Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission
We Are Not Strangers Here: African American Histories in Rural California
Nevada County Arts Council invites local communities to the Opening Reception of We Are Not Strangers Here: African American Histories in Rural California on Thursday, February 6 at 4:30pm. We Are Not Strangers Here is the first exhibition of 2025 under Art in Public Spaces, presented in partnership with the County of Nevada.
Nevada County has always held a place in history. From its importance as a village and meeting place for our local tribes, to its part in making California’s Gold Country, these histories are inextricably linked. Often the stories told neglect those of individuals and communities–the often Black, Indigenous, and Asian voices–who supported the creation of our infrastructures, tended the land and made their homes here.
We Are Not Strangers Here is the result of a local partnership between Exhibit Envoy and Nevada County Arts Council, Grass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District, the County of Nevada, Nevada County Historical Society and the Nevada County Historical Commission. Taking place at the Eric Rood Administrative Center from January 31 to April 18, the exhibition highlights the unknown and untold stories of Black farmers, ranchers and rural residents. These stories challenge myths about early California and create new narratives about freedom, self-governance, and civic culture.
Oral History Project Underway
We have started our quest to document the oral history of some local legends, and we are proud to present our first official video featuring Darryl Sanford! Take a look!
Jones Hospital Designation Day - SD 480p.movThe Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission
Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Nevada County lay at the heart of the 49er experience. Many thousands came here to make their fortune and much evidence of their successes and occasional failures remains. From bustling towns still largely unchanged from the Gold Rush era to ghost towns, from gold mines and mining equipment to covered bridges and the first long-distance telephone line, these and much more can be found among over 200 historical landmarks situated in Nevada County. The Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission exists to help you find and enjoy them. A good way to start is by using our interactive map, developed with the support of the Nevada County Geographical Information Systems unit. With special thanks to Lindsey Gordon of the County’s GIS unit, the latest version of the interactive map is now live. Here is the link if you want to take it for a spin.
Information about registering a landmark can be found here.