The Tucson Presidio Garrison portrays soldiers of the Spanish Colonial frontier at the Presidio. These men were volunteers who chose life in the army. The frontier was difficult, but it offered the opportunity for social advancement. The troops were diverse, with Mexicans, Indians, Irish, Italians, blacks, and mixed races making up the frontier Army. Their tasks were many and varied. They campaigned, escorted supplies, carried the mail and successfully spread the doctrine of the King of Spain. The Garrison interpreters bring the walls of the presidio alive with cannon fire and military drill.
The Garrison soldiers are some of the best ambassadors of the Tucson Presidio Trust for Historic Preservation. The “soldados” are uniformed as the Spanish forces assigned to the area of present day Arizona. Dressed as the Catalonian Volunteers, Dragoons of Spain, or as Presidio soldados, the group interprets life at the Presidio.
Jobs for The Garrison include:
· Cannon and musket drills
· Demonstrating soldier life by discussing displays of weaponry and military supplies
Making the Commitment
The Garrison currently meets every second Saturday of the month from October through April for Presidio Garrison Living History Second Saturdays, which runs from 10 am to 2 pm. Garrison volunteers are expected to attend a majority of these events, which are presented outdoors. Tasks are performed in a variety of weather conditions. Much like our ancestors, volunteers experience beautiful Sonoran desert days, along with a few hot ones and the occasional monsoon!Occasionally volunteers support other organization functions and City of Tucson functions by attending and assisting with different events.
Although costumes may be available to Living History volunteers for a limited time, volunteers are responsible for obtaining their own costumes either by purchasing or creating them. The Presidio Museum can provide direction on where to purchase appropriate costumes. Click here for ourVolunteer Interpreter’s Guide to Spanish Colonial Costumes.
Street parking is free on weekends. During the week the Presidio Museum validates parking in the El Presidio Parking Garage at 165 W. Alameda St. and the Pima County Public Works Garage at 101 N. Stone.
New volunteers are welcome any time!
Contact Michael Creegan, Presidio Museum Garrison Sargento, at michael.creegan@gmail.com, for more information and to begin your exciting volunteer journey with the Presidio Museum!
