Florence has a long-term relationship with the Gila River and its water. The Gila riverbed goes directly through the town’s historic downtown core, which is designated a National Historic District. The town is one of the oldest municipalities in Arizona. It was founded in 1866 and serves as the seat of Pinal County. The first settlers in the area encountered the expertly engineered canals constructed by the Hohokam people centuries before, and wasted no time in resurrecting some of them to water their own crops.

McFarland State Historic Park will serve as the host for the Smithsonian Water/Ways exhibit. In addition, explore the companion exhibit Our Water-Past and Present at the Pinal County Historical Museum and attend programs and film screenings at the Florence Community Library.

Water/Ways Exhibition Special Preview “Our Water-Past and Present” 
Thursday, November 15
5:30 p.m.
Pinal County Historical Society Museum – 715 S. Main St., Florence, AZ

Water/Ways Grand Opening Celebration
Saturday, November 17
1:00 p.m.
McFarland State Historic Park – 24 W. Ruggles St., Florence, AZ

Forced to Abandon Our Fields: The 1914 Charles Southworth Gila River Pima Interviews with Dr. David DeJong, Project Director, Pima-Maricopa Irrigation Project
Friday, November 30
6:00 p.m.
Florence Library and Community Center – 778 N. Main St., Florence, AZ

Water/Ways Movie Series 
Saturday, December 1
1:00 p.m.
Florence Library and Community Center – 778 N. Main St, Florence, AZ

Read more about Florence and view all Water/Ways Florence programs.

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