Purpose

Appropriates $4,000,000 in FY 2001-2002 from the state general fund to the Prescott Historical Society (PHS) for the Sharlot Hall Museum.

Background

The PHS was established as a state agency in 1965 to operate the Sharlot Hall Museum and is governed by a 15 member board. The Board’s responsibilities include preserving, maintaining and perpetuating the Territorial Governor’s Mansion, five other historic buildings and the historical collections.

The Sharlot Hall Museum is the largest museum in the central territory of Arizona and provides education in human and natural history. Founded by historian and poet Sharlot M. Hall in 1928, the museum offers festivals, living history events, outdoor theater performances, changing exhibits, publications and research services. The four acre museum complex currently consists of eleven buildings, ten of which contain exhibits, and four gardens.

PHS received $727,400 from the state general fund in FY 1999-2000 and $753,800 in FY 2000-2001 to support its operating costs. Private fund sources arising from the operations of its partner nonprofit organization, the Sharlot Hall Historical Society, total $540,000 and $555,000 for those fiscal years.

The PHS has recently expended $99,000 of non-state funds to develop a detailed master plan for facility expansion. This plan includes the expansion of archives, collections, public exhibits, education facilities, museum and visitor services, administration and graphics departments, service department, landscaping and storage facilities.

This legislation appropriates $4,000,000 in FY 2001-2002 from the state general fund to PHS for expansion of the museum facilities.

Provisions

1. Appropriates $4,000,000 in FY 2001-2001 from the state general fund to be used by PHS for the Sharlot Hall museum.

2. Exempts the appropriation from lapsing.

3. Provides for a general effective date.

Prepared by Senate Staff

February 1, 2001

Assigned to GOV & APPROP FOR COMMITTEE

Purpose