Latest news and announcements from the Rice Northwest Rock and Mineral Museum.
Do you know the name of the spectacular violet-blue gemstone that is found in only one place in the world? Answer: Tanzanite Tanzanite was discovered in the northern region of Tanzania in 1967, by a Maasai Tribesman, who stumbled upon it by accident. It wasn’t long before miners moved in and began unearthing the gem, …
World Record for Largest Cut Tanzanite Set at Museum Read More »
The Museum is offering free guided group tours (guided experiences) from May through November 2023 thanks to a grant from the Juan Young Trust. These limited capacity group tours hit all of the same Next Generation Science Standards as the Museum’s typical school tour program and are lead by the same enthusiastic group of educators. Tours include …
Coming Soon! The Big Find: A Legend Continues. 12 Jewelry Masterpieces made with world class tourmaline from Plumbago Mountain, Newry, Maine. Exhibited on the West Coast for the first time at the Rice Museum! 50 years ago, 4 miners unearthed over a ton of gem quality tourmaline crystals near the top of Plumbago Mountain, Maine– the …
By Hannah Brodhagen While on a rockhounding trip to southern Oregon and northern Nevada this past summer, my family and I took a side trip to visit the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals in Hillsboro, Oregon. The Rice Museum was founded by Richard and Helen Rice in 1997. Richard and Helen began …
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Kimberly Vagner as the museum’s new Executive Director. With a strong knowledge of gems and minerals, and a background in museum operations and management, Kim is charged with creating a plan for the museum that includes updating content and galleries, expanding outreach to the Hillsboro community, and …
Kimberly Vagner appointed as new Executive Director Read More »
Beginning Friday, December 2nd, the Rice Museum will be open from from 10 am – 4pm, Wednesday through Sunday. The museum will be closed on: Saturday Dec. 24th Sunday Dec. 25th Saturday Dec. 31st Sunday Jan 1st Happy Holidays!
The Rice Museum has been selected to participate in the Museum Assessment Program (MAP), which is administered by the American Alliance of Museums. Through guided self-study assessment and on-site consultation with a museum professional, participation in MAP will empower the Rice to better serve the citizens of Portland Metro by facilitating its meeting and exceeding the highest …
Rice Museum Selected to Participate in National Museum Program Read More »
The Rice Museum of Rocks and Minerals is looking for 2-5 regular volunteers to help maintain our grounds and trail system. Help to keep the museum grounds clean, safe, and inviting for visitors. Tasks would include regularly walking the trails, trimming blackberry and grasses as needed, and other tasks to keep the museum trails clean, safe, and …
REGISTER NOW Join us on Sunday, June 5 at 10: 30 for a FREE guided tour and reading from local children’s author and illustrator Audrey Sauble. Audrey will be reading from her book, Can a Rock Grow. This nonfiction book explores different rock shapes while explaining how rocks change over time. After the reading, museum staff will guide you through the Museum. This …
The Museum has once again partnered with Dr. Rob Lavinsky and MineralAuctions.com for an online auction to benefit the Rice Museum. The online event will feature sixty fabulous lots, including mineral specimens, gemstones, and objet d’art, some of which were once part of the Rice Family Collection. Proceeds will go directly to support the care of our …
