As the Town of Nederland faces some drastic changes in its development, from the need for housing, for child care, and for improvements in our streets and accessibility through town, it becomes even more important that Nederland’s storied, and sometimes strange, history be preserved.

Nederland Area Historical Society (NAHS) is an organization of dedicated volunteers who help to preserve history through the support of such institutions as the Nederland Mining Museum and the Gillaspie House Museum. The Gillaspie House is a 120-year-old restored cabin, furnished by local donors to look authentically like it did in the mining days.

NAHS also recently brought the Bucyrus Model 50-B steam shovel back to life to celebrate a century in “operation,” pumping it full with compressed air so its whistle could sound off and be heard across Nederland. The sight of the great machine swiveling from side to side, the jaws of the shovel opening wide, truly awed the community.

This holiday season, on November 3, 2023, at 6 p.m. the community has a chance to join NAHS and support local history at the Silent Auction fundraiser, to be held at HUB NED, located at 80 Big Springs Drive, Suite 202.

Attendees can expect to enjoy free food, provided by NAHS, while bidding on over 100 items, including beautiful commissions by local artists and special gift bundles and certificates for services from local businesses. Tyler Tomasello will also be offering his unique tintype photography, so attendees are encouraged to wear their best historic Nederland garb and pose for an authentically rugged portrait.

All proceeds raised at the Silent Auction go to the NAHS to further their programs and efforts in highlighting Nederland’s rich history, and keeping it alive in the hearts and minds of the community.

For more information about our local history, please visit: https://www.nederlandareahistoricalsociety.org.