Thank you, Gary, for an incredible private tour of the Northstar Mining Museum in Grass Valley. Your knowledge and excitement are infectious!
I don’t have time to write it all up now, but I can’t recommend the museum enough. It is housed in the 1895 North Star Mine powerhouse, one of the most profitable mines in California that lasted over a century.
Displays include every imaginable aspect of mining, from equipment to daily life. The museum has an enormous display of Pelton Wheels, including the first casted Pelton Wheel and the 30-foot, world’s largest Pelton Wheel. Before the wheel was enclosed, kids would climb the wheel to make it start turning!
My favorite displays were the operable Cornish Pump, stamp mill, and arrastras. I have seen them before, but watching them operate gives you a completely different perspective. I had no idea stamps turned each time they descended (at least in some stamp mills).
The beauty of North Star Museum is that you can interact with the exhibits. It isn’t behind chicken wire, and the volunteers are all happy to help.
Mike joined me on the trip. We rounded out our day at Empire State Park. Shhhh, we had not just one trip to Burgers and Cream but two; one for lunch and another for a treat on the way home.
The Nevada County Historical Society operates the museum, which is open May 1 through October 31 from noon to 4 p.m. and by appointment.
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Larry, Joe Robinson says
I am looking forward to come see this mine. My name is Larry Robinson my great great grandfather who is a wagon. Master had two or three sons at work at this mine. I have pictures of them coming down the or carts. I’m wondering if you guys have records of the employees that work there also my two mines that I’ve been in my family almost 200 years are named the Northstar an empire. The old family name is Turnboo.
Tami says
Very cool! I suggest contacting Nortstar before your visit and seeing what records they have.
Make sure to visit the Empire Mine also, it is amazing.