Performance Audit and Sunset Review: Arizona Historical Society

The Arizona Historical Society predates statehood and was established to obtain, hold in trust, and provide access to items pertinent to Arizona history. The Society’s state appropriations have decreased by 16 percent from $3.2 million in fiscal year 2008 to $2.7 million in fiscal year 2012. Nonappropriated revenues have also decreased by 29 percent from $1.4 million to $1 million over the same period. To address declining revenues, the Society needs to develop a fund-raising action plan, create and assign fundraising responsibilities to a development officer position as resources allow, evaluate the need for regional chapters, and strengthen relationships with private support groups. The Society also needs to develop a comprehensive collections-management plan to identify and prioritize its collections- management needs. The Legislature should also consider providing for a governor-appointed board.