Learn more about Pimeria Alta Museum's history

The Pimeria Alta Museum is housed in the Old Nogales City Hall which was constructed in 1914. 


The museum provides information on the history of the Pimeria Alta and welcomes visitors to the border area. 


The Pimeria Alta Historical Society (PAHS) was formed in 1948, when a group of 28 concerned citizens got together to preserve the rich and exciting history of the area. 


Since its inauguration, the mayor, and city council of Nogales have supported the society, turning over the first floor and basement of the Old City Hall to PAHS for use as a museum in 1980.  ​


The museum has a research library which includes:

• A rotating historical displays of the region

• Archives of local newspapers including the Nogales International, Border Vidette, Oasis, and Nogales Daily Herald

• Three rare murals by renowned bull fighter and artist Salvador Corona

• An extensive photography display on Camp Little, home of the Buffalo soldiers, and life on the border. 


Visitors can tour the old jail cells, view the hand drawn and hand operated pumper fire truck known as, "Able and Willing" and peruse displays that will lead to an appreciation of the long and fascinating history of the area.

The story behind our famous stamp icon:

image153

Our emblem is more than just an icon; it's a part of our community's history,


Jesus Moreno, a fellow Nogalian who graduated from Nogales High School in 1982. 


He created this sketch when he was 20-years-old and a student at the University of Arizona. 


And now thanks to his distinguished design, this icon stands as a true testament of how Nogales carries rich history in many distinct ways.

A behind the scenes look of the old Nogales City Hall

Master Horologists Galen and Tim Gudenkauf restored the 1914 Nogales City Hall Building's Seth Thomas Tower Clock which can be found in Historic Downtown Nogales, Arizona. 


It's one of the few working tower clocks left in the United States. 

PAHS Museum & Board of Directors

Pimeria Alta Historical Society Board of Directors

  • Jose Ramon Garcia, President
  • John Blake, Vice President
  • Kiki Rodriquez, Treasurer 
  • Kathleen Escalada, Secretary

Pimeria Alta Historical Society Board of Trustees

  • ​Renee Baffert Guevarra
  • George Lineiro
  • Sigrid Maitrejean
  • Aracely Stout
  • Christine Courtland
  • Marlene Lopez
  • Alex Lim
  • Lois Morris
  • ​Susie Sainz

Pimeria Alta Historical Society Lifetime Honorary Board Members

  • Barbara Blake
  • Dehlia Baffert