Commission for the Preservation of Pioneer Jewish Cemeteries and Landmarks

The Commission for the Preservation of Pioneer Jewish Cemeteries and Landmarks of the [http://www.magnes.org 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, [http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=2209724&CScn=Sonora&CScntry=4&CSst=6& 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 [http://www.magnes.org/collections/wjhc.html 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.