The Earth Wide Open

The Memphis Archaeological and Geological Society was chartered by the State of Tennessee on September 29, 1958. The objectives of this society, as stated in that charter, are as follows: for the purpose of promoting an active interest in the geological finds and data by scientific methods; to offer possible assistance to any archaeologist or geologist in the general area covered by the work and purposes of this society; to discourage commercialization of archaeology and work to its elimination and to assist in the younger members of the society; to publicize and create further public interest in the archaeological and geological field in the general area of the Mid-South and conduct means of displaying, publishing and conducting public forms for scientific and educational purposes.

​

Membership meetings are held monthly in the Fellowship Hall of the Shady Grove Presbyterian Church located at 5530 Shady Grove Rd. Memphis, TN. Meetings include short business meeting, separate programs for adults and youth, displays of minerals or fossils by individual members, occasional auctions, demonstrations and rock talk.  Visitors are welcomed and encouraged.

​

• Monthly club field trips provide members with opportunities to collect minerals or fossils. MAGS has exclusive access to some restricted areas. 

• The MAGS library contains over 500 books and videos, relating to geology, paleontology, archaeology and lapidary. 

• The MAGS mineral and fossil collection (over 800 specimens) is available for public display. 

• The Roger Van Cleef Educational Program provides geological presentations and programs to scouts, schools, organizations and the community. 

• The Roger Van Cleef Educational Program also provides earth science awards during the annual Memphis–Shelby County Science Fair. 

• MAGS provides direct monetary contributions to organizations such as:  Tennessee Earth Science Teachers, Delta State and Friends of Chucalissa. 

• A 10-page monthly newsletter, MAGS Rockhound News, provides members with club news and hobby related information and articles. The newsletter is available online. 

• The MAGS web site www.memphisgeology.com provides club information and is an international resource for geological information with over 1 million hits. 

​

The Annual Memphis Mineral, Fossil and Jewelry Show is held the 4th weekend in April. Over forty dealers, displays and demonstrations. A kid’s area, The Rockzone, is very popular with a gem dig, Rocks Around the Clock spinning wheel, geode bowling and displays.

MAGS is a member of the American Federation of Mineral Societies, the Southeast Federation of Mineral Societies and the Dixie Mineral Council. Membership provides preferential access to some lapidary school class schedules.