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Sulphur Springs Valley Historical

Willcox, AZ · EIN 510182197 · Form 990EZ · FY2022 · Micro (<$100K) · ssvhs.weebly.com
revenue
$22K
expenses
$28K
net assets
$193K
employees
mission · from form 990

Collect, preserve, and display local history

profile · synthesized from sources

The Sulphur Springs Valley Historical Society operates the Chiricahua Regional Museum and Research Center in Willcox, Arizona, preserving the history of the Sulphur Springs Valley from prehistoric times to the present. The museum focuses on the Chiricahua Apache, U.S. Cavalry, ranching, railroads, and regional ethnic groups, offering exhibits, educational programs, and archival collections. It also honors local historical figures such as Edgar Rice Burroughs.

named programs · 4 · from sources

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
activities · 5 groups

what they do

  • Native American Cultural Center & Museum Operations 6 activities
    • Develop and display cultural exhibits
      Constructed 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.
    • Operate the Chiricahua Regional Museum and The Toggery archives
      Operates 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.
    • Operating the Chiricahua Regional Museum
      Maintains and operates the Chiricahua Regional Museum, established in 1999, which specializes in the history of the Sulphur Springs Valley and San Simon Valley. The museum contains numerous displays related to early life in the Southwest, including details on Cochise and Geronimo, and offers free admission to members.
    • Operating the Chiricahua Regional Museum
      Maintains and operates the Chiricahua Regional Museum, located in a historic building, specializing in the history of the Sulphur Springs Valley and San Simon Valley. The museum features displays related to early life in the Southwest, including details on Cochise and Geronimo.
    • Preserving Chiricahua Apache Cultural Heritage
      Constructed a wickiup representing Chiricahua Apache temporary shelter with the help of Cochise's great granddaughter, Elbys Hugar, and her family. The organization also received and displays a Chiricahua Apache puberty dress and other personal items donated by Elbys Hugar.
    • Preserving Chiricahua Apache Culture
      Constructed a wickiup representing Chiricahua Apache temporary shelter with the help of Cochise's great granddaughter, Elbys Hugar, and her family. The organization also hosted a blessing ritual involving dancing and the sprinkling of pollen performed by Elbys Hugar and her family, and received and displayed a Chiricahua Apache puberty dress and other personal items donated by Elbys Hugar.
  • Historical Collections & Archives Management 3 activities
    • Archiving Historical Documents and Media
      Maintains an extensive collection of early editions of local newspapers in physical and microfilm formats, over 2,000 archived photographic prints of local interest, and vertical file cabinets containing legal records, family histories, newspaper clippings, court records, and land deeds. This collection is housed in The Toggery, which serves as the Research Library and Museum Archives.
    • Curate and maintain historical collections
      Maintains 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.
    • Maintaining Historical Archives and Collections
      Maintains extensive archives and collections of historical materials, including early editions of local newspapers (physical and microfilm), over 2,000 archived photographic prints, reference books, legal records, family histories, newspaper clippings, court records, land deeds, and a specialized collection of books, photos, and prints related to Edgar Rice Burroughs. These are housed at The Toggery, which serves as the Research Library and Museum Archives.
  • Business Networking Events 1 activity
    • Host cultural and educational events
      Holds 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.
  • Museum Membership Benefits Program 1 activity
    • Provide member access and public engagement
      Offers unlimited free admission to the museum for members as part of its public engagement and membership program.
  • Uncategorized 6 activities
    • Collecting and Displaying Edgar Rice Burroughs Memorabilia
      Maintains a collection of books, photos, and prints related to Edgar Rice Burroughs and is erecting a stone monument with a bronze plaque near the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot in Willcox, Arizona, to commemorate his arrival and military service.
    • Commemorating Edgar Rice Burroughs
      Is 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. The organization is also co-hosting a four-day ERB Chain of Friendship Gathering in Willcox from September 25-28, 2025, which will include a dedication ceremony for this monument.
    • Expanding Historical Collections
      Continuously expands its collection of artifacts, documents, photographs, and other items of historic interest to enrich its archives and museum displays.
    • Hosting Community Events and Programs
      Holds regular meetings at The Toggery and organizes special events throughout the year, including programs tailored for school children. The organization is also co-hosting a four-day ERB Chain of Friendship Gathering in Willcox, which includes a dedication ceremony for a monument honoring Edgar Rice Burroughs' military service.
    • Hosting Community Meetings and Special Events
      Holds regular meetings at The Toggery at noon on the second Thursday of each month and organizes special events throughout the year, including programs for school children.
    • Organize commemorative projects and gatherings
      Is 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.
financials · form 990EZ · fy2022
revenue
Total revenue$22K
Contributions & grants$14K65%
Program service revenue
Investment income$6K29%
Other revenue
expenses
Total expenses$28K
Program expenses
Admin / overhead
Fundraising
Salaries & benefits
Grants paid out
balance sheet
Total assets$193K
Cash
Investments
Liabilities
Net assets$193K
2 years on record · 2021–2022 · YoY revenue +8.2%
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.