PLACERVILLE, Calif. — A new mineralogy exhibit honoring one of El Dorado County’s most influential geologists is set to open in February 2026 at The Post Discovery Center in downtown Placerville.
The George Wheeldon Mineralogy Exhibit commemorates the life and work of George Wheeldon (1937–2023), a longtime educator, consulting geologist and public servant whose career spanned more than five decades and helped generations understand the complex geology of the Mother Lode.
The exhibit will be housed inside the original walk-in vault of the historic 1940 WPA-era post office at 515 Main St., now undergoing restoration by the nonprofit El Dorado Gold 1848. The vault conversion was made possible through a grant from the Latrobe Fund, creating a secure and immersive space for rare mineral displays.
“This exhibit is about more than rocks,” said a representative of El Dorado Gold 1848 in a prepared statement. “George Wheeldon had an unmatched ability to connect geology to history, land use and community. We’re honored to share that legacy with the public.”
A Legacy Rooted in Education and Service
Often referred to locally as the “Indiana Jones of geology,” Wheeldon was a foundational figure in El Dorado County’s scientific community. He taught geology for decades at Folsom Lake College and at local high schools, becoming widely known for his hands-on field trips that introduced students to gold-bearing formations, ancient river channels and volcanic landscapes.
Professionally, Wheeldon founded Wheeldon Geology, a consulting firm specializing in mining history, landslide mapping and environmental investigations. His expertise was frequently sought for projects across the Sierra foothills.
Beyond academia and consulting, Wheeldon served 12 years on the El Dorado Irrigation District Board and was a longtime technical resource for Jeep Jamboree USA, advising on terrain, safety and environmental considerations.
Among his most famous discoveries was a 7,000-pound snowflake obsidian boulder, as well as his extensive research into the Deep Blue Lead—an ancient river channel containing blue clay, significant gold deposits and rare diamonds.
Inside the Exhibit
The initial installation will feature the Charles Bishop mineral collection, on loan from the El Dorado County Historical Museum, alongside historic mining maps and photographs that contextualize the county’s mining past.
The exhibit will also highlight the geological forces that shaped the region, including three major volcanic flows occurring approximately 30, 20 and 10 million years ago, which played a critical role in forming the Mother Lode’s gold-bearing veins and buried river channels.
El Dorado County’s lesser-known mineral wealth will also be explored, including diamonds discovered in the Smith Flat basin and the area’s complex metamorphic rock structures.
Open Houses and Expert Presentations
The Post Discovery Center will host special open houses from 1 to 4 p.m., with featured presentations at 2 p.m., on the following dates in 2026:
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February 7 and 21
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March 7 and 21
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April 4
Scheduled speakers include:
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Brandon Badeker, El Dorado County geologist
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Rich Dvoracek, geologist and anthropologist
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Jill Kearney, local historian
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Mark Dayton, representing Brass Medic and the Gold Country Treasure Seekers club
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Dee Owens, historian and archivist
Organizers say the rotating roster of presenters reflects Wheeldon’s interdisciplinary approach, blending geology, history and community knowledge.
A Vault Into the County’s Past
By situating the exhibit inside the building’s original vault, organizers hope to create a sense of discovery that mirrors Wheeldon’s own career.
“George believed geology should be experienced, not just studied,” the nonprofit said. “This exhibit invites visitors to step inside the story of El Dorado County—literally and figuratively.”
