100 Years of Arizona’s Best: The Minerals That Made The State

Exhibit Opens Feb 3, 2012

The UA Mineral Museum’s special exhibit, “100 Years of Arizona’s Best: The Minerals That Made The State” will commemorate Arizona’s State Centennial with a dazzling display of Arizona minerals on loan from top collectors. Arizona is famous for both its copper wealth and its mineral specimens. This exhibit celebrates the state’s rich mining history with captivating archival photos and a rare chance to see the best of Arizona’s incredible minerals gathered together in one special exhibit.

Shirley Wetmore, Senior Curatorial Specialist

Since her arrival at the University of Arizona in 1975, she has worked tirelessly to maintain and improve the collections, promote the Mineral Museum and educate thousands of visiting schoolchildren in minerals and geology.

Shirley first became a volunteer at the University of Arizona Mineral Museum in 1975, shortly after her arrival in Tucson. It was during this time that she helped organize and catalog the Museum’s collection that dates back to 1891.

In 1979 she became the Curatorial Specialist, essentially assuming the duties of assistant curator, and since that time has digitized the museum records, created an Arizona mines file, expanded the education program and established loan and policy procedures. In addition she expanded the museum staff to include work study students, organized a special events program, implemented a mineral and meteorite identification service for the general public, and has designed and constructed exhibits for both in the Museum and at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.

Since moving the collection to the Flandrau: UA Science Center in 1993, Shirley has worked closely with the staff of the Science Center to develop exhibits and enhance the overall experience of the visiting public.

You will be deeply missed by the Museum staff, mineral and meteorite community, teachers and countless schoolchildren. We wish you great happiness in your retirement and look forward to seeing you at the annual Tucson Gem and Mineral Shows!