The Society was founded to solicit, acquire, preserve and provide access to a collection of artifacts, historical paper, photos, ephemera and miscellany of Amador County history. Through newsletter, this web-site and other media it has and will encourage citizen support of historical preservation."

The Amador County Historical Society (ACHS) was founded c1944 to gather and preserve the county's rich gold rush history since 1848. ACHS encouraged and persuaded county supervisors to acquire the old Brown family, 2-story home on Court House Hill from family heirs and established the Amador County Museum dedicated on June 18, 1949.

The Society soon headquartered there and began gathering and collecting the historical paper, photos, ephemera and artifacts to preserve and display in the museum. In early years the Society operated the museum, and, when the county hired an on-site curator, ACHS held their meetings in another building on the grounds. Though the county owns both the building and collection, ACHS has always been involved or supportive of the museum and its collection. In June 2013, the ACHS officially took over the operation of the museum and mine model exhibit. With volunteer help, the museum is now open on a regular basis.

The Society in the late 1970s and early 1980s led a campaign to preserve the old county hospital. In 2010 it helped preserve and acquired half interest in the Amador Central Railroad constructed in 1904. ACHS has an office in the cottage on the museum grounds.

 

Mark Your Calendar - Join the Fun
Get Your Tickets

Click on flyer below for larger view or to print.

**NOTE *** You will be taken to your "cart" page upon choosing your first item.... click on 'Continue Shopping' (upper right corner of cart page) to come back to add any additional options.

Ticket Options

________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

The dedicated volunteers at the Amador Central Railroad are asking for donations to begin fencing in the corporation yard in Ione. This has become a high priority, as continued theft has set us back and we are looking to add a level of security.

The ACHS Board has developed a plan to build an enclosed livery to house current livery artifacts as well as expected similar donations. This 36 by 100-foot building will also be used for community and museum events.

The ACHS is building a new 3600 square feet Livery Stable to accommodate display of vintage wagons, carriages, and other vintage agricultural equipment as well as accommodate visitor access and informational signage. Be part of this exciting new project!

 

Ride Vintage Motorcars on the Historic Amador Central Railroad - A beautiful six-mile (hour long) round trip through the Amador County foothills from Lane's Station in Ione to Sunny Brook and back. Second Saturday of the month - March through November, weather permitting. Ticket sales begin at 9:30 a.m. Departing at 10:00 am, 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. First come first served, no advance tickets will be sold. Motorcar rides are $10.00 per seat round trip and children must be 5 years old and up. No smoking or alcohol on railroad please. Please no open toed shoes. Lane's Station is located just south of Ione where the railroad tracks cross Highway 104, between Highway 88 and Ione. (Look for the signs.)