In addition to the four state parks, Nevada County boasts a collection of unique museums. Whether you’re riding a narrow-gauge railroad or delving into the tales of nuns caring for miners’ orphans, these museums are not merely worth a visit. They are essential stops on your Nevada County adventures.
Nevada City
Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad
Gold may have been the star attraction, but Nevada County’s history is a tapestry woven with the threads of another vital industry: logging. Back in the 19th century, as California’s cities flourished, the demand for lumber surged. To transport the precious cargo from the foothills to the sawmills, Narrow-Gauge railroads emerged as the unsung heroes of the era.
Dive into this fascinating past by visiting the Nevada County Narrow Gauge railroad. Here, you can step back in time and witness the legacy of these railroads. The highlight? An 1875 2-6-0 mogul crafted by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. For all the steam engine enthusiasts and railroading history buffs out there, our article The Golden Age Of Railroading” is a must-read.
Firehouse #1
During the Gold Rush era, many towns, including Nevada City, were repeatedly devastated by fires. In response, the citizens of Nevada City banded together in 1860 to form fire companies. On May 30, 1861, Nevada Hose Company #1 constructed a remarkable building, now one of the finest examples of its kind in the Northern Mines region.
Today, this building has been repurposed as the Nevada County Historical Society Museum. Inside, you’ll discover a rich collection of historical photos and memorabilia, showcasing the town’s past. Highlights include cultural artifacts like watertight baskets and ceremonial feather dance collars from the Nisenan Indians of the Nevada City Rancheria, as well as relics from the Chinese citizens who came to mine gold, including altars from the Hou Wang and Kuan Yin Temples in Grass Valley’s Chinatown. You can even see authentic items from the Donner Party, recovered from the Breen and Graves cabins.
Grass Valley
North Star Mining Museum
Nevada County is deeply rooted in the history of gold mining. It was a hub of innovation, mechanization, and early environmental conservation efforts. While large-scale mining is a thing of the past, you can still witness these impressive engineering feats in action at the North Star Mining Museum.
The museum is located in a well-preserved 1895 stone building that once powered the mine. Knowledgeable docents, with a passion for engineering, have meticulously maintained and showcased their extensive collection of 19th-century mining equipment. You’ll have the opportunity to witness stamp mills, dredges, dynamite packing machines, Cornish pumps, and even the largest Pelton wheel ever constructed in action. It’s a unique and fascinating experience.
Grass Valley Museum
Grass Valley is a town brimming with untold stories and hidden historical gems. One prime example is the Grass Valley Museum. It’s nestled behind a modest door in the shared parking lot of St. Patrick’s Church and Mount Saint Mary’s Academy.
Situated on the second floor of the Convent Building within the St. Joseph’s Cultural Center, this museum showcases artifacts generously donated by the nuns of St. Mary’s. Mount Saint Mary’s Academy holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating Catholic school west of the Mississippi. The nuns played a crucial role in educating and caring for the children and orphans of the rapidly growing and often perilous settlement.
Highlights of the museum include intricate hair art crafted from the nuns’ locks. A meticulously restored classroom complete with an attendance book dating back to 1890. The actual bathtub used by the exotic dancer Lola Montez, and a captivating yet somewhat unsettling array of vintage medical instruments and equipment.
Truckee
Truckee Railroad Museum
The story of Truckee is inseparable from the Transcontinental Railroad. This monumental rail system served as the vital link connecting the western United States to the East Coast cities. And the Truckee Railroad Museum, located in downtown Truckee, vividly illustrates this historical narrative.
Within the museum you’ll discover the visionary thinking of Theodore Judah, who devised the solution for overcoming the challenging terrain of the Sierra Mountains. It also recounts the journey of entrepreneurs who nurtured the growth of the community. The enduring challenge of establishing and maintaining the railroad in this rugged terrain is a testament to human ingenuity. The museum is an excellent choice for families and train enthusiasts, providing a captivating glimpse into the golden age of railroading in the region.
Museum Of Truckee History
While many towns that sprouted along its path have faded into history, Truckee remains a resilient exception. Inside the historic train depot, the Museum of Truckee History provides insights into why Truckee has endured.
The museum delves into a wide range of topics, including the significant contributions of Chinese immigrants, the lumber industry, ice harvesting, California’s first true lager, and the development of winter sports. Despite its modest size, the museum optimally utilizes every square inch to narrate the remarkable story of the mighty town of Truckee. To explore more of Truckee’s past, be sure to check out it’s Culture, Museums, History page.
