activities · 6
what they do
direct service · 6
- Curate and maintain historical collections Oral History & Archival DocumentationMaintains extensive collections of local historical materials, including early editions of local newspapers (in physical and microfilm formats), over 2,000 photographic prints, reference books, legal records, family histories, newspaper clippings, court records, land deeds, and books, photos, and prints related to Edgar Rice Burroughs. The organization continuously expands its collection of artifacts, documents, photographs, and other items of historic interest.
- Develop and display cultural exhibits Permanent Cultural & Historical ExhibitsConstructed a wickiup representing Chiricahua Apache temporary shelter with the assistance of Cochise’s great granddaughter, Elbys Hugar, and her family. Received and displayed a Chiricahua Apache puberty dress and other personal items donated by Hugar. Maintains museum displays on early life in the Southwest, Cochise, Geronimo, and other regional historical topics.
- Host cultural and educational events Member-Focused Social & Recreational EventsHolds regular monthly meetings at The Toggery on the second Thursday of each month, special events throughout the year, and educational programs for school children. Also hosted a blessing ritual with cultural performances by Elbys Hugar and her family, including dancing and the sprinkling of pollen.
- Operate the Chiricahua Regional Museum and The Toggery archives Historic Site Museum OperationOperates the Chiricahua Regional Museum in a historic building dedicated to the history of the Sulphur Springs Valley and San Simon Valley, established in 1999. Also operates The Toggery, which houses a Research Library and Museum Archives, serving as an extension of the museum.
- Organize commemorative projects and gatherings Commemorative Ceremonies & OpeningsIs erecting a stone monument with a bronze plaque near the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot in Willcox, Arizona, to commemorate Edgar Rice Burroughs’ arrival and military service. Co-hosting the four-day ERB Chain of Friendship Gathering in Willcox from September 25–28, 2025, including a dedication ceremony for the Burroughs monument.
- Provide member access and public engagement Admission Access & Membership ProgramsOffers unlimited free admission to the museum for members as part of its public engagement and membership program.
strategies · 4
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Culturally Informed and Collaborative Representation culturally_informed_representationEngages in authentic cultural representation by collaborating with descendant communities, such as the Chiricahua Apache, to incorporate traditional knowledge and practices, including ceremonial blessings, into historical interpretation.
- Permanent Historical Monumentation for Public Commemoration historical_monumentationUses physical monuments with interpretive plaques at historically significant sites to publicly commemorate and educate about literary, military, and regional history.
- Systematic Historical Preservation and Archiving historical_preservationPreserves and organizes historical information through the collection, labeling, and maintenance of physical materials such as newspapers, photographs, and artifacts, ensuring long-term access and contextual accuracy.
- Thematic Focus on Regional Development Histories thematic historical focusCenters preservation and educational efforts on key historical themes that shaped the Sulphur Springs Valley, including the Apache Indians, U.S. Cavalry, cattle industry, Southern Pacific Railroad, and diverse ethnic communities.
named programs · 4
what they call their work
Chiricahua Regional Museum
Exhibits on Apache Indians, U.S. Cavalry, ranching, railroads, and ethnic groups in southeastern Arizona; located in historic Valley Hardware building
Edgar Rice Burroughs Monument Project
Planned installation of a stone monument with bronze plaque near the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot in Willcox to honor Burroughs' military service
Educational Programs
Offers school programs and special events to promote awareness and enthusiasm for local history
Research Library and Archives
Houses newspaper archives, photograph collections, legal records, family histories, and reference materials at The Toggery building
relationships · 4
who they work with
- Cochise College Southwest Learning Center Partner — Provides professional advisory support through its director, Rebecca Orozco
- Elbys Hugar Partner — Chiricahua Apache descendant and great granddaughter of Cochise who contributed to the construction of a wickiup, performed a blessing ritual, and donated cultural items for display.
- Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative Partner — Silver sponsor of Sulphur Springs Valley Historical
- The Apache Devils Chapter of The Burroughs Bibliophiles Partner — Co-hosting the ERB Chain of Friendship Gathering and monument dedication in Willcox, Arizona.