Who we are

The Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus (ECV) as it is today is a fraternal organization dedicated to the study and preservation of the heritage of the American West, especially the history of the Mother Lode and gold mining regions of the area. This is mainly accomplished by erecting historical monuments, shepherding museums dedicated to the period and regaling whoever is curious stories from the gold rush. Most Clampers today take the position that ECV is a 21st Cen­tury celebration of a 19th Century tradition.

One of the primary duties of the original ECV was to look after widows and orphans of members who died in the diggins. This tradition is carried on today through ECVs charitable work. ECV regularly holds fundraisers and other special events to provide scholarships to youths in the community and to continually support the families of members who have passed away.

Matuca 1849 is one chapter of this larger organization whose borders encompass Mariposa (MA), Tuolumne (TU) and Calaveras (CA) counties. See our About page to learn more.