Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum, 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 operate the museum.

The information given about the gems was great. It really is an educational place to go and learn, but it's not only for grownups but children as well. The jail that it had or that had been there years ago was awesome, in the sense that we can have an idea of how many men fitted in one room and just the space and conditions those who broke the law had to undergo there.