Celebrating & Preserving the History of Nevada County, California, Since 1944
Digitization - Help us Preserve Nevada County's History
The Historical Society is embarking on an ambitious project to digitize our extensive collection of historical documents, photos, and maps. These are irreplaceable resources are at risk to disaster, like a wildfire.
We need your help to fund this project to preserve our history for future generations. We also need volunteers to help with scanning documents. No experience is necessary; we will provide training.
Searls Library Photo Search & Preview
The Searls Historical Library has over 30,000 of historical photos celebrating Nevada County’s history, with large collections from Nevada City and Grass Valley and many other locations, including over 2,000 beautiful glass-plate photographs and 4,000+ family portraits. Now you can search, preview and buy these online!
Online Book Store
The Nevada County Historical Society has a wide selection of history and local interest books for sale, celebrating our history and the stories of families from our community. Now you can buy these online!
NCHS members get a 10% discount off all photo and book sales.
Search and Explore Searls Historical Library Online
Nevada County’s largest collection of historical records, including photos, property and court records, old maps, wills, letters and books. Over 633,000 index records in all! The documents, records and photos themselves are only available in person, but you can now start you research online and explore 170+ years of Nevada County, Nevada City, and Grass Valley history.
Join the Society or Volunteer
Become a Society member or renew your membership now.
We are looking for volunteers. Find out more about volunteer opportunities!
Join the Friends of the NCNGRR
The Friends of NCNGRR supports the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum in its mission to preserve the history of the railroad and the restoration of vintage rail equipment used during the narrow gauge era.
Research
Find many useful research links and access thousands of Nevada County historical photos, books and maps at the Searls Historical Library.
Coming Events
Learn more about the Historical Society and local history by attending our free, monthly membership meetings and informative historical programs.
Visit Our Library & Museums
Open 1pm – 4pm, Monday – Saturday
The archive of the Nevada County Historical Society. Established in 1973, the Searls Historical Library has become one of the premier libraries of materials on the area’s history… more
Open 10am – 4pm, Saturdays and Sundays
Located in Nevada City, California, the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum is dedicated to the preservation of local transportation history and artifacts from the narrow gauge railroad era… more
Open 1pm – 4pm, Wednesday – Sunday
Completed in the Spring of 1861, the Firehouse No. 1 Museum was home to Nevada Hose Company No.1 from 1861 to 1938. During those nearly 80 years, horse -drawn fire wagons and handcarts… more
Open 12pm – 4pm, Wednesday – Sunday
Intimately connected with the many aspects of gold mining in Nevada County, California, the North Star Mining Museum includes exhibits of mining artifacts, pelton wheels, a working Stamp Mill and… more
After a winter closure when volunteers revamp displays, the museum will reopen on April 2, 2025.
The Museum is available to view by appointment.
The buildings of Mount St. Mary’s Convent and Orphanage are of national, state, and local importance. Illustrating a 100-year history from the 1860’s to the 1960’s, they can provide insight into women’s changing roles and the lives of children and families in crisis. more
Support a Worthwhile Cause
Your generous contributions help to preserve Nevada County history for our future generations.