Arizona State Parks - Press Release

ARIZONA STATE PARKS
For Immediate Release
Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partnerships.
              FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:  Ellen Bilbrey at  (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518, pio at azstateparks.gov or Monica Enriquez at (602) 542-6997
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Jerome State Historic Park Celebrates State Parks'
50 Years with "Mining, Minerals and Mucking" on April 21

(Phoenix, Arizona - April 10, 2007) - Jerome State Historic Park will present "Mining, Minerals and Mucking" from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 21.

There will be presentations and displa ys throughout the day (see full schedule below) including the Miners Story Project." The Miners Story Project preserves and shares stories about life in mines and mining communities in the Southwest United States.  The stories are captured on high quality digital audio recordings and will be used to enrich exhibits at the University of Arizona's Mineral Museum.  Anyone with mining stories, current and former miners, family and friends of miners are invited to come tell their story.

In addition Arizona State Parks will present "Geology Rocks!"  Kids will be invited to learn about mining in Arizona by finding mines on a real geologic map and then trying to match the ore to the finished product.  Samples of rocks will be available for the kids to see and touch.  Learn a little about geology, learn a little bit about maps, learn a little about mining and have fun!  Adults are invited to participate too.

"Mines, Minerals and Mucking" wi ll also celebrate Arizona State Parks' 50th anniversary. This will be a celebration with dignitaries and a cake cutting under the big tent at 10 a.m. 50th Anniversary displays will be featured including activities for children. There will also be a metal sculpture dedicated that was created by students from Oak Creek School.

The Park Entrance Fee will be waived for this event. For more information call Jerome State Historic Park at (928) 634-5381. Jerome State Historic Park is located in the town of Jerome just off State Route 89A, on Douglas Road.

This event is part of Arizona State Parks 50th Anniversary celebration held from October 2006 through December 2007. Special events will be held at each park such as a traditional mariachi festival, plein air shows, an apple festival, geocaching, solar energy celebrations and astronomy galas.   Hiking, fishing, boating and mountain biking await those individuals with an adventurous attitude. Come uncover the man y secret places and stories that are still to be found in Arizona's State Parks.

The Arizona State Parks Board was established in 1957 to acquire and manage park and cultural areas. Over the years, legislation has added other programs to Arizona State Parks and as a result, the volunteer Board is responsible for a much broader spectrum of duties. These duties are related to historic preservation, archaeology, outdoor recreation, resource conservation/education and grant administration.

For information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit the website at www.azstateparks.com.

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Jerome State Historic Park
"Mining, Minerals & Mucking"
April 21, 2007

Schedule of Events

9am-5pm - Exhibits, Programs, Demonstrations & Displays

9:30-10am - Historic Music and Stories by Ken & Lyn Mikell

10am - 50th Anniversary Presentation and cake cutting
   Speakers:     Ken Travous, Executive Director, Arizona State Parks
           Jay Ream, Assistant Director, Arizona State Parks
           William Golden

11-11:15am  - Art Project Dedication

11:30am - Geology of the Verde Valley by Paul Lindberg

12:15-12:45pm - Historic Music and Stories by Ken & Lyn Mikell

2pm  - Geology of the Verde Valley by Paul Lindberg

3:30-4pm - Historic Music and Stories by Ken & Lyn Mikell

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