Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum

Last operated by the Arizona Historical Society, a state government agency, its exhibits included more than 3,000 minerals, rocks, fossils, and artifacts related to the mining industry.

It was open only during state fairs until 1953, when six Arizona mining companies provided funds for its year-round operation as a formal museum.

Both the museum and the offices of its sponsoring agency, the Arizona Department of Mines and Mineral Resources, were located in a building on the state fairgrounds.

The office of Governor Jan Brewer is credited with developing the concept for the centennial museum, which was proposed to focus on "Arizona's Five C's: cattle, copper, cotton, citrus and climate."

Some loaned specimens on display were valued in the "tens of thousands of dollars" range, and the museum is fully liable for any loss or damage to them.

[1][9] An exhibit room off the main gallery displays a mineral collection, kachina dolls, and other items donated by Rose Mofford, who was governor of Arizona at the time the museum relocated to its current site.