Welcome to the Southern Tuolumne County Historical Society

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Thanks to the generosity of a friend of the Museum who wishes to remain anonymous, the Museum has the opportunity to offer a jewlery sale like no other. An amazing assortment of bracelets, rings, necklaces, and pins. At amazing prices. Valued originally from $100 to $150, everything is on sale at $20. No exceptions - everything! A special gift for that special someone for that special day for friends and loved ones. 

Come one and all to the Book Nook on Saturday, February 11, from 10 - 2 p.m. This is a one-time opportunity to get an exceptional value on some beautiful jewelry gifts for yourself or others. 

Proceeds benefit the Museum and its neighbor, the Tuolumne County Library in Groveland. Due to the special nature of the sale, only cash is accepted. Only $20!

On Monday, December 12, 2022, STHCS held its "Volunteer Appreciation Lunch" to celebrate the contributions of all its volunteers over the past months and years. We had to postpone this annual event for the past few years due to Covid. So we were very eager to return to this tradition of showing how much we appreciate all the efforts and dedication of those who make the Museum possible. Thank you! 

About 20 volunteers and Museum Board members came together in the Book Nook space for a chance to be together and enjoy a wonderful lunch of holiday soups and cakes (many prepared by Board member Kathy Brown). In past years this event had been focused on honoring the corps of docents who welcomed visitors to the Museum. This year, due to the special demands of Covid over the past two years, we broadened our appreciation to everyone who had helped the Museum continue its work - from helping put on the barbecue to cleaning up after the wine cruise to getting us organized for our new visitor schedule. 

Our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one who has given so much in a difficult time! 

A key part of the mission of the STCHS is to promote an awareness and appreciation of the history of our area. For this reason, we were pleased to take part in a community outreach event for a multi-use trail intended for the old Hetch Hetchy railroad (HHRR) right-of way in Groveland.   

On Saturday, November 12, thanks to the organizational efforts of the Groveland Community Service District (GCSD) and the Sonora-based Blue Zones Project (affiliated with Adventist Health), Groveland residents were able to learn about a proposed trail to promote better health in our area. The planned trail would follow the HHRR right-of-way that was used in the 1910 - 30s in the construction of the HH dam. The first stage of the route would connect Laveroni Park with the new Resilience Center.

STCHS was asked to provide the approximately 50 participants a brief glimpse into the history of the area. As shown the photo, STCHS 'historians" gathered the group together to give the background of the HH project, to view the locations of key buildings (now demolished) such as the hospital and the maintenance yard, as well several old mines in the area. As planned, STCHS would be involved in preparing historical information for visitors.

It is a terrific opportunity for the Museum to advance its education mission. Our thanks to GCSD, Blue Zones, and others for the chance to be part of this exciting project!

On Saturday, October 29, a combined crew from the Groveland Museum and the Groveland Garden Club attacked the cumulative effects of summer and fall weather by cleaning up the grounds around the Museum. A special focus was to repair the outside exhibit of the "arrastra," the historical mine equipment used to break up gold ore. The main beam had broken. Dave Roberts of STCHS obtained a suitable replacement beam and carefully installed a new one. Other crew members cleaned up leaves, branches, and general clutter. Our heartfelt thanks to each and every one! 

On Sunday, September 4, STCHS held the 13th annual edition of its traditional Labor Day Sunday barbecue at the PML Equestrian Center. Despite record-breaking heat throughout the Motherlode, more than 100 local residents and friends came out to enjoy a great afternoon of family fun and good eats.

Food available for patrons included tri-tip and hot dogs, potato and tossed salad, and (for that final cool-down) ice cream sandwiches. Beer and wine (and lots of cold water) helped keep people well hydrated in the heat. There was plenty of shade from the big oaks to keep temperatures pretty pleasant around the tables. Plus, Big Joe and his Happy Posse band provided a lot of good music.

In addition to the "main events" of BBQ and activities for the kids, visitors could also take advantage of a silent auction and a bake sale from local dessert and cookie experts. 

STCHS certainly thanks everyone who braved the elements to attend. We sincerely appreciate your support for the Museum. We wouldn't be able to do our work without you!