The Pioneers of Pioneer Village

In 1956, plans for a living history museum began with a group of Arizona history enthusiasts. Many landmarks of Arizona history were being destroyed by what many called progress. These enthusiasts formed the "Pioneer Arizona Foundation, Inc" Founders of Pioneer Arizona Foundation, Inc. include:

• Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lockett, who donated the state land lease to the museum.
• Paul Fannin, Governor of Arizona in the early 1960s.
• Barry Goldwater, United States Senator
• Carl Hayden, United States Senator
• Wesley Bolin, Secretary of State and Governor
• George Babbit, Jr.
• JoAnn Schmitt Graham, a journalist
• Robert R. Weaver, a Phoenix attorney

The museum celebrated it's Grand Opening on February 15, 1969, with Phase 1 of the Living History Village. The Pioneer Living History Village you visit today is still in Phase 1. Over time and with contributions from the public, this Village hopes to one day complete the original founders' dreams so that our Western heritage here in Arizona is preserved for future generations to see. The village houses 30 historic buildings from the 1880s to the turn of the century. Most of them can be viewed and experienced by the public. We welcome field trips from schools, home schools, tour agents, destination planners and communities - The Village is a "Classroom Without Walls".