Friday, March 27th, 2026 10:30 AM: Opening: A Legacy Welcome from Our President
Join Jim Urbaniak, President of the Oregon Agate and Mineral Society, as he kicks off the 2026 Annual Show with a brief welcome. Jim will share insights on the Society’s mission, the importance of education and stewardship, and what attendees can look forward to throughout the show.
We are pleased to welcome Jim Urbaniak, President of the Oregon Agate and Mineral Society, who will open the 2026 OAMS Annual Show with a special address. Jim’s remarks will kick off the show and highlight the Society’s shared passion for education, stewardship, and the enduring joy of rockhounding.
Event details
Date: Friday, February 27, 2026
Time: 10:30 to 11:30 AM
Format: Opening Address
Length: Approximately 10 minutes
About Jim Urbaniak
Jim Urbaniak is a passionate petrologist and lifelong rockhound who began collecting at the age of six. He is deeply involved in the rockhounding community and currently serves as President of the Oregon Agate and Mineral Society. Jim is dedicated to education and outreach, publishing Rockhound Jr., an Earth Science newsletter for kids, teaching Earth Sciences through OAMS and the Clackamette Mineral & Gem Club, leading geology field trips at Camp Hancock, and coordinating Earth Science lectures.
His collecting interests focus on petrological specimens and thumbnail-sized crystals, along with meteorites, ammonites, petrified pine cones, petrified wood (categorized by type), and thundereggs (categorized by location). While he does not primarily consider himself a fossil collector, Jim has assembled an impressive collection of Ice Age mammal fossils and fossilized vertebrae, with at least one-third of his collection self-collected.
Jim is especially passionate about advocating for responsible access to public lands, supporting strong junior rockhounding programs to ensure the future of the hobby, and keeping rockhounding affordable and accessible to everyone. He believes local, regional, and national clubs, along with inter-club trading partnerships, play a vital role in making the hobby inclusive.
His accomplishments include co-authoring Oregon SCR 14, which designated Oregonite and Josephinite as Oregon’s official twin minerals; receiving the 2011 OAMS President’s Award for Best Exhibit at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry; earning national recognition through the AFMS and NFMS for his writing and educational contributions; and receiving first-place awards in 2024 for Rockhound Jr. in both the NFMS Small Bulletin and AFMS Junior Bulletin categories.
We’re honored to have Jim open the show and help set the stage for a weekend of learning, discovery, and shared enthusiasm for rocks and minerals.
Friday, February 27th, 2026 12:30 PM: A short documentary about Oregon Agate and Mineral Society
Discover the story of the Oregon Agate and Mineral Society in this special video presentation tracing its roots back to 1933. Produced with OMSI and the Rice Museum, this session highlights the people, passion, and history behind one of the nation’s oldest rock and mineral societies.
This special video presentation explores the rich history of the Oregon Agate and Mineral Society, one of the oldest rock and mineral societies in the United States. Founded in 1933, OAMS has spent more than nine decades fostering education, stewardship, and community around the study and enjoyment of rocks, minerals, and fossils.
Produced in collaboration with Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals, this video highlights the Society’s early beginnings, its role in advancing lapidary and Earth science education, and the dedicated members who have shaped OAMS into what it is today.
Through archival images, historical highlights, and reflections on the Society’s impact, viewers will gain a deeper appreciation for how OAMS has helped preserve rockhounding traditions while continuing to evolve for future generations.
Event details
Date: Friday, February 27, 2026
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 PM
Format: Video presentation
Credits: OMSI, Rice Museum, Oregon Agate and Mineral Society
This presentation offers both longtime members and new attendees a meaningful look at the legacy behind OAMS and the community that continues to carry it forward.
Friday, February 27th, 2026 2:30 PM: Sunstones, Mystery of Oregon’s Sunstones
Discover the mystery behind Oregon’s famous sunstones in this short video presentation from OPB, exploring the geology, origins, and unique qualities that make these gemstones truly one of a kind.
This short video presentation from Oregon Public Broadcasting explores the unique geology and enduring mystery of Oregon’s sunstones. Known for their warm colors and distinctive copper inclusions, Oregon sunstones are unlike any other gemstone found in the United States.
Through storytelling and visual exploration, this video highlights where sunstones are found, how they form, and why they have become one of Oregon’s most recognizable geological treasures. It offers an accessible and engaging look at a gemstone that continues to captivate collectors, rockhounds, and scientists alike.
Session details
Date: Friday, February 27, 2026
Time: 2:30 to 3:30 PM
Format: Video presentation
Length: Approximately 10 minutes
Presented by: Oregon Public Broadcasting
Saturday, February 28th, 2026 10:30 AM: Paleoclimatology, The Study of Ancient Climates with Greg Carr
Explore how fossils and geological evidence reveal Earth’s ancient climates in this presentation on paleoclimatology, led by paleontology expert Greg Carr, featuring real discoveries and hands-on field insight.
