Show Low Historical Society Museum

The Show Low Historical Society Museum is located in the former police department. There are nine rooms with many permanent and loaned items arranged by theme. These exhibits depict the history of the Show Low, Arizona area by displaying common household and workplace items that would have been found in the area circa 1870-1940. Of special interest are the Whipple Ruins, excavated in 1927. During the excavation a wood beam was found that allowed an exact date to be assigned to many other wooden items from the area. This beam, officially known as HH39 is often referred to in scientific literature as the “Rosetta Stone” of Southwest American Archaeology. Pictures of this beam as well as the original National Geographic article describing it, are on prominent display.

You’ll discover here the interesting story of how Show Low got its name. The town began as a ranch claimed by two men in the 1870s. Sometime around 1876 the partners knew one of them should leave, but could not decide which one. A card game would settle the issue. One man is supposed to have said, “Show low and you take the ranch.” The other turned over the deuce of clubs and may have said, “Show Low it is!” In addition to this colorful bit of local history, other rooms contain ancient area pottery, a turn-of-the-century kitchen, tools from an old blacksmith shop, and other exhibits honoring the community’s early families.