Heritage Square Foundation

Each of us volunteers for our own personal reasons and I have been a recidivist volunteer all my life. But volunteering at the Rosson House Museum has been especially rewarding. First I've met some very friendly, dedicated people. It seems that being a part of this organization brings out certain overachievers in our community and stepping up to the task at hand is the norm with many. But I want to single out one individual in particular (and I know this is not fair, because from the Executive Director to the rest of the staff, all have brought something special to the organization) but, our volunteer coordinator just can't say, "Thank you" too many times. His friendly demeanor and profuse appreciation is palpable. Now, I rated this organization 4 stars, not because of any particular shortcoming, but because there is always room for improvement and in fact it has exceeded my expectation.

My first memory of The Rosson House is staring way up at the south facing side door when I was about five years old. Now, every time I walk up to that door to begin a new tour, I think of that day and I realize that every visitor to Heritage Square has a similar experience.
There are great programs offered here for the public, including Step Back in Time and Heritage Saturdays. For the members, Rosson Reads, our book club, and educational lectures throughout the year. The Rosson House is an important part of The Phoenix community, and I am glad to be apart of it.

As evidenced by the 5,000 undead souls that congregate there every Halloween, Heritage Square is full of life. The urban park that preserves 10 mostly Territorial-era buildings in downtown Phoenix and is renowned for its staid, Victorian ambiance has a wicked alter ego. Heritage Square lets loose its wild side by hosting hip festivals, the most popular of which is the apocalyptic Zombie Walk, whose participants leave a trail of fake blood and indelible memories in their wake. And there’s nothing demure either about the fare offered in the square’s restaurants that are located in century-old bungalows and even a former machine shop. Gourmands habitually return to this downtown dining destination to savor tea and artful Japanese delicacies at Nobuo at Teeter House, the conviviality of the British pub, the Rose & Crown, and the wood-roasted charms of Pizzeria Bianco which serves the nation’s best pizza according to Bon Appetite and Vogue.

Being located next to the Phoenix Civic Plaza and the AZ Science Museum, the Rosson House Museum and Heritage Square is a sure bet to lure the "history" buffs in the area. It provides a great tour of the Victorian style home, as well as many other of the original houses on this historic block. Whether you enjoy tours, special events, sitting in a park-like setting, or drinking & dining in restaurants with a laid-back, casual atmosphere--this is the spot. It's a true oasis in the desert. The staff and volunteers are extremely friendly and locals, as well as visitors, will enjoy the visit into Phoenix's past.

I first toured the Rosson House in 4th grade as part of a school program. The house, a little Victorian oasis in the midst of the urban desert sprawl of Phoenix, immediately struck me as something special. 25 years later I volunteer at the Rosson House as a Step Back in Time docent (a program in which volunteers take on the roles of early Phoenix residents) and a reading group facilitator. Having learned more fully through my volunteer work just how much early Phoenix history has gone under the bulldozer, I am more acutely aware of our need to preserve this heritage for the next generation. The Rosson House gives visitors not only the chance to see a well-preserved Victorian house, but a unique opportunity to understand our own history in context. In the Rosson House, history becomes more than just the architecture; it manifests in the small details and engaging stories the individual lives of everyone - past, present and future - who has ever set foot in the building.

The Rosson House located in the Historic Heritage Square in downtown Phoenix, Arizona has often been referred to as the crown jewel of historic preservation in Phoenix. It is that and more. It is Historic Heritage Square, the last remaining residential block of the original Phoenix Townsite. It is exhibits and restaurants located in the original houses of the townsite. It is festivals and weddings held on the square. It is an educational experience of the architecture and lifestyle of the families who lived in the Rosson House. It is a journey back in time. It is also an opportunity to volunteer and support the educational, conservation, and interpretation activities of historic preservation.

Heritage Square is truly the heart of Phoenix, being located at the center of Downtown, and it's tenure makes it "Mother" to the City of Phoenix.

This charming neighborhood has been preserved in its turn of the century fashion and is a great escape from the hectic city. I have been visiting this park for the past 20 years, and I am delighted by its quiet, unchanging Victorian environment, in our modern, ever-changing city.

The Square boasts Museums, Dining, and Shopping all within this preserved gem. Take the time to visit this great space, it has waited over 100 years to meet you.

I first became acquainted with the Rosson House Museum when I worked as the Director of Education for the former Phoenix Museum of History. I was delighted to have collaborative activities. A little over four years ago, a friend asked if I would like to be on the board. Of course I said yes. One thing led to another and I subsequently became the interim Executive Director for seven months. During that time I gained a deeper appreciation for the facility and what it has to offer the community and state. Now in my second term as president of the board, the energy and excitement continues. The staff has expanded during my presidency, the educational offerings have increased, and the foundation is financially stable. It simply is a fun place to volunteer and visit.