Collections of RCD
The Rio Colorado Division of the Arizona Historical Society collects, preserves, interprets, and disseminates the history of the lower Colorado River Region (Yuma and La Paz Counties in western Arizona, Imperial County in southern California, and the Baja California and Sonora areas of northern Mexico). RCD has about 2,150 artifacts which are either on display or available for research. The Rio Colorado Division collects artifacts from the 1540's arrival of the Spanish to the present, and is always looking for items, which will increase the collections and preserve our past.

Should you be interested in donating artifacts, contact RCD at (928) 782-1841 or e-mail us at: azhistyuma@cybertrails.com

Permanent Exhibits at RCD
The Rio Colorado Division exhibits are located in the Sanguinetti House Museum, 240 Madison Ave., Yuma, Arizona. Exhibits provide the visitor with a brief view of area history from the 1540's to the early 1900's. The Reception Room orients people via a 3 dimensional map of Arizona showing historical trails, towns, and topography. The room is divided into exhibits telling the story of "The River Yumans" (Indians), their origin, lifestyle and introduction to the Spanish; "Tierra Incognita" provides an overview of the Spanish advance into the area between 1540 and 1750; "Revolution of 1781" describes the Spanish attempt to settle on the Colorado River and the rebellion of the Indians at the treatment by the Spanish.

The Time Line Room provides 3 exhibits detailing the growth of the area: "The Mountain Men" exhibit discusses the advance of trappers in the 1820's; "The Fort Yuma" exhibit deals with the establishment of a military post to protect people passing through the Yuma Crossing; "The Time Line" tells the story of Yuma's growth and development between 1842 and 1916. The Parlor exhibits encompass the original 2 room 1870 adobe portion of the house. "The South Room" has furnishings that are typical of a middle class home between 1870 and 1890. "The North Room" is indicative of the same type of family between 1900 and 1915.

An early 1900's period kitchen is adjacent to the parlor rooms. The Economic Activity Room has 5 exhibits: "Steamboats" brought people and supplies to Fort Yuma in the 1850's and plied the Colorado River through 1915; "The Railroad" arrived in Yuma in 1877 and was the first competition the steamboats had, as freight was less expensive by railroad; "The Military" has been represented in the area from the Spanish through the present; "Mining" describes the variety of minerals and extraction methods in the area; "Agriculture" became a booming industry once government projects diverted the Colorado River waters to the fertile land.

Temporary Exhibits at RCD
One room in the Sanguinetti House Museum is dedicated to changing exhibits, allowing the RCD to show more of its collections and to concentrate on themes that have not been highlighted in the rest of the facility. Changing exhibits in the past have included: "Hollywood Comes To Yuma" (movies filmed in the area between the 1920's and present); "Yuman's At War" (development of the Yuma Proving Ground Test Station, the Yuma Army Air Field, Patton's Desert Training Camps during World War II); and "The Rough Riders" (commemorated the Spanish American War of 1898).

NOTE:  Link to information about families we are trying to contact regarding Yuma ancestors

Continue to learn more about the Rio Colorado Division by exploring the pages below, or click here for the next page.

For more information about RCD events, or for questions and comments,
contact us at: azhistyuma@cybertrails.com

Arizona Historical Society
240 Madison Ave.
Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 782-1841