activities · 17
what they do
direct service · 17
- Administer Heritage Keeper Scholarships Heritage-Based Educational ScholarshipsOffers Western "Heritage Keeper" Scholarships to graduating high school students passionate about preserving western heritage; the program has awarded 22 scholarships of $2,000 each.
- Community Beautification and Information Projects Public Space Beautification & Signage EnhancementInitiated and implemented the Downtown Light Pole Banner Project to provide information about local attractions to visitors and residents. The organization also installed donated white LEDs to outline downtown rooftops as part of a Downtown Lighting Project.
- Community Engagement and Promotion Public Space Beautification & Signage EnhancementInitiates community projects such as the Downtown Light Pole Banner Project to promote local attractions and preserve western heritage.
- Educational Outreach and Scholarships Heritage-Based Educational ScholarshipsAwards Western "Heritage Keeper" Scholarships to students passionate about preserving western heritage and provides funding for history-related projects at the elementary school level through its Educational Outreach program.
- Educational Outreach and Scholarships Heritage-Based Educational ScholarshipsProvides funding for history-related projects, such as pioneer treks and history plays, at the elementary school level through its Educational Outreach program. The organization also awards "Heritage Keeper" Scholarships, having provided 22 scholarships of $2,000 each to graduating high school students passionate about preserving western heritage.
- Exhibit and Event Hosting Cultural Exhibits and Public History ProgramsHosts a variety of events and presentations, including performances and historical presentations, to engage the community and promote local heritage.
- Host public events and performances celebrating western heritage Living History & Historic Skills EducationHosts a variety of public events, performances, and presentations at the Western Heritage Center and partner venues such as the Elks Theater, Yavapai Exceptional Industries, and The Pioneer Home, featuring western performers, historical reenactments, and cultural programs including "Arizona Frontier Legends," Buffalo Soldiers, Desert Rose Dancers, and guest speakers like "Teddy Roosevelt," Doc Holliday, and Kate Cory.
- Host volunteer appreciation events Volunteer Recognition EventsHolds Volunteer Appreciation Night events annually, including on October 30, 2024, and February 28, 2024, to recognize volunteer contributions.
- Hosting Cultural and Historical Events Living History & Historic Skills EducationHosts a variety of events and presentations, including performances, historical reenactments, and talks by authors and artists, to engage residents and tourists in western heritage. These events have featured figures like "Teddy Roosevelt" and "Doc Holliday," and included performances such as "Arizona Frontier Legends."
- Manage downtown heritage promotion projects Public Space Beautification & Signage EnhancementLeads downtown beautification and heritage promotion initiatives, including the Downtown Light Pole Banner Project (initiated in 2010, approved 2013) and the Downtown Lighting Project using donated white LEDs to outline rooftops, to highlight local attractions and history for residents and visitors.
- Operate online resource for western heritage organizationsOperates VisitWHC.org, a website providing access to information about nonprofit organizations dedicated to preserving and promoting western heritage.
- Operate the Western Heritage Center museumOperates the Western Heritage Center in the historic Sam Hill Hardware building on Whiskey Row in Prescott, AZ, featuring permanent and rotating exhibits on western heritage, including Prescott's movie-making history, law enforcement, fire department history, mining, the Palace Roulette Wheel, historic long guns, Native American artifacts, and the World's Oldest Rodeo. The center has welcomed 70,000 visitors since 2019 and maintains free admission for all.
- Operating the Western Heritage CenterOperates the Western Heritage Center in the historic Sam Hill Hardware store building on Whiskey Row, which opened in 2019 and has welcomed 70,000 visitors. The center features exhibits on historical artifacts, fine art, local history, and memorabilia from various regional organizations and events, with free admission for all visitors.
- Provide financial support to heritage-related organizations Art Collection Stewardship & ExhibitionSupports other heritage institutions through financial contributions, such as presenting a $3,500 check to the Sharlot Hall Museum and funding the Western Heritage Center’s launch through a Centennial medallion project that raised $15,000.
- Support educational outreach in local schools Heritage-Based Educational ScholarshipsProvides funding through its Educational Outreach program for history-related projects at the elementary school level, including pioneer treks and history plays.
- Supporting Other Heritage Organizations Art Collection Stewardship & ExhibitionProvides financial support to other heritage organizations, such as presenting a check for $3,500.00 to the Sharlot Hall Museum and founding the Prescott Western Heritage Days event as a fundraiser for the museum.
- Western Heritage Center OperationsOperates the Western Heritage Center in the historic Sam Hill Hardware store building, showcasing local western performers, artists, and historical exhibits, and welcoming approximately 70,000 visitors since 2019.
strategies · 11
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.
- Advance heritage preservation through collaborative partnerships heritage_preservation_and_sharingThe organization believes that collaboration among committed individuals and organizations amplifies impact, using partnerships to strengthen heritage preservation efforts and contribute to the local economy.
- Community-engaged heritage preservation and promotion community_engagementThe organization preserves and promotes Western heritage through active community engagement, including education, events, art, music, and projects, believing that this collaborative approach enhances the local Western lifestyle and economy.
- Engage volunteers based on skills and interests to support cultural preservation skills-based_volunteer_engagementBy offering diverse volunteer roles—including public-facing, behind-the-scenes, and technical positions—the organization leverages individual skills to advance its mission while fostering deeper community involvement in preserving western heritage.
- Engage volunteers based on skills and interests to support cultural preservation skills-based_volunteer_engagementBy offering diverse volunteer roles—including public-facing, behind-the-scenes, and technical positions—the organization leverages individual skills to strengthen its mission-driven activities and deepen community investment in western heritage.
