The Gold Nugget Museum: Renovation on the Ridge
The Gold Nugget Museum is a long-standing organization in Paradise, dedicated to the preservation of the history of the Ridge. Having provided cultural and educational programs for youth and adults alike since 1981, the museum continues to share the pioneering spirit of the settlers of the Ridge.
After the loss of the museum during the Camp Fire, the leadership of the organization is committed to rebuilding and restoring operations in the years to come. Unfortunately, tens of thousands of artifacts were lost and the current inventory is down to 5% of what was owned before the fire. However, since the events of November 2018, many pioneer-era artifacts have been generously donated from around the state. These items will be used in future museum exhibits once the public tours resume.
The Depot Museum in the Paradise Community Park was untouched by the fire, and is currently serving as the base of operations for museum services before the renovation of the newly acquired museum site. The Gold Nugget Museum’s mission has been, and will continue to be, the preservation and protection of the Ridge heritage through the collection and display of local artifacts and the coordination of community education programs.
From left to right: President of Paradise Rotary Club, Tom Baker, Bill Hartley (vice president of the Board for the Gold Nugget Museum), and Don Criswell (president).
The newly acquired location for the museum is located at 475 Pearson Road and is a prime facility for the expansive future plans of the organization. The building was previously used as an auto repair shop, and provides ample space for storage and staging of displays. However, the building is in need of repair before being able to open to the public and resume activities.
The first need for the museum is an office location for staff and volunteers. The Rotary District 5160 Grant Committee recently awarded a grant of $3,000 for improving the front of the building, which will serve as office and gift shop. In addition to the District grant, the Rotary Club of Paradise is contributing $10,000. The $13,000 contribution will kickstart the momentum for the museum’s renovation, which will provide features such as climate controlled space for visitors and volunteers and ADA-accessible entry. The office will be used to catalog museum inventory and welcome visitors. The new construction project will be starting soon, thanks in part to the Rotary Club of Paradise and the District 5160 Grant Committee.
Plans for the future of the museum site include the addition of social gatherings including concerts & live music, as well as resuming the annual events. Pending the reopening of the museum, the educational programs for elementary-aged students may also return in the years to come. The programs offered provide an experience to students about living in the 1850s in the Pioneer School Program, or learning about the Native Maidu traditions in the Maidu School Program.
With the leadership of the Board of Directors and the ongoing support of community members and organizations, the Gold Nugget Museum will once again be a destination for tourists and community members.
The Museum depends on a small staff and many volunteers to continue operations. These volunteers include the Board of Directors, Docents, and the hundreds of volunteers that help with each of the museum events and programs. To get involved, please visit http://www.goldnuggetmuseum.com.
Left: The covered wagon, which will be used in future events for the Gold Nugget Museum.
To date, the Paradise Rotary Club, Foundation, and the District 5160 Grant Committee has awarded $13,000 to the Gold Nugget Museum, as made possible from the generosity of worldwide donors and community members. Thank you for your continued support.
Do you have stories to share about Grants In Action? If so, please email contact@paradiserotaryfoundation.org.