What Does PCA Stand For at the Pioneers' Cemetery Association?

Updated

At azhistcemeteries.org, PCA stands for Pioneers' Cemetery Association, Inc., a Phoenix-based nonprofit with IRS 501(c)(3) status. The acronym appears alongside related shorthand on the site, including P&MMP and PMMP for Pioneer & Military Memorial Park. If you arrived here trying to decode "PCA" on a cemetery sign, newsletter, or event flyer, this is the organization behind it.

What PCA Is and What It Does

PCA is a charitable organization whose stated mission is to conserve and protect the historic physical remains, grave markers, artifacts, and buildings of Pioneer & Military Memorial Park. It also works to provide a safe, accessible community resource for present and future generations.

Its work is often summarized in three words the site uses directly: research, preserve, educate. In practice that means:

  • Research — documenting and sharing the stories of people interred in Arizona historic cemeteries, including pioneer biographies.
  • Preservation — caring for grave markers, artifacts, and historic buildings.
  • Education — promoting and celebrating Arizona's pioneer history through community engagement.

The organization also acknowledges, celebrates, and promotes Arizona pioneer history represented by those buried in the state's historic cemeteries.

The Places PCA Is Responsible For

Name What it is
Pioneer & Military Memorial Park (P&MMP / PMMP) The historic cemetery grounds PCA conserves and protects
Smurthwaite House A historic building at 1317 W. Jefferson, Phoenix, used for PCA gatherings

Both sit within the City of Phoenix's purview. The cemeteries are on the National Register of Historic Properties and sit upon the La Villa Hohokam site.

How to Get Involved or Support PCA

The site lists several ways to participate:

  • Membership — there is a membership page, and events are described as open to members, friends, families, and nonmembers.
  • Donations — PCA invites donations to help preserve history.
  • Gift shop — a gift shop page is listed in the site navigation.
  • Newsletter — you can subscribe to PCA news by providing your name and email and agreeing to receive marketing and promotional materials.
  • Events — for example, an Annual Holiday Party at Smurthwaite House (Saturday, November 21, 10 AM–1 PM), described as an outdoor event with a free holiday ornament, no RSVP needed. PCA also runs a Summer Speaker Series, with past sessions available to view if you missed the live events.

Rules and Restrictions to Know Before You Visit

Two policies are stated plainly on the site:

  1. No paranormal investigations. PCA does not allow paranormal investigations in the cemeteries at Pioneer & Memorial Park.
  2. Photos and filming require coordination. If you are considering photos or filming on the historic properties, refer to the Phoenix Film Office information and application, since PCA operates under the auspices of the City of Phoenix.

The association states that it and the City of Phoenix respect the sanctity of the grounds, the people buried on site, and their descendants.

Quick Answer Recap

If you only needed the expansion: PCA = Pioneers' Cemetery Association, the Phoenix nonprofit that researches, preserves, and educates about Arizona pioneer history while managing Pioneer & Military Memorial Park and the historic Smurthwaite House.