Lake Havasu City Historical Society

Most people don't have the opportunity to be part of the founding of a new city. The residents who established the Lake Havasu Historical Society in 1975 realized they were in that unique position and took steps to document and preserve the experience for future generations. In 2000 their dream of a building in which to display the documents and artifacts they had been accumulating was realized with the opening of the 5000 square foot Lake Havasu Museum of History.

The Museum presents permanent and special exhibits of area geology, natural history, city development, current events, and the city’s unique antique – the London Bridge. It houses documents pertaining to the past and present influence of the area’s Native Americans and the Colorado River. The English influence and relationship with London was much stronger in the early days of the city, and the Museum stores or displays many items from that time, including a collection of historical English apparel. A Museum store offers books, jewelry, and other items of interest.

The Museum also offers monthly programs presented by local speakers or specialists provided by the Arizona Humanities Council. It hosts the Great Ideas discussion series annually. Executive Director Becky Maxedon extends the mission by providing programs and traveling exhibits to local groups at their events. The Museum also hosts numerous group tours for school children, civic groups, and bus tours.

The Board of Directors of the Historical Society oversees the Museum. Director Becky Maxedon and Office Assistant Phyllis Wagner are the part time employees who handle the day-to-day operations and coordinate activities. Docents and other volunteers donate over 3000 hours of help each year to open the Museum to the public, catalog documents and artifacts, and build displays.

Please consider becoming a docent. Training is provided and docents get to meet visitors from around the world.

The Museum utilizes a variety of funding sources. Museum memberships and admissions provide about 40% of annual income. Store sales and fundraisers account for about 30%. The remaining 30% of the budget relies on donations like yours.

        "Preserving the Past, Educating the Future"

Current Museum hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4 pm Admission: $5 for age 13 and older, others free. Group tour rates are available.