The Bernhard Museum Complex

By Christina Richter

March 2021

Spring normally heralds in the year’s first living history days at the Auburn Bernhard Museum Complex. Placer County schools send thousands of 3rd grade students to the popular program each year. During the four-hour visit, students, parents and teachers are required to dress in Victorian era clothing and are expected to obey the rules of the Victorians. 

Third graders are immersed in local life before the turn of the century. Hands on experience in the blacksmith shop, kitchen, housekeeping and farm chores are all part of the fieldtrip. 

It’s the perfect place to understand the business and history of what made Placer County successful. 

In 1851, the two-story Travelers Rest hotel was built in Auburn to accommodate the many miners heading to the Placer County gold fields. Sitting atop a small hill just outside of town, the hotel provided a welcome respite for weary travelers. For nearly 20 years the structure remained the same, although it was converted to a private residence in 1858. 

Ten years later, entrepreneur Bernhard “Benjamin” Bernhard, purchased the building and property with the vision to build a vineyard and orchard on his newly acquired 35 acres. 

By 1870 Bernhard’s family had outgrown the original structure and additions were made. A new dining room and kitchen, along with a beautiful porch expansion, completed the home. Bernhard had also planted 17,000 grapevines, 1,000 mulberry trees, 850 fruit bearing trees, a large garden and ½ acre of blackberries.  

In keeping with his vision, in 1874 he built a two-story stone winery that would accommodate his wine making and high-quality brandy. By 1881 further business expansion was necessary, and in this year he erected a building specifically for wine processing. 

All of these structures still stand on the property today, but it took a large community effort in the 1970s to ensure its preservation. Over $100,000 was invested for much needed repairs. The Placer County Historical Museums Foundation was the appointed fundraising arm for the property, and they worked tirelessly for ten years to ensure its preservation. 

Finally, in 1982, the Bernhard Museum complex was open to the public. The celebration day included living history demonstrations that were so successful, the program continues to this day. 

The Bernhard Museum is at 291 Auburn Folsom Road and sits aside the entrance to the Gold Country Fairgrounds. It is currently run by Placer County Museums.