History, Arts, & Culture of the Southwest Valley
P.W. Litchfield Heritage Center
The new P.W. Litchfield Heritage Center (PWLHC) will be home to a museum, archive, research library, gift shop, and public programming areas. Named in honor of Paul Weeks Litchfield, an internationally known industrial figure of the first half of the 20th century, the Center will be housed in the re-purposed historic winter home of Paul and Florence Litchfield on Litchfield Hill (once part of Rancho La Loma ).
Donate to P.W. Litchfield Heritage Center - Phase 2
Phase 1
The renovation of the top floor of the historic Litchfield/Denny house will begin in early 2026 and will include:
- Eight galleries
- Temporary entrance to the museum on the west side through the archway
- Temporary gift shop in archway area
- Catering kitchen
- Temporary workspace/archive in the garage
- Handicap parking
- Terrace on the south side of the building
- Landscaping
Phase 2
Phase 2 will include the following.
- The building of an Assembly Room
- Archive/Storage area
- Gallery for changing exhibits
- Gift Shop
- Entrance moved from the west side of the building to the east side
- Installation of an elevator for handicap accessibility from the bottom floor to the top floor
Note: The above information is subject to change as the project moves forward.
Our Vision: To be the historical and cultural heart of the Southwest Valley
Be part of this exciting project. We have begun a Capital Campaign for Phase 2.
A Center for Community Engagement
The rich history and distinctive character of the Southwest Valley, encompassing Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Tolleson, Cashion, Liberty, and Waddell, serve as the foundation for the thematic content featured in the exhibits at the PWLHC. The facility is dedicated to presenting the narratives surrounding the development of these founding communities and the Early Pioneer Families of the region.
Additionally, the exhibits place emphasis on the impact of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.—including Goodyear Farms, Goodyear Aircraft, and Goodyear Aerospace—upon the Southwest Valley, the nation, and the broader global community.
Located on a key historic hill that has been a regional landmark for generations, the new PWLHC location will be regarded as a major cultural asset within the Southwest Valley and part of a growing cultural hub attracting local visitors and tourists.
MAKE IT A REALITY
Donate Today
The success of our Capital Campaign is totally dependent on the generosity and support of our donors. Please help us create a legacy for our children and for all generations to come.
623.535.4414 – office@PWLHC.org
Building Project Director – Phase 1 -Nancy Schafer
Capital Campaign Chair – Phase 2 – Ann Donahue
PWLHC Board of Directors
Board Members Emeriti
Sara Homan
Robert McMillan, DDS
Executive Committee
President – Robert Field
Vice President – Mary Dickson
Treasurer – Karen Krause
Secretary – Nancy Schafer
Past President – Judy Cook
Board Members
Suzanne Allen
Chuck Emmert
Darryll Hunter
Linda Lamm
Mark Pelletier
Ruben Rosales
Libby Hilton Rouse
Gilbert Soto
Meredeth Stucky
Capital Compaign Committee - Phase 2
Chair – Ann Donahue
Honorary Chairs – Ron and Heather Rayner
Committee Members –
Bozena Field
Eric Perez
Chad Swanson
Jon Warkomski
Building Project Director - Phase 1
Nancy Schafer
Advisors
Mary Cavanaugh-Marsh, Financial Advisor, CEPA, AAMS
Mike Etchart, Owner/VP of EVERKRISP Vegetables, Inc.
Sintra Hoffman, CEO Westmarc Corp.
Shelly Hornback, President and Founder, Hornback Communications, Inc.
Todd Hornback, CEO and Founder of Cohere
Amapola Judd-Shimp, CEO of COSIC Education Foundation
Herman Orcutt, Partner Emeritus and Co-Founder of Orcutt|Winslow Architects
Mike Pineda, Business Analyst, Maricopa SBDC, Mayor of Avondale