Museum open 10 - 2 Fri, Sat, and Sun.
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.
STCHS LABOR DAY BBQ 2023 EDITION
Let them Eat Watermelon!
Let them Eat Watermelon!
Let them Eat Watermelon!
Show Off your Strength
Let them Eat Watermelon!
Let them Eat Watermelon!
Lining up for the Grub
Strut your Stuff on the Dance Floor
Strut your Stuff on the Dance Floor
Strut your Stuff on the Dance Floor
Strut your Stuff on the Dance Floor
Strut your Stuff on the Dance Floor
STCHS Wine Tasting Cruise A Big Success
Wine Tasting Cruise 2023 Edition Continues Tradition
STCHS' unique community event, the annual Wine Tasting Cruise, returned to Pine Mountain Lake on Saturday, May 20. Several hundred Groveland residents and their guests spent a wonderful warm and relaxing day on the Lake - and had the chance to taste good local wines to boot. It was a great way to renew friendships and enjoy good times after the trying experiences of the past few years.
A sincere thanks to everyone who helped make this great occasion possible. The local wineries who donated their wines deserve our special appreciation - without them the cruise would just be a cruise! We're very grateful to PML for their general support and generous offer to use their water taxis. The sponsors played a key role in setting the event on a firm financial footing. The house hosts on the Lake should also be recognized for their hospitality to serve the wine and snacks. And, of course, the community and STCHS volunteers who did everything from working the docks and driving the boats and setting the tables for snacks - they are the greatest!
It's never too early to start thinking about next year's cruise. Mark your calendar for mid-May 2024 and join us again for this special event.
New Technology to Improve Visitor Experience
QR Codes Broaden Information Available
The Museum has recently added a series of "QR codes" to enhance its visitor experience. The codes are increasingly visible in every walk of life, from restaurant menus to information brochures. And they can be used to provide additional opportunities for visitors to learn about the Museum and local history.
With the participation of STCHS volunteers Lindsey Lorant, Kathy Brown, and Scott Belser (pictured), we have just launched a program to provide codes and information links throughout the Museum. Visitors can quickly access information from the Internet on a wide range of topics. The first application is right on the front door for visitors who want more Information about the Museum - for example, if they arrive when it is closed. Other QR codes are being planned inside the building to offer interested visitors additional information on exhibits and historical subjects (such as the Me-Wuk heritage or Gold Rush history).
Special thanks to volunteer Lindsey who has spearheaded the effort.
QR Codes - How They Work
QR Links to Internet Resources
The black and white lines and dots are a code to link to designated information sources such as the Museum website or other reliable sources. Technically, it's sometimes called a "URL". It is completely safe and secure. And requires no effort by users.
Use your Mobile Phone
Just point your mobile phone (usually just the "Camera") at the code. Normally, a grid appears on your screen, indicating the phone has identified a QR code. It picks up the Internet link to the information (usually a website, or sometimes another "Cloud" resource). The information will appear on your phone automatically. Learn and enjoy!
Try it out Now!
To see how it works, you can test it with the QR code to the left. Just point your phone at the image. After the link is activated, the Museum's website homepage should appear on your screen.
COBDEN HOUSE IMPROVED AND SPRUCED UP
A Family Home from 1900
A Family Home from 1900
A Family Home from 1900
Edward Coben built this house circa 1900. After the family lived in it for many years, it finally fell into disrepair. In 2008 STCHS was asked to take it over to preserve it.
Brought to Life Anew
A Family Home from 1900
A Family Home from 1900
The Klahn family generously arranged to have wood milled in the original style. After years of waiting, the decorative railings are now gracing the house as they did 100 years ago. Our heartfelt thanks to the Klahns for their support.
Honoring the Hetch Hetchy Railroad
The Museum has recently displayed a new item in its collection in recognition of Groveland’s key role in the construction of the Hetchy Hetchy dam. A friend of the Museum, Allan R. Johnson, has generously donated a beautiful wooden door with a stained-glass representation of the Hetch Hetchy railroad (HHRR) that was a key part of the Hetch Hetchy project. Groveland was the headquarters of the entire dam-building project with numerous HHRR facilities in the town, such as the maintenance yard and workers' hospital.
Allan Johnson’s grandfather Julius was a 30-year employee of the Southern Pacific Railroad and inspired his grandson's love of trains, particularly steam trains. Allan Johnson commissioned his father Francis, who became a stained-glass artist after retirement, to depict the steam HHRR at work transporting vital supplies to the dam site. The glass was installed in a wooden door for easy viewing, and now Mr. Johnson has given the door to the Museum as the centerpiece of our Hetchy Hecyt exhibit.
New and Improved Hetch Hetchy Exhibit
The Museum continues to review its exhibits to make sure they reflect the best information that we can share with our visitors. Recently, we have upgraded our presentation of the important part of our heritage that is the Hetch Hetchy project of the early 1900s.
An essential part of the Hetch Hetchy story is the 68-mile-long railroad that transported men and supplies from the Central Valley to the dam site east of Groveland. It wound its way up the Priest Grade through Groveland (and PML), then to Mather and finally the Hetch Hetchy Valley. Thanks to the initiative of Board members Dave Roberts and Kathy Brown, its route has now been printed in one continuous map that follows all its twists and turns.
Additional improvements include more photos and captions that complement the map showing key historical elements along the route. Together with the handsome stained glass image of the HH RR engine, the exhibit provides an exceptional glimpse into Groveland's past. Come to the Museum soon to learn and enjoy!
SPRING CLEANING IN THE GARDEN
Cleaned up Walkway
Now Flowers can be Seen
Now Flowers can be Seen
The Clean Up Team attacked the leaves and weeds that had built up along the walkway to the Museum. Now you can see where you're going!
Now Flowers can be Seen
Now Flowers can be Seen
Now Flowers can be Seen
Above the geology display were flowers that couldn't be seen for all the vegetation. Now they are out for everyone to enjoy!
No more leaves
Now Flowers can be Seen
No more leaves
Greg Dahler also helped out by clearing all the leaves, branches, and twigs that had built up in the arrastra exhibit. Thanks, Greg!
SAFE AND CLEAN FOR THE WINTER
Dangerous Tree Removed
Pelton Wheel's New Home
Pelton Wheel's New Home
On October 19 an arborist crew from Tuolumne County removed a large tree from close to the Museum. With winter coming, we wanted to be sure that it wouldn't fall and damage the Museum. Many thanks to the County!
Pelton Wheel's New Home
Pelton Wheel's New Home
Pelton Wheel's New Home
The Pelton Wheel exhibit was moved to an easy-to-read location at the start of the walkway. No more clutter near the door!
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 $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.