The Gold Museum Historic Site in Dahlonega is preparing to host another night of fun and history with the Gold Museum After Dark session Tuesday night.

Featured in this month’s presentation will be the story of Dahlonega native Jennie Wimmer, the woman who was able to take her knowledge of gold from Lumpkin County to California and help kick off the gold rush of 1849.

Legend has it Wimmer was the one person present who was able to recognize the shiny rock and boiled a nugget in a soap kettle to prove the gold’s authenticity (if it’s not gold, the lye changes it). But little is known about the woman herself.

"Jennie Wimmer: Money Laundering Pioneer" will be presented by Lumpkin County resident and historian Anne Amerson.

Amerson, who has written several historical books and volunteers at the museum, is the de facto historian for Dahlonega, according to museum interpretive ranger Julia Autry.

Autry says the Gold Museum After Dark program has been a success since it began in November. For the programs, a visiting lecturer comes to the historic site once a month to make a presentation and stir up some discussions on various historical topics.

"It’s a unique opportunity to talk one-on-one with local historians and history-minded people," Autry said. "Folks like to come and share their research and talk about history. It’s a good way for people to network and make contacts."

"Not only do you get the lecture, but you get a nice, quiet tour of the museum at night, when it’s not so crowded. It’s much more intimate," she said.

Autry said that the program has helped sustain the museum over the winter months, and that staff members are looking at continuing it in the future.