In this science-focused presentation, Greg Carr explores paleoclimatology, the study of Earth’s ancient climates through fossils, geological records, and deep-time evidence. Using real discoveries and field experience, Greg connects past climate conditions to the environments that shaped prehistoric life.
Attendees will learn how fossils, plant remains, and sedimentary clues help scientists reconstruct ancient ecosystems and climate patterns. This session is ideal for anyone curious about how Earth’s climate has changed over millions of years and how paleontology helps tell that story.
Session details
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time: 10:30 to 11:30 AM
Format: Presentation
Length: 60 minutes
Greg Carr
Greg Carr is a prominent figure in the Pacific Northwest paleontological community, known for his dedication to scientific discovery and the technical craft of fossil preparation. He is an active member of the North American Research Group and a longtime volunteer supporting regional institutions. While the OMSI Paleontology Lab is under construction, Greg continues his work through volunteer projects at the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals.
An experienced field educator, Greg regularly leads fossil-hunting expeditions and teaches collectors the detailed techniques required to prepare and display specimens. His scientific contributions include discoveries of rare Triassic marine reptiles such as Thalattosaurs, paleobotanical finds including the ancient tree Parauricaria, and numerous specimens of the prehistoric spike-toothed salmon, Oncorhynchus rastrosus.
Greg’s fossil preparation expertise is sought by institutions including Chico State University, the University of Oregon, and the Rice Museum. He is also known for designing and building specialized tools for the hobby, including precision diamond wire saws, spherical rock grinders, and reduced-noise air scribes.
Saturday, February 28th, 2026 12:30 PM: Pixels vs. Pickaxes, The Myth and Reality of Minecraft Rockhounding
Is mining in Minecraft anything like real rockhounding? This session compares game mechanics with real-world geology, exploring how digital exploration stacks up against hands-on mineral discovery in the Pacific Northwest.
Is finding a diamond as easy as digging to “Level 12” in the world of Minecraft? In this engaging and family-friendly presentation, Alice Kitchin explores the similarities and differences between Minecraft’s blocky geology and the real-world challenges of rockhounding in the Pacific Northwest.
This session bridges digital exploration and hands-on Earth science, comparing game mechanics with actual mineralogy and field geology. Attendees will learn where Minecraft aligns with real geological principles, where it takes creative liberties, and how virtual play can spark curiosity about the natural world.
Session details
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 PM
Format: Presentation
Length: 60 minutes
Alice Kitchin
Alice Kitchin is a Museum Education Assistant at the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals. With an Earth Science degree from the University of Oregon, Alice specializes in making geology accessible and engaging for learners of all ages. Their work focuses on connecting real-world science to everyday interests, helping families and students discover geology in unexpected places, including popular games.
Saturday, February 28th, 2026 2:30 PM: Pub Trivia, A Rock and Mineral Panel Experience
Test your geology knowledge and have some fun at this interactive Pub Trivia session featuring OAMS experts. Open to all ages and experience levels, this lively panel blends learning, laughs, and friendly competition.
Join us for an engaging evening with three of Oregon’s leading experts as they unearth the hidden history locked beneath our feet. From the volcanic foundations of the Cascades to the prehistoric giants of the John Day Fossil Beds, this panel explores the intersection of deep time, rare crystals, and the tectonic forces that shaped the Pacific Northwest.
Designed to be welcoming for all experience levels, this session is equal parts learning and laughter. Whether you are a seasoned collector or brand new to the hobby, Pub Trivia offers a relaxed way to test your knowledge, learn something new, and enjoy the community spirit that defines OAMS events.
Session details
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time: 2:30 to 4:30 PM
Format: Interactive panel, Pub Trivia
Length: 120 minutes
Greg Carr
Greg Carr is a dedicated rockhound and educator known for his enthusiasm for geology and his ability to make learning engaging and approachable. His experience spans collecting, sharing knowledge within the community, and supporting educational outreach through rock and mineral events.
Jim Urbaniak
Jim Urbaniak is a lifelong rockhound, passionate petrologist, and President of the Oregon Agate and Mineral Society. A respected educator and advocate, Jim brings decades of field experience, deep geological knowledge, and a love of sharing Earth science with audiences of all ages.
A Special Guest
Sunday, March 1st, 2026 10:30 AM: Historic Rocks, The Stories They Have to Tell with Jim Urbaniak
Discover how rocks, minerals, and fossils tell the story of Earth’s past in this presentation led by OAMS President Jim Urbaniak, blending history, science, and decades of hands-on collecting experience.
In this engaging presentation, Jim Urbaniak explores how rocks, minerals, and fossils serve as records of Earth’s history. Drawing from decades of collecting, fieldwork, and education, Jim highlights how specimens tell stories about ancient environments, geological processes, and the people who discovered them.
