The Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals in Hillsboro, Oregon, houses a world-class collection recognized as the finest in the Pacific Northwest and one of the finest in the United States. The Museum building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its unique architectural style, natural stonework, and the extraordinary native Oregon woodwork found throughout the building.
Richard and Helen Rice constructed the building that would become the museum as their family home in 1952. Many rare Oregon woods, such as myrtle wood and quilted maple, was incorporated in the building of the house. As avid collectors, they built a gallery in their basement to display their personal mineral collection.
Two cases in the basement gallery display “The Worldwide Collection of Gail and Jim Spann.”
According to the display:
“Gail and Jim Spann share a strong passion for minerals, mineral collecting, and mineral people. They collect minerals from around the world and their collection currently numbers more than 13,000 pieces, and counting, on display in their home.”
Also according to the display:
“Gail is also a strong believer in enticing more women into the mineral world and spends time mentoring and hosting forums for women in science.”
More Minerals
Mineral Museum: The Thompson Collection of World Minerals (Photo Diary)
Mineral Museum: The Charles Gallagher Collection (Photo Diary)
Mineral Museum: Mines and Minerals (Photo Diary)
Agate Gallery: Polyhedroid Agates (Photo Diary)
Northwest Mineral Gallery: Some Oregon Minerals (Photo Diary)
Rock Museum: Faceting Display (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: California Gems and Minerals (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: The Hixon Gem Vault (Photo Diary)