What Is the Pioneers' Cemetery Association and What Does It Do?

The Pioneers' Cemetery Association, Inc. (PCA) is a nonprofit organization based in Phoenix, Arizona, dedicated to conserving and protecting the historic physical remains, grave markers, artifacts, and buildings of Pioneer & Military Memorial Park. If you're researching Phoenix or Territorial Arizona history, considering a visit to the historic cemeteries, or looking for a way to support local preservation efforts, PCA is the organization to know. It holds IRS 501(c)(3) status, so donations to it are made through a recognized charitable structure.

What PCA's Mission Covers

According to the organization, its mission has several connected parts:

• Conserve and protect the physical remains, grave markers, artifacts, and buildings of Pioneer & Military Memorial Park.
• Provide a safe, accessible community resource for present and future generations.
• Acknowledge, celebrate, and promote Arizona's Pioneer History as represented by those interred in Arizona historic cemeteries.
• Engage the community through research, education, conservation, and preservation.

In practice, that mission shows up on the site as four recurring activities: research, preservation, education, and community events.

Where the Cemeteries Are and Why They Matter

Pioneer & Military Memorial Park sits on land with layered historical significance:

• The cemeteries are listed on the National Register of Historic Properties.
• They sit upon the La Villa Hohokam site, an archaeological location.

Because of this, PCA states that both the Association and the City of Phoenix respect the sanctity of the grounds, the people buried there, and their descendants. PCA operates under the auspices of the City of Phoenix, which shapes how certain activities on the property are handled.

How to Get Involved or Support PCA

The website lists several ways to participate, ranging from no-cost to membership and giving:

The Annual Holiday Party example is a useful illustration of how low-barrier PCA's outreach is: it's free, outdoors, open to nonmembers, and doesn't require an RSVP unless you're bringing a group.

Rules and Restrictions to Know Before You Visit

PCA's site states two specific restrictions:

• Photography and filming: If you're considering photos or filming on the historic properties, you must refer to the Phoenix Film Office information and application, since PCA operates under the City of Phoenix.
• Paranormal investigations: PCA does not allow paranormal investigations in the cemeteries at Pioneer & Military Memorial Park.

These aren't general cemetery rules — they're specific conditions tied to the site's status as a historic property and its relationship with the City.

What You Can Research Through PCA

The site organizes its historical content into sections including Research, Pioneer Biographies, Preservation, Our Cemeteries, Calendar, About PCA, Board, News, Photos, and Our Partners. If your goal is genealogy or Territorial-era history, the Pioneer Biographies and Research sections are the natural starting points.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

Is PCA a government agency? No. It's a nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status, though it operates under the auspices of the City of Phoenix for certain property matters.

Can I visit the cemeteries? The site describes the park as a community resource and lists events there, but it doesn't publish visitor hours in the material available here — check the Calendar or contact PCA directly for current access details.

Can I take photos? Not without going through the Phoenix Film Office process, per PCA's stated policy.

Can I join a ghost hunt? No. Paranormal investigations are explicitly not allowed.

How do I contact PCA? The site provides an email contact option and a newsletter signup form.