What's happening?
RETURN OF THE BUFFALO
There were once 60 million buffalo that roamed across North America, however by the end of the 19th century, there were less than 1,000 animals left. This new exhibit highlights the cultural and historical significance of this national mammal to Native American tribes across the country, featuring displays that focus on the history of bison from its prehistoric beginnings to its near extinction and eventual resurgence.
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This is a special temporary exhibit, due to popularity, we have decided to extend it -
no current end date.
Mesa History
Our Mesa History exhibit tells you the basics of Mesa History:
Who settled here?
How did they do it?
What was life like for early Mesans?
What was important to them?
Permanent Year Round Exhibit
Founding Families
of Lehi and Mesa
Features historic artifacts, images, and stories from members of the first founding families who settled Lehi and Mesa and the things they brought with them on their journey.
Permanent Year Round Exhibit
Play Ball:
The Arizona Spring Training Experience & Cactus League Hall of Fame
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Join the Mesa Historical Museum in partnership with the Cactus League organization for our latest installment of our Play Ball: The Arizona Spring Training Experience and Cactus League Hall of Fame exhibit. Each year we highlight different players who have been inducted into the Cactus League Hall of Fame.
Learn who the new 2025 inductees are and discover more history about the birth of spring training in Arizona.
This exhibit is sponsored by the Cactus League and the Mesa HoHoKams
Artwork of Karen Kuykendall
Step into the whimsical world of artist Karen Kuykendall! Known for her vibrant paintings, intricate jewelry, and imaginative papier-mâché creations, Kuykendall's work has graced the halls of cultural institutions like the Phoenix Art Museum and the Tucson Art Museum.
A published author and teacher, she crafted a fantasy realm inhabited by Cat-People, which served as a wealth of inspiration for her dolls, sculptures, and paintings. This redesigned exhibit was curated by New York Times best selling author, Kate Benjamin of Hauspanther. Featuring dozens of never before seen pieces, this exhibit is a celebration of Kuykendall's unique vision and creative spirit.
Permanent Year Round Exhibit - will occasionally rotate in new pieces
O'odham - piipaash
The Mesa Historical Museum is proud to announce the opening of the new Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community exhibit that celebrates the Onk Akimel O'odham and Piipaash cultures.
Permanent Year Round Exhibit
KACHINA EXHIBIT
This display showcases an extraordinary collection of intricately carved Kachina dolls, each representing various spiritual beings believed to bring blessings, rain, and harmony. Through detailed artistry and storytelling, the exhibit offers visitors a better understanding of the traditions and meanings behind these carved figures. Join us in celebrating the significance of Kachinas in Hopi culture and experience a unique glimpse into the spiritual world of the Southwest.​​​​
FAMOUS FACES & FAMOUS PLACES
An interactive touchscreen experience
We have an interactive touchscreen called Famous Faces and Places of Mesa which lets visitors explore the people, landmarks, and stories that shaped Mesa's history. Tap through historic photos, listen to interviews, and explore moments that made our city unique. This interactive touchscreen was made possible with support from the Arizona Humanities Mini Grant Program, with additional assistance from the Arizona Historical Society, and ASU Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) program.
Adobe Schoolhouse Replica
Built in the early 2000's, this is a replica of the original adobe schoolhouse that stood in the same spot in the 1880's. The inside is decorated with desks and various other artifacts that show what school life looked like 100+ years ago. Also includes photos of some of some of the earliest students to attend the old Lehi School during the early 1900's as well as some photos from Mesa Union High School.
Permanent Year Round Exhibit