The Arizona Historical Society has announced a key step forward in reopening the Pioneer Museum in Flagstaff. Kathy Farretta has been hired as the new museum manager — the first person to hold the position in nearly five years. Her start date was November 24.
The museum has been closed since the pandemic due to staffing and budget issues. With Farretta now on board, the Society says it’s on track to reopen in spring 2026.
Farretta brings years of experience in museums and local nonprofits and currently serves on the boards of the Flagstaff Festival of Science and the Arizona Women’s Hall of Fame.
The position and museum funding were made possible by a bill from State Senator Wendy Rogers passed earlier this year.
The Pioneer Museum first opened in 1963 and remains a historic landmark in northern Arizona. More updates will follow as planning continues.