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.  
​
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/

2025 Officers & Committee Members

Officers:
  • President: Olivia Cramer
  • Vice-President: Kristin Mein
  • Secretary: Lila Neumeyer
  • 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.  If you do not see us set up in the front gallery please walk down the hall all the way to the back. You can arrive anytime between 6:30-7. Visitors & guests are always welcome!​
The fellowship begins at 6:30 P.M. where you can chat with fellow members. Feel free to bring any gem/mineral/fossil/jewelry related items with you, the group is a great resource for identifying different specimens and always appreciates a unique piece for show & tell! 

There is a short business meeting starting at 7 P.M.
 
After the business meeting we will have our monthly programming. 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 2025: Second Thursday of Every Month
  • January 9 (First Meeting of the Year)  
  • February 13: Mark Easterbook present a program this month about the large Bancroft, Ontario mining district that he visited years ago. He'll be bringing specimens from his adventures, as well as give us information about this area. 
  • March 13
  • April 10: Kristin & Madison will give a presentation on visiting the Franklin Gem Show.
  • May 8: Paul Cecil will give a presentation about his recent field trip dig for Crystal Clams at Ruck's Pit in Florida.
  • June 12
  • July  (Summer Month - No Meeting)
  • August  (Summer Month - No Meeting)
  • September 11 (First Meeting of Second Half of Year) 
  • October 9 (Membership Dues are due) 
  • November 13 
  • December 11 (Annual Holiday Party)
Lowcountry Gem & Mineral Society are Proud Members of
Old rockhounds never die, they just slowly petrify.
Copyright 2020