Address: 113 N. Sixth St.
Pricing: Adults, $5; children 6-12, $2; 5 and under, free
Phone: (602) 262-5070
Hours: Closed on Mondays. Open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday noon-4 p.m. and Thursday 1-4 p.m.
How To Get There:
Northwest corner 6th Street & Monroe, just one block south of Van Buren & 7th Street.
Parking:Garage at 5th St.& Monroe, $1-8 with validation
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Rosson House Museum: pre-statehood splendor
Published: May 21, 2009
Before Arizona became a state in 1912, before the turn of the 20th century, even before the Spanish-American War, Arizona's elite were enjoying gracious living in splendid mansions.
These 30-minute guided tours of Rosson House Museum offer a glimpse into Phoenix before Arizona statehood arrived in 1912. Built in 1895 for a doctor who became mayor of Phoenix shortly after moving in, this charming 2,800-square-foot Victorian home boasts 10 rooms and five fireplaces, all still standing at the original location.
The Rosson House Museum's guided tours allow patrons to view the remarkable architectural design elements of this mostly Italianate three-story home, including an octagonal tower, an expansive veranda and lathe-worked posts. The home's interior includes an elaborately carved staircase and parquet-inlaid floors. A vast collection of furniture, home furnishings, appliances and tools provide a glimpse into the lives of its past residents.
Guided public tours are offered Wednesday through Sunday. Tours begin at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; at 1 p.m. on Thursday, and at noon on Sunday. The last tour of the day starts at 3:30 p.m., and doors close at 4 p.m.
The house was originally owned by Dr. Ronald Lee Rosson. During Rosson’s 17-year residency in Arizona, he served as coroner, public administrator, county treasurer and mayor. He and his family lived in the home for only two years before Rosson resigned from his political office and moved his family to Los Angeles.
The Rosson House saw many owners between 1897 and 1974. The house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and then acquired by the City of Phoenix in 1974.
The Rosson House Museum is located in the heart of downtown Phoenix at the Historical Heritage Square, which consists of several historical buildings that includes the Hands-On Heritage House. Built in 1901, the Hands-On Heritage House offers free educational hands-on activities and exhibits for kids. Here, kids can play with old-fashioned toys and explore what it would have been like to work in the kitchen or to wash clothes before the advent of modern conveniences.
Other Historical Heritage Square amenities include a carriage house, a doll and toy museum, a tea room, pizzeria, coffee house, bakery and pub. Visit the website for more information about any of the Heritage Square buildings and services.
The Rosson House Museum offers wedding and event services, as well. Any of the houses at Historical Heritage Square can be rented by the hour. Click here for more details.
- by Jennifer Pruett, Phoenix Reporter for HelloMetro
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