Keepers of Tucson’s Heritage
Tucson Presidio Museum
Historic walking tours, demonstrations, heritage and exhibits
A re-creation of the Spanish fort built in 1775, the Presidio Museum allows visitors to experience Tucson’s history first hand. On docent-guided tours, you’ll discover how Tucson residents lived before air conditioning and cell phones. Visitors enter through an 1860s Sonoran Row house. See the remains of a 2,000 year old pit house and learn about the lives of early Native Americans in the Early People’s Park.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Salon and Saloon Lecture: Baseball in Arizona: 1870s to Second Cactus League
March 21
2 pm – 3:30 pm
Pre-register here or $5 at the door.
Presented by Mike Anderson
Military posts brought America’s favorite pastime, baseball, to Arizona in the 1860s, and by the 1880s, the game had really taken hold. Historian Mike Anderson will talk about Arizona’s colorful baseball history up to the middle of the 1900s.
Included with admission
Native Nations Day
April 18, 2026
10 am – 3:00 pm
Click for more information!
Native Nations Day celebrates 4,000+ years of history and culture of the indigenous people of southern Arizona through art, performance, and food. Performances include Deer Dancers from Old Pascua Yaqui Community and Basket Dancers from the Wa;K District of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Local indigenous artists will demonstrate basket-making, jewelry-making, wood carving, pottery, and more! Enjoy an artisan market and frybread with savory or sweet toppings.
20th Anniversary of the Turquoise Trail – A Community Fun Walk
Sunday, April 19, 2026
8:30 am – noon
Register for the free walking event.
Upgrade your registration for $25: Get a commemorative T-shirt and Brandylion drink voucher (mimosa, bellini or tea) to enjoy at the end
Marking the 20th Anniversary of the Turquoise Trail. This fun-filled community walk is for all abilities! Young families, walkers, runners, seniors, history lovers…all are welcome.
Join us for a joyful 2 1/2 mile stroll through downtown Tucson celebrating healthy living, community andour rich heritage – all in one!
Sites to see include the Historic Pima County Courthouse, La Pilita, Historic Carrillo School, Teatro Carmen, public art and murals, and so much more! Just follow the blue line that has guided thousands of locals and tourists through our unique and historic downtown.
Read more about the history of the Trail here.
Tours and Workshops at the Presidio Museum
Nopalitos Workshop
March 7
10 am – 12:00 pm
$45/member
$55/general
Led by Carolyn Niethammer, author of The Prickly Pear Cookbook and four other cookbooks that include prickly pear recipes, this class will show attendees how to clean the pads of spines and cook them so they are ready to incorporate into delicious dishes.
Pioneer Women of Main Avenue Walking Tour
March 7
10 am – 12:00 pm
$20/member
$35/general
This walking tour focuses on the pioneer women who contributed so much to Tucson’s history. Attendees will view the outside of their homes and learn about their lives. Some of the women covered include Bettina Steinfeld, Edith Kitt, Atanacia Hughes, and more!
Death After Dark Walking Tour
Mar 21
7 pm – 9 pm
$20/member
$35/general
Escape the heat and join Mauro on a macabre, after-dark tour that explores Tucson’s dark history from executions to suicides, and gunfights to tragic accidents. This 2-mile tour takes you back in time to uncover the city’s dark side.
Mansions of Main Ave Walking Tour
March 21
10 am – 12 pm
$20/member
$35/general
Take a stroll down Main Avenue in the El Presidio Neighborhood to view the homes and hear the stories of the movers and shakers of early Tucson, including Sam Hughes, Albert Steinfeld, and Hiram and Petra Stevens.
The Tucson Presidio Museum is a member of
