At the direction of the Arizona Historical Society’s State Board of Directors, operational responsibility of three properties which are currently managed but not owned by AHS will be returned to their owners. The decision to transfer the care and preservation of these museums was made at the October 23 meeting of the board in light of significant budget shortfalls, largely attributable to the pandemic. 

Included are Riordan Mansion State Historic Park in Flagstaff, which is owned by Arizona State Parks and the Fort Lowell Museum, and Downtown History Museum in Tucson, which are owned by Wells Fargo Bank and the City of Tucson, respectively. The Board vote comes after a lengthy examination of options, and conversations with the owners of these museums.

This was a difficult vote that was made with a sense of loss and sadness, but AHS is unable to continue to operate these museums on behalf of their owners. AHS has taken great pride in operating these beloved historic sites. AHS hopes that Arizona State Parks, the City of Tucson, and Wells Fargo will manage and preserve these places for the public to enjoy. This decision means that AHS will move forward to work with the three entities to determine a plan to transition operations back to the owners. 

For reference, please review our FAQ post, which gives background information about this decision.

The Arizona Historical Society will continue to preserve and protect Arizona history at our statewide museums, libraries, and archives, and collections in Flagstaff, Tempe, Tucson, and Yuma.