The Sharlot Hall Museum, founded in 1928, is an educational and cultural center focusing on the historical, social and natural aspects of Arizona. The museum consists of 11 exhibit buildings (6 of which are historic). It’s located right in downtown Prescott and is definitely worth a visit!
The museum is great for all ages since there is plenty of room to move around. Younger kids may not want to stand around reading the plethora of history, but, you will definitely get something out of your visit since there really is a lot to see and experience. The docents we have encountered are all so sweet and very excited to share their passion for the history of Prescott or Arizona with you!
The building highlights being Arizona’s 1863 Fort Misery, the 1864 Territorial Governor’s Mansion, the 1875 Fremont House, the 1877 Bashford House, a 1930s ranch house, the 1934 Sharlot Hall Building, the Transportation Building constructed in 1936 and a replica of an 1867 schoolhouse. The grounds are gorgeous for wandering and the kids will love checking out the schoolhouse. My boys especially enjoyed Fort Misery!
Expect to spend an hour up to 3 hours here depending on the ages visiting and how you like to experience museums. Definitely check out their website or Facebook for special events. They hold several popular festivals each year the Folk Arts Fair in June, the Prescott Indian Art Market in July, the Folk Music Festival in October, and Frontier Christmas in December. If you visit on the second Saturday of the month you can experience Living History demonstrations that will give you a glimpse of the lives lived by early Prescottonians.
The Sharlot Hall Museum is located at 415 W Gurley St. Prescott, Arizona and is open Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm and Sunday: 12 pm – 4 pm.