Through examples from his personal collection and broader historical context, this session connects petrology, paleontology, and stewardship, offering attendees a deeper appreciation for what rocks can teach us beyond their surface beauty.
Session details
Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026
Time: 10:30 to 11:30 AM
Format: Presentation
Length: 60 minutes
About Jim Urbaniak
A lifelong rockhound since the age of six, Jim Urbaniak is a passionate petrologist and the current President of the Oregon Agate and Mineral Society. He is a prominent Earth science educator in the Pacific Northwest, publishing the award-winning Rockhound Jr. newsletter and leading geology programs through OAMS, Camp Hancock, and the Clackamette Mineral and Gem Club.
Jim co-sponsored Oregon legislation that designated Oregonite and Josephinite as the state’s official twin minerals. His personal collection includes petrological specimens, meteorites, and a significant number of self-collected Ice Age fossils.
As a speaker and advocate, Jim focuses on responsible access to public lands, youth engagement through junior rockhounding programs, and keeping the hobby affordable and accessible through strong club networks. A multi-award recipient from both the NFMS and AFMS, he brings deep field experience and long-standing community leadership to every presentation.
Sunday, March 1st, 2026 12:30 PM: Start Your Geological Journey, Rockhounding for All Ages with Chris Lukas
Perfect for beginners and families, this session follows one collector’s journey from first agate find to lifelong passion, offering practical tips and inspiration for starting your own rockhounding adventure at any age.
Have you ever wanted to find your own crystals and gemstones? Just a few years ago, Chris Lukas was a beginner just like you. Today, his incredible enthusiasm has made him a field expert, and he’s here to show you how to start your own journey! This presentation is the perfect spark for new and junior rockhounds. Chris will share his "blueprint for a successful dig," including:
Essential Gear: The must-have tools for every young explorer.
Trip Prep: How to safely plan your very first outdoor treasure hunt.
The Pro Mindset: Why you don't need years of experience to find amazing rocks.
As Chris says: "If I can do it, any of you can do it too!" Come get inspired and learn how to turn any hike into a geological discovery. Your first big find is waiting!
Session details
Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 PM
Format: Presentation
Length: 60 minutes
About Chris Lukas
Chris Lukas’ rockhounding journey began at the 73rd Annual Agate and Mineral Show at OMSI in 2024, where a spark of curiosity quickly turned into a deep passion for geology. After joining OAMS, his interest grew from admiring displays to studying local geology and maps, with his first agate discovery igniting a lasting case of agate fever.
An avid explorer, Chris actively hunts for specimens whenever he travels, with regular trips throughout Oregon, Washington, Texas, Mexico, and other regions. His dedication shows in frequent river, beach, and field explorations, as well as visits to independent rock shops and international collecting sites. His journey, from newcomer to presenter at the OAMS Annual Show, reflects a genuine commitment to discovery, learning, and community.
Sunday, March 1st, 2026 2:30 PM: Panel Discussion, A Cross-Border Rockhounding
Join our panel of seasoned experts as they compare the thrill of the hunt within the Beaver State to their adventures across the globe.
Oregon is a legendary "Mecca" for collectors, but how does the High Desert stack up against the rest of the world? Join our panel of seasoned experts as they compare the thrill of the hunt within the Beaver State to their adventures across the globe. From the logic of the lithic to the patience of the paleontologist, we’re digging into the dirt, the gear, and the glory.
Session details
Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026
Time: 2:30 to 4:30 PM
Format: Panel discussion
Length: 120 minutes
Panelist Bios
Bill Howat
After relocating to Portland from Florida in early 2025, Bill brings more than a decade of paleontological experience and a passion for digital storytelling to the Pacific Northwest. He previously served as President of the Manasota Fossil Club and Vice President of the Gulf Coast Mineral, Fossil, and Gem Club. An active YouTuber, Bill documents his field hunts and fossil discoveries while sharing educational content with a broad online audience. His extensive fieldwork has helped him build a nationwide network of collectors and dealers through specimen swapping and collaboration.
Rick Mauer
Rick Mauer’s lifelong fascination with geology began in childhood and evolved into decades of hands-on field experience. During his U.S. Air Force service in the late 1950s and early 1960s, he made notable discoveries of Green Jasper and Pyrite. Throughout his career as an electrician, Rick continued collecting and refining his expertise. Today, he is a respected board member of the Oregon Agate and Mineral Society, known for his extensive private collection of rare and unique specimens assembled over many years.
Chris Lukas
Chris’ rockhounding journey began at the 73rd Annual OAMS Show at OMSI in 2024. After joining OAMS, his interest quickly deepened through geology study and field trips, with his first agate discovery sparking a lasting passion. Chris now actively explores rivers, beaches, and dig sites throughout Oregon, Washington, Texas, Mexico, and beyond. His path from first-time attendee to dedicated explorer reflects the curiosity and community spirit at the heart of rockhounding.