Grass Valley Museum and Cultural Center
Women’s History Site of National Importance
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.
The building illustrates the lives and work of women whose contributions changed education, health care, and social services across the nation. While many of the institutions these women created survive, buildings like this one rarely do.
The building standing in Grass Valley is rare. You can see the building’s history in the columns made from repurposed ship masts, the pressed tin lining in the Sister’s Chapel, and the walled garden that is the oldest garden in Nevada County.
Note: The Grass Valley Museum and Cultural Center is not part of the Nevada County Historical Society, but is run as an independent non-profit organization.
After a winter closure when volunteers revamp displays, the museum will reopen on April 2, 2025. The Museum is available to view by appointment.
Office Hours: Wed. – Sat. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Please call: (530) 272-4725
Where: 410 South Church St., Grass Valley, CA 95945
Anyone interested in volunteering should stop by or make an appointment!
Museum Volunteers meet on the first Thursday of the month at 1:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome. (If the door is locked, ring the bell!)
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.grassvalleymuseum.org/
Contact: Paul Coddington, Director
Russell Rose Garden
The Russell Rose Garden is the oldest garden in Nevada County. The rose garden is home to over 200 antique and modern roses, some over 100 years old. It is divided by hedgerows and lawns, with memorial statues and benches shaded by a beautiful collection of mature flowering trees. The planting beds contain a large collection of spring bulbs, perennials and specimen flowering shrubs. There are crepe myrtle trees, dogwoods, old holly trees, a rare white pomegranate tree, yew and other old fashioned garden favorites. The picturesque garden is enclosed with wrought-iron fencing and a charming, aged brick wall.
