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Important Update

Due to a parking lot construction project, the Arizona Talking Book Library building will be closed to walk-in visitors from July 20 – August 14, 2026. We will continue to provide talking books, braille, and library equipment by mail.

During this time, staff may be unavailable to answer calls immediately. Please leave a voicemail message with your full name, phone number with area code, and message and we will return your call within one business day. You may also contact us by email at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!

Prescott Historical Society

Revision Date

Agency Contact Information

Prescott Historical Society

Authority

The Prescott Historical Society was established in 1964. Statutory authority is found at A.R.S. §§41-831 through 41-834.

Function

The Society is responsible for preserving and maintaining the Sharlot Hall Museum, the territorial gubernatorial mansion located in Prescott, Arizona and other historical collections. The Society is authorized to purchase, receive, hold, lease and sell property for the benefit of the state and the use of the Society.

A fifteen-member Board of Trustees (Board) administers and holds in trust property acquired by the Society. The Board is authorized to employ a director, archivists, researchers and other personnel as needed. The Board may also employ the services of professional consultants on a fee basis within the limits of legislative appropriations. The Board is elected from members of the Society to three-year terms.

History

Background

The Prescott Historical Society was established as a state agency in 1964 to operate the Sharlot Hall museum and territorial gubernatorial mansion. The Society and its Board of Trustees also maintains historical collections and makes the collections, materials and data available to the public. The Society is supported by state and private funds.

Session Laws

Laws 1964 Chapter 50 established the Prescott Historical Society, outlined its powers and duties, provided for a Board of Trustees, authorized the Society to maintain certain historical properties and historical collections and allowed the Society to collect fees for pamphlets, books, bulletins, and reports published by the Society. The measure also authorized the Society to collect fees for items acquired for resale and exhibits loaned to other museums or societies.

Laws 2004, Chapter 55 allowed the Society to charge fees for making historical collections, materials and data available to the public.

Sources

Arizona Revised Statutes

Session Laws

  • Laws 1964, Chapter 50
  • Laws 1996, Chapter 91
  • Laws 2004, Chapter 55

Sunset Review of the Prescott Historical Society of Arizona, Committee of Reference Report, December 2015