From the Arizona Republic‘s Laurie Roberts on Republican Sen. Gail Griffin sticking it to the Arizona Historical Society:
A routine proposal to extend the life of the Arizona Historical Society for another 10 years has been slashed to two years, a move that the state historian says could be “a death knell” to the agency that operates seven museums around the state.
Marshall Trimble says he’s puzzled by why the Legislature would want to stick it to the Historical Society, which collects, preserves and showcases the history of Arizona and the west.
“Our history is one of the most unique and colorful in the entire 50 states,” he said. “Our story is so important to the state. We are a place that lives by our legends and our history.”
Sen. Gail Griffin, the senator pushing a two-year rather than 10-year extension, says she wants to make sure that the agency corrects longstanding problems identified in a state audit last fall before giving it a longer life.
“I’m on their side,” Griffin, R-Hereford, told me. “The issues that were brought up were serious concerns. I just want to make sure those concerns are taken care of.”
The audit noted that the Historical Society needs to do a better job fund raising and managing its collection, problems that were also identified in state audits in 1995 and 1998.
Problems that I’m quite sure will be so much easier, now that the agency faces the possibility of extinction in two years.
This article appears in Apr 17-23, 2014.
It’s about time someone in the State Legislature took notice. The AHS (i.e Dr. Ann Woosley and her do nothing Board of Directors) have been destroying the Arizona Historical Society. She spent $1,400,000 of Rio Nuevo money for exhibit design plans for a facility that was never going to be built.
She took over the Arizona Mineral and Mining Museum and shut it down to build the “Centennial Museum”. Never happened. Then she wanted to make it the “5 C’s” Museum/ (tha’s Cattle, Copper etc type museum), Never happened.
Now she wants to make it a party rental facility for the Phoenix elite.
She and the Board have no capabilities to raise funds for the museum. And I am not talking about these bullcrap projects. For years she has no visibility in the community.
As for Marshall Trimble. A mouthpiece for the AHS. His history book on the History of Arizona has always been known as a very weak book, fit for tourists.
Sen. Griffin is correct. The AHS has serious problems that must be addressed. Major issues are summarized on the blog Mineral Museum Madness.
In 2010, the AHS hijacked and then destroyed that once top rated Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum and its K-12 education programs.
So what was the kickback Woosley got for the Rio Nuevo money that was wasted. Typical Tucson screw up.
From what I remember the Arizona Historical has had problems with directors who were in trouble or corrupt. People like Mike Weber and Jerry Kyle (fired for lawbreaking) and now Ann Woosley. Does their Board of Directors even know what is going on?
Provide a link to the Auditor Generals Report and the Sunset Review!! The Tucson Weekly readers should be able to read it as well as the Arizona taxpayers as well as the membership of the Arizona lHistorical Society.
To Mari Herreras–
In your title of the article you seem to blame the Ariaona Legislature for this. You really need to look to the Arizona Historical Society and it’s Board of Directors for much of the blame. The AHS (Ann Woosley and the Board) are totally inept in raising funds as well as hiring staff who can raise funds. Please read the AG Report and the older reports.
The involvement with Rio Nuevo as well as the centennial Museum are enough to get Woosley fired. The Board has no capabilities in raising money. Ask how many times Ann Woosley has been out to give speeches or lectures? She is unknown in the community.
Ann Woosley and the Board) are totally inept, Fire them. Don’t destroy the society because of Woosley and the Board. Wake up AZ, only the extreme run this state. that is why it is so inept. Republicans don’t know how to tie a shoe.
So what was the final vote and decision?
Fraser and Dick Zimmerman have their facts incorrect. Anne Woosley was not responsible for making the decisions that ultimately shut down the Mining & Mineral Museum. Get your facts straight. The State Legislators and Governor Brewer are directly responsible for what has happened. Dr. Woosley has presented several options to state legislators to re-open the museum including the proposal which has been rejected funding by politicians such as Gail Griffin. You want someone to blame, its Griffin & her legislator bully friends.
As a teacher who received materials and support from the wonderful staff at the Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum, I was stunned when they closed it, and continue to be incredulous that anyone would defend this action. The schoolchildren of Arizona lost a huge and invaluable resource when the doors closed, and all involved, including Governor Brewer, should be ashamed.