Arizona's 4-H program has a long and illustrious history. Nationally, 4-H's history dates to 1902, when A.B. Graham organized the first 4-H club in the basement of the Clark County Courthouse in Springfield Township, Ohio. The first 4-H club in Arizona was organized as the Boys Cotton Club in Chandler by George Peabody in 1913, and within a year 87 members were involved in 12 Boys' and Girls' clubs across the state.
In 2002 Oliver Anderson, of Maricopa, proposed that a state 4-H museum be created to document the rich history of Arizona's 4-H Youth Development Program. Plans for the museum were included in the development of the Faul 4-H Ag-Village at the UA's Maricopa Agricultural Center, and in 2003 Oliver and Hermina Anderson donated the funds needed to create the display cases needed for the museum.
During National 4-H Week in 2004 Oliver and Hermina Anderson, joined
by their family, cut the green ribbon to officially open the Oliver Anderson
Family 4-H Museum. The museum houses over 1,000 historic 4-H photos,
record books, and other memorabilia. Oliver even donated his own 4-H Membership
Certificate, signed by Emil Rovey in 1940!
A portion of the collection is available for viewing online, and the museum is open Monday - Friday at the Maricopa Agricultural Center. Since 4-H school tours are regularly held at Big MAC, it is best to call ahead when visiting (520-568-2273).
For driving directions to big MAC, click the following links. Driving from Tucson, AZ
If you are interested in making a donation to the 4-H Museum, Information can be obtained below.
Oliver Anderson speaks of his 4-H experiences while at the museum dedication.
