History Committee & Museum

The Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council History Committee is made up of volunteers who are passionate about Girl Scouting and its history. We conduct ongoing research, preserve archives and run the Barbara Anderson Girl Scout Museum. New History Committee members are always welcome. Contact us for more information.

Girl Scouting's Roots in Arizona

From Savannah to the Southwest

In 1912, Juliette Low said, "I've got something for the girls of Savannah, and all of America and the entire world." It didn't take long for Girl Scouting to travel from Savannah to the southwest.

In 1916, Maxie Dunning unofficially began activities with a group of girls from the Girls Friendly Society using the Girl Scout Handbook. There were a few lone troops scattered across the state and the first registered troop for Arizona was in Ajo, Arizona in 1918.

The first troop in this area began in 1921 in Glendale and disbanded in 1922. A second troop, sponsored by Trinity Cathedral, began in 1922. This troop, led by Alice Marshall became Troop #1 of Phoenix.

History is an ongoing process. If you have any information that would add to our knowledge, especially about Girl Scouts in Arizona, please contact us.

We have the following items in our archive available to borrow:

• Historical Uniform Collection – Authentic vintage uniforms from all eras of Girl Scouting in the USA may be borrowed for events such as teas, fashion shows, flag ceremonies, and parades (newer vintage uniforms only for parades).
• The Golden Eaglet VHS – A 20 minute silent movie featuring Girl Scouts in 1918. Contact the Member Resource Center or the Council Shop to reserve The Golden Eaglet. This is also available online.
• Research Materials – Various research materials are available including handbooks, program resources, songbooks, newsletters, photos and newspaper articles.

Donations of Historical Girl Scout Uniforms, Handbooks and Memorabilia

Donations of Girl Scout items are welcome. Please do not dispose of your Girl Scout memorabilia, uniforms or handbooks without consulting your Girl Scout History Committee.

Have you visited the Barbara Anderson Girl Scout Museum?  The Barbara Anderson Girl Scout Museum is a member of Central Arizona Museum Association, The Arizona Memory Project, and Arizona Women's Heritage Trail.

Schedule a Tour

A tour takes approximately one hour. A volunteer docent will work with you to plan a program for your visit.

Contact Information

602.452.7000 or 800.352.6133
museum@girlscoutsaz.org
1116 E Dobbins Road, Phoenix, AZ 85042