What is the primary purpose and location of the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals?

The Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals is a non-profit earth science museum situated in Hillsboro, Oregon, within the Portland metropolitan area. It is recognized as the largest museum of its kind in the Pacific Northwest.

What are the key dates associated with the founding and public opening of the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals?

The museum was established as a non-profit entity in 1996, and it officially opened its doors to the public in 1997. The collections themselves date back to the 1930s.

Who were the individuals responsible for founding the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals?

The museum was founded by Richard L. Rice and his wife, Helen Hart Rice, who began their passion for collecting rocks and minerals in 1938.

When did Richard and Helen Rice begin their journey into collecting rocks and minerals?

The Rices initiated their rock and mineral collecting activities in 1938 after discovering agates along the Oregon Coast.

Where is the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals situated geographically?

The museum is located in Hillsboro, Oregon, positioned just north of the Sunset Highway on the northern outskirts of the city.

What is the historical significance of the building that houses the museum's collections?

The museum is housed within the Richard and Helen Rice House, a ranch-style home built in 1952 specifically to showcase the founders' extensive rock and mineral collections. Notably, this residence was the first ranch-style home in Oregon to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

What architectural style characterizes the Richard and Helen Rice House?

The Richard and Helen Rice House was designed in the Ranch architectural style.

What primary building materials were utilized in the construction of the Richard and Helen Rice House?

The exterior of the house features Arizona flagstone, while the interior showcases wood native to Oregon, including curly maple and myrtlewood.

What are the dimensions of the museum's main building and its basement space?

The main museum building offers 7,500 square feet (700 m²) of exhibition space, complemented by a 3,300 square foot (310 m²) basement area.

How large is the museum's property in terms of acreage?

The museum is situated on a property encompassing 23 wooded acres, which is equivalent to 9.3 hectares.

What is the typical annual visitor count for the museum?

The museum generally attracts approximately 25,000 visitors each year, with a significant portion of these visitors being students from school groups.

What categories of specimens are featured in the museum's collections?

The museum's collections encompass a wide array of earth science specimens, including petrified wood, various fossils, fluorescent minerals, meteorites, zeolites, gemstones, and numerous other types of minerals.

How many specimens does the museum house, and what is its distinction in the region?

With over 20,000 specimens, the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals holds the distinction of being the largest museum of its kind in the Pacific Northwest.

What types of fossils are represented in the museum's collection?

The museum's fossil collection includes a diverse range of items such as shark teeth, coprolites (fossilized excrement), petrified wood, dinosaur eggs, trilobites, and a notable fossil of a baby dinosaur belonging to the genus Psittacosaurus.

Which gemstones are among the notable displays at the museum?

The museum features a variety of gemstones, including rubies, diamonds, rhodochrosite, opal, emerald, and amethyst, among other precious and semi-precious stones.

What makes the 'Alma Rose' specimen significant within the museum's collection?

The 'Alma Rose' is a significant rhodochrosite specimen from Colorado's Sweet Home Mine, distinguished by its large crystals, some measuring up to 9.5 cm, and its aesthetic combination with quartz and calcite.

What is the museum's connection to the 'Alma King' rhodochrosite specimen?

The Rices, the museum's founders, previously owned the 'Alma King' rhodochrosite, which they later sold to the Coors Brewing Company. Coors then donated this specimen to the Denver Natural History Museum.

What does the museum's collection of gold items include?

The museum houses a collection of 107 gold pieces from the F. John Barlow collection. This collection features items such as a gold leaf weighing 42 troy ounces (1.3 kg) and specimens mined from the Ace of Diamonds mine in Liberty, Washington.

What is the purpose and characteristic of the museum's Rainbow Gallery?

The Rainbow Gallery is specifically designed to showcase rocks and minerals that possess phosphorescent or fluorescent properties, meaning they emit light or glow under specific lighting conditions, often utilizing ultraviolet lights.

From where does a significant portion of the museum's petrified wood collection originate?

A substantial part of the museum's petrified wood collection comes from the combined specimens of Dennis and Mary Murphy. This includes a large white oak log, weighing 1,200 pounds (540 kg), sourced from Eastern Oregon and estimated to be over 25 million years old.

