The Grand Canyon River Heritage Coalition strongly supports the National Park Service’s vision for a state-of-the-art river heritage museum to be housed in the old Laundry Building, one of the principal historic buildings at the Park’s South Rim. This striking stone structure is located in an attractive, conspicuous, and easily accessible site just south across the railroad tracks from the Bright Angel Lodge. The following architectural materials help describe the museum proposal.
It is important to note that the River Heritage Museum will serve as the important catalyst for the rejuvenation and re-purposing of this entire historic area into a thriving “Village Interpretive Center” worthy of this iconic national park — a vision that has its roots in the General Management Plan of Grand Canyon National Park.
We are working hard with our partners, the National Park Service, and the Grand Canyon Association on this ambitious project. Already an architectural firm has produced a feasibility study with building renovation and display concepts. Additional historic boats have joined the collection and the conservation work is nearly complete.
The Grand Canyon historic boat collection is one-of-a-kind; the museum we envision will likewise be unique. Here the park’s rich river running heritage will live on, remain accessible to the public, and continue to grow.
Please visit the feasibility study page for detailed information on how the museum plans are progressing.