Hello. We are delighted you have discovered the Tempe History Society website.
Back in 1969, a group of history-minded citizens realized that nothing was being done to document and save Tempe’s past. The Tempe Historical Society was born to collect artifacts, photographs, and documents to tell Tempe’s unique story. The name was later changed to the Tempe History Society.
To learn more about the Society history, click the “About” button.
Tempe is the second city established in the Valley, settled soon after the first pioneers began establishing the village of Phoenix.
In 2021, Tempe celebrated its Sesquicentennial – the 150th anniversary of our founding – in 1871.
From a tiny community in 1880 with 135 hardy farmers, ranchers and business people who believed in a bright future, Tempe has grown to more than 200,000 residents today. And from a town of less than two square miles, Tempe is now twenty-fold larger.
How did this come to be? What is it that led to so many people to settle here? That’s what we are here to help answer. Many of the stories of Tempe are shared through museum exhibits, at our Lunch Talks programs, and during special events such as our Legends Gala.
If you believe in preserving and sharing history, we invite you to join the Tempe History Society. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, we depend very much on the support of our membership to be successful.
So, take time to explore our website. Share your feedback with us through the Contact page. And, just as much as we enjoy sharing history, we love to hear your stories.
While you are searching Tempe’s past, take a look at the Tempe History Museum website for a variety of resources and activities related to Tempe’s history and heritage.
Stories
2024 Historic Legend – Ladimir Kwiatkowski (Ladmo)
By Dr. Christine Marin Ladimir Kwiatkowski –( July 13, 1928-March 2, 1994). Yes, you know him: the thin, tall, clumsy kid with a top hat, rubber-faced expressions, and who wore long funny ties that came down to his knees. His best friends were Wallace and Gerald; he’s better known as Ladmo, the Arizona television personality and Emmy award-winning comedian who co-hosted …
2024 Living Legend – Dr. Frederick H. Warren
By Dr. Christine Marin The essence of a well-seasoned and highly respected Educator and a life-long practitioner of equity and inclusiveness in all aspects of his work and life. His father’s family came from Texas to the Salt River Valley in 1925. His mother’s family came from North Carolina in 1907. Dr. Warren’s parents attended the Phoenix Union Colored High …