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Mission
and History of the PCA
Mission of the Association
The mission of the Pioneers' Cemetery Association
(PCA) is to research, preserve, and protect the history and
physical remains of Arizona pioneers as exemplified in the
early, historic-period cemeteries of the state.
The PCA also wishes to preserve, interpret, and
promote through active fund-raising and individual volunteerism
the understanding of archaeological resources as exemplified
by the prehistoric, historic, and contemporary cultures of the
southwestern region. Such cultures include, but are not limited
to, the prehistoric Hohokam, historic Mexican, Chinese, and European
groups. The PCA hopes to further engage the public in educational
programs through on site tours, special events, and exhibits.
Name
of the Association
Our organization's name, Pioneers' Cemetery Association,
Inc., was chosen to reflect our interest in all of Arizona's
historic cemeteries.
History
of the Association
The original Pioneers' Cemetery Association (PCA) was formed
in 1938 for the purpose of preserving the historic pioneer cemeteries a
few blocks from the State Capitol building. Founding members included
Barry Goldwater, Frank Alkire, Walter Bimson, Carl Hayden and Thomas Hayden,
among others. The research of this group formed the basis for the
present PCA.
Although the original PCA disbanded at the outbreak of World
War II, it was revived in 1983 to foster public awareness of the cemeteries
and their place in Phoenix history. Charter members of the revived
Pioneers' Cemetery Association included Algona and Philip Winslow,
Darton Harris and Dan Craig, all dedicated researchers.
Algona Winslow was contacting families of decedents as
early as 1975. Since then, dozens of volunteers have labored tirelessly
to research and document the burials in the cemeteries.
The PCA has planned and presented a Memorial Day
Observance for the public each year since 1983, in conjunction
with The City of Phoenix and other community historical associations.
The PCA provides guided tours of the cemeteries for school groups,
senior centers, and other community groups and the general public,
meets with descendants, shares research information, and gives educational
presentations to community groups about cemetery history, recording
and preservation.
PCA members visit other historic cemeteries around
the state, sharing information about the history of the area
as seen through the presence of cemeteries. Ideas for cemetery
recording, mapping and preservation are shared with community
members.
The
PCA has created a working relationship with the City of
Phoenix to further its work at these seven cemeteries. The
office of the PCA is in the historic Smurthwaite House on the grounds
of Pioneer & Military Memorial Park in downtown Phoenix.
The Park, located in the Pioneer Cemetery Historic District at
14th Avenue and Jefferson Street, is comprised of Phoenix's historic
cemeteries that were in use from 1884 to 1914.
The Pioneers' Cemetery Association (PCA) is a 501(c)(3)
non-profit organization. For further information about the PCA,
its activities, projects or membership, please email, write
or call us.
Contact Information:
Pioneers' Cemetery Assn.
PO Box 63342
Phoenix, AZ 85082-3342
Ph. 602-534-1262
E-mail: pioneercem@yahoo.com
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