Visit Our Library & Museums

Open 1pm – 4pm, Monday – Saturday
(Closed on Holidays)
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

See Details for Opening Times
(Summer Hours. Closed on Holidays)
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
(Summer Hours – May 1st – October 31st. Closed on Holidays)
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
(Summer Hours – May 1st – October 31st. Closed on Holidays)
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

Open 12:30pm – 3:30pm, Wednesday – Saturday
or by appointment
(Summer Hours. Closed on Holidays)
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