be provided for your enjoyment.
A suggested donation of $3 per Valentine or 2 for $5 would help support our ongoing Grave Marker Preservation.
GMPP Seminar
Saturday, February 2, 2019, 9:30 AM - 4 PM
Refer to detailed information and registration application above.
GMPP Boots in the Dirt Preservation
Sunday through Sunday, February 3-10, 2019, 8 AM - 4:30 PM
Refer to above information.
Open House
Saturday, February 23, 2019, 10 AM - 2 PM
Theme to be determind!
Saturday, January 26, 2019, 10 AM - 2 PM
We welcome the public and members to attend our special Saturday Open House! Bring your family and friends (young and old) to make your own special vintage Valentine card to keep or give away by getting inspiration from Valentines spanning the bygone eras. All craft supplies provided! Also, learn about the different “Valentine” symbols carved into tombstones as you stroll through the cemetery participating in a fun Valentine scavenger hunt. This is the final resting place of many of Phoenix’s first settlers. Light refreshments will be provided for your enjoyment.
A suggested donation of $3 per Valentine or 2 for $5 would help support our ongoing Grave Marker Preservation.
GMPP Seminar
Saturday, February 2, 2019, 9:30 AM - 4 PM
Refer to detailed information and registration application above.
GMPP Boots in the Dirt Preservation
Sunday through Sunday, February 3-10, 2019, 8 AM - 4:30 PM
Refer to above information.
Open House
Saturday, February 23, 2019, 10 AM - 2 PM
Theme to be determind!
Hats & High Tea - Saturday, March 2
The Pioneers' Cemetery Association invites you to a fundraising event for Grave Marker Preservation at the Pioneer & Military Memorial Park (cemeteries)!
Join us for an afternoon tea held on the Gazebo Patio 'midst the early Phoenix pioneers who grace the old Pioneer Cemetery! Gather your friends and family and dress up in your favorite vintage style for a delightful afternoon English tea.
Entertainment will be provided by Parasols and Petticoats LLC as they explore "Reflections of 1800's Fashions and Lifestyles."
Ticket includes: English tea, an assortment of finger sandwiches, desserts, and your choice of a lovely tea cup and saucer to take home!
Tickets: $40 per person
Raffle tickets: $5 each
Donations are always welcome!
This event is by reservation only. No tickets will be sold at the door. To order your tickets and reserve a space, please contact Debe Branning at nazanaza@aol.com. Make checks/money order payable to PCA (Pioneers' Cemetery Association).
Send to:
Debe Branning
1263 N. Gaylord Circle
Mesa, AZ 85213
Join us for an afternoon tea held on the Gazebo Patio 'midst the early Phoenix pioneers who grace the old Pioneer Cemetery! Gather your friends and family and dress up in your favorite vintage style for a delightful afternoon English tea.
Entertainment will be provided by Parasols and Petticoats LLC as they explore "Reflections of 1800's Fashions and Lifestyles."
Ticket includes: English tea, an assortment of finger sandwiches, desserts, and your choice of a lovely tea cup and saucer to take home!
Tickets: $40 per person
Raffle tickets: $5 each
Donations are always welcome!
This event is by reservation only. No tickets will be sold at the door. To order your tickets and reserve a space, please contact Debe Branning at nazanaza@aol.com. Make checks/money order payable to PCA (Pioneers' Cemetery Association).
Send to:
Debe Branning
1263 N. Gaylord Circle
Mesa, AZ 85213
Preserving Sotelo-Heard Cemetery
Our many thanks to reporter John D'Anna of the Arizona Republic for his time, research, and sensitive story featuring a forgotten "Mexican cemetery" in south Phoenix - Sotelo-Heard Cemetery. Enjoy the story in its entirety here. A list of those buried is included at the very end of the story if you're looking for the possibility of tracing your own heritage here.
Our thanks to Monica Garcia of 12News for her interview with Frank Barrios November 1! The video report can be found here.
Many thanks to Cronkite News and Brittany Watson for her interview with Frank Barrios November 21. The story can be found here.
Pioneers' Cemetery Association is available as a community resource to those seeking to preserve historic cemeteries, aid in research of family genealogy particularly for those connected with our early Arizona burials, and education about early Arizona history by sharing the stories of those who were here before us.
You can contact us at pioneercem@yahoo.com with questions or comments. You are encouraged to become a Friend of PCA by either becoming a member or subscribing to our news. Donations to continue our efforts to preserve history are gratefully accepted.
Our thanks to Monica Garcia of 12News for her interview with Frank Barrios November 1! The video report can be found here.
Many thanks to Cronkite News and Brittany Watson for her interview with Frank Barrios November 21. The story can be found here.
Pioneers' Cemetery Association is available as a community resource to those seeking to preserve historic cemeteries, aid in research of family genealogy particularly for those connected with our early Arizona burials, and education about early Arizona history by sharing the stories of those who were here before us.
You can contact us at pioneercem@yahoo.com with questions or comments. You are encouraged to become a Friend of PCA by either becoming a member or subscribing to our news. Donations to continue our efforts to preserve history are gratefully accepted.
Plaques Dedicated by Major Winfield Scott Chapter, NSDAR
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Members of Major Winfield Scott Chapter, NSDAR unveiled an NSDAR marker commemorating 6 Chinese Elm trees donated over the last two years at the Phoenix Pioneer and Military Memorial Park to honor the veterans who helped settle the Arizona Territory. This effort is also in conjunction with the City of Phoenix Shade Tree initiative in an effort to lower the temperatures within the City of Phoenix by planting more trees. A second plaque was unveiled for the donation of 15 lantana plants to establish a pollinator-friendly area at the cemetery.
Many thanks to Major Winfield Scott Chapter for your generous and beautiful support! |
Listing of Burials
Back by popular demand! If you're looking for the names of all contained (that we're aware of!) within our cemeteries, you can find the entire alphabetic listing under the Services tab for your reference. We have many researchers who find it easier to begin with our lists before heading to Find A Grave or contacting us for details. You'll see notations embedded in lists of who we have additional information about. Feel free to contact us at pioneercem@yahoo.com to access story information. (remember - membership has its benefits!)
Open House Thursdays
Tour the cemeteries and visit historic Smurthwaite House EVERY Thursday, 10 AM-2 PM. Donations gratefully accepted. Smurthwaite House is located at 1317 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ.
Smurthwaite House Video
Many thanks to City of Phoenix's Nathalie Gage as well as Pioneers' Cemetery Association's own Judy Smith and Vivia Strang for their time and talents!
Location & HoursSmurthwaite House and the cemeteries of Pioneer & Military Memorial Park are open to the public every THURSDAY from 10 AM - 2 PM, on the fourth Saturday of the month September through May at scheduled times, and for special events as posted. The facilities are supervised by an all-volunteer team. Your cooperation to coordinate your activity at available times is greatly appreciated.
Mailing Address Pioneers' Cemetery Association P.O. Box 33192 Phoenix, AZ 85067 Smurthwaite House & P&MMP 1317 W. Jefferson St. Phoenix, AZ 85007 pioneercem@yahoo.com THURSDAYS ONLY 10 AM-2 PM |
Pioneers' Cemetery Association - Phoenix, Arizona
Copyright © 2017 Website last updated January 20, 2019
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All Rights Reserved.