The El Dorado Western Railroad is on a winter break, and will resume in March, 2022.  Please check back for the current schedule.  Volunteers are needed!  If you would like to become a Railroad Volunteer, please email eldoradowesternrailroad@gmail.com .

OPENING SCHEDULE: Due to weather conditions and limited staff, the Museum will be closed until January 12, 2022.  Currently, the County Museum is open by reservation on Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays, 12PM - 4PM due to limited available staffing.  Facemasks are required upon entry.
Make your reservation by clicking here.  You can also call 530 621-5865 or email us at museum@edcgov.us.

The Research Room remains closed to the public.  Please email your questions to us at  museum@edcgov.us if you have a research question.  Staff and volunteers are happy to answer your research questions.  
New feature! Videos 
  • NEWSPAPER WOMEN in El Dorado County
  • WOMEN ON THE ROAD at the County Museum
  • JAMES MARSHALL "DISCOVERER OF GOLD" at the County Museum
  • Take a VIRTUAL TOUR with County Museum Director and Curator, Mary Cory
  • Special Exhibit: WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: Women making history in El Dorado County, CA. A virtual tour hosted by museum curator, Mary Cory.
  • THE GOLD RUSH in El Dorado County
  • PLACERVILLE: THEN & NOW, historical photos & current photos of the same location
  • GREEN GOLD about the rise of the logging and lumber industries in El Dorado County
  • ROAD TO TAHOE about the historic transportation corridor, now known as Highway 50 in El Dorado County
  • QUILTS ON EXHIBIT highlighting the quilts displayed as part of the Women of Influence exhibit
  • VOTES FOR WOMEN commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE MUSEUM'S VIRTUAL EXHIBITS

LULU WEATHERWAX, PLACERVILLE ARTIST

EL DORADO COUNTY'S COURTHOUSE

GOLD MINERS AND WHAT THEY LEFT BEHIND

VOTES FOR WOMEN!  The 1920 Election in Placerville

THE RAILROAD COMES TO EL DORADO COUNTY

EL DORADO COUNTY & WORLD WAR I: Home and Overseas, 1917-1918

VOTES FOR WOMEN! In South Lake Tahoe 1920

HISTORY OF THE 'FLU IN EL DORADO COUNTY: 1918 – 1921 Devastation of Spanish Influenza 

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: Women making history in 
El Dorado County


Museum
The Museum is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 12PM - 4PM by appointment (see above.) 
Research Questions will be answered - please email us at museum@edcgov.us 
Check out the virtual exhibits, videos and tours in the links above to learn more about El Dorado County's history!

The El Dorado County Historical Museum is located in the Gold Rush town of Placerville, California, nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills just a few miles from the historic downtown, wine tasting, shopping, and more!  

Visit the museum to take a tour, view the historical artifacts, or research a family ancestor, land, or building.  Learn about the fascinating history of El Dorado County, one of California's original and most historic counties.  Plan Your Visit today!



Do you have a class, or a club, or a special group of friends  you would like to bring to the Museum?  Museum Docents will give your group a special tour.  Call (530) 621-5865 to book your group!

The El Dorado Western Railroad is on a Winter Break.  Operations will resume in March, 2022.  If you would like to volunteer, please email eldoradowesternrailroad@gmail.com

Support El Dorado County's own railroad!  It runs every Sunday, providing rides on the open air "Gang Cars" (as pictured below.)  What a great way to see El Dorado County's beautiful countryside!

Go to Railroad Schedule for dates and boarding locations.  The El Dorado Western Railroad runs on the old Southern Pacific railroad tracks in El Dorado County in the Shingle Springs and El Dorado region. 

With your support, the El Dorado Western Railroad will continue to operate many years into the future.  It's fun and educational for the whole family.


El Dorado Western Railway

LOOKING FOR AN ACTIVITY FOR A SPECIAL EVENT?
Call us at (530) 663-3581 or email us at museum@edcgov.us for more information.  Click here for details