The Gem & Mineral Society and Museum - Franklin, NC

07/07/2023

This is a great weekend to visit the Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum. We are open today and Saturday from noon until 4pm.

07/04/2023

Have a great day!

12/23/2022

UPDATE: Because of the freezing weather, the Gem & Mineral Museum will not be open the 23rd or 24th. Sorry for any inconvenience that this might cause, but safety is important to us.

Merry Christmas everyone!!

12/23/2022

The Franklin Gem & Mineral Society held our annual Holiday Party & Dinner on December 10th. Delicious casseroles, desserts, and other dishes were provided by the members. A special thank you to Gary & Charlene Galbrecht for all their hard work setting up and preparing the main courses of smoked turkey and ham. Al Pribble presented a $300 Educational Opportunity Scholarship to Kerrigan Ferguson, 5th grade teacher at Trimont Christian Academy and Jacey Fleszar, junior member of the Society and student in Ms. Ferguson's class. Tom Parker called Rock BINGO. Everybody was able to win a prize. The remaining prizes are being donated to the May 2023 Franklin Gem & Mineral Show. We are looking forward to next year and hope to see everyone at our first meeting at 6:30pm on January 26th at First Christian Church - 156 Belleview Park Rd. off Highlands Road in Franklin, NC.

12/22/2022

The Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum and Society would like to wish our members, families, and friends a safe and Happy Holiday Season!

The museum will be open December 23 & 24 from noon until 4pm. Stop by to look at the displays or pick up a Christmas gift for your favorite rock hound or special somebody.

12/19/2022

At the annual Holiday Party & Dinner meeting, Franklin Gem & Mineral Society presented an Educational Opportunity Scholarship to Kerrigan Ferguson, 5th grade teacher at Trimont Christian Academy (center in photograph). Al Pribble, lifetime FGMS member, presented the $300 award. Also pictured is Jacey Fleszar, junior member of the Society and student in Ms. Ferguson's class.

12/15/2022

12/15/2022

FGMS Gemboree!

The new and improved ad for the upcoming Franklin Gem & Mineral Show!

12/15/2022

Two of our go to guys: Larry Ellert and Fred Plesner, did a great job representing our club during the November 10th, Cowee School 4th grade educational meeting. The goal was to present your area of expertise to some 80 local class students at a rate of 12 every 25 minutes. Larry and Fred used the basement of Rickman's Store to discuss local rock ID and Symbols of NC. We have two displays on loan to Rickman's Store and provide samples of a few local rocks and minerals there. They are open for free every Saturday thru December. Check it out!

So, do you know more than a 4th grader? 1) What is the official Rock of NC? 2) What is the official Precious Stone of NC? 3) What is the official Mineral of NC? 3) What is the official State Fossil of NC?

Both of the guys admitted to having had a fun time and information as well as a few gifts were passed on to the teachers to share with their students.

Answers: 1) Granite 2) Emerald 3) Gold 4) Megalodon Shark Teeth If you didn't get at least two of four, go find a 4th grader... and ask for help!

12/15/2022

We would like to welcome our guests and newest members to the Franklin Gem & Mineral Society: Joby, Eli, and Trish Santoro (pictured below)

12/15/2022

Congratulations to Bernd Phoenix (Left) completing the Beginner Cabochon course. President, Stacy Walbridge (Right) presenting Bernd with a Certificate of Achievement.

12/15/2022

A Career in Geology, which includes a great breakdown on rocks and minerals, the study of geology, etc. was recommended by Anna, an enthusiastic young person learning more about rocks and minerals. Anna's enthusiasm comes in part from a dedicated youth services librarian and educator! Kudos to both! Below is the link; check it out.

A Career in Geology. 100% Online - Study at Home. Start your new career Today! Request Info or call 866.250.6851.

12/03/2022

Happy Holidays ✨

The Gem & Mineral Society Christmas Party will be held at the First Christian Church of Franklin,
156 Belleview Park Road, Franklin, NC

December 10th at 1:00 pm

10/31/2022

Fun was had by all!! Great costumes, (L/R) Charlotte & Larry Ellert, with Mike Hartman (jailbird) & Bushy Hartman, and turnout! Until Mike Hartman was returned to the Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum jail! 🙀 Bushy’s costume (Venice Carnevale) was captured by Bob Scott) on the Life in Franklin!

