Explore History with Arizona Historical Society Museums
One of the things that we at Local First get most excited about is the reopening of our fellow local businesses and organizations. The Arizona Historical Society (AHS) has announced that they are reopening two of their museums as well as the grounds of two other facilities. The AHS proudly serves as the steward of Arizona’s history and offers a one-of-a-kind resource through its collections of artifacts, manuscripts, and more. One of the most important pieces of preserving this history is that it helps promote public understanding of contemporary issues such as water availability, immigration, free trade, mining, ranching and agribusiness, the defense industry, cultural diversity, and urban development and revitalization. It is more important than ever to foster that understanding!
Which Locations are Open?
On October 13th, AHS opened the doors to the Arizona History Museum in Tucson. Here you will find stories and artifacts from people who had an impact in Arizona such as Geronimo and Wyatt Earp and Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlota of Mexico. A new exhibit opening soon is Barry Goldwater, K7UGA, On the Air, In the Sky, Behind the Lens featuring the careful reconstruction of his ham radio station, photographs, and personal memorabilia. You can also get down and dirty in a mining tunnel and travel back to 1870’s Tucson with an interactive recreation! The Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park, a hidden gem in Tempe, has also been reopened. The Heritage Center has ever-changing exhibits, including two exhibitions: Still Marching: From Suffrage to #MeToo that explores women’s protest movements, and Current State, an exhibition featuring the works of a local artist of the Akimel and Tohono O’odham communities, Thomas “Breeze” Marcus. It’s a great way to get in touch with the history around you.
The museums are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. For researchers and students, the Library and Archives are also open during this time by appointment. For history lovers in Flagstaff, the Pioneer Museum will open their grounds to the public from Tuesday to Saturday between 10 am and 5 pm. The grounds of the Sanguinetti House Museum & Gardens in Yuma will also be open. They are open from 10 am to 3 pm from Monday to Friday. At both locations, there may be some restricted areas and the restrooms will not be available.
Thomas "Breeze" Marcus Current State exhibit at the Arizona Heritage Center
Safety Measures in Place
To keep patrons safe, AHS has implemented rigorous safety measures with more frequent cleaning and all AHS employees will wear face coverings. Guests are also required to wear face masks and to keep 6 feet of distance. AHS also encourages people to buy their tickets online. AHS is continuing its virtual events as well, for those who are far from the open museums or do not feel comfortable coming in person.