Gem & Mineral Museum-Franklin — Attraction in Franklin

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.

Here is the history of the Museum from the Gem and Mineral Museum website: ​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...

This morning my husband and I went to the Gem and Mineral Museum in Franklin. We were honored to be the first visitors for the new season. We were treated like royalty...even to having our picture taken. I can honestly say we have never been to such a complete and friendly museum. We own Ye Olde Rock Shoppe in Hollywood, Fl and make it a point to try to hit all the gem and mineral museums on our travels.. Elena and Tom Marsh made us feel so much at home and answered all our questions. The members we were introduced to couldn't have been nicer. A wonderful experience for us and we will definitely recommend the Museum to everyone coming this way. Thanks so much...Fletch and...

This museum is in downtown Franklin, and it is free to enter. It is also built into what used to be a jail, so that is really cool. They still have an old jail cell that you can go into, and it is a neat experience! The exhibits themselves are super cool, as well. All of the items are labelled which was very helpful. They have volunteers and workers that go around and help educate people, and they really made me feel welcome. They also have a shop that has reasonably-priced goods. I was very impressed coming here, and I am interested in...