The Phoenix Museum of History collects your stories, artifacts, and photographs to preserve and share with the community. If you have documents, photos, artifacts, or stories you think are important to share, call us! 

The Phoenix Museum of History collects, preserves, and makes available collections related to the diverse histories of the Salt River Valley. The museum maintains a sizeable collection of three-dimensional artifacts and documentary artifacts. Primary subject matter of the collection includes prehistoric and historic archaeology, development and settlement of the Salt River Valley, business and industry, architecture, transportation, and local family life.

All cultures and ethnic groups that have been instrumental in shaping the economic, social, and political development of Phoenix, both prehistoric and historic, are considered part of Phoenix history and related materials are sought for the collection. Because the population of Phoenix is both rapidly growing and widely dispersed, the museum serves an important role in creating a sense of connection within the community. We are the only museum devoted specifically to Phoenix and Salt River Valley history, and are therefore uniquely positioned to represent the community, and create understanding and appreciation for the cultural diversity that shaped the area. We strive to create a sense of appreciation for the distinct place Phoenix holds in United States history.

The collection supports the mission of the Phoenix Museum of History by serving as a source of primary information available to educate the public about the history and culture of Phoenix and its environs. The collection has effectively preserved the culture and capital associated with the settling of the Phoenix area. The Phoenix Museum of History holds an estimated 40,000-item collection of three-dimensional objects including anthropological/ethnographic materials (including a significant collection of baskets), weapons, musical instruments, costumes, toys and games, paintings (highlighted by several by noted western artist Lon Megargee, a portrait of Arizona Governor Hunt, and a rare portrait of his wife and daughter), household items, transportation materials, communications items, furnishings, tools and equipment, personal artifacts, and building components.

The collections include three-dimensional objects, books, photographs, and archival materials that can be directly associated with, or are typical of items that would actually have been used in the city of Phoenix and the surrounding valley.