County of El Dorado Historical Museum

Home
United States
Placerville, CA
County of El Dorado Historical Museum

Exhibits and tours highlighting the history of El Dorado County, and answering Research questions about the people, places and events in the County's history.

Collections include artifacts, photographs, maps, and documents. Take an informative tour and see interesting artifacts from the County's past. The Historical Museum is the place to learn about the complex history of El Dorado County, where the Gold Rush began. If you want to learn more about family, property and events, please email Museum staff at [email protected] with your question, and staff w

ill be in touch. The Research Room is not open for browsing. However, staff will conduct the research and get back to you. Mission Statement
The Mission of the County Museum is to exhibit and interpret the heritage of the County in a current, accurate, and engaging manner; to be a valuable historical resource to the community through its well-organized research facility, historical exhibits, and educational programs; to collect, document, and preserve artifacts and records significant to the history of El Dorado; County using the highest standards of scholarship and professional museum and archival practices; to provide a rewarding experience for volunteers and enhance the museum's significance to the community. The museum is open Wed-Sun from 12pm-4pm. We are closed all Mondays and Tuesdays, and Major Holidays.

03/23/2026

The El Dorado County Historical Museum is excited to unveil a new collection of historic photographs that showcase moments and stories from our county’s past. Explore the collection here: https://hub.catalogit.app/el-dorado-county-historical-museum

10/15/2025

***🚂 SOLD OUT! ***

Our October 25th Fall Train Ride is officially full. The event will happen rain or shine; we look forward to seeing you there!

The El Dorado Western Railroad invites you to a festive fall ride on Saturday, October 25th, with departures at 10:00 am and 12:00 pm. Enjoy a scenic trip, visit the pumpkin patch, and celebrate the harvest season! 🎃

Ticket prices:
Ages 9 and up: $12
Ages 4-8: $3
Ages 0-3: Free!
Want to choose a pumpkin when you arrive at the patch? Pumpkins can be added to the price of your ticket for $5 each.

For more information, please visit:
https://eldoradolibrary.org/el-dorado-western-railroad/

08/26/2025

The El Dorado County Historical Museum will be closed Saturday, August 30th in observance of Labor Day. We hope you enjoy the long weekend and stay safe!

06/19/2025

The El Dorado County Historical Museum's Research Room is now open. Please contact us and staff and volunteers will try to answer your questions. You may also submit a research request to have museum staff research a specific topic, area, property, etc. related to El Dorado County. Visiting the Research Room is by appointment only Thursdays from 12-4 pm. Link to online research request: https://eldoradolibrary.org/museum-archives-and-research-room/

06/10/2025

The Historical Museum will be open for extended hours during the El Dorado County Fair starting this Thursday, June 12th through Sunday, June 15th! We hope you are able to stop in and explore our county's unique history through artifacts and exhibits.

05/22/2025

All El Dorado County Libraries and the Historical Museum will be closed Saturday, May 24th through Monday, May 26th in observance of Memorial Day.

04/16/2025

We're happy to announce that the El Dorado County Historical Museum will be reopening to the public on Saturdays, 9:00 am-1:00 pm 🎉 We hope to see you there!

05/17/2022

Dress up and get into the spirit! Music, Live Bands, Entertainment, Native Village, Food, Lots of History and a Marketplace.
A cultural festival with Steampunk and Old West theming. Proceeds benefit El Dorado Gold 1848, a non-profit seeking to create a local history museum.

May 21st & May 22nd El Dorado County Fairgrounds 100 Placerville Drive,Placerville, CA 95667Event Hours:Saturday May 21st, 10am-8pmSunday May 22nd, 10am-6pmTickets Available NOW!!! Tickets Enjoy your experience at Hangtown. Perhaps, take a moment in Buckaroo Bend or at the Staggering Peak Saloon, an...

12/04/2021

See a little bit of historical Christmas at the Placerville Library!

The County Museum has artifacts on display through the month of December - toy soldiers made by a local resident, an 1872 vest worn by boy who lived here, popular 20th century gifts...

10/19/2021

El Dorado County's Courthouse, at the corner of Placerville's Main Street and Bedford Avenue, is a well-known landmark! Here is a virtual exhibit about the history of this interesting and important Placerville building:

10/01/2021

Lulu Weatherwax was an artist and "china painter" active in Placerville around the turn of the 20th century. The County Museum has several examples of her painted china and paintings.

Lulu will be one of the historic figures presented at this year's Save the Graves event at the Placerville Union Cemetery on Bee Street, October 16th, 2021.

What follows is a slideshow about Lulu, her art, and what little we know about her (19 photo slideshow)

Address

104 Placerville Drive
Placerville, CA
95667

Opening Hours

9am - 1pm

Telephone

+15306215865

Website

https://eldoradolibrary.org/historical-museum/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when County of El Dorado Historical Museum posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your museum to be the top-listed Museum in Placerville?