Below are some frequently asked questions about the AMMNRE Museum. We want your input! If your question is not answered here, feel free to contact us.
The museum is not currently open. At this moment, we do not have an official opening date. We are still in the development phase, focusing on priority building renovations and schematic design. We will keep the blog updated as we make progress.
While both museums are in development under the University of Arizona, they are different institutions. The AMMNRE Museum was established as a natural resources museum that will showcase UA research and innovation in not only mining, but also the timber, livestock and agricultural industries. Our mineral collection serves as the state’s repository and is separate from that of the Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum.
Yes. In 2017, Senate Bill 1415 transferred ownership of the building and mineral collection fully from the State of Arizona to the University of Arizona. Read more about the legislative history here.
As of October 2019, the mineral collection is fully intact and in secure storage at the museum. See this blog post for details about the move!
When the Mining and Mineral Museum closed in 2011, the Department of Mines and Mineral Resources' mining files were transferred to the Arizona Geological Survey. Most were digitized and are available to search online at https://minedata.azgs.arizona.edu. The physical files are located at the Arizona Historical Society's Library and Archives in Tucson.
The outdoor mining exhibits are intact and regularly serviced thanks to help from the Monday Crew volunteers. These exhibits include the Boras Headframe, the Swallow Mine Stamp Mill, and others.
The AMMNRE Museum volunteers come from many different backgrounds and have different skills. We usually hold volunteer days where we break into groups to complete different tasks, which can include working on the outdoor equipment, organizing parts of the mineral collection, sorting material, or helping with event logistics. While heavy lifting is sometimes involved, it is never required.
While many specimens require in-person identification, we can do our best to help via email. Send a photo and additional info (location found, etc.) to Museum Curator Catie Sandoval at cscarter@arizona.edu. At this time, we are not buying minerals and do not offer appraisals.
The museum does not offer appraisals and cannot determine the value of a specimen.
Yes, we accept donations with careful consideration. The material must have clear title and be consistent with our mission of research, exhibition and education. If you are interested in making an unencumbered donation of a rock or mineral specimen to the museum, contact Curator Catie Sandoval at cscarter@arizona.edu. Please provide list of items, photos, and documented provenance.