The society had its beginning in the fall of 1944 after being inspired by Dr. Robert E. Burns, President of the College of the Pacific. Dr. Burns was interested in the preservation of the history of the Mother Lode and gold country, and he spoke to the Grass Valley Lions Club about organizing a county historical society.  Soon afterwards another meeting was held for more people who were interested, after which a constitution and by-laws were adopted.  The object of the new organization as stated in its constitution was to preserve every source of Nevada County history.  The new society began with 48 members, and dues were a dollar a year!  Monthly programs were planned to entertain and educate members, and the committee chairmen and groups formed the foundation of the society by collecting, displaying, and preserving the memorabilia of the county.  The Firehouse Museum in Nevada City, the Mining Museum in Grass Valley, and Searls Library in Nevada City were opened to locals and tourists alike.

In March 1948 the first newsletter of the Society was published, which contained small notices about Nevada County history.  These were 5 by 8 inches, and were published until 1976.  From that date to the present, the newsletter evolved into a quarterly Bulletin, usually an 8 page issue on some historical topic.  Now the newsletter, also quarterly, is sent out at the same time.  The newsletter tells the members about programs  of the month, special events such as outings to historical areas, and news from the museums and Searls Library.

Since 1948, the Historical Society has held an annual banquet to honor the "Citizen of the Year," someone (or sometimes an organization) who has made an outstanding contribution toward preserving Nevada County history.

For the last several years, the NCHS has sponsored a speech contest for high school students.  We usually have 3 students each from Nevada Union and Bear River High Schools, and recently the charter schools also.  The students have to prepare a speech about some person or event connected with Nevada County.  We give cash prizes to the winners, and it is always a pleasure to hear these young people learning about our local history.

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Board of Directors Meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at the Transportation Museum in Nevada City. Meetings begin at 4:30 pm and all interested parties are invited to attend.

General Membership Programs are held the last Thursday of the month at 7:30 pm, and are regularly announced in the local media. All interested parties are invited to attend. Refreshments are usually served following the general membership meetings.

The hardworking and always interesting Board...

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Support Opportunities - Volunteer & Contributions:

Volunteer! - Our volunteer program offers opportunities to fit your available time and area of interest. Possible areas of interest might include: assisting  at museums or in our historical research library; or helping out in general administration.

Contributions - As a non profit organization your contributions are very important to us. Your tax deductible contribution is appreciated. (The Society is incorporated as a 501C3 tax exempt corporation.) When you make a donation in person or by U.S. Mail, you can direct your contribution to our general fund or to one of the following special funds:

• Firehouse Museum
• Mining Museum
• Searls Library
• Railroad and Transportation Museum
• Building Fund

Online Donations.

Contribute to our General Fund --right here using a credit card (or PayPal account).

Donation