[5] In their decision to play an active part in their community, the Heards found a love of collecting Native American artifacts.

Many of the pieces from this site comprised Maie's initial collection and fueled the fire for her love of Native American artifacts that would continue until her death in 1951.

She continued to search for additional pieces to add to the collection and would personally give tours and lectures on the history and culture of the Native Americans whose art was housed within the museum.

[10] While her love of Native American artifacts was her passion, as a philanthropist Maie also played an active part in giving back to her community.

Maie and other members of the Bartlett family also donated 6.5 acres that would be the home of the Civic Center House as well as the YWCA gymnasium.

[12] Maie and other influential women from the Phoenix area attended a speech by Margaret Sanger, who shared that Arizona was second in the nation with respect to deaths of infants and mothers.

Maie Heard Elementary School in Phoenix was named after her, and honors her love of reading and community involvement.