Eugene Meieran graduated from MIT in materials science with a Doctor of Science degree (ScD) and received an honorary doctorate degree from Purdue University. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering. He was involved in the decision to fuel and launch Apollo 12, the second lunar landing, and is a retired Intel Senior Fellow with numerous publications. He is also an avid collector of fine minerals and crystals as well as Pueblo ceramic art. He is currently President of the Board of the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals in Hillsboro, Oregon, and the Chairman of the Advisory Board of the University of Arizona Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum in Tucson, Arizona. He is married to ceramic artist Rosalind Meieran and has two children.

Wayne A. Thompson developed his interest in the history of the American West over a 50-year period, beginning with his fascination for minerals that he began collecting in early childhood. He expanded his interests to include collecting fossils and Native American artifacts. Today, his world-class collections contain some of the finest mineral specimens and Pueblo ceramic pottery, many of which now reside in museums and private collections all over the world. When he turned his attention to the study and collecting of masterpieces of Native American California and Arizona coiled baskets, he became a recognized expert in this area also and is often consulted by museums, collectors, dealers, and academics. He is the author of several articles and books. He currently lives in Phoenix with his wife Malee and daughter Stevia.