Legislation was introduced late on Friday afternoon that would transfer the former Mining & Mineral Museum building in Phoenix [right] and all of its assets from the Arizona Historical Society to the Arizona Geological Survey to re-open it as the Arizona Mining, Mineral, and Natural Resources Education Museum. A hearing on the bill, SB1200, is scheduled for 9 a.m., Tuesday, February 17 in the Senate Rural Affairs and Environment Committee.The bill says the State Geologist may "promote the recognition and celebration of the historical, cultural, economic and social contributions to this state made by the mining, mineral and natural resource industries in this state, including the livestock and agricultural industries."
A 14-member Advisory Council, appointed by the Governor, would be comprised of two representatives from the mining industry, two from the tourism community, two each from agriculture, livestock and specialty crops communities (total of 6), an education representative, and two from the public. The State Geologist would also be a member. The Council makeup is the same as that for the Arizona Experience museum proposed for the Centennial but never implemented.
SB1200 was initially introduced to make a technical correction but a 'strike everything' amendment added all the new language.
Let's hope the Mining and Mineral Museum is re-established, even if with the 5"C's" related theme. It was such a loss when the original museum was closed down... a loss for educational purposes and a loss for Arizona heritage and tourism. It was such a great place to visit and take out-of-town visitors. I hope the doors open soon again.
ReplyDeleteHopefully with a greater emphasis on mining and minerals. It's sad that the other "C's" haven't managed to create their own museum years ago, like the miners did, even volunteering many thousands of hours. Instead our museum had to be degraded. I hope the stamp mill, Flagg mineral collection and other treasures are still in good shape and not partly stolen or in the landfill...
ReplyDeleteActually, the bill decreases the emphasis on mining and minerals. The legislation calls for a natural resources theme that adds livestock, agriculture, specialty crops, and tourism. At the hearing this morning, Sen. Griffin also called for special attention to forestry, range management, and wildfires in the re-opened museum. Two of 14 members of the Advisory Council would be from mining, 6 from ranching and farming, 2 from tourism, 2 from the public, and 1 from education.
ReplyDelete