1. Arizona Historical Society – Pioneer Museum

Step back in time
I visited this musem as a kid in the mid 1960's and have never forgotten it. To come back more than 35 years later was a delight . It is a place where you can get up close with "artifacts" and learn. Things are well labeled, with accurate information, and anecdotal stories. This museum has several "don't miss" items: Ever seen an Iron Lung? Learn about it here. I visited during Christmas as a chaperone with a school group and saw the toy exhibit from the past and was mesmerized. And then there are the train cars outside--among other things. What's not to like about this place! Even better, you can personally meet and greet historians who have made Arizona history their life's work, not some stuffy docent who just moved to Arizona 6 months ago and is a "wannabe" historian. At a recent visit I was greeted by staff member, "Joe" (I think that was his name) who works there. His personal love of Arizona, and local history, made our visit really fun, and the people of Arizona's past became real and alive. If that was not enough, this museum is housed in a real piece of history... the building is a former hospital from the early 20th century; a step back in time worth the visit.