The extensive mineral collection of James (Jim) and Amelia (Mimi) Stauffer represents a remarkable journey through the world of geology, cultivated over nearly seven decades. With a collection that reflects their passion and dedication, Jim and Mimi have amassed a diverse array of specimens sourced from personal digs, gifts, trades, and purchases.

Jim, a geology major who graduated from Franklin and Marshall College in 1954, honed his skills in identifying and locating minerals. His knack for discovering new sites enabled him and Mimi to passionately explore countless quarries across Pennsylvania and beyond, including treasured trips to Ontario, Canada. Among their favorite locations were Otter Lake, Bear Lake, Tory Hill, and Ore Chimney Mine, where they spent countless hours finding unique specimens.

The couple's collecting adventures flourished from the 1950s through the 1990s, in regions that have since become submerged or developed, further adding to the historical value of their collection. Jim was active in the Pennsylvania Mineralogy Association, serving as president during the late 1960s, and he cherished sharing his enthusiasm for geology with others, particularly during family field trips with their five daughters.

As an Earth Science teacher, Jim's dedication to education flourished through his tireless efforts to ignite curiosity in his students and fellow collectors. The Stauffer family's love for mineral collecting has not only enriched their lives but has also fostered a lasting appreciation for the natural world around them.