Cave Creek – Cave Creek Museum has a new look and plans to expand its events and programs in new and meaningful ways.
Evelyn Johnson, interim executive director, says the museum’s new look and slogan “Where History Comes Alive,” reflect the museum’s more than half a century of serving the public coupled with its dynamic series of events planned through May 2022.
“We are looking forward to opening the season like a chrysalis emerging from the cocoon as a beautiful butterfly to be seen by everyone,” says Johnson. “New history exhibits are being constructed and even the enchanting Cave Creek cave will be open for exploration within the museum.”
In addition to the museum’s new direction, some of the principal activities on the museum’s active agenda include:
- Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day, September 18 from 1-4:30 pm: The annual celebration of curiosity hosted by Smithsonian magazine. Participating museums, like the Cave Creek Museum, provide free entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day ticket
- Docent training, September 27 & 29, 9-11:30 am: In-person training for individuals interested in volunteering at the museum. People are invited to visit the museum website to see where their talents fit into the family that sets the Cave Creek Museum apart from everyone else
- Cave Creek Museum opens to the public, October 1, 1-4:30 pm
- Stamp Mill Demonstrations, October 9, 11:30 -1:30 PM: The museum starts up its incredible stamp mill, water tower, mineral panning, blacksmithing and more. Make note to join us on the second Saturday of each month to see the stamp mill in operation. Cave Creek Museum is proud to feature Arizona mining history. Its historic stamp mill and tramway is from the Golden Reef Mine on Continental Mountain and is the only one in Arizona within five miles of its original site. Come experience how gold mining was done
- Kiwanis Family Days, October 10, 2-4 pm: Arizona Science Center’s Superhero Science. Become a real-life superhero at the Arizona Science Center. Explore how superheroes use their powers and learn the science behind several popular superpowers, such as freeze rays, shrinking abilities, and even lighting discharge
- Native Peoples Program, October 12, 4:30-7 pm: Visit our website for details about the event and the museum’s exciting guest presenter
- Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day
September 18 from 1-4:30 pm. Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day is an annual celebration of curiosity hosted by Smithsonian magazine. Participating museums, like the Cave Creek Museum, provide free entry to anyone who presents a Museum Day ticket (up to two people). Tickets may be acquired by visiting smithsonianmag.com.
“This event is the first peek at new exhibits by the public,” says Evelyn Johnson, the museum’s interim executive director. “Guests from throughout the Valley come to check out what we have and plan for a return trip if they have downloaded passes to evaluate several museums,” adds Johnson. “Or, they stay to see our exhibits thoroughly. It is a fun day to show off history and suggest upcoming events.”
Museum Day represents a national commitment to access, equality and inclusion goes beyond getting visitors through museum doors – it acts as a springboard to empower and help advance the hopes and ambitions of the public, particularly school-aged children and those in underrepresented communities. This year, Museum Day represents a return to arts and culture. After spending the past year indoors, it’s time to get out and Experience America – the theme of this year’s event.
The 51-year-old museum’s mission is to preserve the artifacts of the prehistory, history, culture and legacy of the Cave Creek Mining District and the Cave Creek/Carefree foothills area through education, research and interpretive exhibits. The Cave Creek Museum is located at 6140 E. Skyline Drive in Cave Creek, Ariz. Open October through May. The museum can be reached at 480488.2764 or cavecreekmuseum.org. Where History Comes Alive.
