Nevada City, California · Est. 1930s
Preserving California's Golden Legacy
The Lava Cap Gold Mine — once one of Nevada County's most productive mines — is being transformed into a living historical landmark and educational center for generations to come.
Est. 1930s
Founded
Nevada City, CA
Location
A Century
Of History
Lave Cap Gold Mine District
Organization
Our Mission
From Mine to Monument
Deep in the Sierra Nevada foothills, the Lava Cap Gold Mine stands as one of California's most significant Gold Rush-era sites. For decades it lay dormant — its tunnels silent, its stories untold.
Today, a dedicated community of historians, educators, and preservationists are breathing new life into this landmark. We are transforming the Lava Cap mine into a world-class historical site, educational center, and living museum — ensuring that the stories of the miners, the era, and the land are never forgotten.
Gold is where you find it — but history is where you preserve it.
— California Gold Rush Proverb
What We Offer
Experience Living History
Historical Tours
Walk the same ground as the miners of the 1930s. Guided tours bring the history of the Lava Cap mine to life through authentic artifacts, restored structures, and expert storytelling.
Book a Tour →
Educational Programs
From K-12 curriculum-aligned field trips to university research partnerships, our educational programs connect students with California's mining heritage in hands-on, meaningful ways.
View Programs →
Preservation Efforts
Our team of historians and conservationists works tirelessly to restore and protect the mine's original structures, equipment, and archives for future generations.
Our Work →
Community Events
From Gold Rush Days celebrations to living history demonstrations, our community events bring the past alive and connect neighbors with the rich heritage of Nevada County.
See Events →Help Us Preserve History for Future Generations
Every dollar donated goes directly toward restoring the Lava Cap mine, developing educational programs, and ensuring this irreplaceable piece of California history endures for centuries to come.