Living in the heart of the Mother Lode of California, in a place so redolent with the fragrance of the captivating history of the days of the Gold Rush, it was only natural that a group of citizens, passionate about history, would get together to form the Heritage Association of El Dorado County, a non-profit corporation dedicated to "Preserving the Past for the Future."

An organization devoted to research, for many years members of the Association have concentrated on researching various historical aspects of this Gold Discovery county, gathering the stories and artifacts, tracing the genealogical and other records of the Argonauts, and publishing their findings for the benefit of the public and other researchers.

Over the years, it became obvious that there was a need for a more detailed history of the Gold Discovery county; the historic places, the people who came to mine and settle, and the way they lived. Moreover, there were wonderful old photographs and personal stories that needed to be brought together before they were irretrievably scattered and forgotten.

Finally, the Association was able to begin publication of the series, El Dorado County Historic Places of Interest, Myths, & Legends that will eventually cover the entire County of El Dorado. Volume I of that series-- Coloma, Lotus, & Gold Hill is now available; Volume II - Georgetown & The Divide will soon go to press, and Volume III - Placerville (Hangtown), is in work, with several others to follow. By collecting and assembling these rare photographs and treasured tales on the printed page, the Association has endeavored to capture the atmosphere and spirit of that remarkable Gold Rush time, and the essence of the people who lived it-- Preserving the Past for the Future.