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

Poetic Journey of the Manzanar Guayule Tire

Presenter: Arthur Nonomura, Ph.D. Chemistry & Biochemistry, NAU

Learn about the lost history linking Japanese internment during WWII, government rubber research, a desert shrub, and American poet and essayist, Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Presented by Arthur Nonomura, Ph.D., the presentation will explore the extraordinary work of Japanese American scientists at the Manzanar internment camp, who, with limited resources, made incredible strides in rubber production.

Thursday, March 19, 2026

10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.

Goodyear City Hall

1900 N Civic Sq.

Goodyear, AZ 85395

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.

Coming on October 24th. See more information on the Events Page. Free Event.

Visit

The museum has changing exhibits of historical interest to the Southwest Valley.

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.

Stay informed of all the latest news and events at the P.W. Litchfield Heritage Center. Join our Email List.

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.