30th Annual Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show

March 13-14, 2010

The 30th annual Gem, Mineral and Fossil show returns to Macomb, Illinois Saturday, March 13 and Sunday, March 14. On Saturdy, the Show is scheduled from 10a.m. to 6p.m. and from 10a.m. to 5p.m. on Sunday in the Western Illinois University Union Ballroom. This year's theme is "Geodes of the World...and T-Rex, Too!"

There will be earth science displays, educational programs, lapidary demonstrations and activities for kids are all part of the show, as well a special T-Rex exhibit from Chicago's Museum of Natural Science.

Presented by be Geodeland Earth Science Clubs, Inc. (GESCI) of west-central Illinois, this weekend show will include gems, fossils, minerals and artifacts. Dealers in minerals, fossils, jewelry and equipment will be exihibiting items found in backyards of western Illinois and workdwide. Demonstrators will be presenting skills, including shell engraving, fossil preparation, egg and rock painting scrimshaw, geode cracking, glass bead making, lamp working and faceting gemstones. Free admission and parking.

For schedule information contact the show chair Dennis Bomke at (217) 546-4096 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Western Illinois Museum

"Quilt Stories"

January 9, 2010 - April 24, 2010

The Western Illinois Museum is pleased to present "Quilt Stories" about the history of quilts from the region. Each of the quilts in the exhibit tells a unique story of families, influence, invention, beliefs and political interests. The exhibit includes over twenty quilts that represent the rich history of over 100 years of quilt making in the region sewn by women from Carthage, Good Hope, Macomb and Bushnell with examples from as early as 1848. The quilts will be on display at the Western Illinois Museum located 201 S. Lafayette at the corner of Washington Street. The museum is open 10-4, Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free and all donations are welcome.