Museum Exhibits

PRESENT DAY
FT. McDOWELL YAVAPAI NATION

After the establishment of the present day reservation in 1903, the Fort McDowell Yavapais became successful agriculturalists, but it soon became apparent that periodic flooding of the Verde made maintenance of the irrigation system, but the request was denied. In 1939, after construction of Bartlett Dam on the verdi River minimized flooding, the Fort McDowell community received funding for a small concrete intake dam for their irrigation works.

HALLWAY OF MEMORIES

Down this hallway is a changing exhibit from 1973 to the present. Each photo is arranged by subject matter and shows Fountain Hills tremendous growth and pride by its residents. Almost entirely built with volunteers, this community continues to grow.

Clinton M. Pattea Gallery was recently named after the current president of the Ft. McDowell-Yavapai Nation. The picture reveals the building of a new exhibit to honor this home with dirt floors and no running water or electricity at Ft. McDowell, Dr. Pattea committed himself to improving the lives of his people. Elected to the Tribal Council in 1960, he served most of the next 40 years including more than 15 years as President. He actively opposed construction of Orme Dam which would have flooded tribal land and cost them their Verde River water rights. Under his leadership the tribe created new housing and business ventures as well as a new school, medical clinic and recreation center.