DeWitt History Museum in North Auburn is open every Wednesday

History enthusiasts and curious locals alike are invited to explore the past at the DeWitt History Museum, located within the Placer County Government Center in North Auburn. Open every Wednesday from 12 to 4 p.m., the museum offers free admission and a unique opportunity to delve into local history. Knowledgeable docents guide visitors through the three significant eras of the site's history: its role as a World War II military hospital, its use as a State Mental Health Hospital and its present-day function as part of the County of Placer. "The photographs and objects really helped bring this history to life," said one visitor. "It takes history from being a concept to an experience." A storied past Constructed in 1943, the DeWitt General Hospital (named after Brigadier General Calvin DeWitt, a Civil War veteran) was built as part of a strategic effort to care for injured military personnel. Its selection was the result of lobbying by local leaders who favored its ideal location – above the fog, below the snow and its proximity to local transportation hubs and northwestern military bases. The hospital officially opened Feb. 27, 1944, with an open house and flag raising ceremony attended by 4,000 people. The DeWitt Hospital was constructed so all buildings were interconnected through long corridors to minimize the spread of germs and maximize natural light. Patients arrived from battlefronts in the Pacific and European theaters for care. Alongside their medical treatment, service members took part in morale-boosting activities. Notably, Hollywood star Dorothy Lamour visited the hospital, performing on stage and meeting recovering soldiers. After the war, the hospital closed in 1946 and was repurposed as the DeWitt State Hospital in 1947. It served as a state-run mental health hospital until its closure in 1972, when Placer County purchased the property and converted it into the government center that stands today. Due to its state of preservation, the district is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Must-see exhibits Housed in a historic farm cottage that predates the hospital, the DeWitt History Museum features a variety of interesting exhibits, including: * Dog tags and a Good Conduct Medal belonging to Evelyn Frost, a Placer High School graduate who joined the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps after working as a nurse assistant in Sacramento. * Civilian Exclusion Order No. 48 (copy) and accompanying instructions, which marked the forced removal and imprisonment of Japanese and Japanese-American residents in Placer County during World War II. * Military patches, including that of the 45th Infantry Division, or the "Thunderbirds," a World War II unit whose servicemen represented 50 Native American tribes. * Cold War-era civil defense supplies, such as a gas mask and Geiger counter, which were stored at DeWitt for potential emergencies. Plan your visit The DeWitt History Museum welcomes visitors every Wednesday from 12 to 4 p.m. at 2985 Richardson Drive, Auburn. Group tours can be arranged outside regular hours by contacting the museum office at 530-889-6500 or museums@placer.ca.gov. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking for a unique local experience, it's a great way to spend an afternoon. There are eight museums and an Archives and Collections Facility in the County of Placer system. To learn more these local history hotspots, visit placer.ca.gov/museums.