Sac History Happenings

The Corvette has been America's sportscar since General Motors introduced the first model in 1953. The fiberglass convertible was meant to compete with the likes of British-made Triumph and Jaguar, and cost around $2,000. The Beach Boys' song "Shut Down," about a drag race involving a 1963 Stingray, helped put the official stamp on the Corvette as an icon.

That's the kind of lore that you'll hear when Corvette owners and fans gather at the "Vettes for Vets" car show at the California Automobile Museum, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 27. It's in honor of "the hard work and dedication that military veterans have committed to our country."

The Corvette showing is free to everyone; military veterans will be admitted free to two special exhibits inside the museum, opening the same day. "No Job Too Big" will display commercial vehicles such as buses, tow trucks and police cars. The second show will feature the French Citron DS.

If you're a Corvette owner, you can display your car at the "Vettes for Vets" show. Advance registration is $10, or $15 the day of the event. To register: (916) 442-6802, www.calautomuseum.org.

General admission to the museum is $8, $7 seniors, $4 students, free for age 4 and younger. The museum is at 2200 Front St., Sacramento.

-- Allen Pierleoni

PHOTO CREDIT: 1959 and 1963 Chevrolet Corvettes on display at the Towe Auto Museum. 2004 photograph by Ken Jordan

Sacramentans got a taste of amphibian fun at the recent 38th Annual Capitol Jumping Frog Contest, won by Jumping by Intoxicated, who leaped 12'5" at the urging of Anya Lawler with the office of Assembly Member Norma Torres.

But the main competition happens this weekend at the Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee. This four-day extravaganza is a full-blown agricultural fair featuring craft, food and livestock exhibits, entertainment, rodeo and carnival, in addition to frog jumping.

The practice of prodding frogs for sport goes back decades and is inspired by "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," a 1865 short story that brought early fame to Sam Clemens, aka Mark Twain. Clemens visited Angels Camp during his sojourn in California and Nevada as described in the semi-autobiographical Roughing It.

What: Calaveras County Fair & Frog Jumping Jubilee
Where: 101 Frogtown Rd., Angels Camp
When: May 17-20 (schedules)
Cost: Adults $10; children, 6-12, $6; family pass, $25. Purchase discounted tickets online.
For more info: website

PHOTO CREDIT: A fiberglass frog painted by a local artist commemorates the Mark Twain short story "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County." This and other frog statues planted around town help celebrate the town's heritage and draw attention to the annual Jumping Frog Jubilee. 2008 Sacramento Bee photograph by Janet Fullwood

The business of Sutter's Fort will be the topic of the next interactive Hands-on-History day at Sutter's Fort State Historic Park. In addition to learning about the many financial ventures that supported John Sutter's fort, visitors will get to try their hand at writing in a ledger with a quill pen, view a demonstration of gold scales, and ask questions of a guest "Connoisseur of Coins." 

What: Hands-on-History: How Did John Sutter Expect to Make Money?
Where: Sutter's Fort State Historic Park (2701 L Street, Sacramento)
When: Saturday, May 19, 2012, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Cost: $7 for adults, $5 for youths (ages 6-17), and free for children under 5
For more info: (916) 445-4422 or www.suttersfort.org

IMAGE CREDIT: General Store, Sutter's Fort - Sacramento, Calif. (McCurry Foto Co.); From the Special Collections of the Sacramento Public Library.

The Civil War comes alive at Gibson Ranch this weekend. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour civilian, Union and Confederate camps, witness battle re-enactments, and enjoy period music, food and crafts. You can also hear historic speeches and chat with living history enactors.

Plus there will be a horseman demonstration, cannon firings, fashion show, May Day celebration and a "Searching for the Dead" scenario.

A great event for families, but not recommended for pets and young children.

What: Civil War Re-enactment at Gibson Ranch
Where: Gibson Ranch, 8556 Gibson Ranch Rd., Elverta (directions).
When: May 19-20. Living History Camps Open: 9 to 3:30 p.m. Sat.; 9 to 1:30 p.m, Sun. Battle Re-enactments: 1 to 1:30 p.m. and 4 to 4:30 p.m. Sat.; 11 to 11:30 a.m. and 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sun.
Cost: $7 general admission. Children 10 and under free. Parking is included.
For more info: 916-991-7592 or website

Event schedule

PHOTO CREDIT: Southern Rebels forces overrun a Union camp in a re-enactment of the battle of Big Bethel at Gibson Ranch Park in Elverta. 2006 Sacramento Bee photograph by Andy Alfaro

In celebration of National Train Day and Mother's Day, visitors to Folsom's Rail Daze will have a unique opportunity take a ride on a vintage 1914 streetcar or a "speeder" (railroad maintenance car).

