The Historic Firehouse No. 1 Museum [map it]

Completed in the Spring of 1861, this firehouse was home to Nevada Hose Company No.1 from 1861 to 1938. During those nearly 80 years, horse -drawn fire wagons and handcarts and “modern ” motorized fire engines rolled out the doors.

In 1947 the Nevada City City Council donated the use of the building to the Nevada County Historical Society to house its museum.

The brick building originally had a much simpler façade of the Greek revival style, with a tall bell tower. In the early part of the twentieth century, the facade was replaced by the present Victorian gingerbread front. Today the firehouse has become a symbol of Nevada City. It is probably the most photographed building in Nevada City, as visitors are struck by its victorian grandeur.

215 Main Street,
Nevada City, CA 95959

Open Tue-Sun 1-4 (May1-Oct 31)

Winter: Open by appointment
(closed holidays)
Wally Hagaman, curator
(530) 265-5468

Large water tight Nisenan cooking basket.

Nevada City Nisenan Rancheria Photo Gallery.

Nisenan Basketry collection

Donner Party Relics

Small artifacts found at the Breen and the Graves cabins collected by C.F. McGlashan are displayed here.

Chinese Display

The museum houses the altar and other artifacts from the Hou Wang Temple and the Kuan Yin Temple, which were located in Grass Valley from 1877 to 1938.There are also many items from Chinese daily life, from school books used in the Chinese language schools, to opium pipes, tools, cooking utensils, clothing and everyday items.

Chinese Altar, part of a large collection of Chinese artifacts from the area.

Nevada County Chinese Pioneers Photos

Grass Valley Chinese School collection.

Opium and gambling artifacts.

There is also a display of 19th century clothing which includes the satin gown worn by Suffragette advocate Mrs. Aaron A. Sargent at the court of Kaiser Wilhelm in 1870. Senator Sargent from Nevada City wrote the 14th amendment giving women the right to vote.

Wedding Dresses