tuolumne county museum

This prior jail house ( and jailer living quarters) has many varied exhibits about crime and punishment, mining, denizens of the era, various settler groups and even celebrated local art of well known artists. Around every corner ( especially in the various jail cells, now exhibit homes, is a new and interesting story. Especially of interest were the wanted notices ( times have certainly changed there) and audio accounts of the prisoner who burned down the jail, himself with it. The docents were interesting and informative, and can give you info on other sites of interest in the area. Free admission ( but donations certainly to keep this gem going strong).

My family lives in Sonora CA. I haven't been there in 9 years I took my fiance there and of course I had to show him everything I could.the history of the museum is amazing. It used to be an old county jail in the 1850 this staff is very knowledgeable they have all the documentation from the gold rush era of the 1850's and on to the present of the museum many artifacts from the gold rush era a lot to see great place to visit many more places to visit it's a must see if your ever up in Sonora, California.

You will need to ask directions as it is set back several blocks. The building is a fine example of 1850 architecture for a county jail. The exhibits are are fascinating and show the story of the gold rush days, the good and the bad. The cells are open and have a lot of interesting exhibits in them. The 'old' lady curator is very interesting so leave yourself plenty of time for the tour and to read the exhibits. It is free to enter but we left a donation. Close by is the Court House and the front is worth seeing.

The museum used to be the county jail and it has an interesting history. See the old jail cells plus other interesting artifacts from the Gold Rush Era.

I was actually impressed with this small local museum. The displays are well thought out and the staff is anxious and able to answer almost any question you throw at them regarding the local history. The displays have a lot of supporting documentation. I have brought several visiting relatives to the museum and they have learned quite a bit and not wanted to kill me afterwards!

Lovely small museum, former jail. Displays are plentiful with a lot to read about mining and the people who developed the area. Jail cells have displays in them. Iron doors, rifles, hand guns, etc are on display with cards telling about each item. Give yourself time to read the explanations and ask questions of the lovely girl working there.

The museum is set in an old house that used to be the local jail and centre for justice. It has two main themes: the gold rush and law and order. What strikes your eye first of all as you enter is a spectacular case of gold nuggets and quartz ore with gold seams - there is a hypnotic lot of gold here, protected in an alarmed case. There is a good explanation of the gold rush - the characters, the mines and the times. Behind the displays in the entrance area lie the jail cells, with sensational stories of ne'er-do-wells and their nefarious deeds. The cells are also small exhibit rooms - displays about the lesser documented groups of people who lived in Sonora (Afro-Americans, women) are particularly fresh and interesting.Quite often, local history museums are strong on words on posters and weak on exhibits. This museum is much better. I particularly liked the fact that what is on display is the real thing. I am no expert but they seemed to be authentic exhibits of real significance, not reproductions and not trivia. And it's free to go in! (I stuffed some folding money in the donations box to help them develop their exhibits.)We spent a very happy two hours soaking up the history of the gold country in this fascinating little gem of a museum.

We are new to the area and wanted to learn a little more about Tuolumne County so we made a trip to the Toulumne County Museum. We were pleasantly surprised. Sonora is a small town and we weren't sure what to expect from a small local museum, so we were pleased to see what this little museum had to offer. It was designed with a lot of attention to the gold rush history and I really came away with a feeling for what it must have been like for those early settlers climbing the rugged Sierra Mountains in wagons looking for a new life. The stories and artifacts are testament to the struggles of those pioneers. It was a worthwhile trip and a definite must see for families with kids.

This little museum has it all. What a great find in the town of Sonora. I was impressed with all the displays that were set up. Very knowledgeable group of volunteers on staff to answer questions.

Full of old time artifacts and information. Really interesting if you like history of the mother lode.

A nice look at the local history. The museum is housed in the old county jail and sheriff's residence. Many of the exhibits are in the old jail cells. There is an excellent display of antique firearms as well. Admission is free with donations accepted.

While waiting for some shops to open in Sonora, California, we happened across the Tuolumne County Museum. It is located in the old jail and there were many exhibits of the history of law and order in Sonorma, during the Gold Rush. It is a beautiful brick building. It is just off the main street of Sonora, at 158 West Bradford Avenue. We were greeted by a wonderful lady who told us the high points of the museum, and some interesting stories of the folks that were housed in the jail. There was no cost, but one could make a donation. Group Tours are by Arrangement The Tuolumne County Museum was built in 1857 as the county jail, replacing an old oak tree with a chain and a log cabin during the wild days of the Gold Rush. Rebuilt in 1866 after a fatal fire it was in use until 1960. The fire was set in his cell by Tom Horn an local misfit who thought if he set the fire they would take all the prisoners out of their cells, but the heat was so intense it fused the metal door shut. He was the only fatality. You can tour the two cell blocks, women and juveniles were incarcerated separately from the men.The Pioneer Gun Collection is extensive and displayed well. I enjoyed the display of gold nuggets also. A wonderful slice of history.There is a gift shop and very clean restrooms. There is a beautiful courtyard that is used for parties and events. Lots and lots of photo opportunities.

if you ever wondered about Tuolumne County and the rich gold history this is the place to see it

Visited Sonora to learn more about the history of the California Gold Rush. The county museum proved to be an excellant stop to do so. Docent Bea was very knowledgeable and passionate about the exhibits.