North Columbia Schoolhouse Cultural Center

Come on by and take in some culture on The Ridge. Hootenannies, concerts, poetry readings, shindigs, art shows, theater, weddings, and all around good times are hosted at the North Columbia Schoolhouse Cultural Center on the San Juan Ridge in the Sierra Nevada Foothills of California. The Schoolhouse, a graceful example of Western Colonial architecture, was built by the mining community in 1875, and has a long tradition of serving the community as a school and public meeting hall for over a century.

A unique building for a unique place with a unique culture. Our mission is to sustain the cultural life of the San Juan Ridge through the maintenance of a space for appreciation, education, and celebration.

The mission of the North Columbia Schoolhouse Cultural Center is to inspire and educate our community by providing a venue for gatherings, performance, art and education that enriches and sustains our rural character and traditions.

History: The North Columbia Schoolhouse Cultural Center gives the rural San Juan Ridge community a local place to meet, to share its creativity, and to participate in a wide variety of enriching activities. Located 20 miles north of Nevada City, the Schoolhouse was built by the mining community in 1875, and has a long tradition of serving the community as a school and public meeting hall. In 1979 it was forced to shut down as a school by legislation requiring earthquake-proof construction. It reopened as a community Cultural Center in 1980 after extensive restoration undertaken by two local architects, with the help of dedicated volunteers. We strive to provide programming that enhances our community life.  Over the years we have hosted hundreds of unique cultural events with artists, musicians, and writers from all over the world.  We also host film screenings, community forums, classes, festivals, and the nationally renowned Sierra Storytelling Festival. Private Events: We strive to uphold a long tradition of community service begun 135 years ago when our building was a one-room schoolhouse.  We offer our space at an affordable cost to the community, and encourage folks to rent the space for classes, private parties, and community events.  Members receive a significant discount on rental of the building. The following pdf documents may be downloaded to see our rental terms and rates: The Schoolhouse is also available for weddings.  Many couples have enjoyed holding their ceremony under the towering pine trees.  Our lovely grounds and building provide a unique setting for both weddings and receptions. We have an outdoor amphitheater that seats hundreds.  Our indoor space can accommodate up to 200 people.  There are two restrooms in the building.  Additionally we have a back studio room that can be used as a green room, staging area for caterers,  or a dressing room. Support and Volunteers: The North Columbia Schoolhouse is a non-profit organization. Memberships, donations and event sponsorships constitute a good portion of the income necessary to keep the Cultural Center open and available to the community. The NCSCC welcomes new members and encourages the continued support of its current members and business sponsors. We thank all of you for so generously giving of your time, materials and money in helping further the growth of the Cultural Center.The Cultural Center has been recognized as a model rural arts organization and presenter of folk, traditional and contemporary art through grants from the California Arts Council, the Nevada County Arts Council, the L.J. and Mary C. Skaggs Foundation, the S.H. Cowell Foundation, the Rose Leo Memorial Philanthropic Fund, the Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest fund and the National Endowment for the Arts. Innovative programming at the Schoolhouse has drawn attention from audiences and artists far beyond the San Juan Ridge. With one part-time employee, the Cultural Center depends on volunteer labor. We welcome help with events, mailings, baking, maintenance and workdays, office tasks, and many other jobs. Volunteering is a great opportunity to get involved in the community and meet new friends and neighbors. It's really a lot of fun! Special Event Insurance is required to rent this facility.