The unfortunate legislation authorizing the Arizona Centennial Museum in early 2010 caused considerable concern about what would happen to Arizona’s irreplaceable mineral collection, a unique part of the states heritage and an irreplaceable set of scientific specimens. The following set of five quotations from AHS / Centennial Museum spokespersons, read in its entirety, is not reassuring:
Retired judge Jones is Jones is President of the Arizona Centennial Foundation. The foundation is placing the sole sourced contracts for the Arizona Historical Society. Anne Woosley and Bill Ponder are the director and administrative officer of the Arizona Historical Society.
Looking back on state's 1st 100 years - Existing mining and mineral exhibits will find home in new Centennial Museum, Charles E. Jones, The Arizona Republic, April 10, 2010
The historic pieces of equipment and world-class mineral and gem collection will remain prominently displayed. These objects are, after all, the heart of any exhibit or program reflecting the importance and history of Arizona's mining industry. Using modern display techniques, there is ample room for the continued prominence of the mineral exhibition. We understand that one of the reasons this collection is "world-class" is its comprehensive and integrated nature. Separating these valuable specimens would diminish both their value and impact.
Anne Woosley, AHS, Senate hearing on HB 2251 (2010), tape time 1:49:20
The Arizona Historical Society is absolutely committed to keeping intact that world class comprehensive mineral collection.
Mining and Mineral museum, KAET 8 Horizon. April 19, 2011, transcript:
In an email to "Horizon," Woosley wrote, "because we don't wish to “warehouse” materials, thereby making them inaccessible to the public, working with others, we are developing plans to place displays at appropriate public locations and museums around the state."
Arizona mining museum abruptly shutters
Some debate future as centennial facility
by Mary Jo Pitzl - May. 3, 2011
The Arizona Republic, page B1
Ponder said those parts of the mineral collection that don't stay would be available for loan to other institutions with similar missions, such as the Dietz Museum of Geology at Arizona State University.
Arizona Experience Museum
Phoenix Magazine
Author: Dolores Tropiano
Issue: July, 2011, Page 42
Bill Ponder, the historical society’s chief administrative officer, says the now defunct museum served a great purpose. “But I think it could be much, much better even if we are displaying less of the collection,” he says.
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