September 24, 2018 – The Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission is delighted to invite the public to its September 30th unveiling ceremony for a new plaque to be installed at the North Columbia Schoolhouse Cultural Center, 17894 Tyler Foote Road on the San Juan Ridge. The ceremony will begin at 5:00 p.m. and will include historical information about the site provided by local historian Hank Meals, architect Bruce Boyd and property owner Kim Coughlan.
History of North Columbia Schoolhouse Cultural Center
Columbia Hill School was originally landmarked by the Commission in 1971 and is a graceful example of Western Colonial architecture. Built by the mining community in 1875, it has a long tradition of serving the community as a school, a public meeting hall and a cultural center for over 140 years.
In 1979 it was forced to shut down as a school by legislation requiring earthquake-proof construction. It reopened as a community cultural center in 1980 after extensive restoration undertaken by two local architects, with the help of many dedicated volunteers.
Community Importance
It’s a unique building for a unique place with a unique culture. The mission of the North Columbia Schoolhouse Cultural Center is to sustain the cultural life of the San Juan Ridge through the maintenance of a space for appreciation, education, and celebration.
It strives to provide programming that enhances our community life. Over the years, the Center has hosted hundreds of unique cultural events with artists, musicians, and writers from all over the world. It also hosts film screenings, community forums, classes, festivals, and the nationally renowned Sierra Storytelling Festival.