Public History Program
Learning about our local history encourages interest in and a connection with the place where we live, work, and play. Understanding our past also helps us make better decisions in the future.
The Public History Program focuses on presenting Chandler’s history to the general public through outreach programs, especially through collaboration between the community and the City. Public history projects will collect, preserve, and explore the stories of our past, and of our diverse heritage, and they often involve the community in their creation.
Upcoming Events
- Guided Walking Tours of Historic Downtown Chandler
- Want to find out what makes downtown Chandler historic? Join the Staff of the Chandler Museum for a walking tour every first Wednesday of the month. Meet in front of the Starbucks at the San Marcos Resort (1 N. San Marcos Place) at 5 p.m. Tours are presented by the Public History Program, last approximately one hour, and are FREE! All ages are welcome, and no registration is required. Call 480-782-2717 for more information.
Tour Dates & Times:
Wednesday, December 2, 2009, from 5-6 p.m.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010, from 5-6 p.m.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010, from 5-6 p.m.
- Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Chandler (PDF)
Public History Program Features
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Community History Projects & Web-based History Projects
Community history projects involving oral history and community-based research are an important part of preserving Chandler’s past. It is critical to capture the stories of our city’s early families and development. Find out what’s been done lately.
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Historic Structures
There are a number of historic structures that have been preserved through various efforts, including the recently rehabilitated McCullough-Price house near Chandler Fashion Center. Find out more about historic structures in the City.
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Ever wonder what existed in your neighborhood before the homes, schools, and businesses arrived? Residents will be able to learn about the history of their neighborhoods, and how the land has changed, through history kiosks located in city parks throughout the community.
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Living History Presentations
What was it like to be a farmwoman in early Chandler history? Hazel Overturf brings the story of Chandler through a farmwoman's eyes to life in her living history characer, "Lucille Wilson." For information on future presentations or to request a presentation for your school or organizations, call (480) 782-2751.
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- Tumbleweed Ranch
Located at Tumbleweed Park, the ranch is a collection of historic buildings, farm equipment, and more. As the ranch develops, you can explore the ranch to learn about Chandler’s agricultural past, discover how early farming families lived, and how they operated their farms in a desert environment.
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Volunteer OpportunitiesThere are opportunities for volunteers to make a difference in the community by contributing to the collection and preservation of Chandler history. The Public History Program is offering internship opportunities for college students interested in history. Get involved in collecting and presenting history to the public through a project tailored to fit your educational needs. Call 480-782-2751 for details on internships.
 Public History Coordinator
In November 2003, the Community Services Department hired Jean Reynolds as the City's first Public History Coordinator. Her task is to facilitate and create projects that preserve, document and celebrate the history of Chandler. This is a unique position, and is the first of its kind in the state. The position emerged from the Public History Master Plan, created in 1999. Reynolds welcomes any ideas about future historical projects from members of the community and City staff. For more information, contact:
Jean Reynolds
Public History Coordinator
(480) 782-2751
jean.reynolds@chandleraz.gov
What is Public History?
- Oral history projects
- Neighborhood history projects
- Museum exhibits or programs
- Historical markers in public places
- Television or radio documentaries
- Helping to preserve historic buildings and sites
- Telling history through computer-based and internet projects
Helpful History Links
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