This museum gives you a good idea of Placer County justice- it's a working courthouse!
Large safe- beautiful painting. Manufactured in Detroit Michigan 1878.
Part of the basket collection, several shapes
Imposing building.
Pate Collection of baskets and Indian artifacts
Didn't have to worry about cell service back in 1939. Just hope a falling tree didn't take out the telephone cable.
Entrance
Entrance to courthouse and museum.
Gold found in placer county.
Part of the basket collection
Paiute Basket- 1961, beautiful colors
Beautiful Carriage- very stylish and in great shape
Basket with Lid, Western Eskimo 1900
Designs made - that showed the purpose of the basket
My wanted picture complete with a big mustache and all, rofl!
Tom S.
May 19, 2024
Fun and free admission. Even if you are a good student and read the info at each display you can see it all in one hour. Little kids will probably be bored to death in 8 minutes.
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Jacqueline S.
Jun 27, 2023
This museum is full of beautifully curated items. There are docents that point out interesting things. Loved the Video on trains, "Mastering the Mountains "Basket collection is fantastic. Free Museum!
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Rachelle P.
Feb 10, 2019
On Saturday morning we stopped by to visit this historic landmark which was originally a courthouse and jail. We decided on taking one of their guided tours with a museum staff member to learn a bit more of the history. The woman was very patient with taking the time to answer some of our curious questions and I learned a lot from the history of gold, American Indians etc. and even got a chance to see an original painting of Thomas Kinkade depicting the town! Such a fan of his and a very well done painting! Not to mention they had this funny photo props area with fake mustaches and wanted frames and I dawned one lol, ever hear of the bearded lady, if she can pull it off, then so can I!? One last tid bit, did you know the American Indian babies wore moss diapers and were carried on their mama's back in a cradle while she worked, quite the multitasker?! I would highly recommend stopping in and visiting this free museum here in Auburn, don't forget to put in a donation before you leave, your funds help to keep this museum alive and running! On Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. rain or shine they offer free guided tours of Old Town Auburn starting here, check it out! I know I will my next visit when it's a bit warmer!
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Janell W.
Apr 24, 2022
How awesome to see such history. Come visit. Great for children and adults!! And it's free.
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David F.
Nov 14, 2015
On vacation in Auburn on a November rainy Sunday afternoon, we passed by the historic Courthouse, but doubtful anything would be open. Lo and behold, cars were in the parking lot, and the Placer County Museum was open for visitors!Turns out the museum is open seven days a week. Jo Ann, the wonderful museum docent on hand, started us out with great tips and brochures on things to see in Auburn and the museum. It is so nice (and sometimes all too rare) for a tourist to be welcomed by natives!Although not a large museum, there is more here than it appears at first look. The exhibits are thoughtful and well designed, and we ended up spending an enjoyable hour or more visiting here. Exhibits ranged from the original Native Americans to early settlers, and into the 20th century. Don't miss the film on the Lincoln Highway (that runs through Auburn). We were reminded again on some exhibits how things we take for granted today were a huge leap forward, connecting a once isolated California with the rest of the country.For museum and history lovers this museum is definitely worth a stop.
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Melissa S.
Apr 10, 2016
When we came it was closed, but we were able to enjoy the outside. The steps go on forever and you can take some amazing pictures on them. The place is beautiful and a great place to visit. Some day I hope to make it inside.
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Mel B.
Mar 8, 2019
I had a great time here with the entire family. The docents were extremely welcoming, and the officers at the front were friendly as well. This is a great place for a piece of local history.
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Kristian D.
Jun 21, 2016
The Placer County Museum is a small historical museum in the ground floor of the historic county courthouse near Old Town Auburn. It is easily seen from the freeway with decent parking, although Saturday mornings are difficult with the farmers market.Coincidently, the museum offers a free walking tour of the courthouse and old town every Saturday morning at 10:00 am. This popular tour is led by a docent and gives a brief and interesting history of the area. It ends in Old Town around lunch which is a perfect opportunity to get some food before returning to explore the exhibits.Overall, the museum is small, but anyone living in the area or interested in California history will appreciate learning a bit more about the region. The museum is probably boring for little kids, but older ones will be more interested. Definitely a great way to start your day in Auburn.
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Sharon K.
Mar 14, 2014
If you enjoy history of an old gold town, you will enjoy this museum. We walked in, and it felt like we were warped back into time. There's a room with an old carriage and buggy, which was fascinating. Along the hallway, you see artifacts of the native Americans that were settled there, as well as more information of the town. I especially enjoyed the Sheriffs office! Such debauchery and scandals! After you look in there, there's the old men's prison that has been changed to the history museum of the town. Very interesting to go to, and the ladies volunteering there are extremely friendly and sweet. Be sure to stop by the women's jail under the stairs - quite chilling!
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Tim B.
Jan 9, 2016
Every Saturday at 10AM the museum offers a free guided tour of Old Auburn. Our guide was Carol and we had so much fun with her! If you're interested in local history it is something worth doing.
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