On May 1, the Firehouse # 1 — a symbol of Nevada City and probably the most photographed building in town — will reopen for the spring and summer.
It houses a Nisenan Indian exhibit, as well as some Donner Party relics and a Chinese display. The Niesnan tribe continues to be active in the community as they have for the past 200 years. They are well represented at the museum.
“We will be celebrating at the FDNC1 Museum and concurrently at the Oustomah Hall (Oddfellows Hall) on Spring St. from 1- 4 p.m.,” said Judith Lowry, who went before the City Council on Wednesday to make the accouncement.
“At Oustomah Hall we will present a panel of speakers and educational displays. Refreshments will be offered.
“The Nisenan Peoples of Nevada City invite the community to come and learn about the tribe and its history.
Some background is here.
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Wow what a great weekend. Amongst many other activities I made it to the museum for the first time and had a great conversation with Larry Hannah. Unfortunately because of other commitments I wasn’t able to make it to the gathering. I was at the museum when a beautiful banner was unfurled. I believe I heard it was painted by Judith Lowry? My only response to a email to our Nevada County Supervisors was that they don’t seem to be very knowledgable, so… I would sincerely hope that our Nevada County Supervisors would make their way to the museum and meet with the tribe’s leaders. If they are to recognize a tribe as our local native tribe they need to correct their predecessors error.
Thank you John and Jeff,
The May 1, FDNC1 annual opening day festivities were great.
The celebrations at Oustomah Hall were highlighted by great food prepared by the Nevada City Rancheria tribe along with fascinating and informative talks by Dr. Sheri Tatsch, Dr. Tanis Thorne and Hank Meals, all experts on Nisenan culture.
The hand painted banners are part of a tribal history project.
I am working with some of the members who like to make art.
We are creating a different banner, each year, to commemorate each of the known Nisenan residential districts.
The first year was for Oustomah, this year is for Waukadok and next year we will create one for Anthony House, and so on.
It is a distinct privilege to be part of the effort to restore the history of the Nisenan Peoples to Nevada County.
Kudos to you Judith and the Nisenan tribe in all your efforts to correct Our Nevada County History! Hopefully our County Supervisors will get educated to this issue and correct their predecessors mistake.