Phoenix Genealogical Society

09/14/2026

05/26/2026

We are having a "research" meeting on June 2 - usual place and time. We will meet up to use the computers and do research - ask questions of others and maybe talk about issues you are having. Please join us for the last meeting of the summer.

05/05/2025

We’re thrilled to welcome renowned genealogist Janna Larson as our featured speaker at our meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 1 PM. Janna will be presenting “Evaluation of Evidence” — a must-attend session for anyone looking to sharpen their research skills and gain deeper insights into analyzing genealogical sources.

A dedicated member of the Family History Society of Arizona since 1982, Janna has held numerous leadership roles and is well-known for her expertise across the state. She teaches both beginning and advanced genealogy classes in the Phoenix area, including at Phoenix College, and is a frequent lecturer at events throughout Arizona. She also publishes a respected quarterly newsletter that reflects her passion and depth of knowledge.

To explore Janna’s extensive contributions to the field, visit her website at: jannalarson.weebly.com

01/26/2025

We would love to have you join us for an inspiring and informative presentation at our next meeting!

10/28/2024

Ever wondered where your great-great-grandmother first set foot in the world or how many adventures your great-uncle embarked on? Join us next Tuesday, November 5th at 1pm for an exciting meeting. Discover how to unlock the secrets of your ancestry and connect with fellow history enthusiasts...Don’t miss out on the chance to bring your family history to life!

10/14/2024

🍂 Happy harvest season! 🍂

Did you know most of the land near Camelback mountain was originally used for agriculture (date palms & citrus groves) and was sold for around $0.35/acre? Thats definitely not the case these days! By the 1950s, air conditioning became ubiquitous and the breathtaking views of the mountain enticed residential developers to start building homes and the farms around the mountain slowly disappeared. Today you can see fruit and date trees around the neighborhoods giving a little glimpse into their agricultural history.

‘Farmer plowing field in front of Camelback Mountain’ c. 1900, Arizona State Archives: image: 97-0830.jpg

08/29/2024

We're coming back in October, stay tuned!

08/19/2024

Before there was Bashas, early Phoenicians shopped at The Arizona Grocery Co. - It must have been quite the change from the typical western general store!

Reminder that our first fall meeting is coming up, keep your eye out for more details...

Photo credit: Susan Arreola Postcard Collection, Arizona Room,
Phoenix Public Library

07/26/2024

Did you know that Arizona has an interesting history with tuberculosis? Starting around 1880 many people began to migrate to Arizona because they were told that the fresh, dry air and warm temperatures would help them recover from - or at least ease their symptoms of - tuberculosis.

By the 1940s antibiotics had been developed to help treat TB patients and the industry in Arizona slowly declined....but you can still see the last remaining tubercular cabin in Arizona at the Cave Creek Museum!

Photo Credit: Photograph of Phoenix (Ariz.) Tuberculosis hospital 1904, Arizona State Archives: Image # 96-4039

07/19/2024

"Josephine Goldwater was truly one-of-a-kind. Jo was a high-spirited non-conformist who loved the outdoors, spoke her mind, and had an adventuresome spirit. She was a major influence in the lives of her children Barry, Robert, and Carolyn. Raised in Nebraska and trained as a nurse in Chicago, she moved to Phoenix in the early 1900's for her health. In 1906 she married Baron Goldwater, one of Phoenix's leading merchants. To Arizona she left a legacy of good works that included working for better health care and assuming a leadership role in community service. Because of her strong support for its construction, the hospital in Show Low is named in her honor. " - The Arizona Memory Project

Photo Credit: Josephine Goldwater (1875-1966), Arizona Historical Society