ARIZONA CENTENNIAL, FEBRUARY 14, 2012!!!   The Verde Historical Society is dedicating all its events this year to help celebrate Arizona's 100th birthday, culminating in a party in 2012.  A special exhibition to commemorate the event has opened in the Museum's main exhibit room.   See the Centennial page.

“PRISMATIC PINWHEELS” a beautiful full size quil, was donated to the museum by Jan & Tom Neely for the 2011 raffle fundraiser.  The quilt was a year’s work of love by both – he cutting pieces, she sewing, and it won a blue ribbon at the 2007 Arizona State Fair.  Drawing was at the annual Zeke Taylor BBQ, November 12, 2011.  The winner was Lorna Jones of Cottonwood.  Congratulations Lorna! Pictured with Lorna, left, is Mary Liggitt, Director of Exhibitions

Early Settlers' Day  FIRST SATURDAY OCTOBER showcases the work and play of the folks who first  settled the Verde Valley in the last half of the 19th century.  A wide variety of demonstrations, hands-on activities and games for children make this a day of fun and learning.  Activities include ice cream and butter churning, biscuit baking, whittling, farm implement demonstrations, cattle branding and blacksmithing, bee keeping, quilting, rug hooking, needle arts and sewing bees, cornhusk dolls, several children's games and fiddlers.     (see video of event)

Zeke Taylor BBQ  SECOND SATURDAY NOVEMBER one of the most popular and  anticipated annual events, always held the second Saturday in November.  Begun in 1991 by cowboy/ rancher, Zeke Taylor, as a fundraiser for the Museum, the tradition is carried on by Don Goddard, who slow roasts succulent beef in a pit of mesquite coals.  For a nominal cost, a delicious dinner of BBQ beef, beans, slaw, beverage and dessert is served up to a hungry crowd, that enjoys entertainment along with the meal.

Arts & Crafts American Style  SECOND SATURDAY FEBRUARY is held in the Clemenceau School auditorium from 9 -4 and features talented Verde Valley artists and craftsmen displaying stained glass, jewelry, dolls, pottery, woodwork, western items, original paintings and photography and lots more.  A $1 entrance fee benefits the Museum.  Light refreshments are available.

Other Activities include having an informative interactive booth at the annual Verde River Days at Dead Horse State Park the last weekend of September, and taking part in the annual Cottonwood Christmas Parade with a float entry.  

LAST FRIDAYS The Museum hosts a series of demos the last Friday of each month.   The series has focused on HOME CRAFTS, MUSIC,and GAMES.  A new series begins January 27, 2012.  There will be readings of local history from some of the many sources available in our gift shop, beginning at 1 pm.