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 special presentation by New Hampshire mineralogy expert Tom Mortimer, “A Collector’s Guide to N.H. Minerals” will show you the kinds of minerals you can find when collecting in New Hampshire, and discuss some of the more productive areas in which to collect your own specimens. His talk will feature photos of many classic minerals found in New Hampshire, plus some of the lesser known, uncommon ones you might not think could be collected in the Granite State. He’ll also have a few samples on hand. This presentation is free.

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.