About LGMS

 The Lowcountry Gem and Mineral Society (LGMS) of Charleston, South Carolina is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  The society was chartered on April 18, 1969 by Skiles F. Montague.  Our purpose is "to foster the interest in and to facilitate the study of gems, minerals, fossils, and other related fields of geology and earth sciences" throughout the Lowcountry. LGMS is a fantastic place to connect with others who share an interest in rockhounding, fossils, lapidary arts, metalsmithing and geology.  
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The society is a founding member of the Southeast Federation of Mineralogical Societies, Inc. and an affiliate of the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies, Inc. 

Youth Program: We welcome all ages, however, we do not have an established Youth Program. Instead, we incorporate our younger members into our meetings.

Within our community, our members often make presentations in the local schools and youth organizations about geology and fossils. In the past, we have participated in the Annual Kid's Fair of Charleston, SC. There, we involve the children and their parents in a Question and Answer sessions about the many display items, which come from our members. We also do mini fossil digs for the children.

Here is some information about fellow gem club organizations throughout SC and NC: http://www.amfed.org/sfms/

2022 Officers & Committee Members

Officers:
  • President: Olivia Cramer
  • Vice-President: John Childs
  • Secretary: Katie Reed
  • Treasurer: Mark Easterbrook
Committee Chairpersons:(Committee Chairpersons can be contacted using the contact form, choosing the appropriate subject line and mentioning their name in the comments area.)
  • Program Chairperson: John Childs
  • Budget Chairperson: Mark Easterbrook
  • Public Relations Chair: Katie Reed
  • Field Trip Chairperson: Mark Easterbrook
  • By-Laws Chairperson: Mark Easterbrook
  • Membership Chairperson:  Ken Brenneman
  • Newsletter Editor: Mark Easterbrook
  • Nominating Chairperson: Ken Brenneman
  • Hospitality Chair: [OPEN]
  • State Director Liaison: Mark Easterbrook​​

meetings

Meetings are held the second Thursday of each month at the Redux Contemporary Art Center in downtown Charleston. The address is 1056 King Street. Parking is available in the lot out front or on the street. Please enter through the front door. Masks are required. You can arrive anytime between 6:30-7. Visitors & guests are always welcome!​
Each meeting has a pre-planned program designed by our Program chairperson, including educational videos, silent auctions each quarter to benefit our scholarship program and "Show and Tell". 

Club Meeting Dates in 2022: Second Thursday of Every Month
  • January 13 (First Meeting of the Year) : Metalsmithing demonstration by Madison Kingery of Mad Made Metals
  • February 10: John Childs will be doing a presentation on the February birthstone, Amethyst, with specimen examples from his personal collection. Do you have a cool piece of Amethyst? Bring it to the meeting to share!
  • March 10: Have you ever wanted to attend the biggest gem show in the world, The Tucson Gem Show? At our March meeting, Olivia Cramer & Madison Kingery will be discussing their recent trips to the Tucson Gem Show with some examples of their favorite purchases.
  • April 14 
  • May 12
  • June 9: Join the Lowcountry Gem and Mineral Society to learn all about June's birthstone: the pearl. We will cover how pearls are formed, their history in jewelry/ art, and some myths associated with these gems. Hope to see you there!
  • July  (Summer Month - No Meeting)
  • August  (Summer Month - No Meeting)
  • September 8 (First Meeting of Second Half of Year)
  • October 13 (Membership Dues are due)
  • November 10 
  • December 8 (Annual Holiday Party)
Lowcountry Gem & Mineral Society are Proud Members of
Old rockhounds never die, they just slowly petrify.
Copyright 2020