About the Blog Authors

Caricature Depiction

Val is a historian, author, and teacher in Arizona.  Raised in Phoenix, she has traveled on many occasions to the rough and tough areas of former territorial Arizona.  She has a love for the unique and anything that speaks of history.  Val has crossed most counties of Arizona, and has photographed several historic buildings and ghost towns.

In her travels to over 200 cemeteries, Val feels that cemeteries are to be respected and revered.  "Every headstone has a memory and a message.  It is the story of someone's life.  If a headstone catches your eye, someone wants you to remember."

Val does research on the Pioneer Military and Memorial Park in Phoenix, Arizona.  The park contains over 3,500 burials from those who settled Phoenix in its infancy.  The cemetery contains mayors, outlaws, sherriffs, civilians, prostitutes, and pretty much any occupation one can name.  

Caricature Depiction

Behind the Epitaph's contributing authors are Donna C and Patty G, who are talented researchers in the historical field and territorial Phoenix.  Look for their delightful stories!

Also, please check out the Pioneer Cemetery Association website.  The PCA oversees and conducts much research on the PMMP, in partnership with the City of Phoenix.  Here is their website:

http://www.azhistcemeteries.org/

You can see all of their current events, as well as visit them for more information on the cemetery!  Check them out!