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.
The Museum will be open all Easter weekend, March 29 - 31, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. A Musuem visit is the perfect family activity. Come and see us!
STCHS Board members gathered to show their appreciation for the commitment of everyone giving their time to STCHS - not only the dedicated docents but others who help in all Museum activities. (Left to right: Jim Phillips, Lindsey Lorant, Harriett Codeglia, Patricia Gibson, Kathy Brown, Catherine Santa Maria, and Scott Belser.)
Allan Johnson, dedicated STCHS supporter, is shown with Harriett Codeglia, STCHS President, with the stained glass of the Hetch Hetchy Railroad that he donated to the Museum. His gift has highlighted a popular new exhibit spotlighting the key role of Hetch Hetchy in Groveland.
On Monday, February 26, STCHS held its annual "Appreciation Day" luncheon in honor of all its volunteers who generously give their time and effort to make the Museum the outstanding institution it is today. Many of the 23 individuals attending were Musuem docents, whose personal touch provides the welcome to all Museum visitors from near and far. In addition, the Board thanks others whose "unsung" participation makes other STCHS activities and events so successful - from baking cookies at the BBQ event to tending boats at the Wine Tasting Cruise. We couldn't do it without you - a big "shout out" to everyone!
STCHS Annual Wine Tasting Cruise - the highlight event of spring in Groveland - is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, from 2:30 to 6:30 at Pine Mountain Lake. Gather your friends for a fun day cruising on the Lake and tasting some great local wines. It's always a sell-out, so get your tickets soon - either in person at the Museum or download the invitation below and send in your check by mail. We look forward to having you join us for a great day on the water.
Rachel Sabatine of ATH explained the great taste of "Mueller's Revival" while Harriet Codeglia, Kathy Brown, and Scott Belser of STCHS discussed the history behind the hospitality tradition of southern Tuolumne County.
More than 40 customers enjoyed hearty beer and good friendships at Around the Horn brewery in Big Oak Flat. It was a great place for sharing some warmth on a chilly January night.
The outstanding local craft brewery in Big Oak Flat, Around the Horn (ATH), sponsored a special "beer release" and STCHS fundraising event at the brewery on January 4. ATH titled its newest beer "Mueller's Revival" in honor of Groveland's historical "Mueller Brewery" - named for Eugene Mueller of Bavaria who ran a successful business there from 1865 to 1905. Rachel Sabatine of ATH discussed the origin of the name and the complicated brewing process to make the beer. Harriet Codeglia, Kathy Brown, and Scott Belser from STCHS talked about Herr Mueller and the heritage of fine hospitality and good times in southern Tuolumne County. A special thanks to ATH for the event and for the donation of $1 for every "Mueller's Revival" beer sold!
Recently, with the inspiration of a generous donation of a beautiful stained glass image, we have upgraded our presentation of the important part of our heritage that is the Hetch Hetchy (HH) project of the early 1900s. Groveland was the headquarters of the entire HH dam-building project with numerous HH facilities in the town, especially the center for the 68-mile HH road that was key to the entire project.
Interesting artifacts were pulled from the Musuem's collections - such as employee paychecks and a railroad mile marker - to really bring the railroad to life. Additional improvements include more photos and captions that complement the map showing key historical elements along the route. Altogether, the exhibit provides an exceptional glimpse into Groveland's past. Come to the Museum soon to learn and enjoy!
On Sunday, September 3, STHCS held its annual Labor Day Barbecue at the PML Stables. Despite the threat of drizzle and cool temperatures, the Groveland community really turned out to enjoy nice barbecue Tri-tip and hot dogs (for the kids). Their faith was rewarded because the weather was dry and pleasant by the end of the day. The local band Sequoia entertained the crowd and induced not a few to do some line dancing. And for local historians there were vintage photos of the Groveland of yesteryear.
The highlights of the afternoon were the tug of war for the kids and a special watermelon eating contest. Some of the watermelon competitors really "got into their food!"
Our thanks to all the many volunteers who made the event possible - cooking the food and serving the beverages, running the bake sale and silent auction, and generally doing all the hundreds of *behind the scenes" things that make a such an event possible. We're also grateful to the local sponsors whose financial support was invaluable. And, of course, we appreciate the support of the Groveland community members who attended. Thank you and see you next year!
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.
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.
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.
Preserving the Edward Cobden House in Big Oak Flat is one of
STCHS's key activities. In prior years, as part of that mission, we undertook a number of repairs and upgrades to the building, including a new roof to replace the 100+ year old original. This year we invested in repairing the porch and railings and refurbishing the ground floor to present as a period bedroom. Our thanks goes to local contractor Tony Armstrong who did a great job and Barbara and Paul Klahn for arranging to mill the railings in the original style. Stay tuned for an "open house" event later this year to welcome the improvements to Big Oak Flat.
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.
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 © 2023, STCHS