Frequently Asked Questions about the MGMS

  • What is MGMS?
    The Montgomery Gem and Mineral Society is an organization that seeks to bring together people interested in the rocks, minerals, and geology of our area, as well as those interested in the many aspects of rock-hounding, lapidary crafts, and other rock-related avocations. Our club purpose here gives our formal description of our club's purpose.
  • Does the club have a Facebook page?
    Yes, follow this link. If you search Facebook for "Montgomery Gem and Mineral Society" you can also locate us in that fashion. The URL is: https://www.facebook.com/MontgomeryGemClub/
    Please copy and paste into your browser's address bar if the embedded link does not work for you.

  • What are the benefits of membership?
    MGMS members enjoy the opportunity to join other people from around the area to explore the world of rocks and minerals near and far. Our monthly meetings have an educational and fellowship basis. Members are invited to participate in field trips around the region and learn about the rocks in our area. The club maintains a lapidary workshop and members are welcome to come and learn to use the tools of lapidary under the mentoring of experienced lapidarists. The club produces an annual show and members are welcome to display their collections for the enjoyment of others. Please see this page for additional information.

  • What is the cost of membership?
    The annual membership fee is $15 for an individual or $20 per family, due by the first meeting of the year in January.

  • Who can join?
    Membership is open to all interested individuals, although minor children will need the sponsorship of their parents if they are not joining with their family. Access to those with restricted movement is available at our meeting location. Our members are from all age groups and levels of interest and everyone's participation is welcome. Joining is easy!

  • What are some of the areas of interest of the members?
    They stretch across a wide spectrum. Some are mostly interested in collecting rocks from the region; many collect rocks by purchase and share these 'finds' with other members during "show and tell" sessions. There are people who are attracted to faceting gemstones or gold panning, and many who love to create shaped stones for jewelry or visual enjoyment. Microscopic specimens are the favorite topic for some, and fossils for others. Everyone has an opportunity to interact and discover just how far the enjoyment of rocks and minerals can lead them.

  • When are meetings?
    Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm (approximately), with the exception of the December, which is our Gem Show month when we do not have a meeting. The meeting location is open for informal fellowship at 6:30 pm on meeting nights while the officers and board members are having their meeting prior to the general meeting.

  • The club has a field trip/picnic in the summer at a members acreage and a Gem Show in place of the December meeting. More information is available here.

  • Where are meetings?
    In Montgomery, AL at the Mureal Crump Community Center, 1751 Congressman Dickinson Dr, Montgomery, AL. next to the rear parking lot. Park in back. Enter through single glass door. The meeting room is the 1st door on the left after you enter the building. A map is here.

  • What happens at meetings?
    There is an offiere/board member meeting at 6:30 pm while informal fellowship and "rock talk" take place. At 7:00 pm, the general meeting starts We have a segment of club business beginning at 7:00 pm, then have announcements and reports from those who went on recent field trips. Visitors are welcomed and are asked to say a few words about their connections to rocks and minerals. We will have a show and tell and refreshments are served. The majority of our time is given to a speaker to present a program of interest to the club membership. Occasionally, door prizes are drawn and we resume informal fellowship.

  • Are there lapidary facilities available to club members?
    Yes, members are welcome to come to our lapidary workshop. All members from total beginners to experienced lapidarists are invited to share in the discovery of "what's in that rock?". More information is available on this page.

  • Do you have field trips?
    The MGMS has field trips throughout the year to local and regional sites where rocks can be collected and enjoyed. Participation is limited to paid members only, and trips are announced at meetings and by email to the membership mailing list. There are picture galleries here of past field trips, and our field trip coordinator is always on the lookout for new destinations.

  • Does the club hold a show or exhibition?
    Yes - for more than 50 years, the club has had an annual show. It will always be the first weekend in December, and as always it will be bringing together our members' collections for display, regional retail vendors that specialize in rocks and minerals/arts and crafts, and activities for fun and education for all. Please look here for more details about our show. A photo gallery of previous shows is here.

  • What other events does the club have?
    We have a club field trip/picnic in the summer time to a club members acreage with plenty of rockhounding while we are there, and in December, the Annual Gem Show .

  • Are there any outreach programs to the community?
    Yes - the club provides a scholarship to a college geology student.

  • Are there programs for kids?
    Yes. We are reviewing participation in a program AFMS Youth Programs under the umbrella of Future Rockhounds of America offered by our parent organization. If this is of interest to you, please contact a club officer to express your interest.