Governor Announces Centennial Birthday Present

Press Release

Governor Jan Brewer today announced that in celebration of Arizona's 100th anniversary of statehood, an Arizona Centennial Museum will be created for all residents and visitors to enjoy.

In a ceremony at the historical Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum located in downtown Phoenix, the governor presented her vision and plans that will be instituted over the course of the next two years to transform the historic Mining and Mineral Museum into the Arizona Centennial Museum. The museum's exhibits will be devoted to showcasing the enduring legacy of Arizona's dynamic economic growth and industrial development.

"This new Centennial Museum will be a vibrant, interactive facility, offering state-of-the-art technology and exhibits unlike any in Arizona," said Governor Brewer. "This facility will feature educational profiles of each industry, showcasing the rich heritage of Arizona's economy and providing a vision of its brilliant future."

Arizona's story of economic advancement will be told through the "Five Cs" (Copper, Cattle, Citrus, Climate and Cotton) of our state's industrial heritage. Interactive displays will highlight these key industries allowing the Arizona story to unfold. Each of these displays will bring to light how these prime industries continually bring prosperity and contribute to Arizona's economic health and vitality.

Working in partnership with these businesses to tell the Arizona story will be Gallagher & Associates, a world-renowned design firm with vast experience creating interactive museums. The organization was selected by the Arizona Centennial 2012 Foundation, a non-profit organization established for the Arizona Centennial commemoration.

"It is an honor and a thrill for us to be part of this fantastic opportunity," said Patrick Gallagher, president and CEO of Gallagher & Associates. "Arizona has such an incredible history and we look forward to working with industry leaders in chronicling this state's amazing journey."

The Governor also explained that no public funds will be used to build this new museum. The Arizona Centennial Commission, the Arizona Centennial 2010 Foundation, the Arizona Historical Society and representatives from the "Five Cs" are working collaboratively to collect the necessary private sector funds to renovate and maintain the museum. The Arizona Historical Society will assume management of the Centennial Museum upon completion.

For more information about the planning for Arizona's Centennial and opportunities to participate, visit www.Arizona100.org, or contact Karen Churchard at 602-364-4158 or via e-mail at kchuchard@azot.gov.

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