Sharlot Hall Museum, Prescott Arizona

The Sharlot Hall Museum is the biggest museum in central Arizona, located in Prescott. It was founded by a historian and has been dedicated to bringing to local history through varied events, historical exhibits, buildings and theatrical performances. In fact it has a huge international following, as well as educating tourists, school children and locals alike.

Prescott's Sharlott Hall Museum was named after its founder, a well-known historian, and has developed from its large expanse of buildings to a place of educational excellence for the history of the region. Each year varied events, activities and other programs are hosted, drawing in visitors from across the globe. In fact, it is a living history museum where life is portrayed as it once was in the real buildings with real exhibits.

The museum was originally created in 1928 by Sharlot M. Hall. The main building was constructed in 1979, hosting a reception, library, archives, hall, exhibitions, collections and workshops. However, the other buildings are originals, and are truly a living testament to the brave settlers and their harsh lives.

There are nine buildings in total, including the Governor's Mansion, Sharlot Hall, Fremont House, Bashford House, Fort Misery, Transportation, Ranch House, School House and the Windmill. There are also four large gardens dedicated in part to female pioneers.

The Governor's Mansion was built in the late nineteenth century and was once the government seat for the state. Sharlot Hall was once the main exhibition area. Fremont House was constructed in 1875, and still has the same furnishings that were used by John Fremont (5th Arizona governor) and his family. Bashford House belonged to a local merchant and now houses the museum's shop. Fort Misery is one of Arizona's oldest forts and has been fully restored to its original glory. The Transportation building houses Miss Hall's car, a stagecoach and other transportation vehicles of the day. Ranch House is a reproduction of early ranching homes. The School House was rebuilt in the 60's, but maintains its original furniture, once the only educational spot for Arizona kids in the late eighteen hundreds. The Windmill is historically protected and was moved to its current spot from a nearby ranch.