Gem & Mineral Museum-Franklin

A little piece of heaven right in the heart of Franklin! Housed in an old jail, this museum holds more than just an amazing collection! The history and information shared was priceless!Also, got to purchase a few beauties before heading out. Definitely will make it a point to visit and support this museum for years to come!

What an amazing find this store is. Very unassuming walking through the front doors, but just down the ramp is the COOLEST gem museum. Very informative and interesting.

We have been coming to this place since we were kids. Every visit you see something new and the staff is very passionate and knowledgeable. We love bringing guests downtown to see the museum and everyone always has a great time. For such a small place, it always is remembered.nnHere is the history of the Museum from the Gem and Mineral Museum website:n​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.

This is remarkable gem of a little museum is housed in an old jail near the center of the charming town of Franklin. The collection of minerals, fossils, petrified wood and Native American artifacts, from North Carolina, the U.S. and around the world, is huge and diverse. Volunteer Al Pribble, a member of the Gem & Mineral Society of Franklin, NC, greeted us and enthusiastically shared his wealth of knowledge about the displays and local history of mines and mining. The automated display of florescent minerals is excellent. Admission is free, and it is well worth your time.

Great people. Beautiful display of Earth's little gifts. Nice blacklight room. And, you can also learn about the old jail.