jerome historical society Projects!
The Mission of the Jerome Historical Society is to protect, preserve, and present the unique physical and cultural history of Jerome through its buildings, architecture, research archives, museum, and other programs for the benefit of residents and current and future generations.
The Jerome Historical Society’s mission may be quite extensive with its many dimensions and aspects, but despite Jerome’s small population to draw upon for help, great achievements have been accomplished by the Society over the last 48 years. All in efforts to best preserve the Jerome we all love.
Current projects the Society has accomplished in the past two years include: Architectural drawings and a grant for expansion of the top two floors of the Boyd Hotel into apartments; The reprinting of Herbert Young’s book Ghosts of Cleopatra Hill; Excavation and retaining of a large parking lot at the top of town; Creation of new displays within the Bartlett Shell; Upgrades within the Mine Museum Building to reflect not only the mining in Jerome but the diversity of people; Fire sprinklers in the Museum basement; Fire protection wall in the Post Office; Improved Archival and Research Department with an almost completed Archival Improvement Plan; and Historic Plaques on Jerome's buildings.
Such projects take time and money. Without memberships and donations these things wouldn’t get started or finished and the historic buildings of Jerome that we all love could easily crumble and decay with time.
Jerome, a town listed on the National Historic Register, because of its unique character dedicated to historic Arizona, is one of the most important pieces of cultural heritage Arizona has. Coming to Jerome is like stepping back in time. It reminds us of our history and heritage as a mining state. If you would like to help be a part of preserving Jerome and Arizona’s heritage please send your tax deductible donations to: Jerome Historical Society, P.O. Box 156, Jerome, Arizona 86331 or you can become a member by going to our Membership portion of this site.
Vision Statement
The vision of The Jerome Historical Society (JHS) is a historical Jerome that is effectively preserved through the continuing creative efforts of the society and general citizenry. There will be a robust arts community, and the high school complex will be a vibrant social, cultural and economic center for the town. Parking and public transportation for residents and visitors alike will be adequate and reasonably convenient.
JHS will develop and effectively use its real estate holdings to help achieve the organization’s mission, and a majority of Jerome households will become members of the society. The museum will be enlarged and regarded as a destination historical museum in Arizona. In addition, mini-museums/historical displays will be located throughout the town, and a mine tour will be developed. The society’s archives will be completely catalogued and serve as an important research resource for scholars and other qualified individuals. Finally, JHS will collaborate with other organizations to provide regular, quality historical education programs to Verde Valley grade and high school students and make those programs available to other interested groups.
History of Jerome Historical Society
For more than half a century, Jerome was virtual a ghost town. It wasn’t until the formation of the Jerome Historical Society in 1953 and the opening of the Jerome Mine Museum that the town came alive. When the mines closed in the 1950s, the population of Jerome dwindled to a handful of people. The historical society struggled to keep Jerome alive, trying to achieve their dream of making Jerome the "greatest outdoor museum." In 1956 the society completed negotiations with Phelps Dodge assuring that no more buildings would be torn down in the main part of Ghost City. In addition, the society succeeded in purchasing most of uptown Jerome, securing Main Street. Today, the Jerome Historical Society owns eight commercial buildings. The balance of the buildings owned by the society were sold back to the community or persons interested in historic restoration.
"…protect, preserve and present the unique physical and natural history of Jerome…for the benefit of residents and current and future generations."
