PW Litchfield Heritage Center

05/22/2026

This National Historic Preservation Month, celebrate the Southwest Valley’s historic downtowns—where preservation and transformation go hand in hand. From Tolleson’s iconic Old Main and El Papas Restaurant to Avondale’s treasured landmarks like Zamora’s and the Pasta Factory, these places connect us to the past while shaping vibrant communities for the future.

05/20/2026

Tal'-wi-wi Ranch began as a bold dream in the Arizona desert. In the early 1920s, Col. Dale Bumstead and Eva Whitten Bumstead arrived from Chicago with no farming experience—but plenty of vision. Through determination, research, and experimentation, they transformed dry land into one of Arizona’s most remarkable agricultural showplaces. Their story is a reminder that innovation and perseverance can grow something extraordinary from the ground up.

05/20/2026

Exciting news for West Valley history: Tal’-wi-wi Ranch has officially been listed on the National Register of Historic Places as of November 14, 2025. This milestone recognizes the ranch’s lasting impact on desert agriculture and preservation, and marks it as the first Southwest Valley property to receive this honor in more than 20 years. Located at Olive Ave and Litchfield Rd, it was nationally known for its dates, citrus, vineyards, and innovative farming methods. Tal’-wi-wi Ranch remains a powerful symbol of ingenuity, conservation, and community heritage. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the P.W. Heritage Center and local preservation advocates, this remarkable story will continue to be honored for generations to come.

05/18/2026

https://conta.cc/43esjAH

Email from P.W. Litchfield Heritage Center Learn about local history and latest PWLHC news Spring Newsletter Did you know there's a new property listed on the National Register of Historic Places at O

05/14/2026

We're honored and delighted to have received the West Valley Regional Chamber Mayor's Excellence Award and to have been part of such a great event at Phoenix Raceway this week. Many thanks to Mayor Schoaf for the nomination and the support of the City of Litchfield Park . We're looking forward to expanding our impact as we get ready for our move to the La Loma Hilltop and the opportunity to continue serve the Southwest Valley region with pride.

Thank you all of the organizers and sponsors who put on a fantastic annual meeting!

05/09/2026

MAY 16, 1:30 - 3:00 PM
Join us in honoring America’s 250th anniversary by preserving the stories that make our community unique!
INFORMATION & REGISTRATION at
https://pwlhc.org/oral_histories/
PWLHC Member $15 | Non member $20

Topics covered will include interview preparation and techniques, recording equipment and setup, and tips for preserving oral histories.

After completing the workshop, attendees will have access to the Heritage Center’s oral history recording equipment, interviewer, professional videography, and video editing support.

05/08/2026

You’re looking at the work of Master Southwest Architect Bennie Gonzales.
An Arizona native, he was one of the first two graduates of the newly established School of Architecture at Arizona State University in 1953.
He gained national acclaim for merging modernism with “regionalism” – a style of architecture that focuses on the culture, building materials and climate of a region.
Bennie worked on multiple projects in Litchfield Park including the Litchfield Park Development, Tierra Verde Village Center.
He created nearly 300 buildings, mostly in Arizona, but also in other states, Mexico and Saudi Arabia. He was also responsible for the renovation and expansion of the Heard Museum in Phoenix the design of the Scottsdale Civic Center.
He won 131 awards, several from the AIA.