The Tucson Presidio Museum stands as a beacon of history, aiming to promote, preserve, and interpret the origins and natural environment of Tucson while celebrating its multicultural community. Located on the northeast corner of the original Presidio, the museum represents a meticulous reconstruction of the original Tucson Presidio built in 1775, showcasing glimpses of life for soldiers and residents through docent-led tours.
One of the museum's unique features is the inclusion of an original 150-year-old Sonoran row house and a 2,000-year-old prehistoric pit house, offering visitors a comprehensive view of Tucson's diverse cultural history. Managed by the Tucson Presidio Trust for Historic Preservation, a non-profit entity, the museum's mission extends beyond housing artifacts. It strives to guide and aid in interpreting history at the Presidio San Agustín through research, education, and living history experiences.
In its pursuit of historical accuracy and inclusivity, the Presidio Museum takes a unique approach to celebrating Tucson's founding date. While the city marks its "birthday" on August 20, the museum's director, Amy Hartmann-Gordon, prefers to call it a celebration. Rejecting the term "birthday," the museum acknowledges August 20, 1775, as the founding day of Tucson, recognizing the longest-inhabited valley in North America.
The annual "Celebration of All Things S-cuk Son/Tucson" on August 19 is a testament to this approach. Collaborating with the Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission, the event commemorates the city's founding date and the centuries that preceded it. Through music, dance, soldier drills, and the participation of various cultural and historical organizations, the celebration becomes a vibrant tapestry of Tucson's rich history.
Hartmann-Gordon emphasizes the importance of understanding how people came to the valley, the exchanges they had with each other, and the lasting impact on the community today. The event showcases diverse performances, including Mariachi Los Diablitos, Chinese Lion Dances, and Walia music from the Desert Sky Winds Walia Band. Representatives from historic groups like the Buffalo Soldiers, the Mormon Battalion, and the Mexican American Heritage and History Museum add depth to the celebration.
Recognizing the value of varied voices in shaping a community's history, the Presidio Museum's modern mission extends to interpreting all facets of the area's history. It collaborates with the Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission, working towards an unbiased interpretation encompassing all communities' contributions.
The museum hosts an online auction and welcomes donations to fund the celebrations and support ongoing operations. The funds contribute to various programs, from adult lectures and children's workshops to events like Living History Days, ensuring the museum's sustained role in educating and enlightening the community.
In addition to its annual celebration, the Presidio Museum is expanding its visitor experience with a series of walking tours. These immersive journeys, blending education and pleasure, delve into Tucson's historic sites, local landmarks, and traditional cuisine. From the Modern Streetcar & Walking Tour to the Murals & More + Margaritas Tour, these experiences offer a unique lens through which to view Tucson's rich heritage.
As the Presidio Museum continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to preserving and sharing Tucson's multifaceted history. By embracing inclusivity and engaging the community, it ensures that the stories of the past are remembered and woven into the fabric of Tucson's future.
