“The main difference in the wing is the direction of education based on the collections,” Schoonover said. “Instead of everything just being displayed, there are good explanations of different cultures and when they came in. Visitors can get their questions answered when there’s not a docent available.”

Johnson said credit goes to the volunteers who help keep the museum running.

“There are literally hundreds of hours of volunteer work that have been done this summer. The doors might have been closed but it’s been a beehive of activity.”

CCM is particularly proud of the tiny church located at the rear of the main museum building. Established in 1946 (some say 1948) as Black Mountain Community Church, the building was rolled on logs to its present location in 1970.

“Another project that grabs your heart and won’t let go is our little church,” Johnson said. “It’s got a very rich history. It has been the stepping stone for so many people. That’s what sets it apart as a gathering place. It was our home for 17 years. Before we were a museum, we were a historical society.”

The museum is always eager to hear the stories of people who were married in the little church. Anyone with information or artifacts dating back to the church’s early days are asked to contact the museum.

“If you’re given something like this (church), you have a moral and financial commitment to maintain it,” Johnson said. “And to maintain its integrity can sometimes be quite costly. The people in Cave Creek took care of Cave Creek in the early days. That’s why there is so much of it still preserved.  We own the property and the buildings outright. All improvements have been made as the museum has acquired the funds. Nobody ever wanted to go into debt. That’s something very rare and unique these days. Not a whole lot of museums can say that.”

The museum has a core of about 60 docents, some of whom are on hand during business hours to serve as guides and answer visitors’ questions.

“We could always use more,” Johnson said. “We have a volunteer staff of about 100. New people are always welcome. It doesn’t matter what your talents are; we can find a place for you.”

It’s all about sharing, Johnson said.

“This all came about from a love of history and a foresight that we have something to share here. We have something significant. After all, if a town doesn’t have a museum, it doesn’t have a soul.”

Cave Creek Museum is located at 6140 E. Skyline Drive in Cave Creek.

Hours are 1 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday from October through May.

Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for seniors and students.

Group tours are welcome.