10 minute read
Cultural Activities & Family Fun
THE FORT WHIPPLE MUSEUM
500 North AZ-Hwy. 89, Building 11 (North AZ-Hwy 89 near AZ-Hwy 69) Prescott, Arizona 928-445-3122 www.sharlothallmuseum.org/fortwhipple-museum/ facebook.com/sharlothallmuseum Instagram.com/sharlothallmuseum
HOURS: Thurs.-Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. except federal holidays. ADMISSION: Free Donations accepted, self-guided.
HOURS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
due to VA hospital COVID-19 policy. For up-to-date information, please visit sharlothallmuseum. org/fort-whipple-museum/
A key tactical base for the U.S. Army during the Indian Wars of 1864-1886, Fort Whipple sat as one of the main centers of military presence in the Arizona Territory.
A few decades later, Whipple shifted to become one of the military’s largest treatment centers for respiratory ailments, and continues serving veterans today as a VA medical facility. On the grounds of the Bob Stump Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Fort Whipple Museum serves as a reminder of the wild, wild West.
If you are an historic building enthusiast, you will enjoy touring the vintage 1908 military officer’s quarters for its architectural interest—or, if you are piqued by medical history, the Museum’s exhibits feature 19th-century medical instruments and treatment programs of WWI veterans recovering from gas warfare.
Other exhibits tell the stories of vintage Army weaponry, Buffalo Soldiers, military maps, photographs and memoirs written by those stationed at this outpost.
From protecting frontier settlers to serving veterans, the mission of Fort Whipple has been to protect and serve. The Museum provides a fascinating time-capsule of its transition spanning 150-plus years and its positioning in the community where the formation of the Territorial government began.
For decades, Fort Whipple protected the Territorial Capital of Prescott, the nearby gold fields, and the town’s early settlers. During the Indian Wars, it was the tactical headquarters for one-fifth of the entire U.S. Army.
After the cessation of hostilities with local Indian tribes, the military considered closing the Fort, but when the Spanish-American War broke out (1898), Whipple became a mobilization point for the famous Rough Riders cavalry company. Shortly after, the War Department reactivated Fort Whipple as a U.S. Army Hospital for the treatment of respiratory ailments.
By the mid-1920s, Whipple was the fourth largest disabled Veteran’s Hospital in the United States. From taking lives in wartime to saving lives in peacetime, Fort Whipple and its Museum remain a fascinating “Frontier Adventure” site.
THE PHIPPEN MUSEUM
HOURS: Tues.–Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sun. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Closed on Mon. REGULAR ADMISSION: $10 AAA, Seniors, Veterans and Active Military $8; Students with ID $5; Children 12 & Under are Free.
Named after local artist and first president of the Cowboy Artists of America, George Phippen, the Phippen Museum presents museum quality Western art exhibits, educational programming and unique art events for visitors of all ages. This 17,000 square foot facility is also home to the Kemper & Ethel Marley Western Art Gallery and the Harold & Mitzie James Gallery. Boasting two studio replicas, four galleries, a museum store, a multipurpose classroom and a research library, it also houses four outstanding permanent exhibits, including the Bill & Marion Gary Western Heritage Gallery, featuring artifacts, photos, artwork, a working chuck wagon and the Arizona Rancher and Cowboy Hall of Fame. In addition, the museum is especially proud to be the home of the Prescott Area Art Trust’s Solon H. Borglum collection, a special exhibit featuring 17 of his bronze sculptures, paintings, furniture and other extraordinary objects from his life.
THE SHARLOT HALL MUSEUM
415 W. Gurley Street (two blocks west of Courthouse Plaza) 928-445-3122 www.sharlothallmuseum.org facebook.com/sharlothallmuseum Instagram.com/sharlothallmuseum
SUMMER HOURS: (May-Sep) Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun. 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. WINTER HOURS: (Oct-Apr) Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sun. 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. CLOSED: New Year’s, Thanksgiving, and Christmas days. ADMISSION: Adults – $12 Seniors – $10 College Students – $6 Youth – $5 Members – Free Children 12-and-under – Free
Established in 1928 by Sharlot M. Hall, the first woman to hold public office in the Arizona Territory, the Sharlot Hall Museum is the “Crown Jewel” of Arizona’s Central Highlands and a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The past comes to life at this four-acre outdoor museum, built around the 1864 Territorial Governor’s Mansion. The campus holds 11 exhibit buildings (six of which are historic), just two blocks west of Prescott’s downtown Courthouse Plaza.
Discover the panorama of Arizona history through an extensive and colorful collection of exhibits and artifacts that date from pre-historic times to the present. Trace Arizona’s story from post-Ice Age savannahs when “beasts” walked the earth, to the Prescott Culture and later Conquistadors and pioneers.
Continue the journey through early territorial times when new-found gold lured the first settlers to the region and sparked conflict with indigenous populations—the Indian Wars which spanned forty years. In each historic building, expansive exhibits reflect the heritage and culture of the Central Highlands, from mining and railroading to ranching and settling of the wilderness capital.
Hear the stories (told in their own words) of the Yavapai people, native culture of the area, now brought to light through thoughtful exhibits that highlight their history and artistry.
Regular programs include Living History adventure days on the second Saturday of each month, a monthly Museum Lecture Series, kids’ programming, and more.
Arizona’s heritage shines through annual festivals and events, such as the Prescott Indian Art Market, the Western History Symposium, Sharlot’s WineFest, and Frontier Christmas in December.
Discover the history, art, music, and culture of Arizona’s Central Highlands at the Museum created and named for the first woman to hold public office in Arizona: Sharlot Mabridth Hall.
