Cave Creek Museum collections reveal decades of history

Collections are an integral part of a museum’s history and key to the building of museum exhibits. Creek Museum’s special collections are no exception. Its collections are filled with items from the 1800s, 1900s and present day and showcase a deep look into the history of the Cave Creek community.

The museum’s collections committee is responsible for cataloging and properly storing the museum’s physical assets with regards to museum objects and archives. These objects can vary based on the subject of the museum, but at Cave Creek Museum, the collection objects range from historic clothing and medical tools to current objects from the Cave Creek area, and an impressive pre-history collection. The museum explores the antiquity of the historic mining town and the collections reflect many aspects of what life was like from the earliest days of Cave Creek.

“The museum’s collection represents a wide variety of treasures that give us a glimpse into the pioneers of the Town of Cave Creek,” says Jessica Bryza, museum volunteer. “These collections are important resources that provide information about people, the environment and interactions between the two.”

Bryza spent the summer organizing and cataloging various aspects of Cave Creek Museum’s collections room. She learned about Arizona history while sorting through the vast wardrobe collection dating back to 1880. She handled original objects, replicas, geological items and pieces of history that span more than 200 years.

“As an emerging museum professional, my time at Cave Creek Museum was invaluable,” says Bryza. “I learned so much this summer about the history of Cave Creek as well as its very interesting historic residents. The historic objects and archives that the museum has shows us the differences between our lives in 2024 and the lives of those ranging back to 1880; seeing the change in that time never ceased to amaze me.”

Bryza, a Cave Creek resident herself, encourages museum-goers to get involved in the museum.

“The museum is a place that feels like home and always encourages the many questions I have. Anyone interested in getting involved or expanding their museum career or knowledge cannot make a mistake by choosing the Cave Creek Museum.”

The Cave Creek Museum is always accepting volunteers and is always looking to encourage other recent college graduates and anyone considering a career in the museum industry,” says Bryza. “These collections are important resources that provide information about people, the environment and interactions between the two. They also serve as scientific and historical documentation of the museum’s purpose and resources.”

The 54-year-old museum’s mission is to preserve the artifacts of the prehistory, history, culture and legacy of the Cave Creek Mining District and the Cave Creek/Carefree foothills area through education, research and interpretive exhibits. The Cave Creek Museum is located at 6140 E. Skyline Drive in Cave Creek, Ariz. Open October through May. The museum can be reached at 480.488.2764 or cavecreekmuseum.org. Where History Comes Alive.