In addition to the excursion rides, there will be exhibits, booths, model trains and music provided by the Sacramento Banjo Band and Riverbend Folk Band.

Rail Daze is hosted by the Recreational Coalition Railroad Historical Society.

What: Rail Daze Weekend Folsom
Where: Hampton Inn, 155 Placerville Rd., Folsom
When: May 12 & 13, 9 to 5 p.m.
Cost: Mothers and grandmothers ride free. All others $5.
For more info: Kathryn Corbett at 916-353-0556

Event flyer

PHOTO CREDIT: Former state assemblyman Larry Bowler sits in his speeder, a small gas-powered vehicle formerly used by railroad maintenance crews. 2007 Sacramento Bee photograph by Randy Pench

The State Indian Museum invites artists of all ages and skill levels to participate in a special outdoor painting/sketching opportunity at Sutter's Fort.  Here's a chance to capture in art one of the state's oldest historic buildings and its beautiful natural setting.

Non-artists are invited to come watch the artists work their magic and to browse the Museum which will be open that day.

What: 3rd Annual Plein Air Day!
Where: State Indian Museum (outdoors on grounds of Sutter's Fort State Historic Park), 2618 K St., Sacramento
When: May 12, 2012, 10 to 5 p.m.
Cost: Museum admission $3 for adults (18 years & older); $2 for youths (ages 6 to 17)
and free for children five and under
For more info: 916-324-0971 or website

News release

PHOTO CREDIT: Artist paints outside Sutter's Fort. Courtesy Capital District State Museums & Historic Parks

The annual Elk Grove Historical Society tea and fashion show will recall the gubernatorial families that occupied the old Governor's Mansion from 1903 to 1967.

The affair features a display of formal dresses Governors' wives worn to inaugural balls. In addition docents from the Mansion will appear in period attire to perform a short vignette honoring the 13 governors and two private families who resided at the 1877 residence.

Proceeds from the event will be used to help restore historic buildings.

What: The Governors' Wives Tea and Fashion Show
Where: Elk Grove Hotel & State Shop Museum, 9941 East Stockton Blvd.
When: May 12. Seating at 11 a.m.
Cost: $25 for members and guests. To purchase tickets call Annaclare Entrican, 686-8238, or use the online mail-order form.
For more info: EGHS website

Event flyer

PHOTO CREDIT: California Governor's Mansion. Date and photographer unknown.

For the month of May, the California State Library will celebrate the 75th birthday of San Francisco's fabled Golden Gate Bridge. The library's California History Room has changed its featured display to showcase many fascinating books about the bridge. Particularly noteworthy are the 1938 official report on the bridge's construction, a more recent report on the Doyle Drive approach to the span (timely since that inadequate and dangerous stretch of highway was torn down this past weekend), and a 1921 volume titled Bridging the Golden Gate, showing the ungainly original design for the bridge which fortunately did not come to pass.

And on Wednesday, May 16, the monthly "A Night at the State Library" program will present the 1968 film Bullitt, starring Steve McQueen as a San Francisco police lieutenant and showcasing an almost 11-minute car chase in which the Golden Gate Bridge is visible (permission to actually film part of this chase on the bridge was denied by authorities). A post-film discussion will feature historic photos and archival material on San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge from the State Library's collection. The library is located at 900 N Street in Sacramento. The doors open at 5PM, the presentation starts at 6PM, and light refreshments will be served. If you wish to attend please RSVP to rfontaine@library.ca.gov or call 916-215-9280.

Speaking of historic images from the State Library, seen here is a photo of a workman high up alongside the cables during the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, and another of classic aircraft flying over the bridge, likewise during its construction. I have also included a photo from my own collection taken by Debra Wilensky of San Francisco, early in the morning of May 24, 1987, showing people crowding onto the bridge during its 50th anniversary celebration. I was standing close by as the photo was taken and, believe me, we did not advance a whole lot further than this.

Seventy years ago a squadron of B-25 bombers staged a daring raid on Japan in the early months of World War II following Pearl Harbor. To commemorate that amazing operation, a tribute will be held this Saturday for its commander, James Doolittle, one of California's best-known pioneer aviators and war heroes.

