History, Arts, and Culture of the Southwest Valley
Museum Hours
The MUSEUM is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 1:00pm
P.W. Litchfield Heritage Center Groundbreaking: Welcoming a New Chapter for History, Arts and Culture in the Southwest Valley
The P.W. Litchfield Heritage Center is proud to announce the groundbreaking for our new facility, which took place on March 3, 2026.
The new Center will be housed in the re-purposed historic Litchfield/Denny home, which was the vacation residence of Paul and Florence Litchfield and later the year-round residence of their daughter and her husband, Edith and Wally Denny. Once part of the larger Rancho La Loma property, a 20-acre, hilltop portion on which the home is located, was donated by the Dennys to the City of Litchfield Park.
The first phase of renovation will focus on the top floor of the historic Litchfield/Denny house and will include eight galleries, a gift shop, break room, exhibit workspace, a new public entrance, refreshed landscaping, and a revitalized south-facing terrace with a view of the Estrella Mountains for gatherings and rental space.
The Southwest Valley, which includes Tolleson, Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park and surrounding communities, has some of the most significant history in the state. The P.W. Litchfield Heritage Center aims to continue to preserve this heritage, collect overlooked stories, and incorporate arts and culture programming.
We are excited to be part of the growing cultural community on the hill, and anticipate strong partnerships with both the new Litchfield Park library and the Agua Fria High School District’s Hilltop School for the Arts and Performing Arts Center as they continue to develop.
The Heritage Center’s capital campaign was launched with a generous gift from John and Pamela Blackford (Paul and Florence Litchfield’s granddaughter), who generously jumpstarted this project with a donation of $1 million. We also extend our deepest appreciation to all of our donors—your generosity, patience, and unwavering belief in the P.W. Litchfield Heritage Center have made this new chapter possible. Without your service and support, we would not be where we are today.
We are also grateful for the support of the City of Litchfield Park, whose collaboration has helped make this next phase possible.
This groundbreaking ushers in a new era for the region—rooted in heritage, driven by vision, and devoted to enriching lives through arts and culture. To support the capital campaign and learn more, visit pwlhc.org/pw-litchfield-heritage-center.
Lighter-Than Air
Balloons, Blimps, and Dirigibles
This exhibition traces the history of balloons from the 1700s through their use in battle, balloon races, and the development of 20th century airships— blimps and dirigibles — which were used for defense and transportation purposes. This history is closely linked to Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. of Akron, Ohio, and Goodyear Aircraft-Arizona. Both locations played a major role in the promotion and development of blimps and dirigibles in the United States.
Upcoming Events
See complete list of upcoming events on the EVENT PAGE
Including Special Events, Enrichment Classes, Walking Tours and the Heritage Lecture Series.
See Kid Friendly Events like Discovery Days Hands-On-History and Educational Resources on the KID’S PAGE
Regional Reads Book Club meets monthly. Check out the books we will be discussing on the BOOKCLUB PAGE.
Guided Walking Tours start up again November 20th
More information, dates and purchase tickets on the Special Events Page.
Learn
Read newsletters, view videos, listen to podcasts, and find extra materials for educators and students.
See many options under the “Learn” Tab
Join
It is through your dues and donations that we can continue our efforts to preserve the history of the Southwest Valley.
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Supporting Opportunities
We rely on the support and generosity of our community to preserve the history, arts and culture of the Southwest Valley. Learn more about our Sponsors and how you can be a vital partner in the P.W. Litchfield Heritage Center and MUSEUM on our Partners Page.
Join our partners: Sun Health Communities, Océano Rentals in Rocky Point, Origins Bed & Breakfast in Cottonwood, Wigwam Arizona Resort, Financial Advisor Mary Cavanaugh-Marsh, Attorneys at Law Paul J. Faith and Michael P. Faith of FAITHLAW, Realtor Erica Zuniga, and Peter Mahoney of Park Café, Old Pueblo Café and Papa Paul’s.