The history of Arizona did not begin with the introduction of air conditioning.  Archaeologist Scott Wood will discuss the rich and fascinating story of the prehistoric occupation and lifeways of the Hohokam people of the Phoenix valley and points north, from the desert foothills to Perry Mesa and Bloody Basin.  Learn insights into how these industrious peoples not only survived but thrived in our seemingly harsh environment.

Triple B, B3, Bob Boze Bell is a true triple threat of talent! Bob has lived in Cave Creek for 40 years and knows where most of the bodies are buried, but is willing to tell the (tall) tales and legends about our amazing western history. He will have his paintings and published books of the stories and landscapes that continue to inspire him for display and sale.

The Desert Foothills have been a spiritual, prehistoric and historic, cultural and agricultural, and artistic center place for over 2,000 years.  The landscape is a roadmap through history. The parcel of land known as Harmony Hollow is sited at the crossroads of all this living history and Steve Greenberg joins us to share some of its stories and stories of the surrounding area.

Arizona is a surprising place with its secrets sometimes in plain view.  Pilot, bombardier and gunnery cadets from the USA, Great Britain and China prepared for battle on some of the country’s largest training fields located in Arizona.  Photos taken during and after the war, including historical artifacts, will be presented. Steve Hoza is a native Phoenician who has worked in the museum field his entire career and he is a recognized authority on the history of World War II in Arizona. 

Cave Creek’s resident historian and local storyteller, Kraig Nelson, will reveal the captivating and engaging narrative behind the founding of Cave Creek, the road and town, plus the role our stamp mill played in this fascinating history.

The desert is an unforgiving place with extreme temperatures, limited water sources, and potential wildlife encounters. You could be navigating sections of trails that are ill-defined and cell service is hard to come by.  What should you carry?  When should you go?  How do you get help?  Desert hiking expert Paul Diefenderfer shares tips and techniques to make your adventures in the desert safe and survivable.

Rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, scorpions, mountain lions, heat stroke, hypothermia and bees! Oh my, what a way to go! Learn about prickly, spiny, thorny and horny (toad) neighbors in our desert community so you'll feel more comfortable out there.

Join us in Cave Creek Museum’s Historic Church to enjoy Tom McGuire’s explorations of unique, remote and intriguing locations in the American Southwest, from ghost towns and cultural oddities to spectacular and little-known landscape features.