06/18/2026
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Next time you want to learn a little history of the Verde Valley and have fun doing it, stop by the Clemenceau Heritage Museum in Cottonwood. It’s a great local facility housed in the old Clemenceau School and manned by volunteers. I’ve been there a few times and written about it, but never as often as I should. So, when Michele and I saw they were having a rummage sale over the weekend, we stopped for a visit after our hike at Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Clemenceau used to be a small company town housing workers of a nearby smelter. Like all small-town museums, it includes an eclectic collection of photos, memorabilia, and exhibits. But this one also has one of coolest model train rooms you’ll find. Back when the mines of Jerome were booming, the rail lines were the arteries that sustained each community. It’s a great layout with plenty of chugging trains, complete town layouts, and lots of attention to detail. The knowledgeable volunteers will gladly walk you through the landscape. I probably spent a half-hour there and could happily have stayed until they closed. Clemenceau Museum is only open Tue-Wed and Fri-Sat. Well worth a visit. Support small and hyper-local museums! Speaking of history, on Wednesday I’ll be in Prescott at The Center on Rosser (1280 E. Rosser St.) at 1 p.m. My talk will be on the Route 66 Centennial. Visit Cottonwood Arizona Greater Verde Valley Chamber of Commerce
