Blog
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Oliver Anderson, a long-time member, supporter, and board member of the Maricopa Historical Society. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. We are deeply grateful for the wonderful memories, leadership, and wisdom Oliver shared with our community over the years.
Pictures of Oliver Anderson, Fieldtrip Fridays, Train Park Dedication, 250th Anniversary activities and this year’s Tales & Treasures Dinner. We have had a wonderful time thus far and plan to continue to have fun. Thank you for joining us.
Maricopa Historical Society meetings are held the first Monday of the month at the Library in the Redwood room and will start at 5pm.
Our next meeting: Nov 2, – Guest Speaker Emily Hann, from the Arizona Historical Soceity.
Our next Friday Member Field Trip: No Field Trip in November (Thanksgiving Holiday.)
During the summer months we plan to have local guest speakers tell us about the history of Maricopa as they recall memories and stories of how it all began. Later in October we will be inviting guest speakers from around the area to come and talk on a variety of topics.
2025-2026 Guest Speakers
Sep 1 – Pinal County Supervisor Rich Vitiello
Oct 5 – Dr John Mack, Wild Horses
Nov 3 – Aaron Wright, 250th Anniversary of the Anza Trail
Dec 1 – Scott Hamilton on Pinal Co. Open Space, Trails & Reginal Parks
Jan 5, 2026 – Ara Norwood, The Founding Fathers, USA’s 250th Anniversary.
Feb 2, 2026 – Roger Naylor, The 100th Anniversary of Route 66
Mar 2, 2026 – Jody Crago, History of Bashas in our Area
Apr 6, 2026 – Carlos Tapia Train Safety in our Area
May 5, 2026 (Tue) – Bill Griffin Maricopa Town Constable
Jun 1, 2026 – David O’Barr, “Tales of the old West”
July – No Meeting
Aug 3 – Rodolfo Lopez, City of Maricopa Director of Development Services
Sep 8 (Tue) – Kelley Fox, from Pinal County Open Space and Trails.
Oct 6 – John Mack, Part 2 of the Wild Horses of Arizona
Oct 23 – Special guest speaker John Cole at the Smith Family Heritage Center
Oct 24 – Special Guest tour around Maricopa, with John Cole as guide.
Nov 2 – Emily Hahn, from the Arizona Historical Society
Dec 7 – Ara Norwood, final wrap up of the 250th Anniversary of the USA and Pearl Harbor
MHS 2026 Calendar
Jan 5 Mtg @ Library – Guest Speaker, Ara Norwood, The Founding Fathers, USA’s 250th Anniversary
Jan 30 Field Trip Friday – Scottsdale History Museum, Old Adobe Mission, and Rodeo Museum
Jan 31 Maricopa Clean-up Day, meet at the Museum 8am, clean up around museum, train car, and history walk
Feb 2 Mtg @ Library – Guest Speaker, Roger Naylor, The 100th Anniversary of Route 66
Feb 7 “Tales and Treasures” – Fundraiser Dinner 5pm to 8pm in the Province Ballroom
Feb 27 Field Trip Friday – Maricopa History Map Tour
March 2 Mtg @ Library – Guest Speaker, Jody Crago, History of Bashas in our Area
March 27 Field Trip Friday – Chandler Museum’s new display on the Bashas Family.
April 4-6 “Wild West Music Festival”
April 6 Mtg @ Library – Guest Speaker, Carlos Tapia, Train Safety in our Area.
April 11 Open the John and Mary Lou Smith Heritage Center from 10am to noon every 2nd & 4th Saturdays.
April 24 Field Trip Friday – Painted Rock Petroglyph Park
May 5 (Tue) Mtg @ Library – Guest Speaker, Bill Griffin Maricopa Town Constable
May 9 Smith House open 10am to noon
May 22 Field Trip Friday – No Field Trip
May 27 Last Coffee on the porch before summer break
June 3 Change to Summer Hours at Museum and Railcar. Saturdays only, 10:00am to 12:00pm
June 1 Mtg @ Library – Guest Speaker, David O’Barr
June 26 Field Trip Friday – No Field Trip
July 6 Mtg @ Library – No Mtg
July 22 Unveiling of the new Paul Shirk St sign with reception to follow at the Museum
July 24 Field Trip Friday – No Field Trip
Aug 3 Mtg @ Library – Guest Speaker, Rodolfo Lopez, Director of Development Services
Aug 21 Field Trip Friday – No Field Trip
Sep 8 (Tue) Mtg @ Library – Guest Speaker, Kelley Fox from Pinal County Open Spaces and Trails.
Sep 2 Coffee on the Porch Starts back up 9am to 11am.
Sep 19 Maricopa Kids Day Booth 10am to 4pm
Sep 24 (Thurs) Field Trip Friday – Tempe Museum newest Exhibit on Local Lowrider History.
Oct 2 First Friday Events begin, 5pm to 8pm at the museum
Oct 5 Mtg @ Library – Guest Speaker, John Mack, Part 2 of Wild Horses of Arizona
Oct 15 – 28 Stagecoach Days Activities
Oct 21 Coffee on the Porch 9am to 11am as part of Stagecoach Days
Oct 23 Field Trip Friday – Special Guest Speaker, John Cole, son of one of Maricopa’s early Post Masters, to be given at the Smith Family Heritage Center for members only.
Oct 24 8am to noon guided tour of local historical spots starting at Headquarters, by John Cole.
Oct 24 Memorial for Oliver Anderson 1pm to 4pm
Oct 24 Salsa Festival – Noon to 10pm at Pecana Park
Nov 2 Mtg @ Library – Guest Speaker, Emily Hahn from the Arizona Historical Society.
Nov 28 Field Trip Friday – No Field Trip (Thanksgiving Holiday)
Dec 7 Mtg @ Library – Guest Speaker, Ara Norwood final 250th Anniversary of USA
Dec 25 Field Trip Friday – No Field Trip (Christmas Holiday)
Jan 1, 2027 1st Friday Event – New Year’s Day
Jan 4, 2027 Mtg @ Library – TBA
The City Has New Updates to Heritage Park
The city has been busy adding to the Heritage Park site with a new Ramada for future activities at the park. The new mural on the side of the building was created (in just one day) by the very talented Mauriel Morejon, of Casa Grande. There are also two horses, created by local artist, on the grounds, one by the museum building and one located next to the Silver Horizon train car. This year the Heritage Train Park was completed with a new playground, Ramada, Amphitheater, and stage. Which is already a big hit with the children of Maricopa.
The street next to the Museum and Park was also renamed to honor the service and dedication of past MHS President Paul Shirk.
