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In 1919, the Maricopa Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) recognized the need to preserve Arizona's fast-disappearing historic treasures and began a movement to establish a museum in Phoenix. By 1923, 30 civic organizations had joined forces with the DAR to incorporate the Arizona Museum. A public campaign raised funds and many companies donated building materials and labor. Designed by Phoenix architects Fitzhugh and Byron, the adobe museum opened at 10th Avenue and West Van Buren in December 1927.
As the only museum in the area, its purpose was broad: "...to establish and maintain...a museum and a library; to preserve historic and prehistoric relics; to encourage interest in the history of the region; to advance the general knowledge of kindred subjects, and to furnish popular instruction..." Archaeology, anthropology and art were included. The museum became a true community center and hosted many local cultural, social, musical and literary groups.
Public outreach and education have grown to include school tours, school trunk shows, summer programs and scout badge work. Interactive exhibits focus on the Phoenix area from prehistory to the romanticizing of the city’s history. Temporary exhibits highlight special subjects not covered in the Main Gallery.
In a 1988 Cultural Bond Election program, the museum was selected by voters to occupy the city’s new history museum located at Heritage and Science Park. The museum, designed by the firm of Langdon Wilson Architects, opened to the public January 20, 1996.
The Phoenix Museum of History is a sleek and elegant 20,000 square foot facility that hosts both a main gallery and a changing exhibit gallery, facilities that can be rented for events or meetings, a library and archives room featuring rare and current books on Arizona history, and a beautiful museum store that offers unique gifts and books.
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