The Gem and Mineral Society of Franklin, NC

History of The Gem and Mineral Society of Franklin, NC

The club started on November 10, 1971; when a group of “Rockhounds” got together to share their interest in gems and minerals. The club received its Charter of Incorporation on February 28, 1972 and by December 1972 its membership numbered 117.

In 1972 a small building in the Down Town area of Franklin, NC was standing abandoned. The club’s 2^nd president brought before the County Commission a request to open a Museum in the building. This museum would not only house rock specimens but educate and benefit the community. On January 2, 1973 the club was granted permission to be the new occupants of the “Old Macon County Jail”. After 12 months of fund raising and over 2000 hours of volunteer work, the Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum opened it doors to the public on May 25, 1974. An Open House was held on June 30, 1974 with over 200 in attendance. In just the first 5 months of the museum’s opening 3,207 people had signed the Guest Book. These visitors were form 41 of America’s United States and 4 Foreign Countries. In the second 5 months the museum was open we had 3,947 sign the Guest Book; this time 45 States were represented and 12 Foreign Countries. Over 7,154 people went through the museum in 10 months. In 1990 the club was given a 25 year lease to operate the museum.

We have local school children and classes from neighboring states as well, come through our museum each year. Club volunteers offer their knowledge and time to demonstrate the lapidary arts and rock identification during town festivals and Founder's Day celebrations.

Club members host the Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum and work the Gemboree as volunteers. For every 4 hours of recorded service they receive credit for a ticket to win a week at William Holland School of lapidary arts. Membership provides access to lapidary equipment owned by the club, classes taught by members; both for a slight fee, use of the lapidary and mineral library, and meetings held once a month for fun and education.

Visitors are always welcome to join a meeting at the Macon County Recreation Park Building, 1228 Georgia Highway (441 South) in Franklin, NC on the last Thursday of the month at 6:30pm. November and December meetings are TBA.

The Gem and Mineral Society of Franklin, NC are members of American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (AFMS) and a founding member of the Southeast Federation of Mineralogical Societies (SFMS).

The objectives of the Gem and Mineral Society of Franklin shall be to effect a close association of those who are interested in the study of gems, rocks, minerals and the sciences and arts related to them.

Membership in the Society is $15.00 per person with $10 each additional family member, and $3.00 for junior (pebble pups).
Membership is from September to September.
Non‑member subscription to The Mountain Gem is $15.00 per year. Donations are tax deductible.

We are a working organization that operates and maintains The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum.
The FRANKLIN GEM AND MINERAL MUSEUM is under the direction of the Board of Directors of The Gem and Mineral Society of Franklin, NC, Inc.
The Society and Museum are self-supporting on a 100% volunteer basis.
The museum is open May 1 through October 31.
Monday through Saturday 12 p.m. ‑ 4 p.m.
November through April: Saturday 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
This is a FREE ADMISSION museum in the town of Franklin, NC. Not far from the borders South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and an hour from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.