Sterling Hill Mining Museum

Honored with 2006 Prazen Award

    A representative of The National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum in the old silver-mining boomtown of Leadville, Colorado presented the award Oct. 14, 2006 in recognition of Sterling Hill's important contribution to education in science and mining.

    The National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum was established in an abandoned Victorian schoolhouse in 1987, much like Sterling Hill Mining Museum was founded in 1989 when brothers Richard and Robert Hauck purchased the historic Sterling Mine and formed a foundation. The two organizations share paramount goals of public education about the importance of mining and minerals. The mining business often suffers from misunderstanding in the public arena and through continued efforts, both museums strive to present the other side of the story.

    Sterling Hill is proud of their achievements that include workshops for New Jersey science teachers, Teacher’s Guide project, Rock Discovery Center for hands-on learning, and maintaining a state-accredited facility to provide professional development training for teachers. The site is a resource for education in science, technology, and mathematics. It provides underground tours, mineral specimen collection, hands-on activities, and the fluorescent mineral displays are known worldwide.

    Famed mining sculptor Gary Prazen of Utah created the bronze award in 1995 as a symbol of his appreciation of the mining industry. The National Mining Museum presents it annually, and Gary makes a signed bronze casting, to an organization that has demonstrated excellence in educating the public as to the importance of mining.