10/06/2022

Tune in Saturday Morning at 08:00 AM to WNCC 104.1 AM, WFSC 1050 AM, or 104.9 FM

Mr. Gordon Mercer, Professor Emeritus at Western Carolina University, sat down with Stacy Walbridge and myself for an interview, on behalf of the Citizens Making a Difference program. The interview was based on how the Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum/Society contributes to Franklin holding the title of “Ruby Capitol of the World”. The recorded interview will be broadcasted on radio channels: WNCC 104.1 AM, WFSC 1050 AM, and 104.9 FM, this Saturday morning, at 08:00 AM. Hope that everyone tunes in!

Pictured, from left to right: Wyatt Duvall (Mr. Mercer’s grandson), Mr. Gordon Mercer, Marcia Mercer (Mr. Mercer’s wife), and Stacy Walbridge.

10/01/2022

Just wanted to let everyone know that the hydrangea, behind the museum, will be saved!! Earl and Varshana volunteered to transplant it when the time is right! Thank you Earl and Varshana! 👏

10/01/2022

Diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring stone on the planet, however, they might have strong competition from outer space!!

Al Pribble shared this very exciting news with us, with the two below inks;

https://outsider.com/outdoors/news-outdoors/scientists-discover-wildly-rare-folded-diamond-that-arrived-earth-from-outer-space/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lonsdaleite

Scientists have discovered a large "folded diamond" from outer space that could surpass naturally occurring diamonds in hardness.

10/01/2022

The Gem & Mineral Society's September meeting consisted of celebrating the accomplishments of Helen Rogers and Kathi Walbridge completing their Cabbing class; a touching tribute to long time club member, Arlon Eldridge; the swearing in our new 2022-23 officers and board members; and a great meal provided by President, Stacy Walbridge and served by none other than "chef", John Hayes and Larry Ellert. Jay Mooney won the beautifully faceted necklace and earring set, crafted by Norm Holbert. Fun was had by all. Don't forget to sign up for the upcoming field trip on October 15 to Lost Sea Adventure in Sweetwater, TN. A non-refundable deposit to hold your seat on the van is $20.00 to help pay for gasoline. Total cost is $45.00 and includes the price of admission to the caverns.
(Photos courtesy of Kim Price)

10/01/2022

We would like to welcome our three new members. They joined us at the September 2022 meeting. Please introduce yourself to them at the next meeting in October.

James Steinbrecher, Kevin Perkins, and Rose Perkins
(Photos courtesy of Kim Price)

10/01/2022

Congratulations to the 2022-23 Franklin Gem & Mineral Society Officers & Board of Directors, sworn in at the September General meeting by Macon County Commissioners Mr. Ronnie Beale and Mr. Gary Shields.

From left to right in the photo:
Gary Shields, Macon County Commissioner; Brad Fleszer, Board of Directors; Mark Laing, Past President; Larry Ellert, 2nd Vice President; Charlotte Ellert, Asst. Treasurer & Board of Directors; Chandra Fox, Secretary; Stacy Walbridge, President; Kathi Walbridge, Treasurer; Mike Hartman, Vice President; Marsha Harmon, Board of Directors; Ronnie Beale, Macon County Commissioner.

Thank you all for your willingness to serve the Franklin Gem & Mineral Society. And thank you Commissioner Gary Shields and Commissioner Ronnie Beale for your participation and support!

(Photos courtesy of Kim Price)

09/28/2022

Hi Everyone!

Our Gem & Mineral Museum is in the Our State magazine! It's under "A Guide to Downtown Franklin". Here is the link:

This small town is a destination for gem enthusiasts, history buffs, and Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, which gives residents plenty of chances to share their beloved mountain home.

09/23/2022

The above Facebook cover photo is of our beautiful Florescent Room; come to our Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum to see it for yourself. it's a "must see"!

