Bisbee Restoration Museum: A Step Back in Time

The Bisbee Restoration Museum, located in the heart of Old Bisbee at 37 Main Street, offers visitors a glimpse into the town's vibrant past. The museum is housed in the historic Fair Store building, constructed in 1909 by Martin Costello after a fire destroyed the original structure. The store, originally owned by Ben and Sam Frankenberg along with Amos Newman, sold fine clothing and household goods until it closed in 1954. In 1968, the Costello family donated the building to the Bisbee Restoration Society, which continues to preserve and restore it.Inside, you'll find three floors filled with unique and interesting heirlooms donated by Bisbee families. The collection includes everything from a copper high school diploma to textiles, reflecting the creative spirit still felt in Bisbee today. Exhibits showcase artifacts from Bisbee's early history of mining and ranching, including clothing, furniture, store and saloon fixtures, early dentistry items, a doll collection, antique typewriters, and a complete pioneer kitchen.The Bisbee Restoration Museum is run entirely by volunteers and operates as a non-profit organization. The museum's primary mission is to preserve its historic building and museum collection using the best conservation practices available and to educate residents, students, and visitors about Bisbee's unique history through displays, topical speakers, and special events.