Navajo County Historical Society Museum | Winslow

Navajo County Historical Society Museum – In Detailed Overview

Location and Setting

The Navajo County Historical Society Museum is housed in the historic Navajo County Courthouse, located at 100 East Arizona Street, Holbrook, Arizona. The courthouse itself is an iconic building, constructed in 1898 and serving as the county’s center of justice for nearly eight decades. Today, it stands as a well-preserved architectural landmark and the museum’s home, blending historical significance with cultural preservation in the heart of Holbrook.

Historical Significance of the Building

The courthouse is a two-story, red sandstone structure with prominent Romanesque Revival architectural elements, including arched windows and a stately clock tower. Inside, the original courtroom, judge’s chambers, and even former jail cells have been carefully maintained or restored. Walking through the museum allows visitors to experience the atmosphere of early 20th-century law and order in Navajo County, reflecting the region’s frontier history.

The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, emphasizing its importance not only as a museum venue but also as a vital historical artifact itself.

Museum Origins and Mission

Established in 1976, the museum was created by the Navajo County Historical Society to preserve and showcase the diverse history of the region. Its mission is to collect, protect, and exhibit artifacts, photographs, and stories that document the rich cultural tapestry of Navajo County, including Native American heritage, pioneer settlement, railroad history, and the development of local communities.

The museum serves as a hub for education and community involvement, hosting events and outreach programs to engage residents and visitors alike.

Exhibits and Collections

Native American Artifacts:
The museum houses an extensive collection of items representing the Indigenous peoples of the area, including the Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, and Apache tribes. Exhibits include traditional tools, pottery, woven rugs, jewelry, ceremonial objects, and textiles, providing insight into the rich cultural traditions and daily life of Native American communities.

Pioneer and Settler History:
Items from early Anglo-American settlers include farm and ranch equipment, household goods, clothing, and photographs. Displays highlight the challenges and accomplishments of pioneers who helped shape the region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Railroad and Route 66 Memorabilia:
Holbrook’s history as a railroad town and a stop along the iconic Route 66 is well represented through vintage signage, railroad artifacts, maps, and memorabilia. The museum illustrates the impact of the railroad in opening the area to commerce and travel, as well as the cultural significance of Route 66 in American history.

Hashknife Pony Express:
Dedicated displays honor the Hashknife Outfit and the Pony Express riders who helped connect remote communities across the region through mail and goods transport. Artifacts include saddles, bridles, and rider gear, along with stories of endurance and adventure.

Legal History and Courthouse Artifacts:
Visitors can explore the original courtroom setup, including the judge’s bench, witness stand, and jury box. The museum also preserves courtroom documents, legal tools, and photographs of historical trials, illustrating how justice was administered in the frontier era.

Special Features

Jail Cells:
The old jail cells, located in the courthouse basement or adjacent area, are open to the public, providing a vivid and sometimes sobering glimpse into law enforcement practices of the past.

Historic Photographs and Oral Histories:
The museum maintains a collection of vintage photographs and recorded oral histories that capture personal stories of residents, Native leaders, and settlers, preserving voices from the past for future generations.

Community-Donated Artifacts:
Many items in the collection come from local families and individuals who have contributed personal heirlooms, enhancing the museum’s status as a “people’s museum” that reflects the lived experiences of Navajo County’s inhabitants.

Visitor Experience

The museum is designed for visitors to explore at their own pace. Informational plaques and guided tours (when available) provide context for exhibits. The courthouse’s architecture and preserved rooms add a tangible sense of place, transporting guests back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Photographic displays and artifacts are thoughtfully arranged to narrate a chronological and cultural journey through Navajo County’s evolution-from Indigenous homelands through pioneer settlement and into the modern era.

Practical Information

Address: 100 East Arizona Street, Holbrook, AZ 86025

Operating Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Admission: Free; donations appreciated to support preservation efforts

Contact: (928) 524-6558

The museum offers educational programming and special events throughout the year, which are often announced locally and on the museum’s website.

Nearby Attractions

Historic Route 66 in Holbrook: Visitors can explore vintage motels, neon signs, and diners that celebrate the heyday of the “Mother Road.”

Petrified Forest National Park: Located just outside Holbrook, the park offers spectacular geological formations, petrified wood, and Native American archaeological sites.

Old Trails Museum: Another local history museum focusing on the broader Navajo County area, including railroad history and pioneer life.

Summary

The Navajo County Historical Society Museum offers an immersive, comprehensive look at the region’s past through a unique blend of cultural artifacts, historic architecture, and community stories. Housed in the venerable Navajo County Courthouse, it presents visitors with an authentic sense of place and history, celebrating the Indigenous heritage, pioneer spirit, and evolving identity of Navajo County. Its role as both a museum and a historic site makes it an essential destination for anyone interested in Northern Arizona’s rich and complex history.