Museum open 10 - 2 Fri, Sat, and Sun. Or contact us for appointment and tour.
Southern Tuolumne County Historical Society
Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum
Welcome to the Southern Tuolumne County Historical Society
The Southern Tuolumne County Historical Society (STCHS) is a volunteer community organization dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the colorful history of the area “south of the Tuolumne River.” Groveland and Big Oak Flat were 1850s Gold Rush towns which later thrived as a gateway to Yosemite National Park. The centerpiece of STCHS is the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum in Groveland welcoming visitors from all over the world, and all year long. STCHS also advances its goals by building preservation projects, community education, and the History Resource Center.
WINE TASTING CRUISE - IT'S JUST AROUND THE CORNER!
SATURDAY, MAY 17 - PINE MOUNTAIN LAKE
Groveland's favorite early summer event is the annual STCHS Wine Tasting Cruise on Pine Mountain Lake. With wine and snacks, warm sunshine, and a relaxing ride on the Lake - what's not to like?
Tickets are still available but going fast. Get yours by stopping by the Museum or sending in the order form. See you there!
ENCORE PERFORMANCE - MOTHERLODE GEOLOGY
May 2, Groveland Resilience Center, 7 p.m.
STCHS is pleased to present the next (fifth) presentation its its popular speakers program: Dr. Jeff Tolhurst speaking on "Highway 120: A Geologic Journey from Oakdale to Yosemite."
Many in Groveland might remember Jeff’s popular STCHS presentation from nine years ago, titled “Gold.” The prior community center was packed as he explained the science behind the natural processes that shaped the Mother Lode region.
Dr. Tolhurst holds a Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina in geology and geoscience education. He has taught Earth Sciences and Geospatial Technology at Columbia College for 26 years. Now retired, he is still eminently qualified to share his knowledge and deepen our understanding of our section of the legendary "Mother Lode." See you there!
STCHS HISTORY PROGRAM - DONNER PARTY PRESENTATION
April 4, at the Groveland Resilience Center
On Friday, April 4, author Eugene Hart gave an engrossing presentation to 70 local history buffs on the always-fascinating Donner Party as part of STCHS's speakers' program. Using a mix of maps, photos, and original journal quotes, he reviewed many little known aspects of the Donners' ill-fated journey - untimely delays, over-ambitious routes, and overloaded wagons, among others. Over the years, much of the blame for the tragedy has been placed on Lansford Hastings, a prominent promoter of the California migration, who convinced the Donners to try a new route not thoroughly explored. As explained in the presentation, this blame is not warranted. There was plenty of blame and mistakes to go around. The book on the Donners and Hastings will be available for sale at the Museum in mid-April.
Thank you, Eugene, for a great presentation!
VISIT THE MUSEUM - WE'RE OPEN!
At the Museum we're normally open Friday to Sunday, 10 to 2 p.m. We're often open for visitors during special holidays such as year end, school breaks, and the like. In addition, if you'd like to visit our Museum when we're not usually open, just call or e-mail us to request a special opening just for you. We'll get back to you as soon as we can to schedule a convenient time.
Museum phone - 209 962 0300. President Harriet Codeglia - 415 516 1852. E-mail - gygmstchs@gmail.com
Have Fun while Meeting People
Become a Docent
The Museum is always looking to add volunteers to greet and welcome visitors to the Museum. It's a wonderful opportunity to meet people from all over the country and the world. Docents serve at their own schedule with no obligation other than to enjoy themselves. Sign up on the "Docent" page of the website.
Groveland Big Oak Flat History Book for Sale
STCHS's local history book, Groveland Big Oak Flat, is on sale in the Museum or online. For only $5 shipping, you can send the best of Tuolumne history to yourself or someone you know. With 200+ vintage photos, it's the perfect glimpse into our area's colorful history. Buy online, or send your order form by e-mail.