Munchkin said the weather has been a little too hot for a road trip, but she wants to tell you about the Mohave County Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in August 1961.
The Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and sharing the heritage of Northwestern Arizona through its operation of the Mohave Museum of History and Arts and related sites in Kingman.
The Mohave County Historical Society aims to “increase and diffuse the knowledge and appreciation of the history of Mohave County, Arizona, and its early settlers; to maintain a museum in the City of Kingman; to collect and preserve objects of historical and scientific interest; to protect historical and prehistoric sites, works of art, and scenic places from needless destruction; and to provide facilities for research and publication.”
Established by the Daughters of the Pioneers and initially operated as the Mohave Pioneers Historical Society, it began as an archive room in the Kingman Chamber of Commerce. In 1967, a dedicated museum building was constructed, opening in 1968, with artist Roy Purcell as its first director, shaping displays like the Hualapai Indian Room and Mohave History Room, many of which remain today.
The Society operates the Museum at 400 W. Beale Street, which introduces visitors to Northwestern Arizona’s history through dioramas, murals, and artifacts spanning prehistoric times to the present. Exhibits include a Hualapai Native American Room with a full-size wickiup, pottery, and baskets; a mining exhibit added in 2008; a ranching exhibit from 2010; and a special display on local celebrity Andy Devine, a 1930s movie star. Outdoor exhibits feature ranching and mining machinery, a 1923 railroad caboose, and a mine replica. The museum also houses a pipe organ used for concerts and an art gallery with paintings, photographs, sculptures, and carved turquoise from the loca area. The museum’s low entry fees (only $3–$4, including access to other sites like the Bonelli House) and volunteer-driven operations underscore its nonprofit model.
The Society also maintains a Research Library with thousands of documents, manuscripts, maps, and photos related to Mohave County, Route 66, and Arizona history, accessible by appointment only. The library supports research, housing records like those of the Kingman Daily Miner (1880–2014), available through FamilySearch.
As a private, not-for-profit organization, the Society relies on admissions, memberships, and donations. Membership benefits include free admission to all museums, a 10% gift shop discount, a monthly newsletter, and invitations to special events like the Annual Model Train Show. Annual memberships start at $30 and are tax deductible.
The Society’s Historic Walking Tour map of downtown features thirty local attractions of historic significance.
Certified by the Arizona Historical Society, the Mohave County Historical Society is a key resource for preserving Northwestern Arizona’s heritage, from Native American history to Route 66 and mining legacies. Visitor reviews praise the museum’s well-crafted exhibits and educational value. The Society’s work enhances Kingman’s appeal as a Route 66 destination, complementing other nearby attractions.
The Mohave County Historical Society plays a vital role in preserving and presenting Northwestern Arizona’s history through the Mohave Museum, its Research Library, its educational outreach, and cultural initiatives.
For more information, check out the website at: https://mohavemuseum.org
And don’t forget to “Like” and “Follow” Munchkin the America First Pig on her Facebook page to see where she has been and where Munchkin will visit next!