Salt River Stories 5.0.4

Salt River Stories (also known as PHXstories) is a mobile application that offers an accessible exploration of the history of the Phoenix-Scottsdale-Tempe metropolitan area.

This initiative, a collaboration between the Public History program at Arizona State University and the Papago Salado Association, allows users to delve into the historical narratives that have shaped the region. The app features layered, map-based multimedia presentations, provides opportunities to share personal stories through social media, and includes curated historical tours of the desert metropolis.

The interactive GPS-enabled map serves as a storytelling medium, where each location reveals a narrative enriched with images from local archives. Many entries are complemented by audio clips and short documentary videos that present oral histories and expert insights. Notably, Salt River Stories exemplifies collaborative scholarship; narratives are developed in partnership with teachers, students, professors, and community members. Faculty and students from the School of Historical Philosophical and Religious Studies at Arizona State University play a vital role in curating content for this project.

The project remains dynamic, with ongoing additions of new material on a monthly basis. Users are encouraged to contribute by suggesting unrepresented stories, sites, themes, or topics. Opportunities for involvement in content development or regional history collection are available upon contacting the project team.

For more information, visit saltriverstories.org, email at publichistory@asu.edu, or engage with us on social media platforms such as Facebook at SaltRiverStories and Twitter @PHXstories.

The name Salt River Stories reflects both geographical significance and thematic breadth, as it encompasses narratives beyond a single political boundary within the Valley. The Salt River itself plays a critical role in defining the area, acting as a watershed that historically nurtured human development. By selecting this name, the project emphasizes the intricate relationship between the environmental features of the region and its societal evolution—encapsulating the essence of the Valley of the Sun.