Atlantic Micromounters Conference at James Madison University on June 3
by Michael Pabst, MNCA Treasurer
On June 3, 2023, the Micromineralogists of the National Capital Area (MNCA) will hold our annual Atlantic Micromounters' Conference at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The conference will be held in the Festival Conference and Student Center. You do not need to be a micromineral collector to attend and there is no fee for the conference.
The conference will start at 10:30 am so that people from the DC area or similar distances can drive to Harrisonburg on Saturday morning without losing much sleep. There are many inexpensive motels in Harrisonburg if you want to arrive on Friday or stay over on Saturday night.
Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, Professor and Curator, will give a talk about the Phil Cosminsky and Fred Keidel micromount collections at 11:00, then we will break for lunch. (We will offer guidance on dining.) In the afternoon we will visit the stunning James Madison Museum Mineral Museum (in two groups if necessary), mixed with viewing and trading micromounts till about 3:30.
For a preview of the JMU museum, look at the article in the Mineralogical Record, volume 51, page 703, September-October, 2020. There are also some photos and information on the JMU website: https://www.jmu.edu/mineralmuseum/index.shtml.
Because of JMU rules, we cannot have dealers or an auction, but we can trade, and there will be giveaways. Attendance will be limited to 50 people.
Parking
Free parking for the Atlantic Micromounters Conference on June 3 is available on the JMU campus in regular spaces in lots C12, D3, and R4 near Festival Conference Center (1301 Carrier Dr, Harrisonburg, VA 22807). There is a drop-off loop in front of the Festival Conference and Student Center and there is elevator service from the top floor to the bottom floor. The Mineral Museum is on the bottom floor. Please note:
(1) You do not need a parking permit or voucher in these lots on June 3.
(2) Do NOT park in metered areas, spaces reserved for service or state vehicles, or fire lanes. Only park in accessible spaces if you have a proper permit.
(3) An up-to-date map of the JMU campus can be found HERE.
