The first families to settle in Tempe came from the barrios of Tucson and the ranches of northern Mexico. Hispanic residents have always had an important role in the development of Tempe's agriculture, business, and social life.

To tell the stories of some of these families, Hispanic community members and the Tempe History Museum put together Family History Albums. Each album has copies of historic photographs and documents, family trees, and information on each family's history. These albums provide a glimpse into the experiences of many of the Mexican American families that have settled in Tempe since 1870.

^{Photo: Chris Redfield}

Click a link below to view that family's album
(Tip: If you have trouble viewing any images in an album, try clearing your web browser history.)

Arroyo/Ruesga/Lerma

Espinoza

Estrada

Gamboa/Andrade

Gonzales/Ramirez

Gonzales/Serapia

Mercedes/Arredondo/Gurrola

Moreno/Elias

Ortega/Nunez

Rios/Gonzales/Guerrero/Perez

Romo/Jones

Sotelo/Clara/Granillo/Bernal

Sotelo/Soza

Urbano/Escalante/Celaya

How to make your own family history album
Was your Mexican-American family in Tempe before 1970? Then make an album for your family! To get started on your album, Click here to get a PDF version of these instructions.

Want to add to your family's existing album in the collection? Email the Tempe History Museum at museum@tempe.gov to get connected with a curator.