The University of Arizona
 

Arizona State Museum History

Arizona State Museum (ASM) is the oldest and largest anthropology museum in the Southwest. Established in 1893 as Arizona's Territorial Museum, ASM is the official repository for the state's archaeological collections, the official permitting agency for archaeological activities on state lands, and employs many of the world’s leading experts in Southwest anthropology and related fields. Located on the campus of the University of Arizona (UA), ASM is also a very active research and teaching unit with educational programs for students of all ages and all levels.

The museum’s vast and varied collections are recognized world wide as unique and significant resources for research and teaching. Hundreds of thousands of artifacts from numerous excavations shed light on the prehistoric Hohokam, Mogollon, and Ancestral Pueblo cultures. More than 26,000 catalogued ethnographic objects document the lifeways of historic and living Native peoples of the region. The museum's library, archives and photographic collections hold unique materials and primary documents garnered by pioneers of Southwest anthropology, as well as by leading figures in related disciplines. At some 20,000+ whole vessels, ASM’s Southwest Indian pottery collection is the world’s largest and most comprehensive.

A significant portion of the museum’s renown comes from the fieldwork of its former directors, all leaders in their respective disciplines and known for cutting-edge work: Byron Cummings (1915–1938), Emil Haury (1938–1964), Raymond H. Thompson (1964–1998), George J. Gumerman (1998–2002, bio), and Hartman H. Lomawaima (2004–2008, obituary).

Because of its ever-growing collections, the museum has had many homes on the UA campus. It has moved from a single room in Old Main (1891–1904) to a shared space with the library in the Douglass Building (1905–14), to Agriculture Hall (1915–29), to quarters in the lower regions of Arizona Stadium (1930–35), to a brand new building in 1936. In 1977 the museum expanded to a second facility—the former UA library building. Today, ASM’s two historic buildings are the first to welcome students and visitors as they enter UA's Main Gate at University Boulevard and Park Avenue.

Now in its second century, ASM is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. With full annual calendars of rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and public events, and in conjunction with volunteer and membership programs, ASM continues to serve the University of Arizona, Tucson, the state, and the world.

Current Director Beth Grindell (bio) was appointed in July 2008. Most previously she served as the museum’s associate director. Beth is just the 6th director in the museum's history and is the first female to hold the post.  

Beth Grindell named first female director July 14, 2008 (UA News)Opens in a new window

History of the ASM Logo