Mesa Preservation Foundation

01/01/2026

Congratulations on making it to the 2nd quarter of the 21st century. Like at the beginning of every New Year, we wish you the very best. And know that you will make this a wonderful year.
We are optimistic this will be very a successful 2026 year for
preservation, too.
With the delight of the Neon Garden last May, we are preparing to expand into another location in 2026. Another wonderful restoration will be the Sirrine House. Stay tuned. Even more is coming.
We know you celebrate with us.

12/24/2025

We are delighted at this special time of the year to wish you the very best the season. And hope the coming year will be filled with joy and happiness.
We will continue our preservation efforts to assure the best of the past will be here for all tomorrow. We always appreciate your generous personal and year-end financial support to keep our efforts moving forward.
Best wishes.

12/23/2025

We want to share a really holiday surprise for all the followers of the MPF. The Mesa Historical Museum has been working all through the year to present an incredible Mid-Century Modern Home tour. This neighborhood has never been explored before.
The special surprise is a rare visit to the only replica of the TV show Bonanza! house.
Below, you will find a must read, revealing article our friend Doug Towne wrote for the December Phoenix Magazine.
Also, you will see a link to the reservation-only January 17 MHM Home Tour. The limited number of tickets are going fast. This is a tour you won't want to miss.

A “Bonanza”-inspired home draws fans and preserves nostalgic Western charm.

12/23/2025

We want to share a really holiday surprise for all the followers of the MPF. The Mesa Historical Museum has been working all through the year to present an incredible Mid-Century Modern Home tour. This neighborhood has never been explored before.
The special surprise is a rare visit to the only replica of the TV show Bonanza! house.
Below, you will find a must read, revealing article our friend Doug Towne wrote for the December Phoenix Magazine.
Also, you will see a link to the reservation-only January 17 MHM Home Tour. The limited number of tickets are going fast. This is a tour you won't want to miss.

Discover Mesa’s mid-century charm on this year’s Historic Home Tour, featuring five remarkable homes in the Golden Hills neighborhood — including the legendary Ponderosa II.

11/27/2025

Our best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. We are giving thanks to you for you continued support of the MPF. That has allowed us to bring you some of of best saved and restored neon featured in Mesa's Neon Garden.
In the months ahead, we will be preparing a second version of the Neon Garden.
So, as we enter this holiday season, take time to appreciate all your blessings, and willingness to share with others.

11/06/2025

It's not often that Mesa makes a headline in the New York Times. We are particularly proud the our iconic Diving Lady is the cover illustration for an article that tells the century-old history of motels.
Thank-you NYT!

In 1925, the first motel opened on a California highway, ushering in a new era of convenience and comfort for a nation falling in love with the open road.

10/24/2025

It's less than a day away. Tomorrow morning Mesa Historical Museum's annual Mesa Cemetery Tour. Don't miss it.

10/20/2025

We are so saddened by the horrific fire that destroyed the small neon collection at Jude and Monica Cook's expansive Ignite Museum. Here is more about the tragic blaze.

A two-alarm fire wiped out about 500 pieces in the collection of the Ignite Sign Art Museum on Saturday night. The Tucson museum showcases neon advertising and other historic signage.

10/20/2025

This is a very sad time for lover's of neon. Our dear friend Jude Cook, who with his wife Monica, created the Ignite Museum in Tucson, all on his own dime, building a collection of over 1000 signs.
Late Saturday night, Jude got a call that the front half of the museum went up in flames, destroying all the small pieces in his vast collection.
So many have stepped up in support of Jude and his fabulous museum.
Here is a TV report about the as yet determined cause of the blaze.

A weekend fire tore through one of Tucson’s most colorful landmarks, leaving behind charred memories and uncertainty about the future of the Ignite Sign Art Museum.

10/13/2025

One of the most important areas of research for historians are cemeteries. On their grounds they provide much information. Plus, they are fascinating places to visit and explore. One of the best ways is on a guided tour.
October 25, the MHM conducts its annual Mesa Cemetery tour featuring some remarkable people you never thought was there.
Don't Miss It!

09/26/2025

We were so delighted to see the Neon Garden at the top of the New Times Best of Phoenix list. What they really mean to say is the entire Valley.
See our latest accolade below:

09/25/2025

New Times has just published an article from our friend Benjamin Leatherman. Surveying a history of lodging in the Valley, Benjamin called on the Mesa Preservation Foundation and the Mesa History Museum to identify highlights in Mesa. See below.

From desert escapes to kitschy roadside motels, Phoenix has offered unique and luxury stays for decades.