The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society (VGMS) was founded in 1944 in Ventura County, California, by a group of local youths interested in geology and mineral collecting. The organization formalized its structure over the following decade and incorporated as a nonprofit in 1954, establishing its long-term mission in geology, mineralogy, paleontology, and lapidary arts.
The VGMS launched its annual Gem & Mineral Show in 1963 and later developed a lapidary workshop and the Ray Meisenheimer Memorial Museum, supporting school programs, public outreach.
Past Presidents
List of Past Presidents: 1944-1926
Rockhounds of the Year
List of rockhound of the year designees [Link coming]
Scholarships
The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society awards an annual scholarship. Applicants must be majoring in one of the earth sciences or in another field directly relevant to the mission of VGMS. The annual scholarship grant may be used in whatever ways best meet the recipient’s needs, be it tuition, books, housing, transportation, etc. Potential recipients may be a graduating high school senior accepted to a college program, a 2- or 4-year college student, or a graduate student.
Past Scholarship Winners:
2020-2026
2009-2019
An Outline of History of the VGMS by Carlton M. Carson: 1946-1950
California Federation of Mineralogical Societies
American Federation of Mineralogical Societies