Research

Named for Elizabeth Brownell, past president of The Tubac Historical Society (“THS”) and author of the authoritative Tubac history “They Lived in Tubac,” the Brownell Research Center (“BRC”) serves as the THS headquarters. “Brownie” Brownell left to the THS the over 20,000 3×5 inch index cards filled with her research for “They Lived in Tubac.” Brownie’s index cards, together with over three thousand books, biographical material on area residents, historical maps, various journals, such as Arizona Highways and Journal of Arizona History, and newspaper clippings, cemetery records, obituaries, oral histories, photographs, and information on Tubac artists, are all available at the BRC for scholarly researchers of Arizona history, as well as visitors with a more casual interest.

The THS is reorganizing its website so online researchers can effectively access our collection. Trained volunteers are on site at the THS to assist researchers and visitors to the BRC. We invite you to visit the Brownell Research Center or explore our website to learn more about the rich and interesting history of life in the Santa Cruz River Valley. 
Click to view our online collections database.

Please visit our online catalog on this website. We welcome all inquiries by phone or email, or mail. Or visit our Brownell Research Center open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 to 2:00.