Museum open 10 - 2 Thurs to Sun. Or contact us for appointment and tour.
Southern Tuolumne County Historical Society
Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum
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.
On Sunday, August 31, STCHS held its annual Labor Day Country barbecue at the PML Stables. On a warm sunny day over 100 Grovelanders and their families came out to enjoy tri-tip, hotdogs, and other goodies as well as a few fun events for the kids. As usual, the watermelon eating contest was the show stopper of the day! The event was a terrific success, and everyone should mark it on the calendar for next year too!
On Saturday, June 21, STCHS held an Open House at the Wells Fargo Gamble building (built ~1852) and Cobden House (~1900) in Big Oak Flat. After 10 years since our last Open House, we wanted to showcase our efforts to preserve and improve them. New paint, vintage furniture, and electricity for the House. Electricity, a new roof, and general clean-up for WFG. A great crowd of over 150 locals and visitors came out to take a tour. Many commented that they "always wanted to know more" about the local landmarks on Hwy 120 in Big Oak Flat. The event was a terrific success, and we look forward to the sequels!
On Saturday, May 17, STCHS held its 19th annual Wine Tasting Cruise on Pine Mountain Lake. 150+ Groveland residents and visitors enjoyed a fabulous day being driven in a boat from one Lakeside location to another (6 in total!) to enjoy fine local wines and appetizers. It's a unique experience and a local tradition. Our genuine appreciation to everyone who gave their time or donated their boat or home to support the Museum. And to those who came out to enjoy the occasion. Thank you!
On Friday, August 1, at the Resilience Center, STCHS sponsored Blake Rothfuss, the Chief Engineer at the Hetch Hetchy facility in Moccasin, for a presentation on Hetch Hetchy's first 100 years. With a combination of maps and vintage photos, Blake kept the audience of over 125 fascinated with his unique perspective. Many thanks to Blake for sharing his tremendous knowledge with us.
STCHS once again has made a mark in its community outreach. In 2024 the Groveland Community Service District (GCSD) asked STCHS to develop new history signage as part of a grant to improve Mary Laveroni Park. Partnering with GCSD, STCHS helped prepare a number of new signs depicting Groveland's history, including Mi-Wok and Hetch Hetchy, as well as a summary of Groveland's rich heritage (pictured). The new signs were just installed, so come by the Park and check them out (and notice the STCHS logo recognizing STCHS's key role.)
At the Museum we're normally open Thursday 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
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.
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.