Sharlot Hall Museum

Sharlot Hall Museum The premier history museum of Arizona's Central Highlands, located in Prescott and founded in 1928 by Sharlot M. Hall
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Sharlot Hall Museum encompasses four inviting acres of exhibits, galleries, gardens, and historic buildings, including the 1864 Territorial Governor’s Mansion. Prescott Indian Art Market page:
https://www.facebook.com/PIAM.4U

There’s a whole world of wonder waiting to be discovered when you take a closer look.The Sharlot Hall Museum’s Annual Su...
06/20/2026

There’s a whole world of wonder waiting to be discovered when you take a closer look.

The Sharlot Hall Museum’s Annual Summer Photo Contest is now open, and this year’s theme is "The Small World". From insects and tiny critters to flowers, dew drops, and the intricate patterns found in nature, we invite photographers of all ages and skill levels to capture the miniature marvels hiding in plain sight across the museum grounds.

Photos taken with cameras or mobile phones are welcome.

Submit your original photo by August 1, 2026, for a chance to have your work featured on the Sharlot Hall Museum website and social media, win prizes, and be considered for a special postcard design sold in the museum gift shop.

Age Categories:
• Youth (12 & under)
• Teen (13–17)
• Adult (18 & older)

Photos must be taken at Sharlot Hall Museum or Fort Whipple Museum between May and July 2026 and reflect this year’s theme, "The Small World."

For complete contest rules, submission requirements, and prize details, visit our website or contact [email protected].

If you share your photo on social media, tag and use .

Today is International Picnic Day, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the tradition of gathering with family, friend...
06/19/2026

Today is International Picnic Day, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the tradition of gathering with family, friends, and good food outdoors.

As you make plans for Independence Day weekend, don’t forget about American Heritage Day at the Sharlot Hall Museum on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 10 AM to 3 PM.

This new annual tradition celebrates the spirit of the Fourth of July with patriotic ceremonies, a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, live music by the Phoenix Pioneer Brass Band, historical reenactors, old-fashioned yard games, family activities, and a children’s parade.

From 11:00 AM. to 1:30 PM, or while supplies last, guests can enjoy complimentary picnic fare including hot dogs with all the fixings, chips, drinks, and watermelon!

Admission is just $5 for adults, and children ages 17 and under are admitted free.

Join us for a day of history, community, and all-American fun.

Join us this Saturday, June 20 for a magical morning under the Gazebo!Beginning at 10 AM, local children's author Judy P...
06/18/2026

Join us this Saturday, June 20 for a magical morning under the Gazebo!

Beginning at 10 AM, local children's author Judy Paris will read from her charming book, "Who Will Save the Desert?"

After storytime, children are invited to participate in a special Pop-Up Program where they will create their own Desert in a Jar to take home! Using a variety of colored sand and desert themed fillers, layer a fun desert landscape to bring home with you.

Event Schedule:
9:30 AM: Arrival and seating
10:00 AM: Desert in Jar Pop-Up Program
10:00 AM: SCDesert in a Jar craft activity hosted by our Education Departmenttivity hosted by our Education Department

A light snack will be provided for children.

What to Bring:
A blanket for seating on the grass
Hat and sunscreen

Adults: $5
Children are Free

Please RSVP to: [email protected]

Bring the whole family for a morning filled with stories, creativity, and desert-inspired fun!

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From territorial legislator to deputy postmaster, boarding house owner, saloon keeper, and civic leader, George Meacham ...
06/17/2026

From territorial legislator to deputy postmaster, boarding house owner, saloon keeper, and civic leader, George Meacham Holaday played a remarkable role in Prescott’s earliest years.

Arriving from La Paz on July 31, 1864, Holaday quickly became deeply involved in the young territorial capital. He served in Arizona’s first Territorial Legislature, stepped in as Prescott’s deputy postmaster, operated a boarding house frequented by some of the most influential pioneers, military officers, and public figures of the era, and later opened both the Prescott Hotel Bar and the Pine Tree Saloon.

