Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum
25 Phillips Street, Franklin, NC 28734 (828)-369-7831
Hours of operation are subject to change without notice. Please call before your visit to this historical tourist attraction.
School Groups and Tour Groups of 10 or more are welcome by appointment!
Groups call (828)-371-2436 or (828)-342-6360
Scheduled
hours of operation:
May 1 to October
31
Noon - 4 pm
Monday through
Saturday
November 1 to
April 30
Noon - 4 pm
Saturday Only
THIS JAIL HOUSE ROCKS! FREE ADMISSION!
The Historic Old Jail of Macon County was build in 1850 and was in use as a jail house site until 1972. In 1974 The Gem and Mineral Society of Franklin, NC in cooperation with the Macon County Commissioners and help from local businesses; opened it back up to the public as the Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum. The "Old Jail House Museum" now imprisons thousands of specimens on display in 8 rooms. Our displays not only contain specimens of local minerals and gem stones (found in the famous Cowee Valley) but gems, minerals and artifacts from around the world. There are 4 other members only rooms; a library, meeting / workshop room, lapidary work shop and an office. The museum is hosted by volunteers from the Gem and Mineral Society of Franklin, NC and is able to operate because of your generous donations, purchases from the gift shop, the Gemboree shows, and a yearly gemstone raffle.
  |
This year the raffle is for a set of
Brazilian Garnet Ear Rings and a Matching Pendent. Drawing October 31, 2011 |
GEMBOREES for 2012
| 46th Annual Gemboree: | July, 2012 / Thru-Sat 10am-6pm /Sun Noon to 5pm |
| 23nd Annual Leaf Lookers Gemboree: | Oct, 2012 /Fri-Sat 10am to 6pm / Sun Noon to 5pm |
|
Location: |
The Macon County Recreation Park Community Building, 1288 Georgia Rd, across from Whistle Stop Mall |
| Admission: | $3.00 Adults / Children 12 and under Free |
Other Gem Shows in town
| 11th Annual Mother's Day Gem Show | May 2012 /Fri-Sat 10am to 6pm / Sun 11am to 4pm |
| Location: | The Macon County Recreation Park Community Building, 1288 Georgia Rd, across from Whistle Stop Mall |
| Admission: | $3.00 Adults / Children 12 and under Free |
History and Video Links
| Franklin, NC Gem and Mineral Museum / Rock your World | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joTWalyxT6g |
| Mining history in and around Franklin, NC | http://pakasdollmaker.com/mininghistory.html |