Sharlot Hall Museum | Prescott

Sharlot Hall Museum is a premier cultural and historical institution located in Prescott, Arizona, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich heritage of the Central Highlands region of Arizona. Founded in 1928 by Sharlot Mabridth Hall, a pioneering historian and Arizona’s first female Territorial Historian, the museum serves as both a tribute to the people and events that shaped Arizona’s past and a vibrant educational resource for the public.

The museum’s sprawling campus covers nearly four acres in downtown Prescott and features 11 exhibit buildings, including six original historic structures that have been carefully preserved and restored to reflect life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Among these historic buildings is the 1864 Governor’s Mansion, which was the territorial government’s seat for several years. This mansion offers visitors a glimpse into the political history of Arizona during its early territorial days. Adjacent is the Frémont House, built in 1875 for the fifth territorial governor, John C. Frémont, which showcases Victorian architectural style and period furnishings, highlighting the lifestyle of prominent families during that era. The Bashford House, constructed in 1877, is another key historic home on site, representing the transition from frontier to more established living in Prescott with its late 19th-century Victorian design. The museum grounds also include a replica of Prescott’s first schoolhouse from 1868, giving insight into early education in the region. The Sharlot Hall Building, built during the New Deal era by the Civil Works Administration in 1936, serves as a hub for museum administration and exhibits honoring its founder.

The museum’s extensive collection comprises over 65,000 artifacts, encompassing Native American pottery, pioneer tools, mining equipment, textiles, photographs, and archival documents. These artifacts collectively tell the story of the diverse peoples and cultures that have inhabited and influenced Arizona, from indigenous tribes like the Yavapai and Apache to European settlers and miners drawn by the region’s natural resources. The displays and exhibits are designed to immerse visitors in the day-to-day lives of early Arizonans, covering topics such as territorial governance, mining booms, ranching, and Native American history.

One of the unique features of Sharlot Hall Museum is its living history programs, which are held regularly and provide interactive experiences that bring history to life. These programs often include demonstrations of traditional crafts, pioneer skills, and period reenactments, allowing visitors to engage hands-on with the past. The second Saturday of each month typically hosts a themed event featuring educational activities that appeal to families, school groups, and history enthusiasts alike.

The museum grounds also boast the Historic Iris Gardens, a nationally recognized collection with over 200 varieties of historic bearded iris flowers, many dating back hundreds of years. These gardens not only offer a beautiful natural complement to the historic setting but also serve as a botanical preservation effort unique in the southwestern United States.

Beyond the main museum site, the Sharlot Hall Museum Research Center, located nearby, provides access to a vast archive of rare books, original manuscripts, photographs, maps, and oral histories, supporting scholarly research and public inquiry into Arizona’s past. This resource is invaluable for historians, genealogists, students, and anyone interested in deeper exploration of regional history.

The museum store, situated within the Bashford House, offers visitors an opportunity to purchase books, historical reproductions, Native American crafts, and other unique souvenirs that reflect the spirit of Arizona’s heritage.

Sharlot Hall Museum is open year-round, with seasonal variations in hours. Admission fees are reasonable and tiered by age and status, with free entry for children under 12, encouraging families to explore the museum together. The facility is fully accessible, and knowledgeable staff and volunteers are available to assist visitors with tours and information.

Overall, Sharlot Hall Museum provides a comprehensive, immersive experience that combines historic architecture, extensive collections, living history, and educational programming. It stands as a vital cultural institution preserving the diverse narratives of Arizona’s Central Highlands and inviting visitors to connect deeply with the region’s past.