Offbeat Museums in Southern Arizona

Thursday, 08 April 2010 23:42

 These museums have deep roots in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands; they showcase the environment and wildlife of the region, and serve to educate visitors about the area. They are unique, sometimes quirky and important to the area.

Tubac Presidio Historic Park:  When the Spanish came to the New World, they  often established Catholic missions. One of them was located on Pima Indian land, about 45 miles south of where present-day Tucson is. There is a museum, a schoolhouse and archeological exhibits to see. This was Arizona’s first state park. Open Thursday- Monday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Living History and printing press demonstrations on  alternate Sundays from October through March. Call 520-398-2252 –Operating hours Courtesy Tubac Chamber of Commerce Web site, http://www.tubacaz.com 1Burrel Street Tubac, AZ 85646

John and Sandy’s Rattlesnake Crafts and Rocks: A unique place to see collectible Western items and to buy over 150 items made from rattlesnake in the ghost town of Gleeson, Ariz. Open seven days a week, dawn until dusk. Call or e-mail John and Sandy, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and 520-642-9207. http://www.rattlesnakecrafts.com 10630 N. DoubleUranch Road Gleeson, AZ

Arizona Folklore Preserve: Founded in 1996, Arizona's official state balladeer, Dolan Ellis is the artist-in-residence in partnership with the University of Arizona South. Presentations through song, poetry and more are shown to live audiences regularly- all about the folklore and history of Arizona. Visit their Web site for performance dates and tickets http://www.arizonafolklore.com 44 E. Ramsey Canyon Road Hereford, AZ 85615

Titan Missile Museum: The only place in the United States to see a missile up close. It's kept underground with three ton blast doors and and eight-foot-thick silo doors. There are different types of tours to arrange, like being guided by an actual Missile Combat crew member or going past the blast door, 100 feet underground. Open daily, 8:45 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Visit their Web site for tour times and gift shop hours. http://www.titanmissilemuseum.org/ 1580 W. Duval Mine Road Sahuarita, AZ 85629

Pimería Alta Historical Society: The area where the Pimería Alta Historical Society is in Nogales, Ariz. is described as once being part of Spain, then Mexico and then the United States. The museum encompasses the history through all the era's the region has seen. One of the three founders of the historical society was part of the Associated Press and the editor of the Nogales Herald. Open 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily, visit their Web site for more information. http://www.nogaleshistory.com 136 North Grand Avenue Nogales, AZ  85621

Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum: Bisbee, Ariz. was a major mining town in the United States until the 1970s. The museum is now a National Registered Landmark and part of the Smithsonian Institution's Affiliations program. There are hands-on exhibits, oral histories and even a research library. Open daily 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Visit their Web site for more information. http://www.bisbeemuseum.org/ 5 Copper Queen Plaza
Bisbee, AZ 85603

The Amerind Foundation: Before Conquistadores, Mexican and American settlers came to the present-day Southwest, Native Americans lived in the area. This museum is in Texas Canyon in the Dragoon Mountains; it houses a a large collection of Native American art and artifacts. It is also a research center that maintains and preserves Native American cultures. Open Tuesday- Sunday 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Visit their Web site for more information. http://www.amerind.org 2100 N. Amerind Road Dragoon, AZ 85609

Written by Amanda Portillo You are reading Offbeat Museums in Southern Arizona articles