Check Out Carol Bankert’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carol Bankert.

Hi carol, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The Sun City Rockhound Club, founded in 1963, serves as the guardian of the Sun City Mineral Museum. The club began when founding members Claude and Evelyn Cherry hosted the first meeting in their Sun City home, where Claude created a small rock and mineral museum in a converted bedroom including a fluorescent mineral display in the closet.
In the 1980’s, the club sought a public location for mineral museum. With support from the Recreation Centers of Sun City, space was provided at the Sundial Recreation Center, and the museum opened to the public in 1990. The museum recently celebrated its 35th anniversary, marked by a re-imagination completed in time for the October 1st, 2025 celebration.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Because the museum is housed within a Sun City recreation center, updates and changes are limited. Despite these constraints, the club continues to find creative ways to enhance exhibits.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have been an active member of the Sun City Rockhound Club and Mineral Museum since 2014. I have held various positions including vice president, museum director and most recently director emeritus.

I’ve had a passion for rocks and minerals since childhood and was thrilled when moving to Sun City that there was a rockhounding club. I joined and immediately became very active in the club. Working in the museum was a great way to learn more about rocks and minerals.

I retired from the banking industry and lives in Sun City with my husband and two dogs.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
The museum’s success lies in transforming donated rocks and minerals into a world-class displayed collection. There are over 1000 specimens in three rooms including over 100 in our fluorescent room display. Operated entirely by dedicated volunteers, the museum has expanded to include guest displays from local museums, organizations, and private collections.

One of proudest achievements is participating in local school science and STEAM events. Sharing our love and passion for rocks, minerals and geology with young and old alike!

Visitor Information
The Sun City Mineral Museum Located at the Sundial Recreation Center, 14803 W. 103rd Ave., Sun City Arizona.
• October 1 – April 30: Open five days a week 10 AM to 1 PM (closed Thursdays and Sundays)
• May 1 – September 30: Open Saturdays only from 10 AM to 1 PM.

Admission is always free. All are welcome.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://scrockmuseum.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suncityrockhounds/