09/22/2022

The September Newsletter is out; it can be found at:

09/18/2022

The Streets of Franklin Fall Market Day was a little damp, but nothing could dampen the spirits of our members. Larry, Ron R., Stacy, Stephanie, Ron B., Larry & Judi, Bushy & Mike, Brad & Jacey all did their shifts with a smile for all the people who braved the elements. With Susan R. & Fred P. who kept the museum open for over 100 guests. Turning the day into a success. Another Thanks to Mike & Bushy for opening up Labor Day, Bernd for donating pin point laser flashlights we had requests for in the gift shop, & Ted R. for always remembering us with jewelry & gems & minerals he donates for us to sell in the gift shop. We have such a great bunch of members who take time out of their busy schedules to volunteer & the club couldn't be here without them.

07/26/2022

Gemshow Weekend 💎 All 4 shows are rain or shine! Our show is Located across from Ingles on Georgia Road. Hope to see yall out and about in Franklin!

06/24/2022

Join us for our monthly meeting! Thursday June 30th, 2022 at 6:30pm. 156 Belleview Park Rd Franklin, NC. Hope to see yall 💎

04/28/2022

Join us Tomorrow for our
April General Meeting 🌱

6:30 pm Thursday, April 28st, 2022

💎 The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) By Varshana Dholakia and Earl McGaughey will be Speaking

📍First Christian Church of Franklin 156 Belleview Park Road Franklin, NC

01/22/2022

Friendly Reminder about our Mineral Sociey January Meeting 💎 If you aren’t a member and would like to be, comon’ out and join our General Meeting! We now meet at 156 Belleview Park Road in Franklin, NC at 6pm. Hope to see you out!!

10/14/2021

Just Saying Hi 👋🏽 and reminding yall that we have our Annual Leaflookers Gemboree coming up next weekend here in Franklin. October 22-24 💎 We will be set up at the Robert C Carpenter Community Center. Hope to see Everyone!

09/08/2021

I’ll take em all thanks🤗!! Friendly reminder that our Museum is still open Friday & Saturday 10-4. Hope to see yall out! *Photo from the Macon County Gemboree this past July.

07/10/2021

Join us for the 54th Annual Macon County Gemboree 💎 5 shows this year!! All but the G& LW are open to the general public. Stop by the Robert C Carpenter Building on Georgia Rd to see US, and check out some Live Demos we will be presenting. The Museum will also be open! Hope to see y’all out and about🙌🏽✨

07/09/2021

💎💎💎

(Franklin, NC) Rock Hounds from all across the United States will be in Franklin, North Carolina for the 54th Annual Macon County Gemboree which opens…

05/06/2021

NEW MUSEUM HOURS :: Fridays & Saturdays from 10-4!! Come on out and see us in the Historic Oil Jail Downtown Franklin NC, free admission! Also don't forget the Gemshow will be in town next weekend May 14, 15, and 16th! Hope to see yall💎!

05/03/2021

Come out and join us on Saturday May 8th Downtown Franklin, NC for a Mothers Day Street Fair. There will be a DJ in the Square and we will have a Table of Gems set up out front! Our Museum is also open from 10-4. Hope to see y'all 💎⚒

04/20/2021

Our Museum will be open on Saturdays from 10-4! Come on out and see us in the Old Jail Downtown Franklin, NC. Free admission🙌🏽

04/01/2021

We are thrilled to announce that our Mineral Museum will finally re-open on Saturday April 10!!! After being closed for over a year we are more than excited to see all of your smiling faces (well, ahem, hear your smiling faces 😷) !!! I will be sure to update you all once we figure out our new official hours. 💎⛏ @ The Gem & Mineral Society and Museum - Franklin, NC

11/01/2019

Some awesome North Carolina finds from the recent Leaflookers Gemboree we hosted at the Community Center in Franklin, NC.

10/15/2019

So much Tourmaline!!! 💎 We look forward to seeing you all at the Leaflookers Gemboree, October 25-27th in Franklin! 3 show locations and ALL are open to the general public.