WHAT: AZCM Special Exhibit: From the Convention Desk
WHERE: Arizona Capitol Museum, 1700 W. Washington Street, Phoenix
WHEN: Tuesday, February 14th, 9 AM – 4 PM
WHY: Explore the roots of Arizona’s democracy and government where it began
February 14th, 2017 marks Arizona’s 105th year of statehood. To celebrate, the Arizona Capitol Museum (AZCM) presents “From the Convention Desk” featuring items used by Constitutional Convention delegates to draft the state’s keystone document, on exhibition in the Historic House Chamber.
Statehood Day will also mark the long-awaited official opening of Common Grounds, the new specialty coffee shop in the AZCM. There’ll be free coffee and cake to mark the occasion.
The AZCM also welcomes clothing manufacturer State48 for the day, as they’ll be producing an exclusive State Seal branded shirt, and host a pop-up store at the Capitol.
Included in the “From the Convention Desk” exhibit will be: engraved scissors used to open the convention, a gavel used by the Convention President, a collection of bound Minutes from Convention meetings, the pen used by Territorial Secretary George Young to sign the document, an inkwell used by all Constitution signatories, and the first State Ballot from Nov. 1912, among other items.
In October 1910, convention delegates arrived at the Capitol in Phoenix. They used the modest House chamber, its wooden desks pressed tight next to each other, and fitted with the simple office supplies of the day. Today, those artifacts that help us put history in perspective. What people were there? What key issues were addressed? What compromises were made? The AZCM Guild will be on hand to answer these questions and lead special tours, as well as sign up new members who’ll support the AZCM Mission.
This single-day exhibit will be available all day in the Historic Restored House Chamber on the AZCM’s 3rd floor, Tuesday, February 14th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer visitor questions. To arrange interviews with the AZCM, or request promotional images, please use the information below. Public information about the AZCM can be found at our website: www.azlibrary.gov/azcm and by calling 602-926-3620.
