Tuolumne County Museum Shows Sonora History
More Europeans and people from out-of-state are visiting the Tuolumne County Museum, than local Tuolumne County residents.
Bonnie Summers, a volunteer at the Museum, was Friday’s KVML “Newsmaker of the Day”.
Summers would like to see that trend change this year.
“The museum is a wonderful place to see,” said Summers. “It is open six days a week and the admission is free.
The Museum is the old Tuolumne County Jail on 158 Bradford Street in Sonora, CA.
By 1960, the jail, which was built in 1866, was obsolete and a new jail was constructed one block north. The Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors designated the old jail as the Tuolumne County Museum and the Tuolumne County Historical Society became stewards of the Tuolumne County History Collection.
Visitors will see the former living quarters of the Tuolumne County Sheriff as well as the ten former jail cells, each of which now features historical pieces and exhibits.
The old kitchen of the sheriff was converted into a office, which was originally occupied by the Chamber of Commerce and is now home to the Tuolumne County Genealogical Society.
Reproductions of many old photos, antiques and costumed mannequins are on exhibit depicting the six geographical regions of the county. They are considered to be Sonora, the crossroads of Tuolumne County; Columbia; Jamestown, Tuolumne County south of “the river” and “Out to Tuolumne; Up in the Hills”.
Other displays contain information on the overland trails across the Sierra Nevada between 1841 and 1860 and pioneer firearms.
The Museum is run by Tuolumne County and is staffed by volunteers.
Museum hours are 10 AM – 4 PM Monday through Friday and 10 AM – 3:30 PM Saturdays.
For more information, call (209) 532-1317.
The “Newsmaker of the Day” is heard every weekday morning on AM 1450 KVML at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 AM.
