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A Gold Mine of History
History of the House
Additional Stories


Video Exclusive: Your Inside Look at the Second Floor of North Star House
An inside look at the second floor of the North Star House, shared through the voices of the volunteers who are bringing it back to life.
Nov 231 min read


Celebrating a Milestone: North Star House Receives National Recognition
On November 16, our community gathered for a moment many years in the making: the National Significance Celebration at the North Star House. Surrounded by friends, volunteers, supporters, and local leaders, we honored the historic designation that officially recognizes the House for its importance in architecture, literature, women’s history, and equal rights. The evening opened with remarks from our Board President, Paula Campbell , who spoke from the heart about the decades
Nov 232 min read


Sustainable Landscape Progress at North Star House
We recently hosted a free community workshop with horticultural designer Molly Breen of New Wave Green , focusing on how to design native plant landscapes using Netafim irrigation systems. The event brought together local gardeners, volunteers, and community members interested in sustainable, water-wise landscaping. During the workshop, Molly walked participants through the fundamentals of Netafim drip irrigation: how it works, why it’s ideal for native plants, and how though
Nov 62 min read


North Star House Receives National Significance Recognition
The North Star Historic Conservancy is proud to announce that the North Star House has been officially recognized as nationally significant in the National Register of Historic Places : a milestone that underscores the site’s vital place in American history. From the groundbreaking architecture of Julia Morgan, California’s first licensed woman architect, to the literary legacy of Mary Hallock Foote, the North Star House tells a remarkable story of innovation, culture, and co
Nov 32 min read


The Next Chapter: Andy Wright Leads Second-Floor Construction at the North Star House
The second-floor construction effort of the North Star House is one of the most ambitious and exciting projects underway at this historic 1905 estate. Reviving more than 5,000 square feet of long-dormant space requires not only vision but deep expertise, and we’re fortunate to have both. Leading this effort is Andy Wright, Construction Manager at the North Star House, whose decades-long career as a licensed general contractor and former owner of WrightBuilt Construction bring
Oct 278 min read


State of the Star: A Toast to Progress at the North Star House
This past weekend, the North Star House opened its doors for a special evening of gratitude and celebration: the annual State of the Star event. Donors, sponsors, and friends gathered to hear updates on the year’s accomplishments and to see firsthand the incredible progress being made upstairs. Guests were given a rare opportunity to step inside the unfinished second floor — an area that has remained largely untouched for decades. Guided by the dedicated leaders overseeing c
Oct 211 min read


Pop-Up Planting Event at North Star House
The North Star House is calling on the community to help us plant the next phase of our native hedgerow, an inspiring project designed by Molly Breen to bring new life, color, and biodiversity to our historic grounds. Thanks to a generous grant of 100 native plants from the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, we’re expanding this living landscape to provide essential habitat for pollinators and wildlife while creating a beautiful, sustainable border that complements
Oct 201 min read


Rooted in History: Carole Miller Reflects on Her 15 Years at the North Star House
For over 15 years, Carole Miller poured her heart into the North Star House — and now, she’s sharing that story.
Oct 31 min read


Celebrating Our Volunteers: A Night of Gratitude at North Star House
On September 21st, the North Star House came alive in a special way. Not with a wedding or public event, but with a celebration dedicated...
Sep 291 min read


Sponsor Spotlight: New Wave Green Helps North Star House Grow New Life with Native Hedgerow
A beautiful new native hedgerow is taking root at the historic North Star House, thanks to the generosity and expertise of local business...
Sep 52 min read


A Timeless Touch: Interiors with Rebekah Freeman
The North Star House carries new warmth and life, as Rebekah Freeman restores its interiors with historic detail and heart
Sep 35 min read


Honoring Howard & Peggy Levine
Howard and Peggy Levine were instrumental in moving the North Star House from years of disrepair toward once again serving as a place for th
Aug 61 min read


Preserving the Past: A Special Donation to North Star House
The North Star House recently received a beautifully preserved sketch believed to be the work of Mary Hallock Foote.
Aug 41 min read


One Spark Could Take It All: Help Us Protect the North Star House
Without fire protection, everything we’ve restored is at risk. One wildfire spark could erase over 100 years of history, and decades of community
Jul 312 min read


From the Docent’s Corner: Susan’s Reflections on the Stories Visitors Bring
One of the greatest pleasures of leading tours at the North Star House is not just sharing history, but receiving it in return. Our...
Jul 182 min read


What’s New at the North Star House: Projects, Progress & Preservation — July 2025
As restoration and planning efforts continue across the grounds, we’re also laying the groundwork — quite literally — for a more accessible and welcoming future. From garden updates to ADA walkways, every improvement reflects our commitment to preserving history while meeting today’s needs.
Jul 113 min read


4th of July Flashback: 1911 Parade in Grass Valley
Over a century ago, A.B. Foote. then superintendent of the North Star Mine and one of the visionaries behind the North Star House, served as Grand Marshal of the July 4th parade in Grass Valley.
Jul 41 min read


Restoration Crew Fires Up the Grill for Some Well-Earned Camaraderie
On June 3rd 2025, the North Star House restoration volunteers took a well-deserved break from the usual buzz of tools and construction to...
Jun 51 min read


A Legacy in Bloom: DAR Members Revisit the Tulip Tree They Planted 15 Years Ago
Fifteen years after planting a tulip tree, the DAR returned to see its growth: a beautiful reminder of legacy and care at North Star House.
Jun 31 min read


Celebrating Creativity at North Star House: May Arts Council Creative Meetup
On May 1st, 2025 - North Star House welcomed a vibrant gathering of artists, makers, and creatives from across the county for the May Arts Council Creative Meetup.
May 82 min read
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Contact Info
12075 Auburn Rd.
Grass Valley, CA 95949
P.O Box 1538 Grass Valley, CA 95945
530-477-7126
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