Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff AZ

The Museum of Northern Arizona was created privately by local people from Flagstaff (AZ) as a group that would store native and natural artifacts from the area in and around the Colorado Plateau. Around 5,000,000 historic artifacts are now housed in its many buildings, most especially in its main hall, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Set up in 1928 by local Flagstaffers, the Museum of Northern Arizona (AZ) is a nonprofit and private organization. It initially started as a storehouse for American Native relics and naturally historical samples from across the area's Colorado Plateau. Tourists not only come to view its extensive collections, but to learn the fascinating history that has made this museum famous for hundred of miles around.

The museum was founded by two renowned characters from Philadelphia, Dr. Harold S. Colton, a zoologist, and Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton, an artist. They were determined to preserve the many cultures and history of Arizona's northern territories.

For 75 years, the MNA developed quickly into an area learning center for exhibits, collections, exhibits, publications, research programs and educational courses to serve the many people that utilize its facilities year round. In fact, it has established itself as northern Arizona's only accredited and natural historical museum, playing a vital part in Colorado Plateau interpretation.

In 1912, the museum purchased a Hopi type piece of pottery, thanks in part to Dr. Colton. It was then adapted to become what is now known as the museum's logo. In fact, the doctor made personalized sketches of the magnificent jar that was created by Nampeyo, a legend in native pottery making. Though the logo has been varied over the years, it still stands as a testament to the original piece, and much to the delight of visitors today, the original pot can still be viewed within the museum's collection.