Del Webb Sun Cities Museum

The 2024 Fall TORCH Citizens Academy class toured the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum as part of their program to learn more about the history of Del Webb - discovering that he was much more than just a house builder! The academy is sponsored by the Recreation Centers of Sun City West. Special thanks to Alan Schlemmer and Peggy Hann for coordinating the group tour.

The museum's hours are Sundays from noon to 3 p.m., and Mondays to Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Starting in November, we will also be open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you are interested in organizing a group tour, please contact us at 623-974-2568. It’s a fantastic opportunity to spend quality time with club members, church groups, friends, and family. Give us a call!

The Sun City Lifelong Learning Club kicked off its fall 2024 classes with historians Bill Pearson and Ben Roloff presenting a new program titled “Sun City: Utopia? Ugh! Not Quite!” The origins of Sun City, which began as cotton fields, and the enforcement of its rules, which were not established until 1978, continue to influence its status as an unincorporated community in Maricopa County. Their stories highlight the rich history of Sun City and emphasize that “The Community That Changed A Nation!” represents a way of life that is truly unmatched.

To explore the rich history of the Sun Cities, check out our speakers bureau for a list of presentations at delwebbsuncitiesmuseum.org/speaker-bureau. If you’d like to arrange a speaker for your next event, just give us a call at 623-974-2568.

The museum is open on Sundays from noon to 3 p.m., and Monday to Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Starting in November, we’ll also be open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come visit and discover more about our captivating history!

Thanks to the West Valley Genealogical Society (WVGS) and Library for inviting the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum to their open house and the dedication of the new Donaldson Room. The Donaldson family was present, making the dedication a special occasion. Linda Borton represented the museum, and it was a fun opportunity to share the rich history of “The Community That Changed A Nation!” which began on January 1, 1960. Museum members Sheryl and Mike Campbell visited the museum before stopping by WVGS to explore the genealogy resources available at the Library.

The museum is open Sunday from noon to 3 pm and Monday to Tuesday from 10 am to 4 pm. Starting in November, we’ll also be open on Wednesdays from 10 am to 4 pm. Come visit and discover more about our fascinating history!

The Beta Sigma Phi group enjoyed their visit to the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum, where they learned about Del Webb and his remarkable accomplishments. Did you know that in the Del Webb room, there’s a book listing construction projects by state? The ladies had a great time checking out the projects from their home states ~ what fun! The museum is filled with fascinating gems of information.

The pink bathroom was a highlight, featuring stockings, garters and other surprises from the 1960s, along with the Cookie Lady in the pink kitchen.

The museum is open on Sundays from noon to 3 pm and on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 am to 4 pm. Starting in November, we’ll also be open on Wednesdays from 10 am to 4 pm. Are you interested in organizing a group tour? Whether for club members, church groups, friends, or family, we’d love to host you! Contact us at 623-974-2568 to arrange your visit.

Kudos to the Recreation Centers of Sun City West for hosting their Newcomers Open House on Wednesday! Palm Ridge Rec Center was buzzing with activity, showcasing its chartered clubs and other participating groups. The Del Webb Sun Cities Museum also joined in on the festivities!

Did you know that the Sun Cities Area Historical Society, also known as the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum, encompasses both Sun City and Sun City West? To explore the rich history of the Sun Cities, check out our speakers bureau for a list of presentations at delwebbsuncitiesmuseum.org/speaker-bureau. If you’d like to arrange a speaker for your next event, just give us a call at 623-974-2568. It’s a fantastic opportunity! Pictured are President Bret McKeand and Alan Schlemmer, who are available to share the fascinating stories of the Sun Cities at your event.

The museum is open on Sundays from noon to 3 p.m., and Monday to Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Starting in November, we’ll also be open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come visit and discover more about our captivating history!

The Sun City West Newcomers Open House will take place on Wednesday, October 23rd, from 4 PM to 6 PM at Palm Ridge Rec Center. Be sure to stop by the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum table B6 and say hi! Discover what's happening at the museum this fall.

The museum is open on Sundays from noon to 3 PM, and on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 AM to 4 PM. We invite you to plan a visit to the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum for a nostalgic journey back to the 1960s.

The Del Webb Sun Cities Museum opens its doors to group tours even when the museum is generally closed. The Desert Garden United Church of Christ men’s fellowship group toured the museum, and their smiles clearly indicated they had a wonderful time. Docent Jerry Cowdrey guided his group through the exhibits, and they were truly impressed by both the museum and his engaging talk.

The museum welcomes visitors on Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. and Mondays to Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Interested in organizing a group tour? Whether for club members, church groups, friends, or family, we would love to host you! Contact us at 623-974-2568 to arrange your visit.

