Celebrate the Junior Parada all November Long! |
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Traditions are rich in Florence. We are home to the largest youth rodeo in the country known as the Junior Parada. The Parada began during the Great Depression to raise money to supply milk for needy children. The Parada continued to grow, which led to an annual rodeo for children ages 4 to 18 occurring on Thanksgiving Day Weekend that continues today.
Florence’s western environment drew celebrities interested in ranching and rodeos, such as Rex Allen, Ken Curtis (Festus in Gunsmoke), and Gene Autry. These celebrities not only supported the rodeo but participated in the parade festivities. The Junior Parada helped Florence become the “Cowboy Cradle of the Great Southwest” because many young rodeo contestants went on to receive national recognition. The Junior Parada lives on today. Young cowboys and cowgirls compete in roping, chute, goat tying, barrel racing, sheep riding, and more!
This year marks Florence’s 89th Junior Parada! Stop by the museum this month and our Facebook page for our rich Junior Parada history! Make sure to follow the 89th Florence Junior Parada Facebook page for all things Parada, including the Main Street parade on November 27th at 10:00, am, the Padilla Park Dance, and more!
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Meet Author Jan Cleere on November 14th
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When the US Army ordered troops into Arizona Territory in the 19th century to protect and defend newly established settlements, military men often brought their wives and families, particularly officers who might be stationed in the west for years. Most of the women were from refined, eastern-bred families with little knowledge of the territory. Their letters, diaries, and journals from their years on army posts reveal untold hardships and challenges. They learned to cope with the sparseness, the heat, sickness, and danger, including wildlife they never imagined. These women were bold, brave, and compassionate. Combining their words with original research and tracing their movements from post to post, Jan Cleere has assembled a collection of historical narratives that explores the lives of early military wives, women who became an integral part of military posts and who played an important role in civilizing the untamed frontier.
Join us for a Book Club and Presentation by author, Jan Cleere, on November 14th beginning at 1:00 pm. The Book Club selection is Cleere’s recently published book titled Military Wives in Arizona Territory. Following Book Club at 2:00 pm is Cleere’s Author Presentation and Book Signing. Military Wives in Arizona Territory is available for purchase in the museum gift shop and through the registration link.
Book Club Meeting with Jan Cleere is at 1:00 pm. Donations are appreciated.
Jan Cleere’s Author Presentation & Book Signing is at 2:00 pm. This program is $5 per
adult and no charge for members.
The cost to attend both is $5 per adult/no charge for museum members
Follow the link to RSVP and purchase book:
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Despite the pandemic, PCHS kept our doors open, supporting our community and maintaining our paid staff - pivoting to the online world, providing deeper and broader content via our newsletter and social media, and aggressively pursuing funds through grants and sponsorships.
But it’s not enough. Revenues are down 60%, and the hoped-for turnaround this winter may or may not materialize.
Your contributions through this appeal and your annual memberships are the lifeblood of this museum - especially in these unusual and challenging times.
Thank you for your consideration.
Your gift is critical to the museum, now more than ever. Click the link and make a donation today.
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/2lf/
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Gift Shop Item of the Month |
Mini Cactus Magnets $7 each: These real mini cacti make great gifts for any occasion. Stop by the museum’s gift shop for handmade jewelry, art, candles, books, gifts for kids, and more!
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Explore Florence's Rich History on Guided Walking Tours! |
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Don't miss out on guided walking tours of Historic Florence and the Florence Cemetery! The first Historic Florence Walking Tour of the 2021-2022 Season is coming up on November 10th! Reserve your spot now before this tour is sold out! Visit our website or call 520-868-4382 to register for any of the upcoming walking tours.
https://www.pinalcountyhistoricalmuseum.org/events.htm
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Your Membership Support Counts!
We were able to sustain the museum through the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we are still suffering the effects, and our revenues are down while the cost of doing business continues to grow. Thanks to your loyal membership support, we are able to keep our membership rates the same. However, we must raise admission from $5 to $7 per adult. There is no admission charge for children 18 and under: the museum continues to waive all admission fees on the First Saturday of the month (September-June).
Your membership can go even further now! Starting at $30 annually, enjoy benefits including, free unlimited museum admission, no charge to regular programs, reduced charge to special programs, discount at the museum gift shop, and more. Consider becoming a member, renewing a membership, or gifting a membership. Follow the link now for all membership levels and benefits.
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November 20, 1899: Pearl Hart is convicted in Florence of stagecoach robbery and is sentenced to five years at the Yuma Territorial Prison.
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Photo courtesy of the Arizona State Library, Archives & Records |
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Museum Hours:
September 1, 2021 - June 15, 2022
Tuesday - Saturday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
715 South Main Street
Florence, AZ 85132
520-868-4382
WEB: https://pinalcountyhistoricalmuseum.org/
EMAIL: pchsmuseum@yahoo.com
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