THE ARIZONA CAPITOL MUSEUM AND WESLEY BOLIN MEMORIAL PLAZA

Jen's Notes: On April 3, 2017, I suggested a trip to the Arizona Capitol Museum with my family who is visiting from Colorado. The tour of the museum never disappoints and I think we all agree it was a nice visit and we all learned a lot. I took a few pictures and highly recommend the museum. In fact, I'll be sure to return this summer with my daughter because the exhibits have all changed. It's a great way to spend the day! Be sure to visit the museum's website before you go for hours and to answer any questions.

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When we arrived at the Capitol, we parked at the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza on the west side of the Capitol. The variety of memorials in this gathering place are unique and provide a significant amount of history and education before you step inside the Capitol.

A field group of elementary aged children were roaming the grounds and learning about Vietnam. As we approached the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the children were asking their teachers really good questions about the war and about the wall of names on site.

One of the teachers asked a small group of children, "What does it mean when it says the person died 'in action'? Was their body found right away?" A series of questions and discussion followed.

What the children didn't know is that a Vietnam Veteran was right there. My father who served in 1969-70 was with us and the memorial brought back a lot of memories.

Not only did the memorial include names, sidewalk map, and history of the era, but we came across a wall display along the walking path which I found most interesting.

The placard covers the "Media Spin" and media influence as a factor in the highly televised war with quotes by Walter Cronkite covering the Tet Offensive. As a former broadcast journalist, I found this timely as media spin is still an issue in our country.

The Bill of Rights Monument is stunning, as well. In fact, if you enjoy photography, plan your visit at the right time of the day and you'll capture much more than what I'm able to describe and share here.

Before heading into the museum, we made a quick swing into the Arizona Senate. The gallery room is open to the public.

Just by coincidence, we met a lovely woman who had retired from working at the Capitol after decades of service. She was able to share all kinds of history with us and encouraged us to snap this photo from the gallery.

To the lower left-center of the photo, you'll see Rep. Steve Montenegro's desk from District 13. He's from the west Valley's Litchfield Park. Just this week, he announced his run for Secretary of State in 2018.

(Editor's Note: Not an endorsement... just an informational item.)

At last, we walk over to the Capitol and met the most helpful volunteer, Lou, at the rotunda desk. He asked us to take a look at the wall sconces (lamps) in the rotunda. Some of the shades face up. Some down. Why? They were converted from gas to electric over the years. (The flames from the gas would have needed to face up.)

The lighting and architecture throughout the Capitol is fascinating. But, the historic House Chamber is my favorite. Get an idea of what "government in action looked like during early statehood." The museum restored the chamber to look just as it did in 1910. Finding out more about this room and its history is one of the most important reasons why you want to be on the guided tour with a museum volunteer.

Learn about Arizona's journey from being a territory to statehood.

We LOVED learning about the Rough Rider flag hand sewn by women the night before Arizona men left for the Spanish-American War in the late 1800's. Count the number of stars and see how many states hadn't become states yet.

The historic Governor's Office has been changed since I last visited, too. The wax statute of George W.P. Hunt is not in the office any longer. But, the historical photographs give you a pretty good idea of what he was up to at the time.

We were blown away with the photo of Governor Hunt mowing the Capitol lawn!

One of the exhibits is called "Your Vote, Your Voice." Much of the room is dedicated to Secretary of State Michele Reagan. A factoid in the room asks how many Secretaries of State became Governor. Can you guess the answer? Can you name any? (Jan Brewer is one.)

Thinking about Rep. Steve Montenegro running for Secretary of State - as mentioned above - may give us a hint as to his future political goals.

Factoid: Wesley Bolin was the longest serving Secretary of State with 12 full terms and 10,518 days in office.

Finally, a must-see stop during your tour of the Capitol is USS Arizona: Flagship of the Fleet.

"...the battleship’s silver service and other artifacts are on display in the museum. The USS Arizona was sunk during the invasion of Pearl Harbor and represents a turning point for the nation, prompting the US to enter World War II." Link

At left is a piece of the USS Arizona superstructure, recovered in 1942.

The Friendship Train collection has always been my favorite exhibit at the Capitol Museum. It must have been some time since my last visit as just a portion of the exhibit now lines the hallway on the first floor of the rotunda near the café.

"The Merci Train Collection contains a sampling of items from the 1949 Merci (Gratitude) Train. "Merci" means thank you in French. Each boxcar was filled with gifts from the people of France showing their gratitude to the American people for sending food and other supplies on the Friendship Train and for liberating France from the invading German army during World War II." Link

I was so disappointed to see that the collection is not on full display right now. But, I do encourage you to check it out online here.

Overall. the Arizona Capitol Museum is a wonderful place to visit. People of all ages can find something to connect with. I highly recommend it for children curious about how an initiative or referendum becomes law and how our state government works. Repeat visitors can easily navigate the self-guided tour. But, if you're a first time visitor, call ahead to find out how you can join a tour with a tour guide.

Enjoy! And let them know West Valley Families sent you!

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CONTACT AND TIPS

Arizona Capitol Museum Link

Location
1700 W Washington St
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Contact
Tel: 602-926-3620
Fax: 602-256-7985
Email through its website

Museum Hours - Double check these hours before heading out to the museum.
Monday - Friday:   9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (Sept - May)
Closed on State Holidays

Map

Directions and Parking can be found on this link, too.

Admission as of April 2017 is FREE. Donations are appreciated.

Tours - Link
Tours are free and available by reservation for groups of 10 or more.
Museum tours are offered Monday through Friday starting at 10:00 am with two concurrent tours beginning every hour: 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, and 2:00.

Drinks, snacks, gifts
On this recent trip to the Capitol, we were pleasantly surprised to see a a new café area. It's small.. but super convenient if you want a water or quick bite to eat. Just across the hallway is the Museum Store.

Jen's Notes: When you arrive, park near the Bolin Plaza and check out the history in this area. It's on the west side of 18th Street across from the Capitol. Once you go into the Capitol, visit the volunteer at the desk to the left side of the rotunda near the stairs. You'll get a map and find out some unique things about the current exhibits. I always enjoy seeing the USS Arizona exhibit first... then touring the rest of the Capitol. It's more fun and you learn a lot more when you're part of a tour, however. So, check about tour opportunities before you go. Be sure to visit the galleries in the House of Representatives and Senate buildings. I'm told Thursday is a good day to see the action. Again... you may want to make a phone call before you go.