Objectives
The Franklin Gem and Mineral Society's primary objective is education and works 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.
The Museum
In 1972 a small building in the Down Town area of Franklin, NC was standing abandoned. The club’s 2nd 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 from 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.
