Apache County Historical Society Museum: A Window to the Past

The Apache County Historical Society Museum, established in the 1970s, stands as a testament to the rich and varied history of Apache County. Founded through the dedication of Dewey and Esther Farr, the non-profit museum is located in St. Johns, the county seat of Apache County. The museum's exhibits, both indoors and outdoors, along with its archives, offer a glimpse into the lives of those who shaped the region.Inside, visitors can explore a wide array of artifacts that depict life in Apache County, showcasing the cultures of the Apache, Hopi, Navajo, and Zuni tribes, as well as the Hispanic and Mormon settlers. Displays include arrowheads, firearms, written histories, diaries, photographs, tools, musical instruments, household items, and dioramas. Petrified fossils, including a prehistoric camel leg and Columbian mammoth tusks, represent the area's ancient past.Outside, the museum features wagons, farm machinery, and two historic cabins. A log cabin, built in 1882, is furnished to reflect the period of its construction. An adobe cabin represents the dwellings of early Hispanic settlers. A notable, and perhaps chilling, exhibit is the old steel jail, once part of the Yuma Territorial Prison and later used in Apache County.The museum provides a comprehensive look at the historical relics of Apache County and is an enriching experience for residents, tourists, families, and organizations.