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EXPERIENCE THE WORLD BELOW GROUND

Illuminating the World of California's Underground Gold Miners
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Gold and Quartz slabs and cabochon.
This rare gemstone is from Alleghany’s famous Sixteen to One Mine.
Gold. Grit. History
UGMM exists to discover and tell the stories of this unique place.

The underground story is both human and geological.

The human story revolves around the miners and is connected to all aspects of their lives. The geological story began in an era when the core of the earth "bled" mineral wealth into the fault zones of California.

Both aspects of the story are golden.

Open Memorial Day through Labor Day
Saturday only 11am to 4pm.

Sunday by appointment 

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UGMM tells the untold story of California’s Underground Gold Miners

Tom Hall and Don Bell in the Ruby Mine near Alleghany, July 1976.

Come and experience this hidden history for yourself, step inside the world of California’s underground gold miners and uncover the stories that shaped a legacy.

Photo by Joe Aquino

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Carbide Lamps

Permanent display, occasionally lit!

Bringing mining history to light
Don’t miss the chance to explore this unique chapter of California’s history.

UGMM tells the untold story of California’s Underground Gold Miners. Pictured here are UGMM Director and Docent Chris Smith (left) and Michael Miller cranking things up! June 1, 2024.

Step into a world rarely seen and discover the grit, ingenuity, and determination that defined an era.

 

Through powerful stories, historic imagery, and immersive experiences, UGMM brings to light the challenges and triumphs of the miners who worked deep beneath the surface in search of gold.

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PO Box 907
356 Main Street, Alleghany, CA 95910

Open Memorial Day thru Labor Day

 

Saturday only 11:00am to 4:00pm

Sunday by appointment. Call or email to schedule.

Directions: The best road into Alleghany (paved two lane road) is Ridge Road which heads east off of Hwy 49 between the towns of North San Juan and Camptonville. Alleghany is about 19 miles from the hwy. Once you get into Alleghany stay on Main Street past Casey's Place and past the firehouse. The museum is located on the right-hand side of the road in the same building as the post office. It is about a 1 hour drive from Nevada City. If you set your GPS for "paved roads only" it should bring you in this way.

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News and Stories

Explore the latest updates, insights, and stories from the world of underground gold mining.

Step beyond the exhibits and dive into stories that reveal the human side of mining history. Discover untold moments, historical insights, and reflections that connect the past with the present.

Gold
$500
  • Guy Acheson

  • Richard Brooks

  • The Davis Family Foundation

  • The Drew Family Trust

  • Carl "Bud" Munck

  • Wayne Kirk & Bev Parker

  • Morning Glory Gold Mines

  • Nevada County Gem & Mineral Society

  • Jason White

Silver $200
  • Comstock Gold Prospectors

  • Emerald Cove Marina, Inc.

  • Dick Tieben In memory of Don Bell

Copper
$100
  • Lee Adams

  • Linda K. Bennett

  • Larry Bradbury

  • Jerry Chan OD In memory of my wife Dr. Lisa Moon.

  • Fielder Construction In memory of Herman Fielder

  • Gwen Fissel

  • Donna Giles

  • Joey Glick

  • JNE Ranches - Nancy Elwell

  • Janet Matlock

  • Nevada County Historical Society

  • Bob Nordhausen

  • The Oettle Family

  • Brian Penman

  • Sell Lumber Company

  • Christopher T Smith

  • Doug Stevens

  • Starla Turner

Thank you to our Sponsors

Your support helps keep these stories alive and accessible to all.

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