Museum open 10 - 2 Fri, Sat, and Sun.
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 Friday, Dec. 13, STCHS took part in the "Christmas Tree Lane" event at PML Stables. Individuals and organizations put up decorated trees to celebrate the season. Each tree was an aesthetic and technical marvel - since there was no electric power. It was all solar and battery! See the photos from the Lane on the left.
Right after the event a windy winter storm visited Groveland and disturbed the wonderful display of many trees at the Stables. To protect the tree from more storms and to provide the opportunity for more people - both locals and visitors - to enjoy it, the STCHS Tree has been moved to the porch of the Museum. It looks great! See the photo from the porch on the right. Come out and share the season's holiday spirit!
Thanks to STCHS Board Member Lindsey Lorant, STCHS has a beautiful tree that is clearly a standout, wherever it is. Thanks, Lindsey!
Thanks to the creative and mechanical skills of Board member Dave Roberts, visitors to Big Oak Flat and Groveland are greeted by festive Christmas lights surrounding STCHS's Cobden House. Artistic "trees" fashioned from rebar offer the perfect display of bright lights in the night. Take a drive and enjoy the show!
On Friday, Nov. 1, STCHS sponsored its third speakers' program talk by Beth Pratt, a noted local conservationist and environmental advocate focusing on Yosemite. Before 75 fascinated attendees at the Resilience Center, Beth discussed her work to conserve CA wildlife with an emphasis on mountain lions and pikas. She also highlighted her efforts to create wildlife corridors that overcome highway barriers, such as the new Wallis Annenberg overpass in Southern California. With a wonderful combination of photos and videos Beth kept everyone spellbound and captivated by her work. Her enthusiasm and commitment to the cause were truly infectious. Many sincere thanks to Beth and to all who attended!
(Videos of the three STCHS talks will be available soon.)
The verdict is in. This year's STCHS Family BBQ was one of the best ever! Under sunny warm skies over 200 adults and kids came to the PML Stables on Sunday, Sept 1, for a fun afternoon of good food (tri tip and hot dogs), good music, and good family activities. As usual, the highlight was the watermelon eating contest for kids (who also enjoyed a tug of war).
Not to forget the good wine, home baked goodies, silent auction, and line dancing for the musically inclined. Special guests included reps from the Red Cross and Stanislaus National Forest. Our appreciation to them!
Special thanks also to the many volunteers who generously give their time and to the local partners and sponsors whose financial contributions are crucial. And, of course, we're grateful for the support of the Groveland community members who join us for this unique occasion of fun and family . See you next year!
The 18th annual STCHS Wine Tasting Cruise took place Saturday, May 18, from 2:30 to 6:30 at Pine Mountain Lake. It was a fabulous day of bright sun, warm temperatures, good fun and even better wine. Nearly 200 wine fans from near and far came to enjoy a great day cruising between 6 houses on the Lake to taste wine and gourmet snacks. Everyone in attendance said it was one of the best yet - especially after the down years of Covid and bad weather. Our special thanks to everyone who donated their homes, boats, cookie-baking skills, volunteer time, and overall hospitality to make this such a big success. See you next year!
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.
18990 Highway 120, Main St.
Groveland, CA 95321 (209) 962-0300
Copyright © 2024, STCHS