The University of Arizona
 

Welcome from ASM Director Beth Grindell, PhD

Beth Grindellphoto by Jannelle Weakly

Welcome to Arizona State Museum (ASM).  Whether you are visiting on-line or planning to visit in person, I’d like to share with you what I think Arizona State Museum stands for:

  • Understanding and interpreting 13,000 years of Arizona’s heritage—Founded by the territorial legislature in 1893 to collect and preserve the archaeological resources of the territory, Arizona State Museum has a long history of research and collecting in archaeology, anthropology, ethnography, and the history of Arizona and northern Mexico. Brief history of ASM.
  • Collaborations with Arizona’s Native peoples in all areas of museum operation—From excavations at Snaketown on the Gila River Indian Reservation in the 1930s to federally mandated repatriations today, ASM has worked with Arizona’s tribal communities. Consultations with our Southwest Native Nations Advisory Board help the museum develop appropriate policies and programs.
  • Excellence in collection and interpretation—ASM’s vast and varied collections contain some of the world's most significant resources for the study of southwestern peoples. They include not only examples of ancient arts but also pieces from the earliest contact with Europeans down to the present day, illustrating themes of tradition and change in southwestern cultures: Woven Wonders of American Heritage, The Pottery Project, the ASM library
  • Excellence in archaeological and anthropological research—From ASM’s first director, Byron Cummings, to a staff of a dozen archaeologists today, ASM researchers have defined and continue to interpret Arizona archaeology and history with real-world implications: Research projects at ASM.
  • Excellence in education—As a department of the University of Arizona, the museum's faculty members teach graduate and undergraduate courses in anthropology, archaeology, history, education, and materials science. We also offer a multitude of meaningful experiences to school children as well as lifelong learners through a full calendar of fieldtrips, exhibitions, annual events and programs, and tours.
  • Excellence in the conservation of Arizona’s material culture—Preservation at ASM.
  • Excellence in the preservation of Arizona’s archaeological resources—ASM administers the Arizona Antiquities Act, first passed by the Arizona legislature in 1927, to protect archaeological sites on state lands. ASM is committed to providing the best protection possible to Arizona’s heritage.
  • Absorbing and beautiful exhibits—Exhibitions at ASM.
  • Excellence in the support of American Indian artists—Our Southwest Indian Art Fair, southern Arizona’s premier Indian art show and market, is just one example of Arizona State Museum's commitment to celebrating and supporting the enduring cultural traditions of the Southwest in artwork, performance, music, dance, and demonstration.

Indeed, the people of Arizona have these and many more reasons to be proud of their State Museum. And cultural heritage enthusiasts have many reasons to visit with us again and again. Welcome and enjoy!

If we can be of service to you, please feel free to contact us.