In 1962, the Commission was set up as a trust by the Judah Magnes Museum; in 2010, it was formed as a separate nonprofit organization staffed by dedicated volunteers. Its mission is to maintain, preserve and protect the Jewish cemeteries built by the Jews who traveled to California during the Gold Rush and created new communities throughout the area. The remaining historic cemeteries in Sonora, Mokelumne Hill, Jackson, Placerville, Nevada City, Grass Valley and Marysville are remnants of the Jewish community in those areas. The cemeteries were established even if there were no synagogues and remain an important part of Jewish history.

The Commission publishes “The Jews in the California Gold Rush,” by Robert Levinson, a definitive resource on the history of Jews in the California Gold Rush. It also publishes “A Traveler’s Guide to Pioneer Jewish Cemeteries of the California Gold Rush,” by Susan Morris, which contains detailed information on each of the cemeteries. The books are available through the website.

The continued existence of the cemeteries allows the Jewish community in California and beyond to fully appreciate the many contributions Jews have been making to California for over 175 years. Commission is available for presentations to interested groups and welcomes respectful visits to its cemeteries.