The Presidio San Augustine del Tucson sits in the heart of what could be described as Old Tucson– not the movie studio, but the actual historic foundation of Tucson. This gem of a museum is often overlooked as we walk right by its non-descript entrance- at 196 N Court Ave- Across the street from Old Town Artisans and La Cocina, the Presidio Museum is a reconstruction of the origin Tucson Presidio built in 1775–on this same spot.
Opened in 2007 the museum was originally funded through the city’s budget. With tightening revenue, the museum was turned over to the Presidio Trust for Historic Preservation. The city is slowing reducing its financial commitment to the museum and the Trust is now the primary driver of finances and volunteers. I had a chance to sit with Vice President of the trust Rick Collins to discuss the impact of the museum for Tucson.
