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Historama

What IS the “Historama”?

A kitschy small theater with chairs, a stage, dim lighting and the walls hung with old western movie posters.

But the Historama is so much more than that.

One part elementary-school diorama, one part middle-school science fair (remember making a paper mache volcano that “erupted” from a baking soda and vinegar mix? Yeah, it’s kinda like that), and one part high-school play, narrated by the always identifiable actor, Vincent Price.

Originally built in the 1960s, with the soundtrack recorded by Price in 1964, the display moves, rotates, and changes while the narrator tells the story of Tombstone from its beginnings in Apache Territory up to the modern day.

Well, up to 1964, anyway.

Despite using a large, rotating model showing Tombstone through the years along with a video showing historic photos and movie clips, the Historama gives an accurate overview of Tombstone’s real history, different than what Hollywood shows.

Tombstone's  “Newcomer Orientation”

The Historama makes everything else you'll see in Tombstone make more sense.

The program provides visitors with an authoritative account of Tombstone's history from Geronimo's Apaches to modern times.

It includes the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, the great fires, the flooding of Tombstone’s mines, and more.

Viewers discover how Tombstone got its name and why Wyatt Earp left Tombstone wanted for murder.

The show relates the history of how Tombstone became a boom town as a result of the discovery of silver by Edward Schieffelin, and how the town refused to die despite two separate massive fires that burned huge sections of town to the ground.

Actor Vincent Price narrates this 25-minute multimedia presentation involving video, historic photos, and computer controlled animated figures moving on a revolving stage.

Vincent Price for the Unfamiliar

Vincent Leonard Price Jr. (May 27, 1911 – October 25, 1993) was an American actor known for his campy villain roles in over 100 films, including horror and teen movies.

Price's career began on Broadway in 1935 and ended with Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands in 1990.

He also appeared on television and radio during his career.

Price has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one for motion pictures and one for television.

Price was also a major art collector and patron, and even directed an art gallery.

Strangely enough, this is what led to his performance for the Historama.

Bob Love, owner of the Historama, has said that Price recorded the narration as a favor to Bob's father, Harold Love, who, like Price, was a collector of Western art.

For those who know his voice, Price evokes the perfect note of nostalgia adding to the charm of the Historama show.

For those not familiar with Price, this show is the perfect introduction.

A Unique Piece of Americana

The Historama has itself become part of Tombstone’s fascinating history.

Most visitors to Tombstone who have seen the Historama say that despite being dated (read corny) the information is very interesting and helpful for an overview of the history of Tombstone.

The whole shebang runs for about 30 minutes, has the occasional technical glitch, and is so retro it is freaky, BUT, as everyone who has ever seen it, the Historama is an absolute “must visit” on any Tombstone trip.

In some ways the Historama is more “Tombstone” than Tombstone itself.

As part of the O.K. Corral Historic Complex, the Historama is included with admission to the O.K. Corral.

Or tickets just for the Historama show can be purchased separately.

For a brochure of the  O.K. Corral Historic Complex, click here.

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