The early days of underground mining will be the topic of the next Fireside Chat at the Mariposa Museum and History Center.
The event will feature a talk by Randy Bolt and will be on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 1 p.m.
Bolt spent 15 years working at the California State Mining and Mineral Museum where he developed educational programs and volunteer training activities.
He is now a volunteer at the Mariposa Museum and History Center and can be seen — and heard — at many of the events held throughout the year.
Bolt will have a PowerPoint presentation where he will discuss the explosive growth of industrial underground mining technology which happened on the heels of the California Gold Rush.
The California iron industry had a mini industrial revolution, rapidly building foundries in San Francisco and improving mining and logging technology. All of this happened in the remote, rugged foothills of the Sierra Nevada.
Also to be discussed is the aboveground part of hard rock mining, including early improvements in drilling, milling, power and gold recovery methods.
The event is free to the public and refreshments will be provided. It does not include admission to the museum.
The museum is located at 5119 Jessie Street in Mariposa. For more information, visit mariposamuseum.com or call (209) 966-2924.











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