Mark your calendar for SCHOA’s New Residents Orientation get-together on Tuesday, October 8th! Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., with the program running from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Fairway Recreation Center, located at 10600 W. Peoria Ave, Sun City. Our very own Historian, Ben Roloff, will present “Proving the Experts Wrong ~ The Sun City Story!” featuring photos from our archives that align with the SCHOA theme. Be sure to register to discover what Sun City has to offer - seating is limited, so check out the SCHOA flyer for more information.

Don’t forget to stop by the Del Webb Sun City Museum table to see what’s new and to say hi! The museum is open on Sundays from noon to 3 p.m., and on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We invite you to plan a visit to the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum and take a nostalgic journey back to the 1960s!

Exciting things are happening at the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum ~ we’re currently holding docent training sessions! As part of the training, new docents have the opportunity to shadow experienced docents and learn the incredible history of Del Webb and the Sun Cities.

Becoming a docent is a rewarding experience. You’ll discover the rich history of “The Community That Changed A Nation!” and have the chance to meet people from all walks of life and from across the country. Every day brings new visitors, each with their own story of how they became part of the Sun Cities community.

Consider signing up for our next docent training sessions:

Wednesday, October 30 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Wednesday, November 6 and 13 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Ready to be part of something special? Complete the online application at https://delwebbsuncitiesmuseum.org/docent-information/ or give us a call at 623-974-2568 to request an application and get started!

The museum is open Sunday from noon to 3 pm and Monday to Tuesday from 10 am to 4 pm. Come visit and discover more about our fascinating history!

Pictured: Docent-in-training Greg Bradley with longtime docent Dick Goossen. Welcome Greg!

How did you spend Labor Day? Marsha and John visited the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum, where they learned fun facts how Sun City began. They had a wonderful time with Ben Roloff, a Docent, Historian, and Museum Board Trustee, who shared fascinating stories he gathered from researching the Arizona State Archives and reviewing every Sun City newspaper published from 1958 to 1985.

The museum is open on Sunday from noon to 3 pm and Monday and Tuesday from 10 am to 4 pm. If you have family or friends visiting, consider including the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum as part of your plans. For group tours, please call us at 623-974-2568. Visit our website at https://delwebbsuncitiesmuseum.org/

The Del Webb Sun Cities Museum – will be open Sunday from Noon to 3 p.m., Labor Day, Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you have family or friends visiting, consider including the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum as part of your time together. Give us a call at 623-974-2568 or visit our website at https://delwebbsuncitiesmuseum.org/

Stay informed about the latest news and events at the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum by signing up for our newsletter! Click here to read the September Newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/329916e63f63/bonus-inside-and-reminder-17772337 Don’t miss out — subscribe today by visiting our website at https://delwebbsuncitiesmuseum.org/ and complete the MailChimp subscribe section to receive future updates directly in your inbox.

Become a Docent at the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum: Preserve and Share Sun Cities Rich History!

Calling all history buffs! We are on the lookout for volunteers to become docents at the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum. As a docent, you'll be at the heart of our mission to preserve and share the rich heritage of the Sun Cities. Share the Sun Cities history with visitors while engaging them and bringing our exhibits to life! No experience necessary – just bring your enthusiasm and a love for learning. Prospective docents will receive extensive training and work alongside other docents.

Docent Training

Wednesday, September 4, 11, and 18
10: 00 a.m. to 12 Noon
OR
Wednesday, October 30th, November 6 and 13
10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon

Ready to be part of something special? Complete the online application at https://delwebbsuncitiesmuseum.org/docent-information/ or give us a call at 623-974-2568 and request an application to get started! It's a great opportunity to meet new people and learn about the Sun Cities.

If you have family or friends visiting, consider including the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum in your plans. The museum will be open Sunday from Noon to 3 p.m., as well as on Labor Day, Monday, and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, give us a call at 623-974-2568 or visit our website at https://delwebbsuncitiesmuseum.org/.

Fun times at the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum. The Grand Ladies absolutely loved “The Beginning” 1960s "infomercial" video in the Sundome Jr. Theater! They shared plenty of laughs and heartwarming memories, from the stockings hanging in the bathroom (everyone agreed it was fun but “we're glad we don't have to wear them anymore”) to the delightful surprise of pink toilet paper!

The pink chrome in the refrigerator was a huge hit, and it turns out many of the ladies have the 1968 Better Homes and Gardens cookbook! One lady’s husband bought it for her when they first got married. What a lovely piece of nostalgia!

Docent Catherine served as their guide and enjoyed the time with The Grand Ladies.

The museum is open Sunday from noon to 3 pm and Monday to Tuesday from 10 am to 4 pm. Interested in organizing a group tour? Whether it's for club members, church groups, friends, or family, we’d love to host you! Contact us at 623-974-2568 to arrange your visit.

