The Museum was an orphanage in Gold Rush times. It was later expanded to include a school. The Museum depicts the era with artifacts, clothing and furnishings. Don't forget the magnificent 130-year-old rose garden in front of the building.

The Lola Montez House was originally constructed in 1851 for the office of Gilmor Meredith’s Gold Hill Mining Company. It was on this site the year before that the first election in town was conducted. Beneath a large oak tree, a cigar box held the ballots as the miners elected a justice of the peace and town constable. The building also served as the first schoolhouse for a short while in 1852.