WESTERN HERITAGE CENTER
156 S. Montezuma St., Prescott, AZ 86303 928-910-2307 www.visitwhc.org
The Western Heritage Center is located on Historic Whiskey Row in downtown Prescott, and showcases all participating nonprofit organizations in Yavapai County, which help preserve, promote and educate residents, visitors and our youth about our history and western heritage.
There is no admission charge to visit and tours of the Western Heritage Center can be scheduled for school classes and organizations by calling the Center during hours of operation.
The Prescott Western Heritage Foundation’s vision is to create the largest collaboration of western and historical organizations in Arizona. The goal is to make Prescott and Yavapai County the state’s premier destination for visiting local museums, historical related events, and other organizations which celebrate the Prescott area’s unique western heritage and culture. www.VisitWHC.org
The Prescott Fire Department has held in trust all items that the community left at Station 7 and that were sent from around the world mourning the loss of the Granite Mountain Hotshots on June 30, 2013. Community members called for the preservation of these items, and recognized the need for a place to commemorate the nineteen fallen hotshots. Over the ensuing months, a nonprofit group was born called the Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew (GMIHC) Learning and Tribute Center.
OUR MISSION is to establish, operate, and maintain a wildland fire learning center that honors the Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew by telling their story, housing artifacts/memorabilia, and educating visitors about wildland fires, firefighting, and prevention.
Located in the Prescott Gateway Mall (near Dillards). The GMIHC Center is typically open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Please go to our website or Facebook for specific hours. www.gmihc19.org
MUSEUM OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
HOURS & ADMISSION: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sun. 1-4 p.m. Adults $7. Seniors $6. Students $5. Natives, Members, & Children under 12 Free.
“Formerly The Smoki Museum, the Museum of Indigenous People is a microcosm of social evolution; its reformation has global implication and is an inspiration to all museums.”- American Alliance of Museums.
Our mission is to instill understanding and respect for the indigenous cultures of the southwest. Visit to learn about the prehistoric people of this land, and today’s Native people; Yavapai, Hopi, Diné, Tohono O’odham, Akimel O’odham, and Apache. See the largest collection of Prescott Grayware on display, as well as baskets, katsinas, lithics, fine art, and hundreds of other items of cultural significance.
Our stone buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They are two of Prescott’s most unique structures. Built in 1931 and 1935 to resemble Hopi Pueblo structures, they were constructed with all locally sourced materials. Kate T. Cory, “Artist of Arizona,” was instrumental in their design, and we have the largest collection of her paintings on display.
Annual events include the Contemporary Native Arts Festival, Navajo Rug & Indian Art Auctions, Mata Ortiz Show & Sale, Consignment Market, Dia de los Muertos Celebration, Christmas Indian Art Market, and Storytellers at The Museum of Indigenous People. Special exhibits, lectures, and classes are offered throughout the year. Community outreach activities include school tours, the Native Students Backpack Drive, and the Elder Winter Clothing Drive. The schedule is on our website.
When visiting, stop by our Trading Post. Here, you will find authentic, Native-made arts and crafts. They are extraordinary items at the best prices, and as we are nonprofit, you pay no sales tax.
Within these stone walls, this Prescott landmark is always changing, always progressing. We welcome new museum members and new volunteers. Together, we make The Museum of Indigenous People an institution of education, a resource for indigenous people, and instigate positive changes in the way people think about indigenous cultures
Continued on Page 28…
HERITAGE PARK ZOOLOGICAL SANCTUARY
SUMMER HOURS: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May-Oct, WINTER HOURS: Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov-Apr ADMISSION: Adults (13-64): $10; Seniors/Military/Students (with ID): $8; Children (3-12): $6; Under 3: Free
This wildlife sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation and protection of native and exotic animals. Located in scenic Prescott, the park provides a source of recreation, education, and entertainment for all ages. With the mission of “Conservation through Education,” Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary provides a unique and up-close experience with animals that visitors may find nowhere else. Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization funded and supported by the community and visitors.
HIGHLANDS CENTER FOR NATURAL HISTORY
BENSON FAMILY NATURE STORE: Open Tuesday-Saturday (April-Sept) 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; (Oct-May) 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. DISCOVERY GARDENS: Open 7 days a week: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. PARKING LOT AND NATURE TRAILS: (April-Sept) 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Oct-May) 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. ADMISSION: Free Office Hours Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Prescott’s Nature Center, the Highlands Center for Natural History, offers year-round programs and activities for children and adults. Located in the Lynx Lake Recreation Area, 15 minutes from Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza, our nature center has activities for all ages, including naturebased workshops and family festivals, Highlands Youth Nature Camps, facilities rentals, concerts and special events. Visit our handicap-accessible James Family Discovery Gardens and discover deeply shaded riparian habitats, chaparral and woodland areas, remarkable geologic formations, and amazing vistas, in addition to all manner of forest inhabitants. With educational programming, hiking trails, and a botanic garden. The 80- acre site is member and donor supported and home to the James Family Learning Center, the Kiwanis Amphitheater, Benson Family Gift Shop and three miles of hiking trails, including an accessible ¼ mile loop.
THE PRESCOTT LONG RIDERS EVENT
October 11th, 2022 Horse Parade is at 2:30 p.m.
Yee Haa.. Have you ever seen 100 horses in downtown Prescott? On October 1, 2022, the Prescott Long Riders are celebrating their 8th annual ride into downtown Prescott with 100 horses. Each year they do a 10-mile ride on the Peavine Trail, followed by a ride through the VA Hospital to honor our Veterans, and then end the ride as an all-horse parade into historic downtown Prescott, right down Whiskey Row.
After the parade, you can meet a cowboy or cowgirl and see their horses up close and personal. If you prefer a smaller version, there will be several miniature horses circling the courthouse square.
The Prescott Long Riders are a 501c3 nonprofit and the proceeds of their events go to the VA Hospital to help our homeless veterans “who came home to no home.”
