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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