The
New Building!
After existing for years in a shared
purpose 2000 sq. foot building we are happy to now be moving to
larger quarters.
Click for Larger View!
Mission
The
purpose of the Southwest Museum of Engineering, Communications and
Computation is to promote interest in all forms of science and engineering
by fostering appreciation of the historical and cultural significance of
those fields by way of collection, documentation, preservation, and
display of objects and writings from ancient and contemporary society. The
museum’s goals are to educate the public, to promote and publish
research in these areas, and to serve as a permanent repository for
artifacts and publications of engineering and science
Why visit SMECC?
Your visit to this unique
museum can be a most exciting journey. Learning about the development and
significance of computers, office automation, military and civilian
communication, the measurement of time, and toys and instructional devices
that have inspired children to become the leaders they are today – all
of this offers fascinating insights into human ingenuity, values, customs,
and technical ability in the fields where pure science becomes the
finished product. Visitors also can observe the sociological effects that
science and technology have had on the world population.
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Research - The
W.W. Salisbury Memorial Research Library
Committed to fostering
research and understanding of all forms of science and engineering, this
comprehensive library is a valuable collection of books, journals, and
papers by industry pioneers. It includes extensive collections in the
areas of broadcasting, communications, and computation, as well as the
various fields of engineering. The core collection -- which once belonged
to W.W. Salisbury, Paul Beroza, Morgan McMahon, James Early, John R.
Pierce, K.D. Smith, Robert Rider, Steve Egbert, Jack Aldridge, Ivan
Saddler, George Mann, Ed Sharpe, J.R. Hammond, B. Woods and many other leaders in industry and
academia -- represents an extensive concentration of research material.
This library is the only one of it's type in Arizona.
This facility is a
non-circulating library. Research assistants are available to guide your
quest.
MORE
ON RESEARCH INFORMATION AND FEES
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The Museum Store -
Unlike many museum stores, you will be able to purchase
some of our duplicate material or items we have come across that do not
fit our mission.
Items we offer:
·
Educational kits : A wide
variety for many age groups
·
New and used books related to
science, technology and some just because they are interesting or
classical examples of Literature... Early Children's readers such as Dick
& Jane, and other vintage children's books. Reading is
Communications!
·
Toys
that inspire creative or scientific discovery
·
New, used and Antiquarian
Microscopes and Telescopes - for the user or the collector!
·
Hard
to find parts for recreating the treasures of yesteryear
·
Broadcast and movie memorabilia
·
Antiques that are representative of interesting engineering and technology
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Annual memberships
Annual
membership is open to all who pay dues. Membership provides benefits on
all levels:
·
Invitations to exhibition
previews and receptions
·
Unlimited admission to the
museum and lectures by well-known scientists and engineers
·
A subscription to the e-mail
newsletter “SMECC Update”
·
A 10% discount on books and
most gift items at the Museum Store
·
Advance notice and registration
opportunities for SMECC events
·
Travel
opportunities for museum-sponsored trips
·
Access to The W.W. Salisbury Research Library reading room,
including research assistance from staff members
·
Opportunity to join The Friends of SMECC
·
Participation in the annual meeting
Support
through membership enables SMECC to continue its outstanding exhibits and
programs and is most appreciated. For complete information, call
623.435.1522.
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Partnerships,
education, and community outreach
SMECC participates in
joint projects with other educational, cultural, and community groups to
expand opportunities to learn about science and engineering. Alliances
with libraries, schools, and other public institutions help promote
science and engineering, build communities, and provide unique
experiential learning opportunities for children, youth, and adults.
The museum's Education and
Outreach Program works with youth from area schools and special interest
groups, introducing them to the unique aspects of science and engineering.
Through hands-on projects, much is learned about the history and various
applications of science and engineering -- and their significance to the
world around them.
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Volunteer
opportunities
Volunteers at SMECC can
help create a positive, friendly environment in many ways:
·
Acting as a receptionist or docent
·
Helping at the Museum Store
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Working in the Collections and Conservation
Department to preserve and store artifacts, books, and scientific papers
·
Designing and setting up building displays
·
Maintaining the infrastructure of the museum’s
facilities
·
Assisting with the Education and Outreach Program
Meeting new people in a
unique setting is a definite plus at SMECC.
In addition, volunteers enjoy special discounts on merchandise at
the Museum Store.
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