A Museum Reborn
Our Reopening Under New Leadership
Currently The Adjutant General for the Arizona National Guard has temporarily closed the museum to the public. We expect to be open in the near future. The Arizona Military Museum is excited to embark on this new chapter. We remain steadfast in our mission to preserve, honor, and share the stories of the men and women who embody Arizona’s rich military heritage, and we invite you to be part of this journey.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to welcoming you to the museum soon!
Established in 1981
About the Arizona Military Museum
Our Mission: Preserving Arizona's Military Legacy for Future Generations
In March 1975 the Arizona National Guard Historical Society was incorporated. One of the initial goals was to establish a museum to honor the military history of Arizona. In 1981 the Arizona Military Museum was opened. For nearly 45 years, the Arizona Military Museum has honored the men and women of Arizona who have served in the armed forces, while also educating the public about the significant role Arizona has played in our nation’s military history. Founded to collect, preserve, and showcase artifacts from Arizona’s storied past, the museum offers visitors a window into the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of those who wore the uniform.
The museum's mission is clear: to preserve and memorialize Arizona’s military history — from the days of the Spanish Conquistadors to the modern era — and to educate visitors about the unique contributions Arizona’s military personnel have made throughout history. Maricopa County alone is home to over a quarter of a million veterans.
We believe that by sharing these stories, we not only honor the past but also inspire future generations to appreciate and uphold the values of service, courage, and patriotism.
Entrance to the Arizona Military Museum
Arizona Military Museum’s first exhibit 1981
This little gem of a museum is quite a moving experience.
CINDY N. | museum visitor from Tucson, Arizona
Image: [Description], [Photographer Credit]
A Rich Military History Spanning Centuries
Arizona has a long and distinguished military history, and the Arizona Military Museum captures this journey through meticulously curated exhibits and collections.
Traversing the wide arc of Arizona’s military history, the museum’s exhibits bring to life the bravery and dedication of Arizona’s servicemen and women.
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Arizona’s military story begins with the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century, who built presidios (forts) and missions, establishing a European presence in what is now the American Southwest.
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Arizona was at the center of many battles between U.S. military forces and Native American tribes during the 19th century. Military outposts such as Fort Whipple and Fort Apache served as critical sites during the Indian Wars.
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While much of the Civil War was fought in the eastern part of the United States, Arizona saw its share of conflict. Skirmishes at Picacho Peak, Stanwix Station, and La Paz demonstrated the importance of Arizona in maintaining control over the Western territories.
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Arizona National Guard units played significant roles in both World Wars. The famous 158th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Bushmasters, earned a reputation for excellence in jungle warfare during World War II under the command of General Douglas MacArthur.
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Arizona’s military personnel have continued to serve with distinction in conflicts ranging from the Vietnam War to the Gulf War, Desert Storm, and others.
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The people of Arizona have been a proud and integral part of our nation’s defense efforts for centuries.
The Arizona Military Museum has given three generations of my family a place to share inter-generational conversations about Arizona's rich military history.
It is with much gratitude that my family and I have had the opportunity to time-travel through military history — together.
CONNIE | museum visitor from Brookings, Oregon
What You’ll Find at the Arizona Military Museum
When you visit the Arizona Military Museum, you’ll find more than just a collection of artifacts—you’ll find a living history. Our exhibits cover a wide array of topics, showcasing the evolution of military strategy, technology, and life for soldiers on the front lines. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you:
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Over 25 Authentic Exhibits
Featuring everything from military uniforms and weapons to larger pieces of military equipment such as armored vehicles and a Vietnam-era combat helicopter.
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Unique Military Memorabilia
Our collection includes personal items from Arizona soldiers, including medals, letters, and photographs that tell the individual stories of those who served.
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Specialized Library
The museum also houses a library containing an extensive collection of books, periodicals, military records, historical documents, and other resources which are available to researchers, students, and anyone interested in learning more about Arizona’s military history.
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Our knowledgeable docents are available to bring each exhibit to life.
Our exhibits aren’t just for viewing—they’re meant to be experienced. Whether you’re touching the cold steel of a World War II rifle or standing next to a fully restored combat helicopter, you’ll find yourself immersed in the history of Arizona’s military.