The USS Hornet Museum in partnership with the Jimmy Doolittle Air & Space Museum will host the day-long celebration. Festivities include appearances by three of the five surviving Raiders, veterans of the USS Hornet (CV-8) and others involved in the rescue of the airmen in China. There will also be a presentation by Doolittle's granddaughter and biographer Jonna Doolittle Hoppes.

Among the honored guests attending the tribute is Lincoln resident Richard Nowatzki who served on the Hornet from before it was commissioned in October 1941 until it was sunk in October 1942 during the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands.

What: A Tribute to Jimmy Doolittle
Where: USS Hornet Museum, 707 W Hornet Ave, Pier 3, Alameda
When: May 5, 10 to 4 p.m. Special presentation at 1 p.m. Fundraising dinner, 5 to 9 p.m.
Cost: $15 adults; $12 seniors, military and students; $6 youth 5-17; children under 5 free with paying adult. $100 per person dinner (reservations required).
For more info: (510) 521-8448 or website

News release

PHOTO CREDIT: Four survivors of the April 17, 1942 bombing raid on Tokyo, Japan, led by Jimmy Doolittle, pose for photographs in front of a B-25 bomber at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. 2010 Dayton Daily News photograph by Mike Ullery. (Bottom) Lincoln resident Richard Nowatzki who served on the USS Hornet during World War II. Courtesy USS Hornet Museum.

National History Day is a year-long competition in the area of historical research, writing and analysis (sort of history's equivalent of a science fair for primary and secondary school students around the country). Contestants who qualified at the regional level went on to compete at this past weekend's state gathering in Riverside where winners were chosen for the national competition coming up in Maryland June 10-14.

This year's NHD theme is Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History. Students chose a related event from local, state, national or world history and presented their research in one of six formats: 2-D display, documentary video, exhibit, paper, performance or website.

Valarie Okamoto, a student at Spring View Middle School in Rocklin, earned co-champion honors in the Junior Individual Exhibit category. Her entry was entitled There's No Crying in Baseball: The History of the All‐American Girls Professional Baseball League. Andrew Kambe, also of Spring View Middle School, was runner-up in that same category for his exhibit, The Berlin Wall: A Wall Dividing a Country. Both students were coached by Spring View teacher Lynne Meiers.

Congratulations to all the students from the region who participated in California History Day!

PHOTO CREDIT: Tien Pham and Lisa Mayorga, 10th graders at Florin High School, listen to judges' questions, appraisal and commentary about their exhibit, Medical Miracles and the Heart, during Sacramento History Day. 1999 Sacramento Bee photograph by Dick Schmidt.

The longest single-span covered bridge still in existence in the United States is nearby on the South Yuba River. And it's turning 150 years old.

You can help celebrate this historic birthday at Sunday's festivities. It's a family-friendly event where visitors will be treated to music, games, wagon rides, tours of the vintage barn and gas station and historical reenactments.

The iconic Bridgeport Bridge was built at the height of 19th century mining activity by turnpike patriarch David Ingerfield Wood. A remarkable feat of engineering, the 243-long structure rests on two huge Douglas fir pieces secured in massive granite abutments at either end. The bridge's history and design, plus profiles of its founders are covered in an extensive article and timeline posted on the Grass Valley Union's web site.

What:  Birthday Celebration for the Bridgeport Covered Bridge and Barn
Where: South Yuba River State Park (directions and map)
When: April 29, 11 to 4 p.m.
Cost: free
For more info: 530-432-2546 or website

Event flyer

PHOTO CREDIT: The historic wooden bridge, built in 1862 to span the south fork of the Yuba River, is located at South Yuba River State Park. 2001 Sacramento Bee photograph by Chris Crewell

Vintage tractor lovers -- and we know you're out there plowing away -- can travel a bumpy road over to Oregon House, in Yuba County, on May 5-6 for the eighth annual Vintage Tractor Days.

The event takes place at the aptly-named Eventful Acres farm at 9594 Yuba Ranch Way and is free (though a $5 donation is requested).

Among the events: tractor games, parades and driving competitions.

Then there's tractor dancing. We'll let the event organizer, Janet Marchant, describe this activity:

Dancing tractors? That's right, a team of expert drivers, calling themselves the Exhibitionists, will perform choreographed moves and patterns to square dance and quadrille tunes including John Deere Green, Grandpa, and International Harvester. This not-to-be-missed event is scheduled for 4:00 pm on Saturday, right before the drawing of the winning ticket for the now famous Pink Tractor which has raised some $20,000 to be shared 50-50 between the American Cancer Society and the Community Center.

More information here.

