Gilsum Rock Swap and Mineral Show to be Held June 25-26, 2016
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Gilsum Rock Swap and Mineral Show press release for download
Gilsum Rock Swap and Mineral Show to be Held June 25-26, 2016
Gilsum, NH — The town of Gilsum, located in the scenic Monadnock Region in
southwestern NH, will once again host thousands of people from all over the
U.S. who will attend the Gilsum Rock Swap and Mineral Show. Here more than
65 dealers, swappers, distributors, wholesalers and collectors can buy, sell, or
swap beryl, quartz crystals, semi-precious stones, and rocks and minerals of
all sorts. Displays range from newly found specimens in the rough to fossils,
prized collector’s pieces and hand-crafted jewelry.
The event takes place at the Gilsum Elementary School grounds, Route 10 in
Gilsum, just north of Keene, NH, and is about 2 hours from Boston. Show
hours are 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Saturday and 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Sunday.
This year’s event includes a two special presentations. Saturday, June 27th at
1:00 PM, geologist and collector Nancy Swing will discuss “Rockhounding in
New England.” Swing is a former professor of Geology and Oceanography at
the Community College of Rhode Island, has been the featured speaker at the
East Coast Gem and Mineral show for the last 14 years, and is a regular at
the Gilsum Rock Swap & Mineral Show. Prized specimens will be on display.
The presentation will be held at the Elementary School gymnasium adjacent
to the field.
In addition, noted collector Steve Garza will also offer a prospecting for
beginners demonstration, including the proper way to break a rock to uncover
the minerals or precious stones within. That takes place at 2:00 PM at space
#40 on the field.
Gilsum’s many mines operated until the 1940s and yielded feldspar, mica
and beryl. Most are now abandoned, although one, the Beauregard mine, is
available to mineral clubs through prior arrangement. Today collectors prize
other minerals such as beryl. Maps showing locations of local mines are
available during the show.
Since the show’s inception, the town of Gilsum has opened its doors for the
event. Activities include a presentation on prospecting Saturday, daily
pancake brunch, bake sale, book sale, a traditional Saturday night New
England ham and bean supper with homemade pies and a chicken barbeque
dinner Sunday afternoon.
Admission is free, although donations are graciously accepted. All proceeds
go to youth recreation and community programs.
For more information please contact Robert Mitchell at the Gilsum Recreation
Committee, P.O. Box 76, Gilsum, NH, 03448; call 603.357-9636; or send email
to gilsumrocks@gmail.com.
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