Congratulations Sun City museum on being "...The only building in the Sun Cities now listed on the National Register of Historic Places." http://suncityindependent.az.newsmemory.com/ (page A17)
Thanks for the post V, it is quite an honor, and not one without a story. We began the process near on 5 years back. Spearheaded by then RCSC board member, Diane Worth, she approached me about the possibility of applying for historic designation at both the state and federal level. Her goal was to include the museum and Oakmont Rec Center as a historic district. We found a young woman by the name of Helena Reuters who agreed to do all of the legwork (and paperwork). Without her, it would never have happened. Shortly into the project it became clear the inclusion of Oakmont wasn't in the cards as too many changes had been made to the property. We (the museum) moved forward, but not without some angst. Several of the museum board members thought it would be a mistake applying for the designation. They felt it would limit what we could do to the structure/look of the house. It was 2011 and as president, I strongly disagreed. I won't bore you with the details, but after some serious gnashing of teeth we agreed to push forward. We knew the state process would be pretty simple and that came through a couple of years back. By then I had moved on, but Helena kept at it and some 4 plus years later we've now gotten on the National Register...as well we should be. Sun City changed the nation and how people looked at retirement. It was the beginning of a movement away from growing old in place, with an eye on staying young and in the game for the final phase of our lives. The Museum has preserved not only the first home built in Sun City, but the treasures accumulated over the years from the people who made it happen. For anyone looking to buy or visiting Sun City, the museum is a must see. Not sure when they will start their fall hours, but when they do (by October for sure, maybe sooner), they will be open Monday, Weds and Fridays from 1 pm till 4 pm. Group visits can be scheduled by calling Julie at the museum at 623-974-2568.