-- Sam McManis

On Saturday, April 28, the Eastern Star Hall Committee, in conjunction with the Midtown Neighborhood Association, Capital City Preservation Trust and Sacramento Old City Association, will host an evening of music and dancing to raise money for the preservation of Eastern Star Hall at 2719 K Street.  Master of Ceremonies Matias Bombal will introduce the evening, and music will be provided by Mumbo Gumbo and the Freebadge Serenaders. In addition to drinks and appetizers, guests will have the opportunity to take part in a prize raffle. 

The three-story Order of the Eastern Star Hall was constructed in 1928 by the local firm of Coffman Sahlberg Stafford Architects & Engineering, and is considered a fine example of the Romanesque Revival style.  The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993 both for its architectural qualities and its role in the social history of the community.

What: Eastern Star Hall Fundraiser
Where: Eastern Star Hall, 2719 K Street, Sacramento
When: Saturday, April 28, 7:00 p.m. to Midnight
Cost: $25 tickets in advance (http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/233520) or $30 at the door
For more info: http://sacoldcity.org/

IMAGE CREDIT: Eastern Star Building, Sacramento, Calif. From the Special Collections of the Sacramento Public Library.

The Yolo County Office of Education is again seeking Japanese-American veterans whose high school education was interrupted by internment during World War II. As allowed by state SB 1517, YCOE grants honorary diplomas to WII, Korea and Vietnam vets who resided in the county during these wars and who would have graduated had it not been for the evacuation.

The application for the diploma must be received by May 17 to participate in the May 24 diploma ceremony. To request an application, please contact Patti Robles, 530-668-3755, patti.robles@ycoe.org or Gayle McLevich, 530-668-3710, gayle.mclevich@ycoe.org.

Families may apply for diplomas posthumously.

News release

PHOTO CREDIT: 78-year-old Akira Iwatsuru holds the high school diploma he received in 2002 from Sacramento County Office of Education's Operation Recognition program. Iwatsuru was a student at Elk Grove High School when he was removed from school and interred at the Jerome Relocation Center in Arkansas. He later joined the army as an internee and was a member of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in World War II. 2003 Sacramento Bee photograph by John Decker

It's two artisan sales in one! Sutter's Fort and the State Indian Museum are again hosting the Trader's Faire and Indian Arts & Crafts Market this weekend.

Shoppers will discover unique hand-crafted wares at each location. You'll see clothing, housewares, toys, beads and knives, dipped candles, rag rugs and corn husk dolls at the Fort. At the Museum you'll find beaded jewelry, beautiful Native American artwork, woven baskets, gourds, carved soapstone and elk horn and ceremonial drums.

In addition visitors will be entertained with live bands playing traditional instruments, plus demonstrations and hands-on craft making.

What: Two Artisan Shopping Events -- Trader's Faire and Indian Arts & Crafts Market
Where: Sutter's Fort State Historic Park (2701 L Street) & State Indian Museum (2618 K Street), both in Sacramento
When: April 21 & 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Combo price - $8 for adults; $6 for youth ages 6-17 which includes entrance into both the Fort and Museum. Sutter's Fort stand-alone price: $7 for adults; $5 for youths ages 6-17. Indian Museum stand-alone price: $4 for adults; $3 for youths ages 6-17. Admission for children ages five and under are free to both the Fort and Museum
For more info: 916-445-4422 or 916-324-0971 or website

News release

PHOTO CREDIT: 2008 Trader's Faire. Courtesy Sutter's Fort State Historic Park

The popular Capital Decades program series is returning to the Central Library for four weeks in May, this year showcasing city life, fashion, motion pictures and dance from the 1930s. Registration is now open for the following programs:

City Life (Tuesday, May 8, 6-8 p.m.)
Introduction to life in 1930s Sacramento including industry and labor, Hoovervilles, recreation and amusements, and schools. Presented by William Burg, James Scott, Tom Tolley and Amanda Graham.

Fashions and Styles (Tuesday, May 15, 6-7:30 p.m.)
A fashion show featuring dresses and accessories of the 1930s presented by Sacramento Art Deco Society president Doreen Sinclair.

Motion Pictures (Tuesday, May 22, 6-8 p.m.)
Movie expert Matias Bombal will present clips from 1930s films and discuss the development of the Broadway entertainment district in Sacramento.

Jitterbug! (Tuesday, May 29, 7-9 p.m.)
Dance instruction from Midtown Stomp from 7-8 p.m. and a dance to follow with period music and a silent showing of a classic 1930s dance flick.

