OUR EXHIBITS

Step into the rich tapestry of Navajo County’s history at the Navajo County Historical Society’s Museum, located within the Historic Navajo County Courthouse. Serving as an official Arizona Information Center, our museum offers a journey through time, with many visitors likening it to exploring Grandma’s attic—a place where memories and treasures from the past are preserved and shared.

OUR EXHIBITS

Step into the rich tapestry of Navajo County’s history at the Navajo County Historical Society’s Museum, located within the Historic Navajo County Courthouse. Serving as an official Arizona Information Center, our museum offers a journey through time, with many visitors likening it to exploring Grandma’s attic—a place where memories and treasures from the past are preserved and shared.

eXHIBIT iNFORMATION

Pre-History

Travel back 225 million years and discover the ancient landscapes of the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert. These stunning natural wonders hold the secrets of a prehistoric world, offering a glimpse into the era long before humans walked the earth.

Native Americans

Learn about the Anasazi, Navajo, Hopi, and Apache peoples who have called this region home for centuries. Our exhibits highlight their rich cultures, traditions, and the deep connection they have to the land.

Early Settlers

Explore the lives of the early traders, Mexicans, Mormons, and pioneers who traversed Beale’s Wagon Road and settled in this rugged landscape. Their stories of resilience and determination laid the foundation for the communities we know today.

Old West

Experience the spirit of the Old West, where cattlemen, railroad workers, and lawmen like Commodore Perry Owens navigated a world of opportunity and lawlessness. The tales of the Wild West come to life through artifacts and stories that capture the essence of this tumultuous time.

Route 66

Relive the golden age of American road trips on Route 66—the “Road to Adventure.” Our exhibits celebrate the family vacations, mom-and-pop businesses, and the sense of freedom that this iconic highway brought to countless travelers.

New Exhibits

Come see our brand new exhibits that we have on display at the museum this year:

Historical Early Model Railroad Exhibit

Navajo County Fair Exhibit

Hispanic Exhibit: Spanish-American/Mexican-American Contributions

Renovating Office Equipment Exhibit

Upcoming Exhibits

Renovation of the Hashknife Exhibit (2025)

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are the key to the museum’s success, and we’re always looking for passionate individuals to help bring our history to life. Currently, we’re seeking volunteers to assist in developing future exhibits from the 1800s to the 1950s.

One of our major projects is the Route 66 Exhibit Expansion. We have 1.5 years to complete this exhibit in time to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. If you have a suggestion for a display, we invite you to submit your idea in writing. Submissions should focus on the surrounding Holbrook area and cover history from the 1800s to around the 1970s. Further details will be discussed after your written recommendation is received.

With over 70 exhibit areas spread throughout the historic courthouse and annex wing, the Navajo County Historical Society’s Museum offers a comprehensive and engaging look at the history of Holbrook and its surrounding areas. Admission is free, and we invite you to explore, learn, and connect with the past in a meaningful way.