Snowflake-Taylor Museum | Snowflake

The Snowflake/Taylor Museum, located at 2 Main Street in Taylor, Arizona, is a key cultural and historical institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich heritage of the Snowflake and Taylor communities. Housed in the historic Palmer and Son Store building, which was originally constructed in 1914 by A.Z. Palmer, the museum provides a well-curated window into the pioneer past and ongoing legacy of northeastern Arizona’s early settlers.

Historical Building and Restoration

The Palmer and Son Store, a two-story brick structure, was carefully restored in 2000 through the efforts of the Taylor/Shumway Heritage Foundation and a large group of community volunteers. The building itself is an artifact of early 20th-century commerce and community life, reflecting the architectural style and materials typical of that period. The restoration preserved original elements such as the brickwork, wooden floors, and storefront design, enabling the building to serve as both a museum and a symbol of local history.

Museum Collections and Exhibits

The Snowflake/Taylor Museum holds a broad collection of artifacts, photographs, documents, and interpretive displays that chronicle the settlement and growth of the area. The exhibits cover a range of topics, including:

Pioneer Life: Artifacts such as household tools, clothing, farming implements, and personal items help illustrate daily life for the Mormon settlers and other early residents.

Community Development: Exhibits highlight the founding families, establishment of churches and schools, and the transition from frontier settlement to organized towns.

Cultural Heritage: Displays explore the unique customs, traditions, and religious practices of the Mormon pioneers, including polygamous family structures, cooperative farming, and communal activities.

Military History: Adjacent to the museum is the Veterans Monument, honoring local veterans from foreign wars and serving as a focal point for community remembrance.

Historic Structures on the Museum Grounds

The museum complex includes several additional historic buildings, each carefully relocated, restored, and maintained to represent important facets of local history:

Margaret McCleve Hancock Log Cabin: This 1880s-era log cabin belonged to Margaret McCleve Hancock, a pioneering woman who raised 13 children and served as a midwife. The cabin was donated to the Heritage Foundation, moved to the museum grounds, and restored to preserve its original condition and appearance. It offers insight into the challenges and resilience of early frontier women.

Aquilla H. Standifird Home: Built in 1890 for the Brimhall family and later occupied by the Standifird family from 1905 until 2004, this home is a fine example of residential architecture from the late 19th century. It demonstrates the evolution of housing as the community stabilized and prospered.

Taylor Pioneer Museum: Originally built in 1930 by the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers for meetings and storytelling, this building was converted into a museum in 1997. It serves as a repository for pioneer memorabilia and genealogical records, preserving oral histories and family legacies.

Shumway School: Located a short distance south of Taylor, this is the only remaining one-room brick schoolhouse in Arizona. Built in 1904 and used until 1947, the schoolhouse has been restored to its early-20th-century condition, with original desks, blackboards, and teaching materials on display. It represents the educational efforts of early settlers and the importance of schooling in frontier communities.

Visitor Experience and Programs

The museum is open six days a week, Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, providing ample opportunity for visitors to explore its exhibits and historic buildings. Entry is free, though donations are encouraged to support ongoing preservation and educational efforts.

Visitors can expect a thoughtfully organized experience that includes guided tours upon request, educational programs for school groups, and special events that celebrate the area’s heritage. Knowledgeable staff and volunteers are available to provide context, share stories, and answer questions, enriching the visitor experience.

The museum plays an important role in fostering community pride and awareness, serving as a hub for heritage education and cultural continuity in the Snowflake and Taylor areas.

Location and Contact Information

Address: 2 Main Street, Taylor, Arizona

Phone: (928) 536-6649

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Admission: Free, with donations welcome

The Snowflake/Taylor Museum is a vital repository of northeastern Arizona’s pioneer history, combining well-preserved historic buildings, rich artifact collections, and engaging interpretive displays to provide visitors a comprehensive understanding of the region’s cultural and social roots. It offers a meaningful experience for historians, residents, families, and travelers interested in the heritage of the Mormon frontier and early Arizona settlement.