Meet the Society Team

David Bard

I have been the treasurer of the Historical Society for nearly 10 years. I am also the chairperson of the Awards Committee. I collect Southwest Native American arts and crafts and have traveled the four-corners of the United States for many years. I am an avid reader and mostly enjoy historical subjects.

Amy Bianchini

My name is Amy Bianchini. I am originally from Knightsen, CA. I moved to Grass Valley in late 2021 (just in time for Snowmageddon Part 1!). My current position is Board Executive Secretary. I enjoy hiking, camping, concerts, art, wine tasting and antiquing. My favorite color (and wine) is red.

Jeffrey Boylan

My name is Jeffrey Boylan. I am originally from Westfield, NJ. I migrated to San Francisco 2 weeks after graduating from Dartmouth College in June of 1979 and never looked back. We moved up the hill to Nevada City in 2005, embracing nature and slower pace of life. I am currently the Director of The North Star Powerhouse Mining Museum. I enjoy hiking and swimming in the Yuba and the alpine lakes up in the high country with my wife and dog. KVMR, Lyman Gilmore, and, of course, the Historical Society also rev my engine. My favorite color is Forest Green.

Pat Chesnut

Director of the Searls Library, and Searls volunteer since 1989. Born in Los Angeles, CA but escaped to Grass Valley with my husband when he retired in 1979. I worked for the L.A. City Engineering Department as a “civil engineering drafting technician”. (AKA draftsman) My hobbies have included gardening, antique cars, sewing, and historical research.

John Christensen

Board member and the NCNG Railroad Museum Director.

Brittany Fischer

California born in Redwood City, I love going to the beach, metal detecting, crabbing, gold panning, art, and being with family and friends. As of 2023 I am in charge of the PR and social media for the NCHS. I am married with 3 kids, 2 dogs, and a lizard. My favorite color is turquoise.

Stephen Fry

I live in Nevada City on property that my family has owned since the early 60’s. My volunteer work with the Historical Society has been primarily helping out at Searls Library. I also served as a commissioner for the Historical Landmarks Commission. My main local pastimes are exploring the backroads, walking both in town and on our many trails, checking in on our historical sites, and skiing whenever I have the chance.

Desmond Gallagher

Board member and manages book sales.

Linda Jack

Board member and Bulletin Editor.

Dan Ketcham

Nevada County resident since 1988 and Society member since circa 1990. Joined the Board of Directors in 2008 and served as both treasurer and current Board President. Enjoy working with the many volunteers in our Society and who share our passion for preserving our local history and providing leadership in the management of our fairly large all volunteer organization.

Gary Kisor

Board member and Archivist.

Dom Lindars

Dom grew up in England and moved to the Bay Area in 1995, where he worked in high-tech. He has lived in Nevada City since 2013. He is a local historian and author of the book, The Ditches of Nevada City. He looks after the NCHS website and is also the Society’s membership director. Aside from research and writing, he enjoys walking our beautiful county trails with his dog.

Britta Rozynski

Nevada County Historical Society Board of Directors member since about 1960. Born and raised in Grass Valley, CA. My grandparents came from Cornwall in the 1860’s. I enjoy helping other people.

Cathy Wilcox-Barnes

Board member and the Firehouse No. 1 Museum Director.