2016 WSMGS State Show hosted by the Rex Young Rock Club

About WSMGS

The Wyoming State Mineral and Gem Society (WSMGS) was organized in 1937 to bring about a closer association of Clubs and Societies in Wyoming devoted to the study of Earth Sciences and the practice of lapidary arts.

The Society promotes good fellowship among area clubs and a greater appreciation for nature's wonders. As our membership has grown, the activities which we sponsor have also grown, with new members injecting fresh ideas and added support for our many projects.

Our newsletter, Jade State News, has become a fast growing resource not only for Wyoming's rockhounds but also for gem and mineral enthusiasts throughout the Western United States. To further answer the call of the community we have expanded our Web site to provide more resources and spread the appreciation of "rocks."

WSMGS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All contributions to WSMGS in the United States are tax-exempt to the extent provided by law.

WSMGS History

On April 20, 1937, a meeting of 47 people from Lander, Hudson, Riverton and Wind River gathered at the Fremont County Vocational High School building for the purpose of organizing a society in the interest of mineralogy, geology and paleontology. The meeting was chaired by W. L. Marion, who stated the purpose of the meeting. Nominations were made for the offices of temporary Chairman and Secretary. Lloyd B. Curtis was nominated and elected as Chairman and L. V. Abbott was elected as Secretary.

A committee was appointed with Byford Foster, W.L. Marion, Norbert Ribble and Mrs. Phil Shorts as members to prepare the by-laws for the new organization which were to be presented for adoption at the May 18, 1937 meeting.

At the May 18th meeting, a motion was made by Mrs. Phil Shorts to incorporate which was seconded and passed as the "Wyoming Geological Society." The by-laws were presented by the committee and approved. On May 22, 1937, the Articles of Incorporation were filed and accepted at the Fremont County Clerk's Office.

Learn more about the 1937 origin of the Wyoming State Mineral and Gem Society in the February 2015 issue of Jade State News.

In 2024 we will celebrate our 87^th Anniversary with eight affiliated member clubs from across the state!

WSMGS Documents

The following WSMGS documents are available as PDF files. You will need Adobe Reader in order to read the documents. If you need to download a copy, you can do so from Adobe's web site.

WSMGS Articles of Incorporation  |  WSMGS By-Laws