Having guided Sharlot Hall Museum for more than seven years — from 2013 until his retirement at the end of December 2020 — Fred Veil has been honored by his friends and associates at the popular 93-year old historical museum.
During well-attended ceremonies on Oct. 28, Sharlot Hall Board of Trustees President Kim Finston led activities dedicated the recently completed education center to Veil, the retiring executive director.
Finston and other community leaders and county officials applauded Veil for his leadership during expansion of the prestigious museum.
Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Chairman Craig Brown praised Veil and the facilities he had supervised for the many learning experiences they provided the greater community.
Likewise, Prescott Mayor Craig Mengarelli called the four-acre open-air museum an asset to not just the City but also the greater region.
Particular focus was given to the new $3.15 million, 10,350 square-foot, three-story brick building which recently was constructed at the corner of McCormick Street and Beech Avenue. To be known as the Fred W. Veil Education Center, it will add an auditorium, catering kitchen, office space and classroom facilities to the museum.
Finston said the Education Center would not have happened if it hadn’t been for the vision, dedication and perseverance of Veil.
Veil was a law school graduate of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. He had been a senior legal executive with several global corporations before retiring to Prescott in 2000. He initiated the popular Western History Symposium in 2004. During his years as director, membership and attendance at had grown to the point the museum was one of the most popular visitor destinations in central Arizona.