The Artesia Historical Museum and Art Center, as the name suggests, has two public buildings. The first is the Ward House. This is our main building built in 1905 by Charles J. Moore. The building contractor, A.F. Martin, combined the Queen Ann and California Bungalow styles to create this beautiful two-story house. It was featured, shortly after it was built, in the “Artesia Advocate,” as “Artesia’s prettiest residence” (Oct. Of 1905). It was sold two years later to Stephan Ward who also owned the Flying H Ranch by 1900. His wife and kids used the Ward House during the school year and Mr. Ward would come down as his work allowed. The house was formally donated by J.S. Ward in 1968 and opened in 1970.

The Art Center was built to allow for temporary or extended exhibits, including the museum’s painting collection. Yearly exhibits include the Quilt Show, Halloween, and the Christmas Village. The Museum also boasts a garden and sitting area for the public to enjoy year-round.