Collections focus on the Spanish, Mexican, and American cultures in Arizona history. Geography is an important criteria for selecting objects for the collection. AHS is primarily interested in, but not limited to, materials from southeastern Arizona, particularly Pima, Santa Cruz, Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, and Pinal counties. Since the region which is now Arizona was under several different governments during the historic period, we also collect objects with connections to all past political divisions. For this reason we also collect pertinent objects from northern Mexico, particularly the State of Sonora.
Attribution is another important criteria.
We are most interested in objects that can be attributed to a person, place, or event in Arizona history. The objects do not always have to be connected to famous people and places since we are also interested in everyday life in Arizona history. We are continuously seeking new items for the collection. Anyone interested in donating objects through a gift or bequest should contact the Museum Department . Our Collections Committee will meet to decide if the objects fit the scope of our collections.