sharlot hall museum

1776-Raider

This is not what you might think. It's a complex of several log cabins and other buildings that preserves early Arizona history. Sharlot Hall is the lady responsible for getting this started once she realized that so much history was being tossed as Arizona was beginning to modernize. Not only will you see the first "Governor's Mansion" (a log cabin), but you'll also see an early carriage and auto collection, as well as a very modern center of Arizona prehistoric times. Excellent, excellent, high quality gift shop is at the end of the walking tour. And this whole complex was within walking distance of the courthouse square, which is where our hotel was located. The museum (it's not all in one building....it's an 'open air museum' does offer discount admission for military, seniors, and others. Be sure to check the ticket discount prices as you enter.

553laurencek

We spent a rainy afternoon here and really enjoyed it. Learned a lot and had fun. The history was interesting and I enjoyed the different architecture styles.

TimWW_ELP

We sort of stumbled upon this museum at 415 Gurley Street in Prescott, AZ, while visiting Whiskey Row. The history you will discover inside is remarkable. The volunteers that serve as your guides are pleasant and well versed. It is a good way to spend several hours; however be careful about the two hour parking limits all over town.

jlee822015

We enjoyed our visit to this museum. The volunteers were very knowledgeable and would introduce the house or display and then let us wander through on our own.

Bagan

A series of buildings for the visitor to enter and learn about the Prescott Valley/AZ Territory and how they developed. The original log-cabin Governor's Mansion is the crown jewel, and there are helpful docents on hand to tell stories of pioneer hardship. We heard how the 2nd Governor's young wife, Margaret McCormick, came from NJ by ship up the Sea of Cortez, offloaded onto vessel to take her up the Colorado, then traveled overland (following a route not far from today's I-10) to this remote, alien land. And she died the next year in childbirth. I will never drive from Quartzsite to Ehrenberg without thinking of that tragic story.

JoslynB87

As a local I love taking people to this museum. It is a great place with really friendly staff and tells the history of the area. The buildings are always fun to check out. It is an outdoor walking museum so make sure to take the proper attire and go early rather than later since they sometimes close before dinner. It usually takes my guests 1-2 hours (more if they are really into history) to walk through.

sherry65

Very educational, but fun too! Interesting to see real homes and how people lived in the early days of the west. There is a senior rate (a dollar off the $7 entrance fee).

MichaelV860

The museum has several structures from early Prescott, such as the Governor's mansion. At the time we visited there was a special exhibit featuring prehistoric animals of the northern Arizona. The museum does an excellent job of telling Prescott's early history.

SylviaR896

The travel tip said give the tour an hour. We took two. It is really an homage to Sharlot Hall, her friends, benefactors and the amazing people of Prescott to invest such labor, time and money to maintain the history of this amazing city. It was simply amazing. To step back into true (rather than contrived, which seems sadly the norm) history of wonderfully authentic or lovingly restored homes and buildings. Truly, taking a step back in time. What we liked in particular were the gracious, highly informed and interesting docents. They all loved the museum and it showed in the pride they took in explaining the history to us. We went during a quiet time of year, mid-week, which was perfect. So worth the nominal admission and a must-see in Prescott. It was an absolute pleasure to partake in a tour of this amazing property!

Netterrox

We enjoyed the local history and the friendly people. My favorite was the many things collected by Sharlot Hall. It's worth a visit and doesn't take forever to walk through

sueoelman

Sharlot Hall must have bee quite an incredible individual and one I would like to have met! She was the mover behind this museum and the volunteers at the Sharlot Hall Museum have continued to add and improve what is available at the museum - with truly outstanding results. There are more than 9 buildings, many portraying early life in Prescott and its history but also a pre-history area showing American lions and American camels among other animals that have been extinct in America for thousands of years. Docents are knowledgable, friendly, and helpful as well as fun to talk to. It's a gem of am museum and we will go back whenever we are nearby

dasman91

I liked the helpfulness of the staff. We went first thing in the morning and everyone was very upbeat and friendly! The museum is well done and buildings well preserved. They say go to the car museum onsite and included in the price. That is just OK in my mind. Gardens are nicely done as well, with frontier plantings as well. Great exhibits on Native Americans. Well done!

mdedwards

The guides and docents were fantastic and knowledgeable. You should try to go during the week and make sure to ask questions. These volunteers know their history and are more than willing to share. Go today!

makany

The museum is much larger than we anticipated, with several buildings on the grounds. Like a miniature Greenfield Village. The fully restored Governor's Mansion is not to be missed, as is the introductory film in the first building. We met one docent who was quite informative and not at all intrusive. You exit via an interesting gift shop, loaded (among other things) with quite a few very interesting books pertinent to the locale and history. We were there in early January. I have no doubt it is more crowded and has more going on during warmer weather.

brysully

Great stop for a couple of hours to learn a bit about Prescott and Arizona history. Solid and enjoyable museum and worth the time and small price of admission.