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.
March is Pioneers Month in Phoenix!
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Our thanks to Phoenix Mayor Thelda Williams for issuing a proclamation declaring our first ever Pioneers Month! Thanks to reporter Jessica Boehm of AzCentral for spreading the news here. Thanks to our friend Steve Schumacher for staunchly advocating for this!
In celebration of Pioneers Month, we bring to you a story of one of Phoenix's earliest cartographers (map maker), Czar James ("C.J.") Dyer. You can find out more about C.J. and our other pioneers through our book, Pioneer & Military Memorial Park of Phoenix, available through our online gift shop or stop by our facilities on any Thursday, 10am-2pm - 1317 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix! A copy of C.J.'s map of Phoenix hangs in historic Smurthwaite House at PMMP facilities! (see the story on our Pioneer of the Month page under Preservation!) |
Thanks to Our Grave Marker Preservation Team!
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Our thanks to Conservator Joe Ferrannini for sharing SO much of his time and expertise with our Arizona preservation team in February!
February began with a seminar hosted by PCA's Grave Marker Preservation committee with Joe as the featured guest speaker. Attendees from around the country joined the discussion to learn more about the best practice to assess historic cemeteries and grave markers as well as how to consider preserving as much of the original marker as possible. Our time with Joe continued for more than one week at Pioneer & Military Memorial Park and Greenwood Cemetery. Many markers were cleaned and steps taken to restore their orginal beauty. Our preservation team learned a lot in this year's session and added new members for ongoing local projects. Attached are only a few of the many improved grave markers with before & after shots. Thanks to ALL who attended the seminar, helped with Boots in the Dirt, fed the hungry crew, and YOUR donation support to make it possible for Joe's visit! |
Hats & High Tea - Huge Success!
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Thanks to SO many coming together to bring Hats & High Tea to life! This event was 3 years in the making. All proceeds will be going toward our Grave Marker Preservation efforts.
Our friends at Parasols and Petticoats did a phenomenal job providing a program to the crowd for an hour of ongoing gorgeous costumes along with information about the garb and characters who would have worn them. SO many volunteers to thank, from those who set up and cleaned up, prepared tea sandwiches and dessert, kept the tea hot and coming, donated raffle prizes and tea cups as guest "favors," and so much crafting for all to look elegant and "period!" Thanks to our supporters for your generous donations of time, materials, and funds to make preservation of Phoenix history possible! |
Thanks, Scout, for the Porter Cemetery Roadway!
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Awesome job on an amazing Eagle Scout project! What an amazing way to get a large team of all ages to rally in support of your effort! From arrangements for necessary equipment, tools, and gravel donation, you absolutely scored a home run here! Thank you for your hard work and dedication to beautify our historic Phoenix cemeteries!
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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.
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 April 3, 2019
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All Rights Reserved.