What is the museum's claim to fame regarding thundereggs?

The museum is home to the world's largest known opal-filled thunderegg, a massive specimen weighing 1.75 tons (1600 kg). Thundereggs are recognized as the official state rock of Oregon.

What notable meteorite is displayed at the museum, and what is its origin?

The museum displays the Gibeon meteorite, a significant specimen weighing 210 pounds (95 kg), which originated from the African nation of Namibia.

What affiliation does the museum hold with a major national institution?

Since 2015, the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals has been recognized as a Smithsonian Affiliate museum.

What types of public programs does the museum offer?

The museum provides various public programs, including past annual summer festivals featuring activities like thunderegg cutting and gold panning demonstrations, and has hosted the Northwest Fossil Fest. It also offers tours for school and community groups, with potential for expansion based on funding and staffing.

What are the key facilities available within the museum complex?

The museum complex includes a Community Room, Resource Library, Fossil Gallery, Rainbow Gallery, Special Exhibits area, Education Room, Petrified Wood Gallery, Main Gallery, Pacific Northwest Gallery, and a gift shop. The outdoor grounds also feature walking paths with rock displays and a 'Rock Pile' activity.

What incident involving the museum's gold collection occurred on December 24, 2023?

On December 24, 2023, the museum experienced a theft where a robber stole its collection of gold items during a smash-and-grab incident.

What is the architectural style of the museum's primary building, the Richard and Helen Rice House?

The Richard and Helen Rice House, which serves as the main building for the museum, is designed in the Ranch architectural style.

Who was responsible for the landscape design of the Richard and Helen Rice House property?

Charles F. Walters was the architect responsible for designing the grounds surrounding the Richard and Helen Rice House.

What distinctive interior features can be found within the Richard and Helen Rice House?

Inside the house, visitors can find three sandstone fireplaces, countertops finished with hand-painted tiles from Mexico, myrtlewood used for trim and doors, built-in closet amenities like drawers and ironing boards, and dumbwaiters.

What was the original construction cost of the Richard and Helen Rice House?

The construction of the 7,500 square foot house, which included a 3,300 square foot basement, cost $185,000.

What happened to the original linoleum floor in the museum's basement following a flood?

Despite a flood in 2021, the original blue linoleum floor in the basement, which features the museum's logo, was preserved thanks to the efforts of volunteers and generous donations.

What is the historical distinction of the museum's main building within Oregon?

The ranch-style home housing the museum was the first ranch home in Oregon to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

What is the function of the separate gallery building at the museum?

The museum utilizes a separate building, known as the Northwest Gallery, which formerly served as storage and a shop. This gallery specifically showcases items from Oregon, Idaho, and Washington, including collections of agates, thundereggs, zeolites, and placer gold.

What accessibility feature was added to the house before its public opening?

An elevator was installed in the house prior to its opening to the public in 1997, likely to enhance accessibility for visitors.

Which specific mineral specimen from Russia is highlighted as being among the world's finest at the museum?

The museum features a sperrylite specimen from Russia, which is considered one of the finest examples of this mineral globally.

What is the significance of the Gibeon meteorite housed at the museum regarding its origin and weight?

The Gibeon meteorite, displayed at the museum, weighs 210 pounds (95 kg) and originates from Namibia, a nation in Africa.

What is the estimated geological age of the cycad fossil held by the museum?

The cycad fossil at the museum, which weighs 500 pounds (230 kg), dates back to the Jurassic era.

What is the provenance of the large specimen featuring quartz, epidote, and calcite found at the museum?

This specimen, measuring 30 cm wide and containing clear quartz crystals, epidote crystals up to 10 cm, and translucent calcite scalenohedrons, originates from Green Monster Mountain on Prince of Wales Island in Alaska.

What was Richard Rice's profession, and how did it relate to the museum's construction?

Richard Rice was employed as a logging contractor. He personally harvested and milled the Oregon wood used for the interior trim and doors of the Richard and Helen Rice House.

What is the significance of the museum's collection of zeolites?

Zeolites are among the diverse mineral collections housed at the museum, contributing to its status as the largest earth science museum of its kind in the Pacific Northwest.

What is the official web address for the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals?

