about
mission & vision
mission statement
Inspired by the Sonoran Desert and our diverse history, the Pinal County Historical Society promotes our shared heritage and encourages conversation. We are a center for community, cultural engagement, and a destination for all.
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vision statement
We are a valued community asset, sharing local stories of our land, history and the diversity of our people.
diversity, equity and inclusion
diversity, equity & inclusion statement
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History nurtures personal and multiple identities in a diverse world.
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People discover their place in time through the stories of their families, communities and nation. These stories of freedom and equality, injustice and struggle, loss and achievement, and courage and triumph, shape personal values that guide them through life.
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The Pinal County Historical Society welcomes diverse opinions and voices that interpret the human experiences. Our inclusive culture supports our mission to promote diverse, shared heritages.
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Together, we are truly greater than the sum of our parts.
history
bringing stories to life
The Pinal County Historical Society (PCHS) was founded in the late 1950s by a group of private citizens dedicated to preserving the history of Pinal County. It was the first organization with this objective, and other communities later formed their own historical preservation groups. PCHS's focus has been on Florence and the surrounding area in the Gila River valley, highlighting the events and people who have shaped the growth and development of the town. Through our museum collections, we bring these stories to life with engaging displays and artifacts.
The founders aimed to establish a permanent home for their collected artifacts and create an endowment for the museum's long-term sustainability. Our current building was constructed in the early 1970s, with an additional exhibit area added in the late ‘70s.
Situated on Main Street in the Town of Florence, PCHS boasts an extensive collection on display both inside the Museum and in the yard, where you can find agricultural equipment, retired fire vehicles, and a homestead cottage.
As a private, non-profit organization, PCHS has received accreditation from the State of Arizona Historical Society. We do not receive financial support from either Pinal County or the Town of Florence.
Over the years, the Museum has gained a reputation for handling artifacts professionally and respectfully, which has encouraged more families to donate heirlooms that enrich the region's history. These displays contribute to the local residents' deeper appreciation of the area's history, from the Hohokam period to the founders of Florence.