Perfect for school groups, veteran organizations, or anyone with a thirst for knowledge, these guided tours are both informative and engaging. We also offer special tours for large groups, and we’re happy to tailor the experience to meet your needs.
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History within history.
Our museum is located within a circa-1936 historic adobe building that was constructed as part of a Depression-era public works project. It’s the largest adobe structure in the U.S. still in active use and the second-largest adobe building in the Lower 48.
Originally built to serve as a National Guard arsenal up to and through World War II, the building later played a key role during World War II as an equipment maintenance shop to provide work for German prisoners of war (POWs) held at nearby Papago Park POW Camp. It was funded by the Works Program Administration in 1936/1937 in Phoenix.
The museum shares the building with the Arizona Regional Training Institute on the Papago Military Reservation in Phoenix, Arizona.
In 1980, the Arizona National Guard Historical Society began using approximately 10,000 square feet of the building as the Arizona Military Museum. It was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 2010.
Join Us in Preserving Arizona’s Military History
The Arizona Military Museum thrives only with the support of the community. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a veteran, or simply someone looking for a way to give back, we invite you to join us in preserving and celebrating Arizona’s military history.
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Here are some of the ways you can get involved:
Become a Member
By joining the Arizona Military Museum, you’ll be helping to sustain our mission and ensure the stories of Arizona’s veterans are preserved for future generations. Membership also comes with exclusive benefits, including invitations to special events and access to our quarterly newsletter.
Learn more ➼
Do you have military memorabilia that you’d like to see preserved and shared with others? Consider donating it to the Arizona Military Museum, where your contribution will be used to educate the public while honoring those who served.
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Donate Artifacts
Volunteer
We’re always looking for passionate volunteers to help with everything from leading tours to assisting with behind-the-scenes operations. No matter your skills, there’s a place for you at the Arizona Military Museum.
Learn more ➼
Building Bridges in the Community
Arizona’s military history belongs to all of us.
As the museum reopens, we are more dedicated than ever to serving the community and building bridges between generations.
The museum strives to make Arizona’s military history accessible to everyone and we’re proud to offer a wide range of exhibits and programs that excite and inspire visitors of all ages.
We’re especially excited to introduce new educational programs designed for schools, veteran groups, and historical societies. These programs provide an in-depth look at Arizona’s military past, with hands-on learning opportunities and interactive exhibits that bring history to life.
By making history engaging and accessible, we’re inviting the next generation to appreciate and learn from the past.
In addition to our educational outreach, we are also committed to strengthening ties with the veteran community. Veterans have always been at the heart of the museum, and we are eager to continue our tradition of honoring their service and sacrifices. Through special events, exhibitions, and public programs, we aim to foster a deeper connection between veterans and the broader Arizona community.
The Arizona National Guard Historical Society
OUR MISSION
The dedicated team behind the Arizona Military Museum is a passionate group of historians, veterans, and volunteers committed to preserving and sharing generations of Arizona's rich military heritage with the community.
We’re committed to enhancing the appreciation of the military history of Arizona and the contributions of the Arizona Militia, Arizona National Guard, and Arizonans who served in the military in the defense of the State of Arizona and the United States of America.
Arizonans have long answered our nation’s call to arms to support national policy.
Members of the Arizona National Guard are deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, and have served in Korea, Vietnam, Panama, and Grenada in the service of our country.
The Arizona National Guard retained the 158th Infantry until the unit converted into Military Police and Transportation Corps units effective December 7, 1967. The Headquarters, 153rd Artillery Brigade carried on the lineage and distinctive insignia of the 158th Infantry. Today the 158th Infantry assumes the lineage.
Arizona’s military history also involves the numerous Army Air Corps training fields scattered throughout the state without which thousands of pilots would never have been trained to support the war effort.
After the war, the Air Force was formed as a separate service, and Major General (Ret.) Barry M. Goldwater was instrumental in the creation and development of the Air National Guard. The Arizona Air National Guard continues to have vital missions with air refueling missions, foreign nations’ fighter training, Weapons Directors’ training, and MQ-1 Predator (UAV) missions.
Both the Army and Air National Guard were involved in the Berlin Crisis. The 161st Fighter Group, Air National Guard, and the 222nd Transportation Company of Winslow, Arizona were mobilized and supported the Cold War effort.