The museum maintains an official website at ricenorthwestmuseum.org, providing information about its exhibits and collections.

What was the strategic purpose behind opening a satellite gift shop in The Streets of Tanasbourne?

The satellite gift shop, opened in August 2008, was intended as a temporary initiative designed, in part, to attract more visitors to the main museum.

When did the museum's satellite gift shop cease operations, and what was the reason cited?

The satellite gift shop, located in The Streets of Tanasbourne, was closed in December 2009, a decision attributed to the prevailing economic recession.

What range of prehistoric life is represented by the museum's fossil collection?

The museum's fossil collection offers a glimpse into prehistoric life, featuring items such as shark teeth, coprolites, petrified wood, dinosaur eggs, trilobites, and a Psittacosaurus dinosaur specimen.

What is the museum's relationship with the Smithsonian Institution?

Since 2015, the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals has held the designation of a Smithsonian Affiliate museum, indicating a partnership with the renowned institution.

How does the museum's location relate to major transportation routes in the area?

The museum is conveniently situated just north of the Sunset Highway, west of Portland, accessible between the Helvetia Road and Jackson School Road exits.

What is the role of the Curator at the museum, and who currently holds this position?

The Curator is responsible for overseeing the museum's collections and exhibits. Angela Piller currently serves as the Curator, following previous curators such as Sharleen Harvey and Rudy W. Tschernich.

What is the significance of the museum's collection of fluorescent minerals?

The museum showcases fluorescent minerals, particularly in its Rainbow Gallery, where these specimens glow under ultraviolet light, highlighting their unique luminescent properties.

What connection does the museum have to the Oregon Coast?

The museum's origins trace back to the Rices' initial rock collecting in 1938, which began when they found agates along the Oregon Coast, igniting their lifelong passion for geology.

What is the museum's designation regarding its specialization?

The museum is classified as an earth science museum, focusing on the study and display of rocks, minerals, and fossils.

What specific mineral specimen from Alaska is featured in the museum's collection?

The museum displays a specimen from Green Monster Mountain on Alaska's Prince of Wales Island, notable for its clear quartz crystals, large epidote crystals, and calcite scalenohedrons.

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Museum Overview

Location & Scope

The Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals is a distinguished non-profit institution situated in Hillsboro, Oregon. It serves as a vital hub for earth science education within the Portland metropolitan area. Established in 1997, its collections trace back to the 1930s, reflecting a profound dedication to the study and appreciation of geological specimens.^[1]^[23]

Historic Recognition

The museum is uniquely housed within the Richard and Helen Rice House, a ranch-style residence constructed in 1952. This architectural gem was the first of its kind in Oregon to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, underscoring its cultural and historical significance.^[3]^[35] In 2015, the museum achieved further recognition by becoming a Smithsonian Affiliate.^[3]

Visitor Engagement

Occupying 23 wooded acres, the museum's main building offers 7,500 square feet of exhibition space. Annually, it attracts approximately 25,000 visitors, with a significant portion comprising school groups, highlighting its role as an educational resource.^[6]^[7]^[19]

A Legacy of Discovery

The Rice Collection

The museum's origins are deeply rooted in the passion of Richard L. Rice and Helen Hart Rice. Their journey into rock collecting commenced in 1938, inspired by the discovery of agates along the Oregon Coast.^[1]^[2] Their shared passion, ignited in 1932 with their marriage, laid the foundation for a lifelong dedication to the earth sciences. They formally established their collection as a museum in 1953.^[4] Their dedication was recognized with the Woodruff Trophy twice, and Helen served as president of the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies from 1959 to 1960.^[5]^[6]

Transition to Museum

In 1996, the Rices established the non-profit museum. Upon their passing in 1997, the home and its extensive contents were bequeathed to the non-profit entity, ensuring the continuation of their legacy. The Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals officially opened its doors to the public in 1997.^[3]

