Plumas County Museum

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500 Jackson Street
Quincy, CA.  95971
(530) 283-6320
(530) 283-6081 - FAX

Scott Lawson, Director 
pcmuseum@psln.com
 

Look what's new at the Museum


The concept of an active "living museum" is evidenced by the dozens of different exhibits, events, meetings and functions held at the Plumas County Museum.  Permanent exhibits include an outstanding collection of baskets woven by the area’s original Mountain Maidu Indians The Industrial History Wing features Railroads of Plumas County, Gold Mining on the Feather River, and TIMBER!, an exhibit about the lumber industry of the county. Other developing collections include natural history specimens, audio-visual resources, the Chinese influence, and the historically accurate Andrew Lynch Memorial Garden.

The Exhibit Yard provides the visitor with a look at some of the equipment used by Plumas pioneers to wrest a living from the area’s natural resources. A sleigh, water wagon, hydraulic monitors, logging equipment, a working blacksmith shop and restored gold miner’s log cabin are just some of the items found here.

While the basis of the museum’s collection is historical, areas such as the Stella Fay Miller Mezzanine Gallery are utilized for contemporary cultural displays by county artisans.

The museum’s archival library houses its comprehensive collection of photographs, documents, records and literature, which is continually augmented to compile a permanent record of Plumas County people, places and activities. Its value as a research and resource center is immeasurable.

The Museum Bookstore sells local and regional historical books and publications, note cards, postcards, calendars, prints, and locally mined and fashioned gold nugget jewelry.

New Book:
The History of Plumas County By: Jim Young

Author Jim Young leads readers through Plumas County's rich history from the time of the Maidu to hydroelectricity.  The book was published by Arcadia Publishing and includes captivating images of Plumas County life and growth.  We are very excited about this book, since the last history was published in 1882.  Priced at $24.99, the book contains 160 pages and 100 photos.

An additional attraction is the fully restored 1878 Variel Home behind the museum. Passing through American Valley in 1852, Joshua and Mary Variel returned in 1878 to build the home. The home is owned by the Plumas County Museum Association, Inc. and is open on weekends and by appointment in summer.

New Exhibits:
Mezzanine Gallery:
The second floor of the mezzanine gallery received a coating of white paint.  With the help of several community volunteers we created a brighter and more appealing home for local artwork along the south wall.

Stella Fay Miller:
As visitors approach the top-stair, they are greeted by the museum benefactress and a visual tale of her extraordinary life.  On display are some of Stella Fay's belongings including original musical compositions and dancing slippers.

The Plumas County Museum is open year round Monday-Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from April through October.  Over 10,000 people annually visit the museum. School and organizational group tours are always welcomed. Admission is $1.00 for adults, $.50 for 12-17, under 12 and museum members are free.

Museum Schedule of Events:

GET YOUR SESQUICENTENNIAL CALENDAR TODAY!  Now available at the museum for $9.95, this 2004 calendar celebrating Plumas County's 150th birthday contains daily historical facts and classic black & white photographs of life in late 19th and early 20th century Plumas County.  This calendar will be a teaching tool and keepsake for years to come.  It covers the entire county from the first native people, the Maidu, to the longboard ski champions of La Porte, to the dairy farmers of Sierra Valley.  We're very excited about this publication.  Happy Birthday Plumas County!

 

 

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