{"product_id":"george-starr-the-gold-mining-genius-behind-the-empire-mine","title":"George Starr: The Gold Mining Genius Behind the Empire Mine","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGeorge Starr: The Gold Mining Genius Behind the Empire Mine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWednesday, June 17, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn evening with historian and author Gage McKenney exploring the life, work, and lasting impact of George Starr, one of the most influential figures in California hardrock mining history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEvent Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDate: Wednesday, June 17, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLocation: Friar Tuck's Restaurant \u0026amp; Bar, Nevada City\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCost: $35 per person\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEvening Schedule\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e5:00 PM - No Host Bar Opens\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e5:30 PM - Seating Begins\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e5:45 PM - Light Appetizers Served\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e6:00 PM - Program Begins\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e7:30 PM - Program Concludes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout This Program\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGeorge Starr helped transform the Empire Mine into one of the most successful hardrock gold mines in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeginning his career as a mucker clearing rock underground, Starr quickly distinguished himself through his engineering instincts and practical mining knowledge. He later helped develop deep-level gold mining operations in South Africa's famed Witwatersrand gold fields before returning to Grass Valley to lead the Empire Mine through decades of growth and innovation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnder his leadership, the Empire became a global model for industrial hardrock mining. Starr was known for combining technical expertise with a willingness to listen to the knowledge and instincts of the Cornish miners who worked underground, often leading to new discoveries and expanded operations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoin historian and author Gage McKenney for an evening exploring Starr's remarkable career, the evolution of deep-level mining, and the lasting impact his work had on Nevada County and the broader mining industry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Gage McKenney\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGage McKenney is an award-winning historian and author specializing in the social, cultural, and economic history of California mining communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe has written nine books on the mining settlements of California's Northern Mines region and has received recognition from the California Council for the Humanities, the Mining History Association, and The Book Club of California. His most recent book, Gold Camp Gentleman: A Life of James D. Hague, was released in 2025.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA longtime Grass Valley resident, Gage is a sought-after speaker and educator whose work helps preserve and share the rich history of California's Gold Country.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReserve Your Seat\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpace is limited for this special History Night presentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReserve Your Seat Today\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Event","offers":[{"title":"General Admission","offer_id":50862567456804,"sku":"TS-b72832","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0201\/9620\/files\/c147654f-9a3a-446b-a2d2-77451d1475ce.jpg?v=1780940328","url":"https:\/\/friartucks.com\/products\/george-starr-the-gold-mining-genius-behind-the-empire-mine","provider":"friar_tucks","version":"1.0","type":"link"}