Bernhard Museum & Gold Country Museum
Discover Auburn's rich Gold Rush heritage through fascinating exhibits, artifacts, and the beautifully preserved Bernhard family home dating back to the 1850s.
Auburn's Premier Historical Museum
The Bernhard Museum Complex stands as Auburn's premier destination for exploring the rich history of California's Gold Rush era. The museum features the beautifully preserved Bernhard family home, built in the 1850s, alongside modern exhibit spaces that house an extensive collection of Gold Rush artifacts, local memorabilia, and interactive displays that bring Auburn's fascinating past to life.
Named after the Bernhard family who lived in the historic home for over a century, the museum complex offers visitors an authentic glimpse into 19th-century life in Auburn. The combination of the historic house museum and the modern Gold Country Museum creates a comprehensive educational experience that appeals to visitors of all ages, from school children to history enthusiasts and genealogy researchers.
Historic Bernhard Home
The centerpiece of the museum complex is the original Bernhard family home, built in the 1850s and meticulously preserved to showcase authentic 19th-century domestic life in Auburn.
- • Built: 1850s by Benjamin Bernhard family
- • Architecture: Victorian-era residential design
- • Period Rooms: Furnished with authentic 1800s pieces
- • Kitchen: Original wood-burning stove and utensils
- • Bedrooms: Period furniture and personal items
- • Parlor: Victorian-era social gathering space
Gold Country Museum
The modern museum building houses extensive collections of Gold Rush artifacts, mining equipment, and exhibits that tell the story of Auburn's transformation from mining camp to thriving community.
- • Gold Rush Artifacts: Mining tools, gold specimens
- • Historical Documents: Maps, photographs, letters
- • Interactive Displays: Hands-on learning experiences
- • Local History: Auburn's development timeline
- • Rotating Exhibits: Special themed displays
- • Research Library: Genealogy and historical records
Museum Collections & Exhibits
Gold Rush Era
- • Original mining equipment and tools
- • Gold specimens from local mines
- • Miners' personal belongings
- • Historical photographs of mining operations
- • Maps of Auburn's gold fields
- • Stories of individual miners and families
Domestic Life
- • Victorian-era furniture and décor
- • Kitchen utensils and cooking equipment
- • Children's toys and games
- • Clothing and textiles from the 1800s
- • Household items and daily necessities
- • Family photographs and documents
Community Development
- • Auburn's early business establishments
- • Railroad development and impact
- • School and church history
- • Local government and civic organizations
- • Agricultural development
- • Modern Auburn transformation
Educational Programs & Tours
Guided Tours
Knowledgeable docents lead visitors through both the historic home and museum exhibits, providing detailed insights into Auburn's Gold Rush history and the Bernhard family story.
- • House Tours: 45-minute guided tours of historic home
- • Museum Tours: Comprehensive exhibit explanations
- • Group Tours: Special arrangements for large groups
- • School Programs: Educational tours for students
- • Special Interest: Genealogy and research tours
- • Seasonal Tours: Holiday and themed tours
Educational Activities
The museum offers various educational programs designed to engage visitors of all ages in learning about Auburn's history through interactive and hands-on experiences.
- • School Field Trips: Curriculum-aligned programs
- • Living History: Costumed interpreters and demonstrations
- • Workshops: Traditional crafts and skills
- • Lectures: Historical presentations by experts
- • Research Assistance: Genealogy and local history help
- • Community Events: Special programs and celebrations
Special Events & Annual Programs
Annual Events
- Victorian Christmas (December): Historic home decorated for the holidays with period decorations, special tours, and holiday activities
- Gold Rush Days Participation (May): Museum participates in Auburn's annual Gold Rush celebration with special exhibits and demonstrations
- Heritage Day (September): Celebration of Auburn's history with living history demonstrations and family activities
- Lecture Series: Monthly presentations by historians and local experts on various aspects of Auburn's past
Ongoing Programs
- Research Library Access: Genealogy resources, historical documents, and local history materials available for researchers
- Volunteer Opportunities: Docent training, event assistance, and museum support roles for community members
- School Partnerships: Ongoing relationships with local schools for educational programs and field trips
- Community Outreach: Programs bringing museum education to senior centers and community groups
Visitor Information
Hours & Admission
- • Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- • Closed: Mondays and major holidays
- • Admission: Modest fee supports museum operations
- • Group Rates: Available for 10 or more visitors
- • Members: Free admission with membership
- • Special Events: May have separate admission fees
Location & Parking
- • Address: 291 Auburn Ravine Road, Auburn, CA
- • Parking: Free on-site parking available
- • Public Transit: Limited public transportation
- • Walking: 10-minute walk from Old Town Auburn
Accessibility & Amenities
- • Accessibility: Modern museum building is fully accessible
- • Historic Home: Limited accessibility due to historic nature
- • Restrooms: Available in museum building
- • Gift Shop: Books, souvenirs, and local history items
- • Photography: Allowed in most areas (check with staff)
Contact Information
- • Phone: (530) 889-6500
- • Email: Contact through Auburn Recreation District
- • Website: Auburn Recreation District website
- • Social Media: Follow for updates and events
Research & Genealogy Resources
Research Collections
The museum maintains extensive research collections that are invaluable resources for genealogists, historians, and anyone interested in Auburn's past.
- • Historical photographs and negatives
- • City directories and phone books
- • Newspaper clippings and articles
- • Cemetery records and obituaries
- • School records and yearbooks
- • Business and organization records
Research Services
Museum staff and volunteers provide assistance to researchers and can help locate specific information about Auburn families, businesses, and historical events.
- • Genealogy research assistance
- • Historical photograph identification
- • Property and building history
- • Family history consultations
- • Document reproduction services
- • Research appointment scheduling
Family-Friendly Activities
Children's Programs
- • Interactive scavenger hunts
- • Hands-on history activities
- • Period costume try-on experiences
- • Junior docent programs
- • Educational coloring books
- • Special children's tours
Interactive Exhibits
- • Touch-friendly historical artifacts
- • Audio-visual presentations
- • Period room exploration
- • Historical timeline displays
- • Before-and-after photo comparisons
- • Interactive maps and displays
Educational Value
- • California history curriculum support
- • Gold Rush era learning
- • Victorian lifestyle education
- • Local community development
- • Historical thinking skills
- • Cultural heritage appreciation
Explore More Auburn Attractions
Discover Auburn's Gold Rush Heritage
Step back in time and experience authentic Gold Rush history at the Bernhard Museum. Perfect for families, history enthusiasts, students, and anyone curious about Auburn's fascinating past.