His boarding house ledger reads like a roster of Arizona history, with names such as Charles Genung, Capt. Hargrave, Capt. Walker, Judge Berry, and Colonel Woolsey appearing among his guests. On July 4, 1865, Holaday’s establishment helped host Prescott’s Independence Day celebrations, serving dozens of meals and a well-attended ball supper.

Holaday also joined community efforts to protect Prescott’s public plaza from squatters and was a respected voice in the growing town. However, tragedy struck in May 1867 when a fire—believed by some to have been deliberately set—destroyed his Pine Tree Saloon and neighboring buildings in what became Prescott’s first major fire.

Learn more about George Meacham Holaday and other fascinating figures from Prescott’s past during Michael F. Blake’s Author Series on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

To reserve your spot, please RSVP to: [email protected].

To read this week's Day's Past, please click here: https://bit.ly/43F1CWk

Photos in order of appearence:

1. Pine Tree Saloon Ad, Weekly Journal Miner, October 27, 1866 (SHM Call # 1100-2026-2401).

2. First Page of Holaday’s 1865 Ledger indicating that he was Prescott’s postmaster. (SHM Call # 1100-2026-2402).

Image Courtesy of HathiTrust. This source is in the public domain
3. From the Acts, Resolutions and Memorials, Adopted by the First Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Arizona, 1865. (1100-2026-2403).

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Every community has a signature event, and for Prescott, Arizona, that event is the legendary World's Oldest Rodeo.The 1...
06/16/2026

Every community has a signature event, and for Prescott, Arizona, that event is the legendary World's Oldest Rodeo.

The 139th annual World's Oldest Rodeo returns June 29–July 5 with the theme, Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom. As America marks its 250th anniversary, visitors can enjoy thrilling rodeo competition, patriotic ceremonies, parades, live music, family activities, and historical commemorations throughout the week.

This year also brings grandstand upgrades, improved sound systems, and enhanced visitor experiences while preserving the traditions that have made the rodeo a Prescott treasure for generations.

Adding to the excitement, National Geographic has selected the World's Oldest Rodeo to represent Arizona in its America 250 publication, recognizing it as one of the state's great cultural treasures.

Special events throughout the week will honor community service and sacrifice, including Riding for a Cure, First Responders Tribute Night, Military Appreciation events, and Old Timers recognition. Visitors can also enjoy dances, museum programs, heritage celebrations, historical reenactments, and family-friendly activities across Prescott. Sharlot Hall Museum will be proud to host American Heritage Day as part of the festivities.

The World's Oldest Rodeo is more than a rodeo—it is a celebration of community, heritage, freedom, and the enduring spirit of America. Make plans to join the celebration and experience one of Arizona's most cherished traditions.

To listen to the podcast via Libsyn, please click here: https://bit.ly/4vgueRU
To listen to the podcast via YouTube, please click here: https://bit.ly/44ftZuc

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On Flag Day, we're proud to celebrate the enduring symbol of our nation and the values it represents. As we honor Old Gl...
06/14/2026

On Flag Day, we're proud to celebrate the enduring symbol of our nation and the values it represents. As we honor Old Glory, we also invite you to join us for one of Prescott's most beloved traditions—the upcoming Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo Parade.

Be sure to watch for Sharlot Hall Museum in the parade. Our team has been hard at work preparing something special, and we can't wait to share it with the community. From local history to patriotic pride, our parade entry will reflect the spirit of Prescott and the stories that have shaped Arizona for generations.

The celebration doesn't end when the parade is over. As part of our continuing observance of America's 250th anniversary, Sharlot Hall Museum will offer free admission beginning at 1:30 PM following the parade. Spend the afternoon exploring our historic campus, visiting exhibits, and discovering the people, places, and events that helped shape our state and nation.

Bring your family and friends and make a day of it. We look forward to celebrating with you and welcoming you to the museum after the parade.

This photo is courtesy of the Sharlot Hall Museum Archives.

We're just one week away from Play Day at the Sharlot Hall Museum! Join us on Saturday, June 20, 2026 for a special morn...
06/13/2026

We're just one week away from Play Day at the Sharlot Hall Museum!

