The Clarkdale Historical Society and Museum held its annual meeting on Saturday, Jan. 21, to review the past year’s activities and discuss their plans for 2023.
Clarkdale is a town rich in well-preserved history.
Founded in 1912, Clarkdale was the first master-planned town in Arizona. It was named after U.S. Sen. William Andrews Clark [D-Mont.], the owner of the United Verde Copper Company, who built the town to provide housing for his employees.
The Clarkdale Historical Society and Museum was established in 2003. Members catalog and archive the family records of residents and other important documents that tell the story of the town’s development.
There are many vacant positions available on the society’s board, and they are always looking for volunteers, especially for archiving.
The society’s 2022 accomplishments included:
- Multiple successful fundraisers, including their first annual plant sale. n Renovations to the museum building and exhibits.
- Recruitment of new museum ambassadors. n Building relationships with other Verde Valley historical societies.
- Participating in and supporting the Clarkdale Downtown Business Alliance, including car shows and block parties.
For 2023, the society’s members intend to prioritize:
- Filling critical board positions.
- Pursuing sponsorships for events.
- Continuing to develop social media communications.
- Increasing museum hours.
- Recruiting volunteers interested in pursuing a school outreach program.
- Continuing to foster relationships with sister institutions.
- Continuing to support the town of Clarkdale Historic Preservation Commission’s efforts to establish preservation ordinances for the historic commercial and residential districts.
The board also approved and adopted their 2023 annual budget.
The museum is currently only open two days a week, Friday and Saturday, but the society hopes to expand on that if they can recruit additional volunteers.
Board member Bill Regner and former town councilman mentioned that the town’s history is its most under-used asset, especially from an economic standpoint. The society hopes to form more symbiotic relationships with businesses in town, working with them to emphasize the town’s appeal as a tourist destination.
Board president Mike Lindner expressed his enthusiasm at seeing downtown buildings being renovated and occupied, also mentioning the link between Clarkdale’s history and its economic potential.
Clarkdale is unique in that its industrial history is very well-preserved. Its neighborhoods remain very much in their original condition with the original buildings still in place, and the town wants to continue to maintain this historic integrity.
The society is also hosting a plant sale on March 18, which will featuring master gardeners who can answer questions and hundreds of plants and seeds for sale. All proceeds will benefit the society and museum.
For more information, visit clarkdalemuseum.org.
