The Rhode Island Mineral Hunters is a non-profit organization, founded in 1962, dedicated to the appreciation and study of minerals, crystals, fossils, and all aspects of the Earth Sciences. Members can also learn lapidary skills - fashioning gems, polishing stone from rough rock, silversmithing, and fabricating jewelry. We lecture in school, and also contribute scholarships to our qualified members enrolled as full-time students in college studying the Earth Sciences.
The club organizes numerous field trips to quarries, mines and road-cuts to gather mineral specimens, as well as out-of-state bus trips to museums and other events of interest. We are deeply concerned with the conservation and protection of the environment and the reopening of digging areas previously closed to amateur mineralogists. Each year we honor the member who finds the finest mineral or fossil specimen in Rhode Island on a club-organized field trip by awarding them the Birger Anderson Trophy.
We are an informal group from 7 to 85 years of age. All occupations and lifestyles are represented with members having a common interest: rocks, minerals and fossils. It is never too late to become acquainted (or re-acquainted) with this hobby and many people start at retirement age when they need an activity that is both mentally engaging as well as physically active. Please join us some evening, all of our meetings are open to the public, free of charge. We will welcome you as a visitor or as a new member.
We are Member of the Eastern Federation of Mineral and Lapidary Societies (EFMLS) and American Federation of Mineral Societies (AFMS).
The RIMH meets on the second Tuesday of each month (except January, February, and August) at 7:00 PM until 8:30-ish, in Room 1128 at Community College of Rhode Island, Knight Campus in Warwick. See below for the directions and Map
Our meeting consists of a program, a break for refreshments and a brief "business meeting". The programs have included speakers from Harvard University, Brown University, URI, and other mineral clubs in New England. Many speakers or members give slide presentations and show specimens from their travels. Also a part of each meeting is a silent auction of members' specimens and the checkout and return of member borrowed books, magazines, and video tapes from our extensive library.
Our monthly newsletter is "Bowen-Lite", which keeps us abreast of club activities and other club shows in the area. You may view the latest and back issues here.
The RIMH semi-annual mineral and fossil auctions are held in November and March. The auction is open to Public.
PicnicIn August, we usually have a picnic.
Gem and Mineral ShowOur very popular Gem and Mineral Show takes place at the end of October. This year (35th Annual in 2006) will be on October 28 (Sat) and 29 (Sun), held at Community College of Rhode Island, Knights Campus. See below for the directions and Map.
Holiday Dinner PartyIn December, we hold our annual holiday dinner party and gift exchange.
Membership fee is $15 per year for an individual, and $20 per year for a Family.
Membership Application is available for download here.
President: Bob Sproule 508-743-8444
Vice-President: Vic Wells
Secretary: Janalee Andrade
Treasurer: Stephen Millard
Historian: Bill Wilson
Executive Board: Tony and Rachael Cesana
Show Chairman: Nancy Millard
Field Trip Coordinators: Don Mello and Nancy Millard
Bowen-Lite Editor: Rachel Cesana
CCRI is at 400 East Avenue (Rt. 113), Warwick, RI
Going North on I-95 - take Exit 11 to I-295 and then take Exit 1 onto Rt. 113 West. CCRI is left on the first traffic lights.
Going South on I-95: take Exit 12B and veer left at fork to Rt. 113 West
Going South on I-295: take Exit 1 onto Rt. 113 West. CCRI is left on the first traffic lights which comes right up so be prepared