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The Wiley wedding made full use of North Star House, with portraits inside the historic rooms, across the grounds, and among the property’s original architectural details.

Midsummer Festival is almost here, and we still need a few extra hands to help the day run smoothly.

Historic places are built not only by architects and craftsmen, but also by the generations of people who care enough to preserve them. At North Star House, our engraved bricks offer supporters a unique opportunity to become a permanent part of the property's ongoing story while helping fund the preservation and restoration of this remarkable historic estate. Become Part of North Star House History When you purchase an engraved memorial brick, your personalized message become

North Star House celebrates local history supporters seen in the Nevada City Fourth of July Parade, including museums and volunteers.

Long-time North Star House volunteer Doug Young shares photos from a recent visit, capturing restoration progress, historic rooms, and volunteer work.

Looking for things to do in Grass Valley? Visit North Star House for local history, architecture, tours, and community events.

The Mid-Summer Festival is coming up, and we would love a little extra volunteer support to help make the day run smoothly.

Guests of all ages are encouraged to come dressed in their most whimsical attire, whether that means fairy wings, woodland costumes, storybook-inspired outfits, or simply something fun and festive.

The story of North Star House in Grass Valley, California begins with the North Star Mine, one of the most significant names in California gold mining history. Long before the house became a place for tours, events, preservation work, and community gatherings, it was tied to the mining industry that helped shape Grass Valley. Together, the North Star Mine and North Star House tell a larger story about hard-rock gold mining, engineering, architecture, family life, and the peop

North Star House is looking for a knowledgeable volunteer to help with scheduled maintenance and minor repairs on several pieces of outdoor equipment used to care for the property. This would be a great fit for someone with experience in tractors, mowers, small engines, utility vehicles, or general mechanical repair. Equipment includes: Older Kubota diesel tractor: Approx. 25 horsepower with loader bucket, box scraper attachment, and brush hog attachment Kubota zero-turn mowe

Most of us hope to leave something good behind. Not always something loud. Not always something with our name on it. Sometimes just proof that we cared about a place, a community, or an idea enough to help it continue. That is what legacy giving is really about. At the North Star House, we think often about what lasts. The house itself has lasted through more than a century of change. It has held families, workers, artists, volunteers, celebrations, questions, and plans. It h

This Mother’s Day, the North Star House was filled with flowers, tea, conversation, and the warmth of community as guests gathered for our Mother’s Day Tea. The afternoon brought together mothers, daughters, families, friends, and supporters for a special celebration inside the historic North Star House. Guests enjoyed tea, light refreshments, and time together in a setting that made the day feel both meaningful and memorable. This event was especially exciting because it was

Rebekah Freeman, lead of the North Star House Interiors Committee, hosted a special fundraiser concert in support of the Interiors Restoration and Furnishing efforts. Rebekah shared her talent with an audience of friends, supporters, and community members, all gathered together to enjoy an evening of music while also supporting the ongoing work of the Interiors Committee. The fundraiser was a beautiful success, raising nearly $1,000 to help continue furnishing and caring for

The North Star House is looking for volunteer docents to help welcome visitors, lead tours, and share the history of this special place with our community. Docents play an important role in helping people connect with the house, its story, and the people who made it what it is today. During tours, visitors learn about the architecture, restoration work, and the lives connected to the property, including Julia Morgan, Mary Hallock Foote, Arthur De Wint Foote, and the many peop

We are excited to share that our very first Mother’s Day Tea at North Star House has officially sold out.

There has been a lot happening around North Star House lately, and sometimes the best way to share it is simply through photos. These photos offer only a small glimpse into the steady hands, donated time, and continued effort that help care for this historic gem.

North Star House is hosting an afternoon lecture with historian Mary-Jo Wainwright examining the roles of women in the United States during the Progressive Era (1895–1930) , a time of major social change when women were increasingly entering public life, reform movements, and professional fields. The lecture, titled “Reluctant Reformers: Mary Hallock Foote & Julia Morgan in the Progressive Era,” will explore the Progressive Movement—what it was, what problems reformers soug

For more than two decades, the North Star House has been moving through a rare kind of recovery - one measured not only in funding milestones and building permits, but in volunteer hours, hard decisions, and a belief that historic places can still serve living communities. After decades of dedicated service, David made the decision to retire from the Board of Directors at the end of 2025. In this sit-down conversation, he reflects on what first drew him to North Star House, w

Community Game Day is a simple reminder of why North Star House exists—not just as a historic space, but as a place meant to be used, shared, and enjoyed. Families, friends, and neighbors gathered throughout the house on January 18th to play board games, card games, and puzzles, filling the rooms with conversation and laughter. People came and went at their own pace, but everyone participated in the same spirit of connection. Events like Community Game Day allow people to exp

Ken Underwood - Board President We are pleased to share that Ken Underwood has stepped into the role of Board President of the North Star Historic Conservancy. Ken has been actively involved with North Star House for the past seven years, serving across multiple committees and contributing to the ongoing restoration effort. He approaches this role with a focus on making the house accessible to everyone, working collaboratively across the organization, and keeping the space op