North Star House Docents tell our story to the visiting public. We are the voice of the Foote Family, Julia Morgan and the North Star Historic Conservancy.

The North Star House docents are trained volunteers who act as a knowledgeable visitors’ guide to further the public understanding of the North Star Historic Conservancy, the Julia Morgan designed North Star House and the surrounding property.

Docents greet visitors and provide an informal tour of the house answering questions about the house, the Foote family and the North Star Historic Conservancy. They serve a 3 hour Saturday morning shift once a month from April through October. Docents also have the opportunity to volunteer for NSHC events and specially arranged tours of the house. We are a friendly group who have several social events during the year.

Please contact us if you would like to find out more about this volunteer opportunity.

If you love history and architecture, this is a job for you.

The vision of transforming the North Star House into a cultural event center and museum open to the community is now a reality. The North Star Historic Conservancy is pleased to announce that the North Star House is now open to the public every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am – 1 pm, and the first Saturday of the month May through October, from 9am until noon.

During these “open house” hours, history docents will be on hand to either give informal tours or answer questions about the North Star House, its nationally known architect, Julia Morgan, and its first inhabitants, Arthur DeWint and Mary Hallock Foote.

Come view this iconic landmark with your friends, family or business associates.  Children and students are welcome! Learn about famed architect Julia Morgan and its construction in 1905 for the owners of the North Star Mine. The North Star House served as the social headquarters of the North Star Mine, and was where the public and investors were invited to meet and greet. This special example of California Craftsman Style architecture is on the National and the California State Historic Buildings Registers.

Through the efforts and vision of countless volunteers and leaders of our community, this 10,000 square foot building stands today, very much intact. You can also view the current restoration efforts and the next steps in renovating the 2^nd floor into an art gallery and museum.  The North Star House is managed and operated by the North Star Historic Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

The North Star House and historic grounds are available to rent for weddings, events, meetings or parties. The open house would be an ideal time to tour the site and see how the House might work well for you to create a little history of your own, by holding an unforgettable event at the North Star. Questions can be directed to our office at 530-477-7126 or emailing thenorthstarhouse@gmail.com

We are looking for volunteers interested in assisting with property improvement projects on the 14-acre North Star House grounds.

If you have experience with general construction methods such as basic carpentry, concrete work, irrigation systems, building maintenance, or general site improvements we could use your help.

Please contact us at thenorthstarhouse@gmail.com or 530-477-7126.

The NSHC presents a series of educational events every year. As we make plans for our 2019 Educational Series, we are looking for people interested in lending a hand with coordinating presentations. This may include setup, submitting publicity to media outlets, greeting attendees, and generally ensuring the event goes smoothly.

Please contact Event Chair Betzi Hart for more information at thenorthstarhouse@gmail.com or 530-477-7126.

In honor of Veterans’ Day, the North Star Historic Conservancy presents author Gage McKinney to tell the story of William Hague, the young manager of the North Star gold mine, who took American know-how to Europe and died in a field hospital in France.

When war began in August 1914, William Hague represented interventionist sentiment at a time when many Americans wanted to stay clear of European conflicts. He was the product of an international mining culture which urged America to join the fight and exercise global influence.

After the U. S. entered the war in 1916, and men like Hague shipped to France, American engineers changed the course of the brutal conflict. You will learn how mining men served, and why the exploits of one North Star miner were so … that they were recounted in a Hollywood movie.

McKinney’s books include The 1930s: No Depression Here and MacBoyle’s Gold. He descends from Cornish miners and lives in Grass Valley.

Built by Julia Morgan in the Arts and Crafts style in 1905, the North Star House is listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places, and is located on a 14-acre portion of the former North Star Mine. The North Star Historic Conservancy, a nonprofit 501(c3), is working to re-establish this unique, historic house and grounds into a premier cultural event center. It is committed to maintaining the property for the public by promoting tours, events, educational activities, and the arts.

When: Sunday, November 4, 2018

2-3 PM Presentation, followed by Q & A, refreshments, and book signing.

Where: The North Star House

12075 Auburn Road, Grass Valley

Cost: Free admission. Donations appreciated.

The vision of transforming the North Star House into a cultural event center and museum open to the community is now a reality. The North Star Historic Conservancy is pleased to announce that the North Star House is now open to the public every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am – 1 pm, and the first Saturday of the month May through October, from 9am until noon.

During these “open house” hours, history docents will be on hand to either give informal tours or answer questions about the North Star House, its nationally known architect, Julia Morgan, and its first inhabitants, Arthur DeWint and Mary Hallock Foote.

Come view this iconic landmark with your friends, family or business associates.  Children and students are welcome! Learn about famed architect Julia Morgan and its construction in 1905 for the owners of the North Star Mine. The North Star House served as the social headquarters of the North Star Mine, and was where the public and investors were invited to meet and greet. This special example of California Craftsman Style architecture is on the National and the California State Historic Buildings Registers.

Through the efforts and vision of countless volunteers and leaders of our community, this 10,000 square foot building stands today, very much intact. You can also view the current restoration efforts and the next steps in renovating the 2^nd floor into an art gallery and museum.  The North Star House is managed and operated by the North Star Historic Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

The North Star House and historic grounds are available to rent for weddings, events, meetings or parties. The open house would be an ideal time to tour the site and see how the House might work well for you to create a little history of your own, by holding an unforgettable event at the North Star. Questions can be directed to our office at 530-477-7126 or emailing thenorthstarhouse@gmail.com.

NSHC is looking for a volunteer interested in coordinating property improvement projects on the 14-acre North Star House grounds.

Qualifications- Experience with general construction methods involving basic carpentry, concrete work, irrigation systems, building maintenance, driveway maintenance and general site improvements. A background in landscape or building contracting is important.

Experience: Able to visualize projects and solutions, assist with construction budgeting, organize work schedules, order materials, coordinate and encourage volunteers.

Please use this contact form or call 530-477-7126 to leave a message for David Wright.