The California State Mining & Mineral Museum, located at Mariposa Fairgrounds, is having an open house Saturday, September 12^th, 2015, from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.  Admission is FREE during this event.  We hope to get some of our local neighbors to come in and see what this, somewhat hidden, jewel has to offer.  We rely on local word of mouth to help people find and enjoy our museum.  If you have never been into the museum, this is a perfect time. 

It is time for our annual recruitment & training of volunteers.  We will be starting a new round of volunteer training on Wednesday, September 23^rd.  It’s fun to be a V.I.P.! (That’s Volunteer In Parks.)  We need volunteers to help with special events, “mine tunnel” tours, in the museum shop, and as roving docents at special events.  The museum also depends on our trained volunteers to provide educational tours to the many schools, community groups and international visitors that come to the museum.  Training classes will be on Wednesday afternoons, at the Mining & Mineral Museum.

If you have any interest in rocks and minerals, gemstones, mining, California’s rich history, or even just like to help your community and meet new friends, you will love sharing the wonders of our state with our visitors.  Even if you know nothing of these topics, museum staff and experienced volunteers will train and assist you every step of the way.  You can learn at your own speed, surrounded by the fantastic California State Mineral Collection.  In addition to helping with tours and special events ( such as our Mineral & Gem Show), volunteers also enjoy free admission to the museum, free district day use passes, discounts in our gift shop, special gifts, events and training field trips planned for your fun and benefit.  After training, we ask that you commit to a minimum of 7 hours per month volunteering.

Most of all you will enjoy knowing that you are helping to make our educational programs possible. You can share in the excitement of the visitors as you help them discover the stories behind the artifacts, gold and spectacular mineral specimens in the State Collection.

For more information, or for a volunteer application, please call Randy Bolt at: (209) 742-7625 or stop by the Mining & Mineral Museum, located in the Mariposa Fairgrounds.

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