How much do you know about Tempe's past?
There's much more to our history than you might imagine.

to celebrate 145 years of history!

Scroll down for Tickets!

 

Join the Tempe Historic Preservation Foundation, the Tempe Historic Preservation Office and many others for the Downtown Tempe Walk through History, a guided tour of some of these architectural wonders. Experts and enthusiasts in the areas of architecture, archaeology and preservation will lead the tours.

 

Hayden’s Ferry Days is a celebration of the Tempe community. Its an event intended to raise awareness of the rich culture and history of Tempe by involving community members of all ages in an informative and entertaining way. Hayden's Ferry Days will showcase civic and historic buildings, the Tempe History Museum, the Petersen House Museum and bring the community and visitors together in a celebration of Tempe’s remarkable heritage.

 

Tempe Historical Society has partnered with Tempe Sister Cities and the Tempe History Museum for this event. Some activities have already been scheduled and will be spread around a variety of venues throughout the city. The celebration culminates at the Museum where Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell will kick-off the latter portion of the festival. The event will feature: Indoor exhibits, outdoor activity and info booths, vendors - including food, live entertainment, children’s activities, an antique car show, and more.

 

Friday night: a $100-a-plate "Kick-Off Dinner" at the Hackett House will start the festivities. It headlines Arizona’s Historian Marshall Trimble and features “special appearances” by the Founder himself, Charles T. Hayden, and Estelle Hackett at whose house the event will take place. Call 480-350-8181 for details.

 

Saturday: Share a Continental breakfast with fellow history lovers starting at 8 a.m. Tours begin promptly at 9 a.m. and will begin in downtown with an early morning "Walk Through History" that will explore Tempe’s historic buildings like La Casa Vieja, the Mill, Hackett House, Tempe Hardware and others — tours led by some of the city’s most knowledgeable guides.

Other activities include the Tempe Kiwanis "Catch A Wave Car Show"at Kiwanis Park; recently restored Eisendrath House and Petersen House tours; and a noon to 6 p.m. afternoon of music from the likes of Dolan Ellis and Hans Olson, food trucks, along with a variety of presentations on the Tempe History Museum campus.