The Verde Valley is home to a treasure trove of cultural heritage sites and museums. Many of these have Museum Gift Shops offering gifts for the coming holiday season – gifts that you may not find anywhere else. By shopping at these non-profit organizations you will be providing much needed support by spending some of your shopping dollars with them.
You can find unique gifts for everyone on your list in an un-crowded, covid-safe environment, enjoy tax-free purchases, and support area cultural institutions all in one shopping trip!
These cultural and historical centers have worked hard to create safe visitation environments and protocols. They offer order by phone, curbside service by appointment and have taken many steps to make visiting and shopping as safe as possible during these uncertain times.
To learn more about a visit or how you can do your gift shopping with one of these historic sites or museums, you can use the following information. Remember, masks are required at all these locations. A phone call before your visit is recommended, in case things change at each institution.
The Sedona Heritage Museum has local history books, items made by local artists, movies made in Sedona, jewelry, knives, toys and stuffed animals (even javelinas), ornaments, art, Sedona-themed calendars and totes, fiber art and all types of gift selections. Museum hours are 11 a.m.-3 p.m. daily, at 735 Jordan Road. For details, call 928-282-7038.
Cottonwood’s Clemenceau Heritage Museum offers their “Images of Cottonwood” historic photo book, other local books and authors, minerals, fossils, jewelry, carvings, toy dinosaurs and t-shirts with museum and local railroad logos. Hours vary, so call ahead, at 1 N. Willard St., Cottonwood. For details call 928-634-2868.
Clarkdale Historical Society and Museum features local and area history books by local authors plus assorted Clarkdale souvenirs. Hours are Wednesday 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at 900 N 1st St. For details, call 649-1198.
The Camp Verde Historical Museum has reprinted the 1954 book “Pioneer Stories of Arizona's Verde Valley”. When the museum isn’t open, the bookstore is available at the visitor center next door, open 7 days a week from10 a.m.-4 p.m., at 435 S Main St. For details, call 928-567-9560.
Fort Verde State Historic Park has a variety of historical books and items relevant to the history of the fort. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, at 125 E. Hollamon, Camp Verde. For details, call 928-567-3275.
At the Jerome State Historic Park you’ll find mineral samples, copper gift items and local history books. Open daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 100 Douglas Rd. For details, call 928-634-5381.
The Jerome Mine Museum gift shop, by the Jerome Historical Society, offers discounts during the month of December on their full line of copper jewelry, statues and wall art. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at 200 Main Street. For details, call 928-634-5477.
The Western National Parks Association (WNPA) bookstore at Montezuma Castle National Monument offers an extensive selection of books, collectibles, games and Native American crafts. Hours are daily 8 a.m.-4:45 p.m., at 2800 N. Montezuma Castle Hwy., Camp Verde. For details, call 928-567-3322, x227.
The WNPA bookstore at Tuzigoot National Monument also offers a long list of books, education and exploratory items for kids and adults, and now handmade baskets by the Tohono O’odham, as well as Native American jewelry and pottery. Hours are daily 8 a.m.-4:45 p.m. at 25 W. Tuzigoot Rd., Clarkdale. For details, call 928-634-5564.
Please consider supporting your local Museum Gift Shops this holiday season. Above is only a limited description of all you will find within their walls; and, they are always adding new and unique items. You don’t need to pay admission just to shop and you can provide much needed income to these non-profit organizations in the process.
