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Operated by the Arizona Historical Society, the Sanguinetti House Museum and Gardens is a historic home in downtown Yuma. Built in the 1870s, it is named after local businessman E.F. Sanguinetti, who lived here with his family beginning in 1890. Sanguinetti built a large business empire, earning the nickname "Merchant Prince of Yuma" for his success. The museum features exhibits about his life and legacy and Yuma's history, and offers guided tours, and various educational programs. The site also features additional buildings and aviaries.

The historic E. F. Sanguinetti Home and gardens is operated by the Arizona Historical Society.

The historic E. F. Sanguinetti Home and gardens is operated by the Arizona Historical Society.

Eugene Francis Sanguinetti was born in Coulterville, California in 1867. He arrived in Yuma when he was 16 and found a job working for a family friend, John Gandolfo, who was a local merchant. Sanguinetti started as a clerk and eventually bought the business. Over the coming years he expanded it, eventually owning twelves stores, a car dealership, dairy, commercial buildings, mines, public utilities, farms, a construction company, and many other interests.

Sanguinetti's impact on Yuma was significant. He employed the most people in the county and the most farm workers in the state. He played a role in convincing Congress to undertake the Yuma Project and Gila Project, which provide water to southwester Arizona. He also supported the idea of building a transcontinental highway to pass through Yuma.

He married his wife, Lilah, in 1915 (he was 48) and they had three children, two boys and a girl. The family lived in the house and Sanguinetti developed the property to what it appears now. Lilah died suddenly of a heart attack in 1937. Two years later, Sanguinetti moved to California and passed away in 1945. The property became a museum in 1963.

"E. F. Sanguinetti Home." The Historical Marker Database. Accessed September 10, 2020. https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=28971.

Irwin, John. "E.F. Sanguinetti Collection." Yuma County Library District. 2013. http://rmb9ppkcf93ghpsk2g5dx546-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/E.F.-Sanguinetti-Collection.pdf.

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Arizona Historical Society