Join us on Saturday, June 20, 2026 for a special morning under the Gazebo with local author Judy Paris, who will share a reading of her original book, "Who Will Save the Desert?" Known for her heartwarming stories and beautiful illustrations, Judy brings the magic of the desert to life for readers of all ages.

Following storytime, families are invited to stay for a hands-on Pop-Up Program hosted by the Museum’s Education Department. Beginning at 11 AM, children can create their own "desert in a jar" using colorful sand and desert-themed materials to design a miniature landscape to take home.

A light snack will be provided for children. Families are encouraged to bring a blanket for seating on the grass, along with hats and sunscreen for a comfortable morning outdoors.

Admission is $5 for adults at the Depot Entrance, and children attend free.

To RSVP, please contact Brook Doyle at [email protected].

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Celebrate Independence Day Weekend at Sharlot Hall Museum’s Inaugural American Heritage Day!Join us on Friday, July 3, ...
06/13/2026

Celebrate Independence Day Weekend at Sharlot Hall Museum’s Inaugural American Heritage Day!

Join us on Friday, July 3, from 10 AM to 3 PM for a new annual tradition celebrating the spirit of Independence Day with a classic, old-fashioned American gathering.

Enjoy an afternoon filled with patriotic festivities, including the posting of the colors, the singing of the national anthem, and a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Guests will also be treated to live music by the Phoenix Pioneer Brass Band, historical reenactors, traditional yard games, and family-friendly activities throughout the museum grounds.

Children are invited to participate in a festive kiddie parade, complete with provided costumes. No advance registration is required.

From 11:30 AM to 1 PM, guests can enjoy a complimentary picnic-style lunch featuring hot dogs, chips, drinks, and delicious pie from Mortimer Farms, while supplies last.

As part of the celebration, "Patriotic Pies" will be available for preorder online in classic red (cherry), white (apple), and blue (blueberry) flavors. Proceeds support Sharlot Hall Museum and its mission to preserve Arizona’s history and heritage. Please note: Pie orders must be placed by July 3, 2026.

Pies may be picked up on July 18 or July 25, or donated through the museum’s community giving program to either The Prescott Community Cupboard Food Bank or The Salvation Army Prescott.

Admission is $5 for adults.

Museum members and children ages 17 and under receive free admission.

Exact cash is appreciated.

Join us for a festive day of community, history, music, and summer celebration at Sharlot Hall Museum.

To reserve your spot or preorder a pie, please click the link below:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/patrioticpies/event/patrioticpies2026/

This photo is courtesy of the Sharlot Hall Museum Archives

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Today is Living History Adventure at Sharlot Hall Museum!Join us from 10 AM to 3 PM as we explore "Curious Cures: The W...
06/13/2026

Today is Living History Adventure at Sharlot Hall Museum!

Join us from 10 AM to 3 PM as we explore "Curious Cures: The Wild History of Staying Alive" and discover the fascinating, and sometimes surprising, ways people treated illness and injury in the past.

While you're on campus, be sure to pick up a bonnet or apron for your little one. These fun accessories encourage creativity, imaginative play, and a chance to experience a bit of pioneer life. Proudly Made in the USA, our bonnets are also a wonderful way to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.

Bonnets, Aprons, and hats are available at our Museum Store and Depot.

We look forward to seeing you!

Tomorrow is Living History Adventure, and we’ve got a fascinating topic to explore: "Curious Cures: The Wild History of ...
06/13/2026

Tomorrow is Living History Adventure, and we’ve got a fascinating topic to explore: "Curious Cures: The Wild History of Staying Alive."

Join us as we uncover how pioneers in the West faced illnesses like cholera and influenza using a blend of folk remedies, herbal treatments, and early medical practices. Visitors can explore historic medical tools from Arizona’s past and learn what it took to stay healthy on the frontier. We’re also excited to welcome the Central Arizona Model Railroad Club with a special model railroad display highlighting the important role railroads played in Arizona’s growth and development.

Living History Adventure is included with General Admission and Membership.

Address

415 W Gurley Street
Prescott, AZ
86301

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 12pm - 4pm

Telephone

+19284453122

Website

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