The Purpose of the Commission

The purpose of the Historical Landmarks Commission is to promote the general welfare of Nevada County and its citizens through official recognition, recording, marking, preserving and promoting the historical resources of Nevada County. The Commission was created in 1969 by Resolution 69-102 of the Board of Supervisors. The Commission presently consists of ten members who volunteer their time. Commissioners are appointed by the Board of Supervisors, two from each district. The Commission holds monthly meetings which are open to the public at various sites throughout Nevada County. 

One of the Commission’s principal functions is to assist in identifying historical resources and sites in Nevada County that are worthy of landmark designation and to process landmark registration applications by the owners of the property on which the resource or site is located. (See our Bylaws.) The Commission then researches and verifies the historical accuracy of the application. Once the Commission concludes that a landmark designation is appropriate, it forwards a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, which has final approval authority for all County landmark designations. If the Board accepts the Commission’s recommendation, it enacts a resolution conferring the landmark designation. Since its creation in 1969, the Commission has succeeded in having over 50 historical landmarks designated in Nevada County. More detailed information about the landmark designation process can be found here.

Another of the Commission’s principal functions to promote the County’s landmarks for the benefit of its citizens and visitors. This is done in a variety of ways, including this website, Instagram and Facebook presences. The Commission also publishes Exploring Nevada County, a guide of all the County’s over 200 landmarks, in both paperback and electronic formats. Information about obtaining a copy can be found on the home page of this site. The Commission also oversees erecting and maintaining appropriate landmark markers and plaques, and generally promoting the County’s historical resources in the media.

Click the link below to email or contact us at this address: C/O Clerk of the Board, 950 Maidu Ave, Nevada City, CA 95959

Landmarks Commission celebrated 50 years

April 29, 2019 marked the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission. See History here. On April 29, 1969, the Board of Supervisors enacted Resolution 69-102 creating the Commission. To commemorate the anniversary, the Commission held a gala reunion party of all present and former Commissioners, as well as other guests involved in the work of the Commission. About 50 people attended the party at the historic North Star House, a local and national landmark.