Tempe Historical Museum Main Gallery

The Tempe Historical Museum presents the story of Tempe:

• The prehistoric Hohokam Indians

• The farmers who settled near the Salt River and started a community

• Charles Trumbull Hayden, who brought the first commerce and industry to the area

• A small farming community that has grown into a modern city facing the rapidly changing challenges of the future

Step into Tempe's history in the main exhibit hall. A 40-foot model showing the history of water development in the desert allows you to divert the flow of the Salt River into canals and fields. Watch video shows that make photographs of the past come alive before your very eyes. See mementos of the Territorial Normal School, the local institution that became Arizona State University. Experience the daily life and special events of days gone by, and take a glimpse at what lies ahead in the future.

In addition to the main exhibit hall, there are two changing galleries that feature select stories from the past. There will always be something new to see at the Tempe Historical Museum.

We have a free screen saver available.  You can enjoy the history of Tempe right on your computer screen.  Of course it's just a small taste of what we have for you in the Tempe Historical Museum.  Click here for your screen saver!