From 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025 please join me in my sharing of intimate corners of a place close to my heart, the historic Gold Rush town of Coloma, north of Placerville in El Dorado County. I grew up here, and a few years ago I published a book of vintage photos of the town. Over the years I’ve taken many thousands of my own photos of this lovely place. During this one-day workshop, we’ll get the keys to many of Coloma’s most important buildings—most of these usually inaccessible to the general public (although some are open occasionally for special occasions). Possibilities include the St. John’s Catholic Church (actually, a tiny chapel), the James Marshall cabin, old-fashioned one-room schoolhouse, the artifact-crammed Thomas House, Papini House, Monroe House, blacksmith shop and Wah Hop Chinese Store, full of dusty relics. A special treat this year is a visit to the newly renovated Emmanuel Church, renovated in a multi-million dollar restoration after years of being closed. Pews and other accoutrements are now in place. We’ll include lunch in this fun day. Even in early November we’ll still likely have fall colors.
The newer cell phones can create remarkable photos, so if you’re “just” a cell phone user, you’ll get great images. We’ll have a model for part of the day.
We’ll start at the parking lot just down the hill from St. Johns Church/Marshall Cabin (handicap parking available right at the Marshall Cabin) and go from there, probably making the short walk to St. Johns, Emmanuel, and Marshall Cabin (handicap parking right by the cabin). Other stops include the Thomas House (chock full of old artifacts), the historic schoolhouse, Wah Hop Chinese store, and more. All ability levels welcome. Most of the buildings do have a few steps. I’ll be sending a map and more info a few days before the workshop.
I’ve timed the event so that in addition to the places listed above, you can check out our many costumed docents on hand for a “Living History” day. This will be a BUSY and exciting day!
This is a fundraiser for the Gold Discovery Park Association. Limited to eight students.