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.
Both the AMMNRE Museum in Phoenix and the Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum in Tucson are operated by the University of Arizona, but they are different institutions. Our museum was established as a natural resources museum that will showcase UA research and innovation in not only mining, but also timber, livestock and agriculture. Our mineral collection serves as the state’s repository and is separate from that of the Alfie Norville.
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.
The mineral collection is fully intact and in secure storage. See this blog post for details about the October 2019 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.
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. While we do accept donations with careful consideration, we do not buy 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. At this time, we are only collecting material from Arizona, specifically from new and developing mining projects.
We do not collect Native American artifacts, art, books, or photographs.
Any donated 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.
We can help!
For questions about museum development, contact Director Marta Bones at mbones@arizona.edu.
For questions about the mineral collection, museum history, or educational outreach, contact Curator Catie Sandoval at cscarter@arizona.edu.