- Enhance public awareness of local heritage through accessible information and outreach information_disseminationThe organization increases visibility and knowledge of Prescott’s western culture and attractions via education outreach and highly visible informational banners in the downtown area, making heritage accessible to both residents and visitors.
- Enhance public awareness of local heritage through accessible information and outreach information_disseminationThe organization increases visibility and knowledge of Prescott’s western heritage and attractions via education outreach and highly visible informational banners in downtown areas.
- Information dissemination through public displays information_disseminationThe organization aims to provide information about local attractions to visitors and residents by utilizing easily visible banners in the downtown area.
- Preserve and promote western heritage through community engagement and education heritage_preservation_and_promotionThe organization uses education, events, art, music, and collaborative projects to preserve and promote Prescott's western heritage, engaging the community and increasing awareness among residents and visitors as a core mechanism for cultural continuity.
- Preserve and promote western heritage through community engagement and education heritage_preservation_and_promotionThe organization uses education, events, art, music, and collaborative projects to preserve and promote Prescott's western heritage, engaging the community and increasing awareness among residents and visitors.
- Skills-based volunteer engagement skills-based_volunteer_engagementThe organization engages volunteers by offering diverse roles that match their interests and skills, including public-facing, behind-the-scenes, and specialized technical positions, to support its mission.
- Strengthen heritage preservation through cross-sector collaboration heritage_preservation_and_sharingThe organization believes that collaboration among committed individuals and organizations—including western business owners, ranchers, artists, and rodeo groups—amplifies impact on heritage preservation and supports the local economy.
named programs · 5
what they call their work
Downtown Lighting and Banner Projects
Community enhancement initiatives that highlight Prescott's historic assets through LED rooftop lighting and downtown banner displays
Education Outreach
Funding and support for history-related projects at elementary schools, such as pioneer treks and history plays
Grand Performances
Series of cultural events featuring performances by western artists and historical reenactors, including Joe Wiegand as Theodore Roosevelt
Western "Heritage Keeper" Scholarships
Annual scholarships of $2,000 awarded to graduating high school students who demonstrate passion and talent for preserving western heritage
Western Heritage Center
Free public museum on Whiskey Row featuring exhibits on Prescott's western heritage, including the World's Oldest Rodeo, cowboy poetry, western art, and local history from partner organizations
relationships · 32
who they work with
- Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering Partner — One of six regional preservation-related organizations whose exhibits are housed at the Western Heritage Center.
- Arizona Preservation Foundation Partner — Hosted the Arizona Preservation Foundation Awards.
- Atkinson Studios Partner — Designed and developed the organization's website
- Cowboy Poets Gathering Partner — Participated in planning meetings for the Downtown Light Pole Banner Project.
- Desert Caballeros Museum Partner — Features an exhibit related to the Desert Caballeros Museum.
- Elks Theater Partner — Features an exhibit related to the Elks Theater.
- Grand Highland Hotel Partner — Hosts "Boots on the Row" dinner and dance party at the historic Grand Highland Hotel.
- History of Yavapai Law Enforcement Partner — One of six regional preservation-related organizations whose exhibits are housed at the Western Heritage Center.
- Joe Wiegand Partner — Features Joe Wiegand, a reprisor of President Theodore Roosevelt, in "Grand Performances."
- Mountain Artist's Guild Partner — Receives funding for art classes.
- Museum of Indigenous People Partner — Features an exhibit related to the Museum of Indigenous People.
- Phippen Museum Partner — Features an exhibit related to the Phippen Museum.
- Phippen Museum Partner — One of six regional preservation-related organizations whose exhibits are housed at the Western Heritage Center.
- Phippen Museum Partner — Participated in planning meetings for the Downtown Light Pole Banner Project.
- Phippen Museum of Western Art and Heritage Partner — Features exhibits representative of treasures at the Phippen Museum of Western Art and Heritage.
- Prescott Chamber of Commerce Partner — Endorsed the Downtown Light Pole Banner Project in 2013.
- Prescott City Council Government — Endorsed the Downtown Light Pole Banner Project in 2013.
- Prescott Downtown Partnership Partner — Endorsed the Downtown Light Pole Banner Project in 2013.
- Prescott Frontier Rotary Club Partner — Hosted a presentation by the club.
- Prescott Regulators & Their Shady Ladies Partner — President Neil Thomas co-presented a check to Sharlot Hall Museum and co-chaired the Prescott Western Heritage Days event.
- Rodeo Partner — Participated in planning meetings for the Downtown Light Pole Banner Project and supported the Inaugural Western Heritage Recognition Dinner and Concert.
- Rough Riders Partner — One of six regional preservation-related organizations whose exhibits are housed at the Western Heritage Center.
- Sharlot Hall Museum Partner — One of six regional preservation-related organizations whose exhibits are housed at the Western Heritage Center.
- Sharlot Hall Museum Partner — Participated in planning meetings for the Downtown Light Pole Banner Project, received a $3,500 donation, and is the beneficiary of the Prescott Western Heritage Days event.
- Skyview Elementary School Partner — Received funding for history-related projects, specifically a biennial pioneer trek.
- Smoki Museum Partner — Displays Native American artifacts and local history on loan from the Smoki Museum.
- Smoki Museum (now the Museum of Indigenous People) Partner — Participated in planning meetings for the Downtown Light Pole Banner Project.
- Yavapai Cattle Growers / Ranching Partner — Features an exhibit related to Yavapai Cattle Growers / Ranching.
- Yavapai Cowbelles Partner — Features an exhibit related to the Yavapai Cowbelles.
- Yavapai Cowbelles Partner — One of six regional preservation-related organizations whose exhibits are housed at the Western Heritage Center.
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