welcome to the museum

The Tuolumne Memorial Museum was founded through the efforts of local teacher and historian Marie Rozier and businesswoman Patsy McMahon–both descendents of local pioneer families. In 1942, they began collecting treasures from Tuolumne families with the dream of establishing a local musem. The collection several temporary homes over the years: on display or in storage. Thus, the two women assured the township’s history would be preserved in a permanent collection.

Kindergarten class at Tuolumne Women’s Improvement Clubhouse.

In 1981, the Tuolumne Women’s Improvement Club gift-deeded their property and clubhouse to the Museum. The location has a history of its own. Built in 1922, the clubhouse had also served as the site of the town’s library, local kindergarten classes, and hosted various celebratory events. By the early 198o’s, it had fallen into disrepair.

In 1982 the reconstruction of the existing building and addition of two wings began.

In December of 1984, the Tuolumne (City) Museum opened its doors in its permanent home at the corner of Bay and Carter Streets. Marie Rozier, one of the museum’s founders was present for the celebration.

For more of the story, see Museum History.

The building itself is still a gathering spot for celebrations and special occasions. The museum is totall y supported by dedicated volunteers and funds from memberships, donations and the generosity of visitors and local citizens.

Like our founders, we have a dream of keeping this history alive and sharing it with all who want to learn more about our pas.

Please come visit and see for yourselves what has been collected had housed in this historic building.

THE COLLECTION

Every item has a connection to our town, to families who were native to this land, who immigrated here, settled here and called this their home, often for generations.

MAIN ROOM: Looking much as it did in the original clubhouse, it retains the restored wainscoting topped by tile and batten walls and the Douglas fir wood flooring. The original fireplace, built of local river rock, is flanked by seating benchs likely built by a local craftsman.

The bookcases which once held library books now house exhibits of pioneering family bibles, photo albums, books, cameras….

Here you will also find Me-Wok artifacts, the story of the town’s three names, and items that resided in local homes: musical instruments, cameras,

FAMILY ROOM:

KITCHEN:

The original kitchen area remains as the exhibit area for vintage and antique cookware, gadgets and other kitchen and household items.

TRAIN ROOM:

COMMUNITY GALLERY:

resources

In addition to the items on display, the museum is home to an extensive collection of written material and documents, maps, photographs, recordings and videos of local citiens reminiscing about local history.