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.
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STCHS revived speakers' program held its second history talk at the Resilience Center on Friday, Oct 4. About 40 history lovers attended a fascinating discussion by Marc Fossum about the amazing life of Harry Cobden. Born into a leading Big Oak Flat family (Cobden / Raggio), Harry was a lawyer, an engineer for the Hetch Hetchy project, a California State Senator, a friend of John Steinbeck and Melvin Belli, a hiking guide for a future Pope (Pius XII), a pioneering Tuolumne River rafter, a designer of military equipment (including the Quonset hut), and a committed conservationist. Our sincere appreciation to Marc and to all who attended! (A video of the talk 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