2000: Acquisition of the F. John Barlow collection, featuring crystallized gold specimens.^[26]
2001: Inauguration of an exhibit dedicated to lapidary arts; the museum's collection expanded to over 4,000 items.^[4]
2003: Opening of a new gallery showcasing petrified wood; Rudy W. Tschernich appointed curator.^[9]^[10]
2004: NASA-funded exhibition featuring 52 meteorites loaned from Portland State University's Cascadia Meteorite Laboratory.^[11]^[12]
2005: Discovery of Jurassic crocodile fossil remains; opening of the 1,800 sq ft Northwest Minerals Gallery.^[14]^[16]
2007: Annual visitor count reached 25,000, with a substantial proportion being school groups.^[17]
2011-2014: Period of staff transitions, including the appointment of new curators and an executive director.^[20]^[21]
2020: Aurore Giguet appointed Executive Director.
2022: Kimberly Vagner assumed the role of Executive Director.
2023: Theft of valuable gold items from the museum's collection.^[22]

Curated Wonders

Mineral Masterpieces

The museum houses an exceptional collection of over 20,000 specimens, widely regarded as the finest in the Pacific Northwest.^[6]^[7]^[19] Notable mineral displays include vibrant gemstones such as rubies, emeralds, and opals. A particular highlight is the museum's rhodochrosite collection, featuring specimens from the renowned Sweet Home Mine in Colorado, including the celebrated "Alma Rose" piece, known for its crystals measuring up to 9.5 cm.^[17] The collection also features fluorescent minerals that exhibit luminescence under ultraviolet light.^[7]

Fossil Records

The museum's fossil collection provides a tangible link to prehistoric eras. It includes diverse specimens such as shark teeth, dinosaur eggs, and trilobites. A significant paleontological find on display is the fossilized remains of a Jurassic-era ''Psittacosaurus''.^[7]^[19] The collection also features extensive petrified wood, including a remarkable white oak log from Eastern Oregon, estimated to be over 25 million years old and weighing 1,200 pounds.^[7]^[25]

Extraterrestrial Visitors

The museum proudly exhibits an impressive array of meteorites, offering insights into celestial geology. These include specimens from the Campo del Cielo impact field in Argentina and the Gibeon meteorite, a substantial 210-pound (95 kg) fragment originating from Namibia.^[6]^[7] These extraterrestrial artifacts provide a unique connection to the broader geological history of our solar system.

Precious Metals

The museum houses a notable collection of crystallized gold specimens, many sourced from historic mining sites such as the Ace of Diamonds mine in Liberty, Washington.^[26] Among these are rare mineral forms like sperrylite; one Russian specimen is considered among the world's finest examples.^[17] The collection also includes a 42 troy ounce (1.3 kg) gold leaf specimen.

Educational Outreach

School and Group Tours

The museum actively engages with educational institutions by offering meticulously planned guided tours for school groups and other community organizations. These programs are designed to complement academic curricula and cultivate an early appreciation for the earth sciences among younger learners.^[17]

Community Events

Historically, the museum has hosted significant public events, including an annual Summer Festival featuring activities such as thunderegg cutting and gold panning demonstrations, alongside the Northwest Fossil Fest.^[30]^[31]^[32] While these events are currently paused due to considerations regarding staffing and funding, they exemplify the museum's historical commitment to broad public engagement and immersive learning experiences.

Resource Library

A dedicated Resource Library is available within the museum premises, offering enhanced opportunities for in-depth study and research across various facets of geology, mineralogy, and paleontology. This facility serves both casual enthusiasts and dedicated researchers, providing access to specialized knowledge.

Museum Infrastructure

The Historic Rice House

The museum's primary structure is the Richard and Helen Rice House, a 7,500 sq ft ranch-style residence completed in 1952.^[2]^[3] Constructed with distinctive Arizona flagstone exteriors and native Oregon woods, including curly maple and myrtlewood, it features three sandstone fireplaces and hand-painted Mexican tiles.^[7]^[34]^[35] Its architectural significance is recognized by its listing on the National Register of Historic Places.^[3]^[35]

Exhibition Spaces

In addition to the main house, a separate building functions as the Northwest Gallery, focusing on regional geological specimens. The museum also houses specialized galleries, including the Fossil Gallery, the Rainbow Gallery (dedicated to fluorescent minerals), and a distinct Petrified Wood Gallery. These spaces are meticulously curated to showcase the breadth and beauty of the museum's diverse collections.^[17]^[19]

