 Chandler History
Community History Projects
Community history is an important part of preserving Chandler’s past. Through oral history and community-based research, we can capture the stories of our city’s early families and development. Below is a list of recent projects, including several produced in cooperation with staff and students at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.
- Driving Chandler's Streets: The History of Chandler's Streets as told by CGCC Students
Ever wonder about the story behind the name of a street near you? In 2005, students in two Chandler Gilbert Community College History of the Southwest classes, headed by Dr. Pamela Petty, and Trish Blaine, researched the history behind the names of major street names in Chandler. See what they found!
- Chandler's Pioneer Women: Autobiographical Stories of Women From Chandler
Portraits of 10 women who were born or grew up in early Chandler.
- East Valley Women in Military Service: World War II, Korea, and Vietnam
Read the stories of 19 local women who served in the United States military during World War II, Korean War and the Vietnam War.
- Women Leaders and Activists
Excerpts from interviews done with local women leaders and activists, focusing on their roles in the community. The women's work represents a wide variety of involvement, from historic preservation to child abuse prevention to public office.
- Kids in Chandler: Then & Now
This exhibit describes the way kids lived in south Chandler in the 1930s to the 1950s, and compares it to the way kids live today. It was developed by student members of ICAN (Improving Chandler Area Neighborhoods).
- Exploring the Dream - When Cotton Was King
The 24 photographs in this exhibit honor some of the many contributions of African-Americans to the community.
- Hispanic Heritage Photo Exhibit
The Annual Hispanic Heritage Photo Exhibit is devoted to all the pioneering families of Chandler. Through photos and stories, the exhibit shares the struggles, self-reliance, resiliency and pride of these families to shape the roots of the Hispanic community today.
- Chandler Mayors Oral History Project
What do a butcher, a dairyman, a teacher, a campaign manager for John McCain, an agricultural business manager, and a current state senator have in common? They all served as Chandler mayors! The City's Public History Coordinator interviewed six former mayors in 2005 in an effort to capture their personal stories. The interviews also shed light on Chandler's recent governmental history, policy decisions, and important issues. In addition, the interviews provided insight into the city's devlopment and the impact of growth on Chandler since the late 1970s. These transcripts are also available at the Chandler Museum and Chandler Public Library. Former mayors included in this project are:
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For information on other Chandler Community History Projects, call 480-782-2751.
Helpful History Links:
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