Sign up: Historical society looks to boost profile

In an effort to increase visibility and membership, the Sun Cities Area Historical Society has renamed its building, the first model home in Sun City, to the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum.

A temporary sign is in place at the house, 10801 W. Oakmont Drive., and Historical Society Vice President Bill Pearson said the Pulte-built block sign is on its way. As for the reason for the change, Pearson said it came from a meeting of the board earlier this year.

"We were kicking around the idea of a name change because we thought a new name would give us a little extra pop," Pearson said. "We all agreed, we do not have enough exposure in the communities, and we need to fix that."

Pearson said the historical society only has slightly more than 100 members.

"With over 40,000 households in Sun City and Sun City West, we can do a lot better," he said. "There is enormous potential for growth."

Pearson said the change is happening in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of Sun City for two reasons: to take advantage of the opportunity to bring attention to the historical society, and to remind people of what Sun City is all about.

"We can never, ever lose sight of our history, because our future is tied into how we came to be," Pearson said. "As we move forward, it is important that we remember what made Sun City the best retirement community in the world in the first place."

Pearson said he believes the historical society has a chance to bring in a lot of new members next year.

"We can recreate and reinvent ourselves, and we can reenergize the community," Pearson said. "All we have to do is get the people out to the museum, because once they do they will fall in love."

Pearson said the museum will be open for longer hours and will open after many 50th Anniversary events for anyone interested in heading over.

"A lot of people don’t know where the house is even located," Pearson said. "It’s been the best kept secret in Sun City, but that’s going to change. Our goal for this year is to be open and available a lot more often."