The Gratitude Train: Artifacts from the French Merci Train - Expansion 

Arizona's Gratitude Train boxcar was filled with gifts given as an expression of thanks from the people of France for American generosity after World War II. The exhibition has been expanded to include additional artifacts such as a wedding dress from Lyon and a Peugeot bicycle.  

Civilizing the West:
Fred Harvey and his "Harvey Girls"

Wanted: Young women 18 to 30 years of age, of good character, attractive and intelligent

When this notice appeared in newspapers around the country no one could foresee how it would change Arizona. This exhibit is your ticket to discover how Fred Harvey and his Harvey Girls contributed to Arizona's growth.

Arizona's State Symbols 

Fifteen state symbols represent Arizona's environment, society and economy.  Since the Great Seal was chosen in 1911, the state legislature has recognized everything from a state flower to a state fossil.  The latest symbol to be added was the state butterfly in 2001.   

Historical Figures from Arizona's Past 

Diverse peoples forged this multi-faceted landscape we call Arizona.  Learn about contributions to the settlement and establishment of Arizona through six life-size historic figures that represent diverse people in Arizona's history.

Flagship of the Fleet:  Life and Death of the USS Arizona

The most common image of the Arizona is of the ship in flames at Pearl Harbor.  This exhibit tells the rest of the story, its focus is personal.  Using rare artifacts and photographs, it tells the story of the men. The exhibit brings the history of the ship up to date with film footage documenting the research that has been conducted on the ship since the 1980s. 

Nature's Mirror:  Images & Artifacts from the Edward S. Curtis Collection

The exhibit focuses on items located in the Capitol Museum’s collection obtained by the State of Arizona from Edward Curtis in the early to mid 1900s. A sample of these priceless baskets, some of which are seen in Curtis’ photographs, are on display.

Up from the Ashes:  Phoenix Goes to Mars
Closed November 2008

The University of Arizona, one of Arizona’s publicly funded universities, is at the forefront of space exploration. Their Phoenix Mars Mission spacecraft and instruments were adapted from two unsuccessful attempts to explore Mars. It was therefore appropriate to name the mission for the Phoenix, a mythical bird that is reborn from the ashes of its own fiery death.
For more information on the mission visit: www.phoenix.lpl.arizona.edu/