Reflecting back a year ago today when A. J. Kovac from the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum Speaker’s Bureau gave a presentation about Del Webb at Willowbrook United Methodist Church.

If you or your church, club, or organization are looking for engaging speakers and want to delve into the history of Sun City and Sun City West, consider reaching out to the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum. We offer informative talks such as:

• Sun City: The Community That Changed a Nation
• Cotton Balls to Golf Balls
• The Boswell Connection
• The Remarkable Del Webb ~ An American Success Story
• Sun City West: Signs of the Past

It's a fantastic way to explore the rich heritage of our community. Let's continue learning and having conversations about the Sun Cities! To arrange a speaker for your next event, check out our website https://delwebbsuncitiesmuseum.org/speaker-bureau/ or give us a call at 623-974-2568.

The museum is open Sunday from noon to 3 pm and Monday to Tuesday from 10 am to 4 pm. Come visit and discover more about our fascinating history!

A J. Kovac from the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum Speaker’s Bureau presented a talk titled “Del Webb: An American Success Story” at Willowbrook United Methodist Church during their Tuesdays @ 12 luncheon.

If your church, club, or organization is eager to learn about the history of Sun City and Sun City West, we’ve got you covered! The Del Webb Sun Cities Museum Speaker’s Bureau offers a roster of speakers and various topics related to Sun Cities.

To arrange a speaker for your next event, give us a call at 623-974-2568.

The Ridgeport Condominium Association members from Sun City enjoyed their visit to the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum. Many guests had never been to the museum before, despite living in Sun City for over 20 years! They were impressed with all the new exhibits and thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon, learning new Sun City history. It was a great success. Special thanks to Ruth Urban and Docent Catherine DuBois for coordinating the group tour.

The museum's hours are Sunday from noon to 3 pm and Monday to Tuesday from 10 am to 4 pm. If you are interested in organizing a group tour, please contact us at 623-974-2568. It's a fantastic opportunity to spend quality time with club members, church groups, friends, and family. Give us a call!

Thank you to our docents Sandee, Catherine, Deb, and Bret for greeting our guests at the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum on July 4th. To everyone who visited the museum on Independence Day and celebrated the memory of Sun City's founder, Del Webb, who passed away 50 years ago on July 4th, thank you for visiting!

Our docents play a vital role in greeting our museum guests and sharing the fascinating history of our community. If you have a passion for history and enjoy interacting with people, please consider volunteering with us. Complete the online application at https://delwebbsuncitiesmuseum.org/docent-information/ or call us at 623-974-2568 to request an application. It's a great opportunity to meet new people and learn about the Sun Cities.

The museum will open on Sunday, from noon to 3 p.m. and Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you have family or friends visiting, consider including the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum as part of your time together.

Honoring our nation's independence and the memory of Sun City's founder, Del Webb, who passed away 50 years ago today!

Del E. Webb passed away on July 4, 1974 — 50 years ago. His greatest contribution was the development of Sun City, the first active adult retirement community in the U.S. To honor his legacy, the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum will be open on Thursday, July 4, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Stop by the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum after the “Ring the Bell” Celebration at the Bell Center Social Hall!

Twenty members of the Gyaonggi Housing & Urban Development Corporation traveled from South Korea to Arizona this week and today stopped by for a tour of the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum! The visitors were intrigued and impressed with the story of the creation and long-term success of the nation's very first active-adult retirement community!

Visit the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum on Father’s Day! Open from Noon to 3 p.m.

The Del Webb Sun Cities Museum is open this summer, making it the perfect time to visit. We have new display panels celebrating the life of Del E. Webb, who passed away on July 4, 1974. These panels are replicated from the July 1974 edition of the "Webb Spinner," the company newsletter, which paid tribute to Del Webb’s life and accomplishments.

Come and check out our fascinating exhibits in a cool, air-conditioned environment. Before you leave, see if we have any ice cream bars from the Nixon Group — another great way to stay cool at the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum.

Our summer hours start in June. We are open on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m., and on Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you have family or friends visiting, consider including the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum as part of your time together. For group tours, please give us a call at 623-974-2568.

Thank you to our docents Ben, Mary Pat, Maureen, and Alan, who greeted our guests at the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum today. To everyone who visited the museum over Memorial Day weekend to learn about the Sun Cities, we thank you!

Our docents play a vital role in greeting our museum guests and sharing the fascinating history of our community. If you have a passion for history and enjoy interacting with people, please consider volunteering with us. Complete the online application at https://delwebbsuncitiesmuseum.org/docent-information/ or call us at 623-974-2568 to request an application. It's a great opportunity to meet new people and learn about the Sun Cities.

The museum will be open from Tuesday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Starting in June, our summer hours will be Sunday, noon to 3 p.m., and Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.