Arizona Historical Society

The Arizona Historical Society connects people through the power of Arizona's history. We seek to be the driving force strengthening Arizona's communities by promoting history through leadership, partnership and scholarship.

The Arizona Historical Society (AHS) is proud to serve as the steward of Arizona's history. Our collections broadly represent Arizona history, offering a one-of-a-kind resource for anyone interested in Arizona's past. Our artifact and archival holdings offer unique opportunities for public programming, educational outreach, and exhibitions, as well as academic and community-based research. AHS collections are the premier resource for recounting Arizona's past, and they provide invaluable tools for promoting public understanding of contemporary issues such as water availability, immigration, free trade, mining, ranching and agribusiness, the defense industry, cultural diversity, and urban development and revitalization.

AHS operates and supports museums across the state: two purpose-built museums, the Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park in Phoenix/Tempe; and the Arizona History Museum in Tucson, along with five historic sites across the state, and 60+ smaller museums through the Certified Historical Institution Program.

We fulfill our mission to connect people through the power of Arizona's history by:

- Collecting, preserving, and providing access to AHS collections .

- Supporting local historical organizations and museums across the state through the AHS Certified Historical Institution Program.

- Publishing The Journal of Arizona History.

- Sponsoring and coordinating the National History Day program in Arizona for middle and high school students.

- Providing expanded access to AHS collections and resources through outreach programs, on-site, off-site, and online services.

- Conducting seminars, lectures, discussions and workshops for students, educators, professionals, and local history museums throughout the state, as well as the general public

- Providing tools and assisting classroom teachers in curriculum development.

- Collaborating with federal, state and local governments, industry, school districts, and community organizations to strengthen Arizona's cultural infrastructure.

- Facilitating the annual Al Mérito award program to recognize individuals and organizations for achievements in contributing to and promoting Arizona history.

- Serving on the Arizona Historical Advisory Commission, the Governor's Awards in Historic Preservation Selection Committee, Arizona Historic Records and Archives Board, and the Arizona State Board of Geographic and Historic Names.