A Dream Realized: Southern Arizona Museum of Science and Technology Opens Its Doors

Ron Hyde has been dreaming of a history museum in Sierra Vista since 1995, and his dream is finally coming true. As the curator of the Southern Arizona Museum of Science and Technology, Hyde searched through over 40 facilities before finding the perfect location for the museum. He teamed up with Roger Weller, a former geology professor at Cochise College and member of the Huachuca Mineral and Gem Club, to bring the museum to life.

The goal of the museum is to showcase the rich history of Cochise County, filled with beautiful minerals, fossils, and natural history. Hyde and Weller hope to not only educate visitors about STEM topics but also boost the local economy through tourism. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with suggested donation rates for admission.

Blake Phillips, a reporter for KGUN 9, is originally from St. Louis, Missouri, but grew up in Sierra Vista. After studying journalism at the Missouri School of Journalism, he worked for the NBC affiliate in Columbia before returning to his hometown. Phillips is passionate about giving back to the community where he was raised and encourages people to share their stories and important issues with him via email. Stay connected with KGUN 9 for updates on the museum and other local news.

Ron Hyde has been working towards his dream of creating a history museum in Sierra Vista since 1995. As curator of Southern Arizona Museum of Science and Technology (SAMST), he searched through over 40 facilities before finding the ideal location that would bring his vision to life.

He teamed up with Roger Weller, a former geology professor at Cochise College and member of Huachuca Mineral and Gem Club (HMGC), who shared his passion for natural history.

Together they aimed to create an educational experience that showcased Cochise County’s rich history while promoting STEM topics that would boost tourism.

Their hard work paid off as they opened their doors in late 2023.

The Southern Arizona Museum of Science and Technology (SAMST) is now open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with suggested donation rates for admission.

Reporter Blake Phillips from KGUN 9 shares news updates about this exciting new addition to Sierra Vista’s cultural scene.