09/15/2025
✨ Around three years ago, I learned that the Dutch Flat Golden Drift Historical Society had uncovered a Chinese cemetery hidden in the woods above town — with nearly 300 gravesites of Chinese pioneers from the Gold Rush era.
The Historical Society needed help designing a public gathering space, including a traditional brick Chinese funerary burner for Taoist ceremonies and pathways and signs describing the history of the cemetery. As a true California history nerd, I jumped at the chance to get involved and help with the planning efforts.
With the dedication of volunteers and support from Placer County, the new gathering area next to the gravesites was graded and leveled to create a place for remembrance. Now, Chinese historical groups from San Francisco can travel here to hold Taoist ceremonies, bringing offerings for their ancestors.
🌿 This Saturday, I had the privilege of attending a moving Taoist Blessing Ceremony in this new space. It was an incredible experience to witness and participate in rituals honoring people who passed away more than 160 years ago — far from their homeland and long forgotten.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit the cute tiny town of Dutch Flat off Hwy 80, stop by to visit the Cemetery, talk with the friendly folks at the historical museum, and pop into the newly reopened for lunch.
