At the Arizona Geological Society dinner meeting in Tucson last night, there was word circulating that Phoenix-based Freeport McMoRan has committed $1 million for the Arizona Centennial Museum. The Centennial Museum will be the reincarnation of the Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum that was transferred to the Arizona Historical Society last week in the first step of transforming it to its new role by 2012.
When Gov. Brewer announced plans for a museum to showcase Arizona's 5 'C's back in February, she said funding for it was expected to come from foundations, corporations, citizens, and grants.
Why would Freeport do that? The existing mineral museum displays, explains, and promotes their product better than the 5C Centennial Museum will.
ReplyDeleteThis story has been bouncing about for some time, but I have not been able to verify the million dollar commitment. Inquiries to Freeport have not been answered. As best as I can determine, the Centennial Commission has never made and announcement confirming the story.
ReplyDeleteDo you have information that verifies the story?
Zebra, my source now says that negotiations are continuing with Freeport. The dollar figure I hear is in the $900K range. When I first heard about this, it was presented as a done deal.
ReplyDeleteWhen something formal happens I expect the news will be widely announced.
I have now heard that Freeport wants to see plans for the centennial museum before providing funds.
ReplyDeleteFreeports possible involvement is discussed further at www.minmumad.blogspot.com (Why would Freeport support the Arizona Centennial Museum?)
Is there a bid for this exhibit construction? Where is the exhibit company based? What other companies have donated if any? Only about 430 days left to the Centennial? A 5 "C"'s exhibit will be a very boring exhibit. Wow an exhibit about oranges and climate and cattle is extremely exciting? Talk about wasting one million dollars.
ReplyDelete