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 community.

To celebrate this achievement, the Conservancy will host a community gathering on Sunday, November 16 at 2:00 PM at the North Star House, 12075 Auburn Road, Grass Valley. Guests will enjoy remarks from local leaders, a celebratory champagne toast, and opportunities to explore the House and grounds alongside neighbors, friends, and supporters.

While the designation honors the House’s national importance, it also celebrates something deeply local: the extraordinary dedication of the volunteers who have brought it back to life. Every repaired beam, every flower in the garden, every public tour has been the work of community members who believe this place matters.

The Conservancy hopes the recognition will inspire even more people to get involved. Volunteers are needed in all areas from gardening and event setup to docent tours and restoration projects. No experience is required, just an interest in preserving local history and helping the North Star House continue to thrive as a community gathering place.

For those unable to join the celebration, the Conservancy invites the public to experience the House through docent-led tours, offered every second and fourth Thursday from 1:00–3:00 PM. Tours highlight Julia Morgan’s architectural innovations, the stories of the Foote family, and the community’s ongoing efforts to restore and preserve the property.