Allan Norville

A longtime Tucson real estate developer, Allan Norville provided the initial gift for the new museum to memorialize his wife, Alfie. She had played a key role in the mid-1990s in persuading the shows that bring tens of thousands of visitors to Tucson every January and February to remain in Tucson rather than relocate to Phoenix or Las Vegas. In 1993, to demonstrate their commitment, the Norvilles founded the Gem & Jewelry Exchange (GJX), one of the leading gem/jewelry venues that annually boost revenue for Tucson and the county. Today, GJX, which opens in early February and is across from the Tucson Convention Center, is one of the city’s major show attractions.