Supporting Amenities

The museum facilities encompass a Community Room for events and a Resource Library for scholarly pursuits. The grounds feature an outdoor walk adorned with geological displays, such as basalt columns and a substantial pumice rock. The interactive "Rock Pile" activity invites visitors to select a rock to take home, fostering a personal connection with geology.^[19] An elevator was installed in the home prior to its public opening in 1997.^[2]

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References

Mandel, Michelle. âHouse of rockâ, The Oregonian, March 1, 2007, Metro West Neighbors, p. 12

Campbell, Polly. âFamily museum on foundation of rockâ, The Oregonian, October 18, 2001, Southwest Zoner, p. 2

Mandel, Michelle. âSplendid stones: free for the seeingâ, The Oregonian, October 6, 1998, p. B2

Phan, Aimee. âLow-key museum rocks in Hillsboroâ, The Oregonian, July 5, 2000, p. C2

Hill, Richard L. âMad about meteorites, enthusiasts run a program that identifies and collects space rocks at Portland Stateâ, The Oregonian, December 8, 2004, p. E12

Jones, Tricia. âMuseum displays meteorite samplesâ, The Columbian, August 10, 2004, p. D4

Campbell, Polly. âMeteorites land at Hillsboro Museumâ, The Oregonian, July 15, 2004, West Zoner, p. 2

Campbell, Polly. âProspector says hobby is gilded in funâ, The Oregonian, August 18, 2005, West Zoner, p. 2

Diehl, Angella Foret. âNeighborhood Roundup â Metro West Hillsboro: Rock Creek/Tanasbourneâ, The Oregonian, August 28, 2008, Metro West Neighbors

Mandel, Michelle. "New museum shows off rockhounds' bounty", The Oregonian, February 19, 1998, p. E2

Baron, Connie. "Downtown Hillsboro: Summer may be winding down, but kids can still find fun activities", The Oregonian, August 30, 2007, Metro West Neighbors, p. 18

Christie, Tim. "Rock hounds check out goods at 18th annual Gem Faire", The Register Guard, March 26, 2007, Business and Financial News

Frank, Gerry. "Frankly Speaking â Quest for best of Oregon reveals keepers", The Oregonian, July 2, 2006, p. T4

Robinson, Ann. âPlan next weekend Aug. 17â19 In the shade, on the grassâ, The Oregonian, August 12, 2007, p. T8

âNeighborhood Roundup â West Metro â Hillsboroâ, The Oregonian, August 3, 2006, Metro West Neighbors, p. 14

âFree fossil fest offers activities for adults, kidsâ, The Oregonian, August 8, 2007, p. C9

Knudsen, Jenn Director. âNorth of Hillsboro â The quieter side of the cityâ, The Oregonian, October 26, 2008, p. S5

Trappen, Michelle. âClose-in sun and fun: A stone's throw awayâ, The Oregonian, July 3, 2008, Metro West Neighbors, p. 10

A full list of references for this article are available at the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals Wikipedia page

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This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing information from publicly available data. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, it is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date.

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The creators of this content are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented herein.

Earth's Treasures

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Museum Overview 🏛️

📍 Location & Scope

⭐ Historic Recognition

📊 Visitor Engagement

A Legacy of Discovery 📜

💎 The Rice Collection

🏛️ Transition to Museum

Curated Wonders ✨

💎 Mineral Masterpieces

🦕 Fossil Records

☄️ Extraterrestrial Visitors

💰 Precious Metals

Educational Outreach 🧑‍🏫

🏫 School and Group Tours

🎉 Community Events

📚 Resource Library

Museum Infrastructure 🏠

🏡 The Historic Rice House

🖼️ Exhibition Spaces

💡 Supporting Amenities

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Museum Overview

Location & Scope

Historic Recognition

Visitor Engagement

A Legacy of Discovery

The Rice Collection

Transition to Museum

Curated Wonders

Mineral Masterpieces

Fossil Records

Extraterrestrial Visitors

Precious Metals

Educational Outreach

School and Group Tours

Community Events

Resource Library

Museum Infrastructure

The Historic Rice House

Exhibition Spaces

Supporting Amenities

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Important Notice

AI-Generated Content Disclaimer