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Overview of MGMS

blue mineral specimen

About MGMS

The Michigan Gem and Mineral Society (MGMS) is a chartered non-Profit 501c3 organization, which held its first meeting on March 4, 1954. It is a gathering of like-minded rock, mineral and fossil enthusiasts who come together to share their common interest and make new friends and share their stories.

fluorite specimen

Annual Show

2024
Fri. Mar 15 10am-7pm
Sat. Mar 16 10am-6pm
Sun. Mar 17 11am-5pm

Keeley Park
200 W Ganson St
Jackson MI 49202
Our annual gem and mineral show is always held the third weekend in March, so you can mark your calendar now!

Dave the dinosaur

Officers

President: John Hoskin
Vice President: Alan Hine
Treasurer: Beth Hine
Secretary: Cheryl Eggleston
Webmaster: Michael Nation
Editor/Show Chair/Liaison: Sally Hoskin
Sunshine Committee: Dee Glisson
Field Trip Coordinators: Michelle Schumacher

Board of Directors

Monica Hommerding
Michelle Schumacher
Dee Glisson

MGMS Annual Gem and Mineral Show

March 15-16-17 2024

3rd weekend in March
Fri. Mar 15 10am-7pm || Sat. Mar 16 10am-6pm || Sun. Mar 17 11am-5pm
American 1 Event Center
Keeley Park
200 W Ganson St
Jackson MI 49202
Map link to Jackson County Fairgrounds (Keeley Park)

Show Chair: Sally Hoskin
showchair@mgmsrockclub.com

2024 Show Sponsors - Thank You!!!

Picture of sponsor logos

2024 Show Dealer List

More About Our Club

image of geode

What Does it Mean to be a Member of MGMS?

Membership privileges include eligibility to participate in all club activities. Non-club members and the general public may attend our annual gem and mineral show which is held the third weekend in March each year. Other privileges include:

  • Subscription to the MGMS newsletter
  • Participation in field trips
  • Participation in silent auctions, raffles and drawings at Club events
  • Participation in the Handicrafters special meetings (for members who like to make stuff, or want to learn)
  • Board Member Elections
  • Participation in meetings, summer potlucks, & annual Christmas Party
  • Free lunch and t-shirt for annual show volunteers

The best part of being a member is hanging out with your fellow rockhounds and fossil collectors! We are always learning from one another. Our club is a diverse group with everyone from novice collectors to experienced experts. We learn from one another, have a great time on the field trips, and of course planning and participating in our annual show is a blast!

ABOUT OUR CLUB

The Michigan Gem and Mineral Society (MGMS) is a chartered non-Profit 501c3 organization, which held its first meeting on March 4, 1954. It is a gathering of like-minded rock, mineral and fossil enthusiasts who come together to share their common interest and make new friends and share their stories.

FIELD TRIPS:

During the year MGMS goes on several field trips to different locations in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. These are different opportunities to have fellowship and collect new specimens of rocks, minerals and fossils to add to your collection – or to begin a new collection! These field trips are announced in the newsletter, via email, and at the meetings.

View meetings and field trips on the club calendar, or contact the field trip chair for details (members only).

MEMBERSHIP FEES:

If you wish to join MGMS, there is a modest yearly fee of only $15.00 per adult (17 years and older) or $20.00 per family. A family is considered to be all members living under the same roof. What a bargain! Yearly membership fees are payable – and due – on March 25th of each year.

Click here for the Membership Application

MEETING TIMES AND LOCATIONS:

MGMS meetings are held on the SECOND SATURDAY of each month at 1:00 pm at the Jackson District Library - Carnegie Branch (downtown) 244 W Michigan Ave, Jackson, MI 49201 (December meeting is informal/holiday potluck; location TBD)

In the summer months of June and July, the meetings are a potluck with various activities (see below). Each month’s location will be announced in the newsletter, via email and on this web site. NO MEETINGS IN AUGUST.

MGMS Annual Swap Meet

Swap Meet TBD

MGMS Education Scholarships for Students

The Michigan Gem and Mineral Society is dedicated to furthering the education of our youth. We would like to award from one to three scholarships ($1000.00 each) to graduating seniors from Jackson County (and/or bordering counties) High Schools. The scholarships are for study in the areas of Earth Sciences, Lapidary Arts, and related areas. Membership in the MGMS is encouraged but not required.

*** The application MUST be POSTMARKED by February 20th ***

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MGMS Show Scholarship for Educators

The Educator Scholarship Fund is a gift for any teacher in the Jackson, Michigan County schools (or bordering counties).
This scholarship will be applied to either admission of students and chaperones or transportation to our Annual Gem and Mineral Show held the third weekend in March. The student visitation day will be on Friday.

Applications must be postmarked by February 20th. The Scholarship Committee will decide the award recipients. There will be three scholarships awarded to teachers. Notification to the winning recipients will be emailed.

Mail Application to:
MGMS
Attn: Scholarship Committee
PO Box 633
Michigan Center, MI 49254