The Gem & Mineral Society of the Palm Beaches has a rich history
starting from 1966. This rich history is documented in scrapbooks and
photo albums from the beginning to present. The "Big Book" along with
several photo albums are available for viewing at the club meetings.


Charter Members of the
Gem and Mineral Society of the Palm Beaches

January 7, 1966

President:  Hyhel Sarkis
1st Vice President:  James R. Daly
2nd Vice President:  H.R.  Petretti
Treasurer:  Al Byers
Secretary:  Eleanor J. Pfaff

Paul Dreher
Stephen Sewell & John Sewell

Sponsored by Henry Graves


Past Presidents:

Not a member yet?  We can fix that!  

As a member of the Gem and Mineral Society of the Palm Beaches, you will have
access to the following:










If you're interested, head over to our membership page to fill out an application!  
  • A fully stocked lapidary workshop including:  3 different sized rock saws, full range of
    cabbing and polishing wheels, faceting equipment, a flat lap and more!
  • Classes taught by skilled club members.
  • Monthly newsletter, "The Rockhound".  Check out some issues on the newsletter page.
  • Informational programs at our monthly meetings
  • Social picnics, member show and sells
  • Field trips to collecting sites
1966  -  Hykel Sarkes

1967  -  Hector Petretti

1968  -  Walter Wilkinson

1969  -  Hector Petretti

1970  -  Harold Roberts

1971  -  Charles Kalis

1972  -  Jerry Cone

1973  -  Emmett Dunnman

1974  -  Henry Graves

1975  -  Les Hamill

1976  -  Richard Walsh

1977  -  Joe Rickles

1978  -  Gunner Manninen

1979  -  Frank Miller

1980  -  Forrest Gamache

1981  -  Walter Allikas

1982  -  Rebecca Carison

1983  -  Ted Mauss

1984  -  Don Anderson
1986  -  Sam Putt
1987  -  Jack Stamper

1988  -  Joanne Grimes

1989  -  Felice Thurman

1990  -  Betty Juliano

1991  -  Bill Grimes

1992  -  Ted Mauss

1993  -  Jack Stamper

1994  -  Harold Shonkwiler

1995  -  Ed Chelm

1996  -  Don Chenoweth

1997-1998  -  Angela Juliano

1999  -  Michelle Tomaselli

2000  -  Mary Ann Stamper

2001  -  Don Chenoweth

2002  -  Jeff Ursillo

2003-2004  -  Ellen Floyd

2005-2006  -  Chris Koch

2007  -  Barbara Ringhieser

2008-2009 Jeff Ursillo
Club Purpose:
To associate persons of the Palm Beach area of Florida who are
interested in earth sciences, to work together as an organization in the
gathering, cutting,displaying, and studying of rocks, shells, artifacts, and
any kind of scientific objects of interest to the individual and the
organization to promote community interest in these objects.

The society is a member of the Eastern Federation of Mineralogical &
Lapidary Societies Inc. and the Southeast Federation of Mineralogical
Societies, Inc., affiliated with the American Federation of Mineralogical &
Lapidary Societies. Our members are able to participate in activities
sponsored by these organizations.