Prescott Museums

Smoki Museum

The Smoki Museum is a non-profit organization, whose mission is to help save the heritage of the early Southwest cultures. The Smoki “tribe” is a group of non-Indian individuals that formed in the 1920’s and perform ceremonies yearly despite the objections of Native Americans. The Indian Pueblo looking structure opened in 1935. A large Hopi kiva is the centerpiece inside the museum. The museum has artifacts and documents relating to the Native Americans, with an emphasis on the Prescott area.

Visitors will see many forms of ancient artifacts. Some artifacts include pots, weapons, jewelry, baskets and clothing. A split twig figure that dates back 3,000 years is the oldest piece inside the museum. The Smoki Museum also houses an outstanding collection of paintings by Kate Cory. Ms. Cory lived among the Hopi and used her experiences to create her paintings.

The admission charge is by donation only. The museum is open Monday through Saturday 10:00 to 4:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 to 4:00 pm, during the months May through September. It is open Friday through Saturday 10:00 to 4:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 to 4:00, during the rest of the year. If you have questions, you may call 520-445-1230.
The Smoki Museum is located north of Gurley Street at 147 North Arizona Street. It is across the street from the Ken Lindley Ball Park.

Sharlot Hall Museum

The Sharlot Hall Museum opened in 1927. The museum was the created by Sharlot M. Hall. She was a poet and one time state historian, who had a strong love for recounting the past. Her collections and artifacts can be seen inside the museum. 

The museum sits on three acres with the main building being the 1864 Governor’s Mansion. The Governor’s Mansion was created for John N. Goodwin, who was Arizona ’s first governor. The mansion has furnishings that represent the period. Visitors will also see historic buildings built between 1864 and 1937. Fort Misery is one of several period buildings. It was the first cabin built in Prescott. The John C. Fremont House was built in 1875. This house was used during the fifth territorial governor’s term. The William C. Bashford House was built in 1877. It shows the Victorian style of the times. 

There are two halls that hold exhibits describing the history of Prescott and other historical events. The transportation hall has many forms of transportation. You will see horse drawn vehicles, bicycles and cars. The Museum has a garden, amphitheater and a gift shop.

Admission t the museum is by donation only. The suggested donation is $4.00 for adults or $5.00 for a family. Children are free. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 to 5:00 pm during the months of April through October. It is open Monday through Saturday from 1:00 to 5:00 during the rest of the year. It is closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is located at 415 West Gurley Street, in downtown Prescott just two blocks west of the Courthouse Plaza on Gurley Street. If you are interested, call 520-445-3122.

Sharlot Hall Museum is the perfect first stop to make when arriving in town. The museum gives you a look back in time to when Prescott first began and Arizona started to grow.