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| (Fig. 01) |
Description: Founded in August 1961 by the Daughters of the Pioneers and operated by the Mohave Pioneers Historical Society, the Mohave Museum of History & Arts was originally an archive room in the office of the Chamber of Commerce. In 1967, the first building was erected (dedicated in 1968) in the Chamber’s parking lot (Fig. 01). Renowned Southwestern artist Roy Purcell was the first director in the new building and he developed many of the displays still in use today, including the Hualapai Indian room and the Mohave History room. Roy Purcell is the same artist who painted the ‘Journey’ rock murals in Chloride, AZ. The Museum expanded in 1979 with additional exhibit space. By 2000 the Chamber offices were relocated and their building was removed to make room for Museum parking. Now history buffs can dig into the museum’s library which was built and opened in 2005. located on the east wall (Fig. 02), this well known mural is by local artist Sandy Rusinko who is a member of the Mohave Artists and Craftsmen's Guild. Ms. Rusinko has been a muralist since the 1980's and created many larger-than-life works in public settings for years, including this mural shown below that is on the Mohave Museum in Kingman, Arizona. The Museum introduces visitors to the history of Northwestern Arizona. Dioramas & murals illustrate prehistoric times, mining (exhibit added in 2008), ranching (exhibit added in 2010) and history with a local flare. It also includes an Andy Devine exhibit, a local boy turned movie star in the 1930’s known for his funny voice. Outdoor exhibits include murals, a 1923 wooden railroad caboose, and various mining machinery (Figs. 04 & 05). Figure 04 was taken from the back of the railroad caboose.
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| (Fig.02) |
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| (Fig. 03) |
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| (Fig. 04) |
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| (Fig. 05) |
