The City of Mesa is calling on local residents to share their personal histories and experiences in two of the city's storied Heritage Neighborhoods, Washington-Escobedo and Lehi. In a bid to preserve the past, the city's Historic Preservation Office is compiling digital story maps, and they're sourcing material straight from those who know it best—the community.

There's an open invite for the people from Washington-Escobedo to gather on May 8 at the Escobedo at Verde Vista Apartments Heritage Room, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with the Lehi residents' turn following on May 9, at the Mesa Historical Museum, also between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Hosting these sessions, the city intends to collect a wealth of historic photos and oral histories, transforming them into interactive maps replete with visuals and narratives that depict the neighborhoods' rich tapestries of life. According to a recent post on MesaNow.org, residents are encouraged to bring along any historic photographs or compelling personal accounts they're willing to share.

Lehi claims the distinction of being the original settlement in east Salt River Valley, evolving from its quaint 19th-century roots into a community boasting a blend of modern living spaces and enduring agricultural practices, nestled among remnants of early and mid-20th-century architecture. The Washington-Escobedo area, conversely, serves as a testament to the tenacity of a community that forged a vibrant, self-reliant identity in the face of segregation during the early 1900s. It was home to Dr. Lucius Alston, Mesa's first black doctor, and it embraced a school, community center, churches, and stores of its own making.

For those keen on contributing to the legacy of these neighborhoods, or simply learning more, additional details can be found on the City’s Historic Preservation Office webpage. This initiative is more than just an archival project; it's a celebration of the enduring spirit and deep historical roots that continue to shape Mesa's cultural landscape.