The Arizona Historical Society collects and preserves all elements of Arizona’s history, operating four major museums, various collections of records, and publishing a quarterly journal. They also help smaller museums and run educational and community programs. Membership fees vary and include perks like private tours and free passes to museums. The society maintains a comprehensive archive and offers grants and technical assistance to preserve Arizona’s history.
The Arizona Historical Society, or AHS, is an organization that developed hand in hand with the territory and later the state of Arizona. Founded in 1864, the society’s goal is to collect and preserve all elements of the state’s history, from documents to photographs and movies. Created by legislators and funded through dues, sales, and the state legislature, the Arizona Historical Society operates four major museums, various collections of records, and publishes a quarterly journal. In addition to that, the company helps smaller museums and runs a variety of educational and community programs.
Operating out of Tucson, the Arizona Historical Society is both a statewide organization and a parent society with local chapters. There are, for example, also regional chapters in Yuma and Glendale. Most of the company’s administrative offices, such as its corporate headquarters and publications department, are located in Tucson.
Membership fees vary from level to level. There are cheaper rates for students and private individuals. The more expensive memberships include added perks like private guided tours, behind-the-scenes tours, and free passes to the four main museums. All memberships include a subscription to the Journal of Arizona History. This quarterly publication includes essays, letters, news and reviews pertaining to state history.
The four main museums are located in Phoenix, Flagstaff, Yuma and Tucson. The Papago Park Museum is aimed at central Arizona and the history of 20th and 21st century Arizona. The Flagstaff Pioneer Museum, housed in the old Coconino Hospital, examines the early history of northern Arizona. The Sanguinetti House in Yuma deals with the history of the Rio Colorado River. State history is summarized by exhibits at the Arizona History Museum in Tucson that include Geronimo’s rifle.
In addition to the major exhibits, the Arizona Historical Society maintains a comprehensive archive. The archive’s mission is to collect every possible historical data pertaining to colonial Arizona, the Arizona Territory, and the state. Since its establishment in 1870, the archive, with one located in each of the four museums, has amassed over 500,000 objects.
Community outreach work conducted by the Arizona Historical Society helps both the general public and small community museums across the state. Individuals and groups can apply for up to $2,000 US Dollars (USD) in grants to help preserve elements of Arizona’s history. The company also organizes lectures and historical demonstrations and offers technical assistance.
Small and regional museums can apply for certification from the Arizona Historical Society. To get certified, they must be open to the public for at least 208 hours a year. The society provides these museums with technical support and funding, and also holds museum workshops to teach museum skills such as how to preserve artifacts.
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