Welcome to the Southern Tuolumne County Historical Society

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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! 

The mornings are getting a little crisper. The days are shorter. And maybe the leaves are starting to lose their bright green color.

Yes, it's getting to be that time of year again. Time to start thinking about buying holiday presents. And you can be sure that the Groveland Museum's gift shop will have something for everyone on your list. Or something for you too!

There are toys and educational materials for the kids. Gifts about Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. Special items from local artists and crafts artisans. And books for every age and taste - but especially the local history buff who wants to learn about the heritage of southern Tuolumne County.   

The gift shop is open every weekend (Fri - Sat) from 10 - 2. We look forward to seeing you. 

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!

After a two-year break due to Covid, STCHS once again put on its unique "Wine Tasting Cruise" on Pine Mountain Lake on Saturday, May 21. Once again local wineries contributed their wines for a special tasting opportunity. Generous homeowners permitted us to visit their docks for wine and gourmet snacks from equally generous restaurants and volunteers. Volunteer bakers served up enormous quantities of delicious cookies at the Lake Lodge. Our sincere appreciation to every one of them.

Our thanks also to all those who volunteered during the event. The boat owners and captains who ferried guests around the lake deserve special mention. Others who served "backstage" - pouring wine, setting up tables, the thousand little things -  were also important for the event's success.

We also express our gratitude to Pine Mountain Lake whose support and staff made it happen in their beautiful natural venue. And - while we're at it - we must thank Mother Nature for providing spectacular Yosemite Gateway weather  - warm, sunny, and  bright. And a bald eagle flying overhead. 

We should also recognize all those attended and supported STCHS with their contributions. We did it for you, but couldn't have done without you!

After twenty years of exposure to the elements the stonework on the sign for the Museum and Library was looking a little under the weather. Some stones had fallen away exposing the concrete. We wanted our "first impression" to visitors to be as positive as possible.

On June 13 the sign had a face lift to replace the stones and repair the concrete to its original attractive condition. By coincidence the work was done by Justen Sudberry and his team who had also worked on the arrastra display in the parking lot many years before. In addition to the sign, the stonework for the display of the Yosemite School bell on the walkway to the Museum was also fixed. Thank you, Justen!

Come by and visit the Museum when you can and admire the new sign.

On Wednesday, April 20, over 100 Tenaya Elementary students visited the Museum and Tuolumne County (Groveland Branch) Library building. The excursion reflected the long-standing Museum commitment to promote education about local traditions among young people. Museum volunteer Kathy Brown dressed in period costume to help our history come alive for the children. With close coordination with Library staff, the students split into small groups to visit both the Museum and the library. The response from the kids was very enthusiastic, and we hope to get many of them to return with their parents soon. Thanks to Virginia Gustafson from Friends of the Groveland Library and Superintendent Mrs. Wynette Hilton for helping arrange this and to their dedicated teachers for safely walking the kids from the school to the Museum.