Whitney Museum

The Fleehart Building is probably Amador City's oldest building, circa 1860s or earlier. William Fleehart was a mine owner, merchant and Wells Fargo Agent. This building was the only store to survive the big fire of 1878. As the oldest intact building in this fine Gold Rush town, what an appropriate location for a museum focusing on the role of women in the Gold Rush.

Fast forward to 1983. Merchant Jerrold Whitney and artist Clayton Pinkerton purchased the building and made it their home, business and art studio. Whitney operated an emporium of eclecticism and Pinkerton's paintings ranged from high color abstracts to Viet Nam Era social commentaries. When their estates were settled, Clayton Pinkerton left the building to Amador City with the stipulation that it be used as a museum.

The Amador Whitney Museum, a nonprofit organization, relies exclusively on support from private donations, sales of Clayton Pinkerton paintings and funding from the Amador City Council.

Step Inside And Enjoy The History

All graphics created and owned by Ray and Cheryl Herndon