Museum open 10 - 2 Fri, Sat, and Sun. Masks required.
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.
Help the Museum Show our Mining Heritage
The Museum would like to add an exhibit on the long mining history of southern Tuolumne County. In addition to vintage photos and personal stories, we want to include physical objects that can help bring our mining heritage to life.
We are asking all our friends to help locate artifacts that can be part of our exhibit. Maybe an item that has been hiding in the basement. Maybe that mystery gizmo that Grandfather left in the attic. Miners' pans, cooking utensils, a tobacco pouch - almost anything that can convey what it was like during the Gold Rush. But not too big - it has to fit in a display case!
Not long ago a visitor to the Museum brought by the artifact shown in the photo. While we're still investigating it, it may be a miner's lamp. It is an example of the kind of item that would make our mining history all the more real.
Please contact us (gygmstchs@gmail.com or 209 962 0300) if you think you have something that might be a valuable addition to the exhibit. We'll respond as soon as we can. It can be just on loan; it doesn't necessarily have to be a permanent donation. We'll handle any paperwork to give your family appropriate recognition for your generosity.
Appreciation for Flo Jansen
Celebration for Flo Jansen, super docent
On Friday, January 21, the Museum took some time to recognize the extraordinary contributions of Flo Jansen, one of our most dedicated docents and Museum stalwarts.
Flo became a docent early in 2003 and has been on our docent team ever since, making her by far our longest-acting docent. Not only has she given regular docent volunteer hours to our museum for the past 19 years, but she has also baked for bake sales and worked at many special events through all those years. When the Museum was seeking docents willing to work weekends after COVID restrictions allowed us to reopen this past fall, Flo was the first to step up. She has generously filled almost every Friday 10-2 shift since then.
Flo says that she likes to docent because of the chance it provides to get out and meet new people from around the globe. We're happy to report that she will be continuing to docent in the future. Flo, we're the lucky ones to have you welcoming our visitors Thank you!
Happy Birthday and Thank you!
In addition to recognizing Flo's outstanding service, the occasion was also a birthday party (a few days early). 91 years young and going strong!
Flo amazes everyone who meets her with her good cheer, ready smile, and energy - despite the uncertainties and stresses of the pandemic. An avid golfer, Flo is looking to be back out on the links as soon as she can. Good luck, Flo!
Best Wishes for 2022 from the Museum!
Come by the Museum for Winter Enjoyment
As the new year of 2022 begins, STCHS continues to welcome visitors to the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum. We remain open weekends Friday to Sunday 10 to 2 for the foreseeable future (call us on your date to be sure). Our Museum offers the best in local history and traditions. It's the perfect family activity during the day while visiting the Groveland area. In addition to history, you can also get nice gifts such as books, jewelry from local artists, Tuolumne and Yosemite souvenirs, toys, artwork, and more!
STORAGE CONTAINER AVAILABLE
Contact Us if You're Interested
STCHS has two large metal shipping containers that it has used in previous years to store items which have now been moved to other facilities. One of these containers is now available for purchase. (The Museum will retain the other.) They are both 30 feet long and 8 feet wide. They are 8 feet tall. They are in good but used condition.
STCHS bought the containers for cash many years ago. It is now offering one unit for sale at its current fair market value (price information available on the Internet). Call 209 962 0300 (leave message) or e-mail the Museum (gygmstchs@gmail.com) if you are interested in taking advantage of this unique opportunity.
Have Fun while Meeting People
Become a Docent
As the Museum re-opens, it is 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 $3 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.