Friends of the Mineral Museum
We are a research and service division of:
The Friends of the Museum is a group of rock & mineral enthusiasts that support objectives of the New Mexico Bureau of Geology Mineral Museum. These objectives range from acquiring materials for everyday tasks (replacing lights, purchasing cleaning supplies and mineral stands, etc.) to supporting higher cost, large museum projects (purchasing additional display cases and lighting).
For a minimum annual fee of $25 (larger gifts are greatly appreciated!), we show you how your money is spent two ways: through tangible projects that are completed in a timely manner, and by an annual to bi-annnual newsletter (depending on how ambitious we are!). The newsletter provides updates on museum events and projects, new acquitisions, K-12 outreach, gem & mineral shows, and the New Mexico Mineral Symposium.
Projects in Need of Funding
Remodeling and upgrading the Fluorescent Mineral Display
One of our most popular displays has been down for more than a year. A major remodel and upgrade of the Fluorescent Mineral Display is needed. The large lights that illuminate most of the display (12 in all) and the electronic switching mechanism need to be replaced. In addition, increasing the depth of the cases will give better illumination by the new light. This is a major undertaking, and we are trying to raise $40,000 for this undertaking.
Finished Projects
Best of New Mexico and Bingham Fluorites (almost finished)
In 2022 we started fundraising to purchase a new display case for a Best of New Mexico Display. We have expanded this to include a second case that features exceptional fluorite specimens from Bingham. The cases have been designed and are currently being manufactured. Our anticipated installation date is February 2026. The cases will look something like the one pictured here:
Installation of Additional Lights to Display Cases
We have added additional LED strips (37 total) for lighting the upper shelves of most of the display cases in the museum. Now we can enjoy the beautiful specimens even more.
Historical Mining Artifacts in the Courtyard
Numerous historical mining artifacts from Golden, NM, Cerillos, NM and elsewhere were donated to the museum by Desiri & Al from the Henderson Store in Golden, NM, and to Phil Bove of Santa Fe! These are on permanent display in the Bureau courtyard (west side of the building). Paul R. Secord researched these artifacts and published an in-depth coverage in “Historic Mining Equipment Display: New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, New Mexico Tech,” which is available on Amazon or you can purchase it in the Bureau Bookstore after viewing the courtyard display.
Acknowledgements
We would like to personally thank Maryanne Fender for the idea to create this group in support of the Mineral Museum. In addition, we very much appreciate all of our “Friends” for stepping up to support museum goals!