Mineral Museum is World-Famous, Locally Unknown

The common understanding of the natural world tends to begin on the surface, with plants, animals and landforms. But underneath the ground is a whole other domain that waits to be seen—and at the Franklin Mineral Museum, 32 Evans Street in Franklin, visitors can get to see that world close up.

Assistant Manager Andy Richter said that the museum and the Franklin Mine are readily known to the world community of mineral enthusiasts, but a lot of people don’t know what’s right in their own backyard.

"I like to say we’re world-famous and locally unknown at the same time," he said.

One of the reasons for the museum’s notoriety is the material found in Franklin, at both the Franklin Mine and sister site the Sterling Hill Mine. “Franklinite,” said Richter, “is the first mineral discovered here and is unique to the United States.”

There’s much more to see and do, and visitors get an educational and entertainment look at some of the Earth’s hidden gems. That's why we've selected the Franklin Mineral Museum for this installment of Day Tripper, a weekly look at destinations that are out of town, but in reach, and worth the trip.

DAY TRIPPER DIGEST

Estimated Travel Time: 45 minutes

Why it’s Worth the Trip:  Not only will visitors personal looks at natural science in action, but they will also get a chance to find minerals of their own (more on that below).

How to Get There from Here: Detailed driving directions.

You’ll Probably Get Hungry:  The Franklin Mineral Museum has an area suitable for bringing a picnic lunch, but if you’re looking to buy lunch, Franklin has restaurants like Lambertas Pizza on Munson Hurst Road, Brothers Pizza on Route 94, and Arby’s, on Route 23.

While you’re in the Area:  The museum is a half-hour from High Point State Park, which has campground facilities, and sister site Sterling Hill Mining Museum offers more information about the industry of mining.

"The Franklin Mine was the world’s richest zinc mine for its time, and it is best known for a large amount of minerals that fluoresce, as well as a variety of rare species," Richter said. "Over 300 species of minerals have been found here, with thirty-eight of them not found anywhere else in the world."

That variety also lends to the museum one of its most dazzling exhibits.

“Over 80 (of our mineral types) fluoresce under ultraviolet light,” Richter said. The display room is darkened and then lit with the ultraviolet lighting so visitors can see the unique effects the minerals give off, from deep, rich coloration to glowing effects.

The museum has two components: the first is the actual building where the displays are kept, as well as a replica of the old mine that is a favorite attraction for the youngest visitors, according to Richter. Kraissl Lecture Hall is also part of the museum and hosts discussions for both present and future mineralogists. Another part of the complex is devoted to a collection of Native American stone tools and cultural artifacts.

The second component is the Buckwheat Tailing Dump, and while the name might not sound glamorous, Richter calls it “the big magnet for mineral collectors.” The dump is the field where the deposits were put once they were hauled from the mine, up from depths of 1,200 feet. Visitors can search through the deposits there and, even now, new mineral species are being discovered there.

The Franklin Mineral Museum offers a valuable combination of visual marvels, hands-on activities, history and science all under one roof. And for the starter mineralogist, the gift shop offers a selection of mineral items, souvenirs and gift pieces. Richter added that the facility has contined to grow since its humble start in the 1960, mentioning photographs of the operation over the years.

“You look at the photos and are amazed." It just gets bigger and bigger," he said.