Commission for the Preservation of Pioneer Jewish Cemeteries and Landmarks

The Commission for the Preservation of Pioneer Jewish Cemeteries and Landmarks of the Judah L. Magnes Museum, in Berkeley, California holds title to six pioneer Jewish Cemeteries in California Gold Rush/Mother Lode country. The cemeteries at Jackson, Mokelumne Hill, Sonora, Grass Valley, Nevada City, and Placerville mark the beginning of Jewish settlement in Northern California. Following tradition, the Jewish pioneers founded burial societies as their first united action; the cemeteries are today's major link to the vanished Jewish communities of the Mother Lode.

Those interested in learning more of the history of the cemeteries, their inhabitants, and/or visiting the cemeteries are advised to examine San Morris's book, A Traveler's Guide to Pioneer Jewish Cemeteries of the California Gold Rush (Berkeley, California: Commission for the Preservation of Pioneer Jewish Cemeteries and Landmarks, Judah L. Magnes Museum, 1996 (ISBN 0-943376-63-7)). It is recommended that would-be visitors contact the Judah L. Magnes Museum before any visit, as many of the cemeteries are closed/locked and may not be visited without making previous arrangements to gain entrance.

The Western Jewish History Center, of the Judah L. Magnes Museum contains a large collection of records and documents relating to the Commission's work and includes correspondence; minutes of meetings; reports; newspaper clippings; and photographs of the cemeteries.