Arizona State Railroad Museum Foundation

The mission of the Arizona State Railroad Museum Foundation is to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit historic and cultural artifacts, as well as disseminate copies of historic documents relating to the railroad history, development, and heritage of Arizona, Territory and State.

Emphasis of the Museum's interactive educational exhibits is on Arizona's multi-ethnic cultural history.

Arizona's railroad legacy dates back to the mid-1800s, when the Southern Pacific Railroad began building eastward across southern Arizona Territory and the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad Company began building the Western Division tracks across New Mexico and Arizona Territories, and continually developed, cultivated, and supported Arizona's historic "Five Cs" ... Cattle, Copper, Climate (tourism), Citrus, and Cotton, and many other economic endeavors.

• Seventy-eight Arizona railroads have operated virtually in every corner of the state
• Every conceivable Arizona occupation and livelihood has either been initiated by, thrived, or depended upon these railroads
• Most Arizona cities and towns owe their very existence to these railroads
• Efficient and environmentally sensitive mass transit in Arizona is once again coming to the fore via light rail and commuter rail
• The Museum includes a library and archive dedicated to Arizona's railroad culture; includes an art gallery with a focus on railroad and national park art
• The Museum will accurately portray Arizona's past and present history and looks to the future
• Williams is a Preserve America Community ... one of only six so designated in Arizona ... and its' Historic District is on the National Register, is committed to heritage tourism and is the Gateway to the Grand Canyon
• The Arizona Office of Tourism, Departments of Commerce and Transportation, Coconino County Board of Supervisors, City of Williams, and the Arizona Chamber of Commerce have all endorsed and/or supported the Museum project
• The Museum Foundation is incorporated under the laws of Arizona and designated non-profit under IRS Code 501(c)(3)