Museum News

More Breaking Museum News
On Friday, Feb. 28, Harvey Jong attended the Joint Meeting of the Senate and House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education. Senator Slade Mead, Co-Chairman of the subcommittee, requested that Doug Sawyer, ADMMR Executive Director, investigate funding alternatives and present his findings at the next Joint Meeting.

Mr. Sawyer Projected Department revenues of $40K next year assuming the Museum charges a $2/person admission fee, $5-$10 publication fees, and charges for teacher kits. The cost of moving to the Capitol Museum would be $412K.

Senator Mead indicated concern over using state resources to launch an e-mail campaign to solicit support for the Department. He remarked that while he appreciated the inputs and passion of concerned citizens, the messages do not reflect the real issue in question, which is the Department's leadership and its ability to run the agency and not the Mineral Museum.  Senator Mead recommended convening a special meeting with the Governor's office next Friday. Attendees would include Senate members, the ADMMR Director, and key stakeholders. The stakeholder representatives include Gilbert Flores, representing club/hobbyists, James Vacek,  representing small business/dealers, Thorndale Rogers, representing professional geologists and independent consultants, and the AZ Historical Society representing museum curators. The following questions will be addressed:

1. Is the Department is a good investment for the State of Arizona?
2. Can the Department/Museum be funded on its own and/or from the private sector?
3. Can the Department be reorganized/restructured to be more effective and efficient?
4. How does the Department compare with similar agencies in other states?
5. What alternatives are available to house the collection if the ADMMR is closed?
6. Why is the state charging rent on a building that it already owns?

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members to send letters, emails, and phone calls to our legislators, and to appear at the
meeting to show our support.  Our elected representatives will have to make their decisions based on the needs of all the people of Arizona, then we will need to look at all our options, and decide how best to preserve our Mineral and Mining heritage. After learning of the decision made in the legislature, we will meet to make plans and determine what actions will best serve to preserving the collection and records in the museum's care. Among the ideas to be discussed will be greater private support of the museum, ways of publicizing the value of the museum to Arizona, and strategies to protect the collection from future uncertainties.

This photogenic fossil aficionado is giving her full attention to the volunteers of the Mesa Community College Geology Club, as they share minerals and fossils at the Flagg Show.

Fascination with the mysteries of minerals was enjoyed by many families at the Flagg day festivities this past January.

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