About the Yuma County Historical Society
A dedicated group of community historians shaped the earliest days of the Yuma County Historical Society (YCHS). While not all names can be recalled, several stand out: Rosemarie Gwynn, Mary Lorona, Pat Callahan, Bill Haught, and Rosalie Crow. Together, they began as a county historical society focused on gathering oral histories from longtime residents—many of whom were among the founders of modern-day Yuma
Thankfully, their interviews were not only recorded but also transcribed. These invaluable documents are now preserved and accessible in the Heritage Library’s basement in Yuma.
The group operated out of the Sanguinetti House on Madison Avenue, a property owned by Howard and Rosemarie Gwynn and once home to Yuma pioneer and merchant E. F. Sanguinetti. During this period, Dr. Cliff Trafzer, a Yuma native and history scholar, served as director. His early work with Yuma’s rich and diverse history led to numerous publications—many of which are still available through YCHS.
By around 1972, financial challenges made it difficult for the Society to continue maintaining the property. The Gwynns deeded the Sanguinetti House to the Arizona Historical Society, at no cost, to be maintained by the State of Arizona as the Century House and, later, the Sanguinetti House Museum and Gardens.
In 2024, with support from Senator Brian Fernandez and Representative Tim Dunn, the State transferred ownership of the properties to the City of Yuma, which then leased them to the Yuma County Historical Society to operate as a county museum—bringing the story full circle.
Learn more about Yuma’s history through our upcoming events.
E.F. Sanguenetti and his daughter – Early 1900’s
Preserve Yuma’s history for future generations.
About the Yuma County Historical Society
A dedicated group of community historians shaped the earliest days of the Yuma County Historical Society (YCHS). While not all names can be recalled, several stand out: Rosemarie Gwynn, Mary Lorona, Pat Callahan, Bill Haught, and Rosalie Crow. Together, they began as a county historical society focused on gathering oral histories from longtime residents—many of whom were among the founders of modern-day Yuma
Thankfully, their interviews were not only recorded but also transcribed. These invaluable documents are now preserved and accessible in the Heritage Library’s basement in Yuma.
The group operated out of the Sanguinetti House on Madison Avenue, a property owned by Howard and Rosemarie Gwynn and once home to Yuma pioneer and merchant E. F. Sanguinetti. During this period, Dr. Cliff Trafzer, a Yuma native and history scholar, served as director. His early work with Yuma’s rich and diverse history led to numerous publications—many of which are still available through YCHS.
By around 1972, financial challenges made it difficult for the Society to continue maintaining the property. The Gwynns deeded the Sanguinetti House to the Arizona Historical Society, at no cost, to be maintained by the State of Arizona as the Century House and, later, the Sanguinetti House Museum and Gardens.
Learn more about Yuma’s history through our upcoming events.
Help preserve Yuma’s rich history for future generations.
