The Mohave Museum of History and Art is committed to preserving the heritage of northwestern Arizona for museum visitors, and when these visitors enter the museum they will likely be greeted by a cheerful volunteer. This volunteer will offer them a map of the museum, so that they can navigate the wonders within. Judy Olney, volunteer and board member said, “I’ve volunteered for 10 years, and I’m very attached to the museum. I think that it is important because it preserves and protects our local history.”
A volunteer like Olney will point people to the first exhibit, the “Hall of Presidents,” which is painted portraits of all of the U.S. presidents and first ladies. Most of the portraits were painted by the late Lawrence Williams.
In addition to the Hall of Presidents, patrons will view an old movie theater, an Andy Devine exhibit, mining and ranching exhibits, Native American exhibits, a dollhouse exhibit, a wildlife display, a Route 66 exhibit, and a Kingman Army Airfield exhibit.
Additionally, there are more real-life and replica exhibits outside the museum building such as a fire station, blacksmith shop, mining tunnel, and an old red wooden caboose that children can enter and climb onto the interior bunks.
Mohave Museum Director Shannon Rossitier said about the caboose, “The caboose, which was donated to the museum is one of the last wooden cabooses used by the railroad, and we have preserved it well.” The non-profit museum consists completely of donated items, and it has, as Rossitier says, “A great group of volunteers, and we are always in need of more volunteers.”
Rossitier added, “I’ve been here at the museum for 18 years. I’m originally from California, and to move to a small community that has preserved their history well is really astounding.”
Rossitier elaborated on what has been preserved in the museum, “We have a great native American collection. In 2005, we added a research facility which is one of the best in the state. We have thousands of mining maps and 1,500 photos of the county and other history of the county.” Rossitier continued, “It is totally a research library, so if someone wanted to find a photo of a building downtown, we would have pictures of it in the early days and probably some history on it.”
Not only are there interesting exhibits, and information, but there are events throughout the year held at the museum. Some of which are a Christmas program, a volunteer award ceremony, four lectures put on by Sounds of Kingman, reenactments of famous people, and an event honoring Women Making History in Kingman.
The Mohave Museum preserves Arizona’s rich culture with appealing visual exhibits, civic events, and a top-notch research facility. A visit to the museum is surely a memorable experience for adults and children alike. Don’t miss it.
