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About the Nevada County Historical Society:
The Nevada County Historical Society had its beginning in the fall of 1944 after being inspired by Dr. Robert E. Burns, President of the College of the Pacific. Dr. Burns was interested in the preservation of the history of the Mother Lode and gold country, and he spoke to the Grass Valley Lions Club about organizing a county historical society. Soon afterwards another meeting was held for more people who were interested, after which a constitution and by-laws were adopted. The objective of the new organization as stated in its constitution was to preserve every source of Nevada County history. The new society began with 48 members, and dues were a dollar a year! Monthly programs were planned to entertain and educate members, and the committee chairmen and groups formed the foundation of the society by collecting, displaying, and preserving the memorabilia of the county. The Firehouse Museum in Nevada City, the Mining Museum in Grass Valley, and Searls Library in Nevada City were opened to locals and tourists alike. The Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum opened in Nevada City during May, 2003.
In March 1948 the first newsletter of the Society was published, which contained small notices about Nevada County history. These were 5 by 8 inches, and were published until 1976. From that date to the present, the newsletter evolved into a quarterly Bulletin, usually an 8 page issue on some historical topic. Now the newsletter, also quarterly, is sent out at the same time. The newsletter tells the members about programs of the month, special events such as outings to historical areas, and news from the museums and Searls Library.
Since 1948, the Historical Society has held an annual banquet to honor the "Citizen of the Year," someone (or sometimes an organization) who has made an outstanding contribution toward preserving Nevada County history.
Meeting Information:
Board of Directors Meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at the Coldwell Banker office on Sutton Way in Grass Valley. Meetings begin at 5:00 pm and all interested parties are invited to attend.
General Membership Programs are held the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm, at Madelyn Helling Library, 980 Helling Way, Nevada City. Free of charge. These programs are regularly announced in the local media and can also be found posted on our Events Calendar. All interested parties are invited to attend. Refreshments are usually served following the general membership meetings.
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