Saturday, May 9th is a day devoted to celebrating the history of Nevada County. “History Day” is being presented as a cooperative effort of the Nevada County Landmarks Commission, Grass Valley Historical Commission and the Superintendent of Schools. Major historic landmarks will all be open throughout the day for community members to visit. There will also be guided walking tours of Nevada City and Grass Valley.
“Our goal for the day is to encourage local families and children to devote a few hours to experience what makes this community so special— our history,” said Grass Valley Historic Commission Chair Terry McAteer. One hour free historic walking tours will be offered in Grass Valley at 10:00 am and 3:00 pm which start at the corner of So. Auburn and Main while Nevada City tours are at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm and start at the Miners Foundry at 325 Spring St..
Besides the tours, many historic sites will be open from 10 am to 4 pm including the Grass Valley Museum/ St. Joseph’s Cultural Center; Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Grass Valley— the oldest wooden church in California; the Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum in Nevada City. The North Star Powerhouse Museum in Grass Valley and the Firehouse Museum in Nevada City will both be open from Noon to 4 pm.
Other possibilities of free places to visit on the the 9th include Malakoff Diggins State Park in North Bloomfield or South Yuba River State Park while Empure Mine is also open during the day with a $5 charge per person.
“The day is intended to bring our incredible history alive to our residents,” said McAteer.
History Day Free One Hour Walking Tours:
10 am and 3 pm— Grass Valley: Discover the Diverse History of Downtown Grass Valley
(Meet at Stamp Mill— Main & So. Auburn Sts)
11:30 and 1 pm— Nevada City: History Comes Alive in this Beautiful Gold Rush Town
(Meet at the Miners Foundry— 325 Spring St.)
Places to Visit in Grass Valley
St. Joseph’s Cultural Center/GV Museum
410 South Church St/GV
Built in 1866 to house a convent and orphanage, the building now is home to the Grass Valley Museum displaying many historic artifact and clothing. Open 10 am to 4 pm. Free
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
235 South Church St./GV
Built following the Great Fire of 1855, this gothic style wooden church is one of the oldest in the West. Open 10 am to 4 pm. Free
North Star Powerhouse Mining Museum
Mill and McCourtney Sts/GV
A superb way to understand the mining process, through operating machines and see the world’s largest Pelton Wheel.
Open Noon to 4 pm. Free
Places to Visit in Nevada City
Firehouse #1 Museum
214 Main St./NC
Completed in 1861, this “gingerbread” Firehouse displays horse-drawn fire wagons along with a fine display of Chinese history.
Open 1 pm to 4 pm/ Free
Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum
5 Kidder Court/NC
The Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad was the most important transportation network for our community for nearly 100 years. Tours and train rides available. Open 10 to 4 pm. Free
Reserve your train ride— 530-470-0902
Nevada Theatre
401 Broad Street/NC
Visit the oldest, continuously operated theatre in the West— 155 years of operation with performers like Mark Twain, Jack London and
Lotta Crabtree. Only open 11-Noon. Free.
Miners Foundry
325 Spring St./NC
Built in 1856, this stone structure served as a foundry making metal parts for mining and energy operations. Today, it is a hub for local events, weddings, etc. Open
Others Historic Places in the County
Empire Mine State Historic Park
Empire Street/GV
Experience the richest gold mine in the U.S. The buildings and grounds are beautiful along with a superb mining museum w/ real gold!
Open 10 am to 5 pm $5 per person
Malakoff State Historic State Park
Off Tyler Foote Rd/N. San Juan
View the largest hydraulic mine in California and the historic mining town of North Bloomfield. It’s worth the drive!
Open 10 am to 4 pm/ Free
South Yuba River State Park (aka Bridgeport)
Pleasant Valley Rd/Penn Valley
Experience the longest single span wooden covered bridge in the world. Originally built in 1862 as a means to reach the northern mines. Open 10 am to 4 pm/ Free