index

MAP

European Multi-ethnic Alliance of Tucson, Inc. (EMAT)

EMAT is pleased to provide this website as a directory and resource guide for the European ethnic organizations in Tucson, Arizona.

EMAT is a non-profit, non-political, educational organization, which provides support, fosters interaction, good will, and strength among European ethnic clubs and organizations. Our primary goal is to produce greater community awareness, increased participation, and stronger representation for ethnic activities through our ethnic fairs held in November at the ElCon Mall, and in March at the Foothills Mall.

The Tapestry of Tucson - Click here.

The Tapestry of Tucson is a multi-cultural project designed to provide insight into the many cultural and historical influences that have helped shape our community. The Project, initiated in 1997 by Tucson's Mayor and Council and the Tucson Convention Crnter Commission, began with the creation of teams of community leaders and volunteers who have helped provide insight into several of Tucson's distinct historical and cultural influences. Consistent with the pioneering spirit exhibited by these heritage groups, the Tapestry of Tucson Project is primarily supported through grants and private contributions.

Future

The Tapestry of Tucson Project will promote and celebrate the unique history, culture, and traditions of the Tucson community through a series of interpretive exhibits and displays. Comprised of heritage collections and private donations, these exhibits and displays will portray Tucson's rich cultural tapestry and create educational opportunities for visitors of the Tucson Convention Center.

The displays include:

European-American Heritage
European Multi-ethnic Alliance of Tucson, Inc. (EMAT)

The European-American Heritage will show the early settler's role in the development of Tucson, from its early beginnings to the present. Tucson is a city with many cultural and ethnic groups living together in harmony, including those who emigrated from the European continent. The European- American Heritage exhibit will narrate the growth of Tucson through an array of maps and pictures, as well as depict major events that attracted people to this area.

The Tapestry of Tucson Project blends cultures that make the Old Pueblo unique. The project is located in the lobby at the Tucson Convention Center. This fiber optic state-of-the-art project consists of a giant-size map, which is activated by touching the countries on a computer monitor, which corresponds with the map. Information is then displayed on the screen about each country; including population, the area of the country, language and religious preferences and who in Tucson from each country has made a difference or is currently making a difference in Tucson.

African-American Heritage

African-Americans were among those who moved west after the Civil War in hopes of improving their status as United States citizens. Many settled in the territory of Arizona. African-Americans formed communities, developed civic organizations and religious institutions, and became and encouraged entrepreneurs. The African-American Heritage project will provide an interpretive exhibit of that development.

Chinese-American Heritage

From immigrant railroad workers and gold and silver miners to the first vegetable farmers, the Chinese have consistently enriched the Tucson community through their contribution of energy, talent, and culture. Tucson's current Chinese population includes civic leaders, judges, educators, business executives, farmers, and real estate owners. The Chinese-American Heritage Project will feature arts, jewelry, and costumes representing traditions that continue today.

El Jardin Project

When the Spanish came to Mexico, they brought trees, herbs, and rosaries and saints. Gardens became extensions of homes. Trees were planted for shade, flowers for beauty, and food and herbs for health. Plants and seeds were traded among neighbors and families. The El Jardin project will bring this wealth of experience and memories to the grounds of the Tucson Convention Center, where such gardens once grew.

Hispanic Heritage

�La Historia de Los Tucsonenes" will reflect the special contributions that the Hispanic community has made. From the 16th century on, Hispanic pioneers and missionaries explored and settled the region. Following the Gadsden Purchase, more businessmen and entrepreneurs arrived from Mexico, further helping to shape this growing community. From local businesses to street names, their mark remains highly visible to this day. This history and influence will be accented through displays, programs, and activities of the Hispanic Heritage project.

Jacome Medallions

Carlos and Dionicia jacome, Mexican immigrants to the Arizona territory, dedicated their lives to establishing themselves as hardworking members of the community. They reared their thirteen children to value honesty, integrity and amistad. Jacome Department Store, founded in 1896, served southern Arizona for 84 years and was the original home to the Jacome Medallions. As part of the Tapestry project, the medallions will be on permanent display at the Tucson Convention Center.

Jewish Heritage

Jewish people have been in the Tucson area since the 1850s, with approximately 30,000 living here today. The Jewish Heritage exhibit will reflect important contributions in the development of religious and educational institutions, civic and cultural agencies, and business and professional organizations.

Native American Heritage

A permanent exhibit of cultural materials will reflect the special contributions of the Native Americans, Tucson's first inhabitants. The Native American Heritage Exhibit will offer unique visual and interactive displays that emphasizes the local history, Arizona tribal groups, and contemporary Native peoples.