Tuolumne County Historical Society

05/30/2026

We're excited to announce we finally have a YouTube Channel! To kick it off, we're sharing Pat Perry's recent presentation titled, "Sonora Stories." It's an amazing look at the rich history of this special town. Thank you Access Tuolumne for recording this presentation and making it available for our audience to learn from. What other types of videos do you want to see on the channel? Tell us in the comments, and be sure to subscribe to the channel to get updates as we post more!

This is a fascinating look at Sonora, California's rich history with Pat Perry, the City’s Official Historian and one of the people most responsible for pres...

05/19/2026

Jack C. Bhend, a longtime Columbia resident and former president of the Tuolumne County Historical Society in 1967, created this remarkable grandfather clock by hand in the 1970s. Recently donated by his family, the clock is crafted almost entirely from wood, with some steel and iron components. One of its most striking features is its clear face, which reveals the intricate mechanical workings inside.

Local horologist Ryan Thomas recently visited the museum to help us properly set up the clock and ensure it keeps time accurately. Thanks, Ryan!

Visit the Tuolumne County Museum at 158 Bradford Street, Sonora on Tuesday through Saturday to see this beautiful, locally crafted timepiece in person.

04/15/2026

If you missed our event with City of Sonora Historian Pat Perry, you can now watch it on demand via Access Tuolumne!

Watch TC Historical Society: History of Sonora

04/15/2026

We had a lovely time hosting Sonora High's AP History students last week. Does your class want to do a tour, too? Give us a call at 209-532-1317 or email us at [email protected].

Sonora High School juniors who are studying Advanced Placement U.S. history got an inside look at the Tuolumne County Museum and History Research Center on Thursday.

03/18/2026

Thank you to Guy McCarthy at The Union Democrat for the wonderful write-up on the kickoff of our “Beyond Gold: Stories Across Cultures” Speaker Series! 🙌

❓Curious what’s coming next? Check out our Facebook Events or visit www.tchistory.org to see the schedule of upcoming guest speakers and the topics they'll cover.

We’d love to see you there!

About 150 people came to Columbia College on Thursday to hear Stephanie Beaver-Guzman, an enrolled member of the Indigenous Hoopa Valley Tribe of Northern California, and Kyle Cox, cultural resource

02/19/2026

Due to weather impacts, the Feb. 20 Paint a Piece of History class has been cancelled. We hope to have you join us next month on Friday, March 20.
Here's the link to the event series to see all dates: https://www.facebook.com/events/1926787318044995/1926787331378327/?active_tab=about

Send a message to learn more

02/18/2026

Due to the storm, we have pushed the More Than Gold in the Motherlode: MeWuk & CA Native Identity, History & Connection to Place speaker event to March 5 at 3:30pm. See the event link for updated details. Sorry for any inconvenience, and stay safe in this weather! 🌨️

01/03/2026

‼️Did you know there used to be a summer night league at the Twain Harte Golf Course?‼️
You can learn all about it and more in our quarterly Chispa, available now at the Tuolumne County Museum in Sonora and our local partners. In this issue, TCHS President Chuck Holland shares his father's legacy along with his own deep knowledge of golf's history in Tuolumne County. A great read to cozy up with during this winter weather!

12/13/2025

We were on the front page of the newspaper today!! Read all about our upcoming TCHS Annual Holiday Open House this Tuesday, Dec. 16 from 2 - 4pm. Hope to see you there!

The Tuolumne County Historical Society is hosting a free open house event from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday at the Tuolumne County Museum and History Research Center, 158 Bradford Ave.,

12/10/2025

Stop by Courthouse Square and check out the Tuolumne County Historical Society's patriotic tree in honor of the 250th anniversary of America next year. Even better, walk through Christmas Tree Lane at night when the lights are on. There is a cash prize for the top three decorated trees, so don't forget to vote for us!
https://www.christmastownsonora.org/best-tree
(one vote per person)

11/29/2025

Need a break from shopping during ? Come visit us down at the Tuolumne County Museum! Here's our junior member, Pearl, giving a tour of our eclectic exhibits. We are open until 3:30pm Tuesday- Saturday. And if you want to give the gift of history, consider a historical society membership for your loved ones and friends. More details at www.tchistory.org. And we hope to see you at the TCHS Annual Holiday Open House on Dec. 16!