In addition to a special program each Tuesday evening, there will be exhibits on display at the Central Library through the month of May featuring vintage objects and images from the collections of the Sacramento Art Deco Society and Sacramento Public Library.

For more information and to register for any of the programs, visit http://www.saclibrary.org/?pageId=1346.

PHOTO CREDIT: K Street, 1938. From the Special Collections of the Sacramento Public Library.

Woodland Museum Day offers a rare opportunity to sample a lot of the town's historic legacy when eleven unique venues are open this Saturday:

* The Christian Church Museum, 509 College St.
* The Gibson House Yolo County Historical Museum, 512 Gibson Road.
* The Hays Antique Truck Museum and the Heidrick Ag History Center both at 1962 Hays Lane
* Reiff's Gas Station on Jefferson Street.
* The Historic Woodland Railroad Dept at the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Sixth Street.
* The Spring Lake School House at the Yolo County Fair Grounds.
* The Spring Lake/Woodland Fire Museum at the Yolo County Fair Grounds.
* The Woodland Fire Museum, 532 Court St.
* The Woodland Museum of Biblical Archeology, 240 West St.
* The Woodland Opera House, 320 Second St.

Maps and brochures will be available at each location. And knowledgeable docents will be on hand to explain the exhibits.

What: Woodland Museum Day
Where: Woodland museums
When: April 14, 10 to 4 p.m.
Cost: some venues free; some have donation boxes; half price at Hayes and Hedrick.
For more info: BJ Ford, 304-7521, or event brochure

PHOTO CREDIT: Fordson Track Hadfield-Cahl Tracks 1923. Courtesy Heidrick Ag History Center

For the 17th year, history buffs are invited to parade in their best 19th century finery in Old Sacramento this Saturday. Onlookers will likely see women in fanciful dresses, lovely parasols or colorful hats, and men in top hats, frock coats, vests, trousers, walking stick and watch fob.

This "Living History" fashion show will be followed by a Spring Ball featuring period music by Claudia's Kitchen Band. Dance instructors will also be on hand to demonstrate period dances like the polka, mazurka, waltz and quadrille.

What: "Living History" Easter Bonnet Promenade & Spring Ball
Where: Old Sacramento
When: April 7. 10:45 a.m. -- Easter Bonnet Promenade participants gather in front of the Sacramento History Museum (101 I St.). 11 a.m. -- Easter Bonnet Promenade begins. 2 p.m. -- Spring Ball begins in Stanford Gallery (111 I St.).
Cost: free
For more info: 916-808-7059 or www.HistoricOldSac.org

News release

PHOTO CREDIT: Joanne Hall, left, and Jennifer Barnhart, both are with the Old Sacramento Living History program are dressed in their 1850-1860s period dresses as they and others had their annual Easter bonnet promenade through the streets of Old Sacramento. 2001 Sacramento Bee photograph by Jose M. Osorio

Spring is upon us, which means that once again we can enjoy the Sacramento Spring Antiquarian Book Fair taking place on Saturday, March 24, from 9:45 AM to 5PM at the Scottish Rite Temple located at 6151 H Street. Numerous book dealers will be on hand, many of whom will feature books on Sacramento, California, and Western Americana. You will also find volumes on art, natural history, science fiction, aviation, and photographs as well as cookbooks, children's books, and varied ephemera. In addition, you can get appraisals on the rare books you already have. General admission is $5.00, but there are plenty of free admission coupons floating around if you know where to look.

From 1941 to 1949 Sacramento's Zanzibar Club hosted some of the top jazz and blues musicians in the country. Its history would have been lost had not Keith Burns found a collection of memorabilia from the venerable West End night spot.

At the next Sacramento County Historical Society Awards Dinner, Burns, along with historian Clarence Caesar, will share photos and artifacts and explain the role the Zanzibar played in the local African American community.

The event includes dinner and music provided by the Sacramento swing band The Harley White Jr. Orchestra.

What: A Night at the Zanzibar
Where: Dante Club, 2330 Fair Oaks Blvd., Sacramento
When: March 27, 6 p.m.
Cost: $40, members of the Sacramento County Historical Society or Sacramento Old City Association. $50, general public. Reserve a spot by March 22 at Brown Bay Tickets.
For more info: William Burg, 443-6265 or website

Event flyer
2005 Bee story about the Zanzibar

PHOTO CREDIT: Zanzibar club at 6th and Capitol in Sacramento, was one of several black jazz clubs that attracted both black and white patrons in the '30s  '40s and '50s.

Illuminated manuscripts are hand-written manuscripts whose texts are embellished with elaborate decoration. The purest definition of this term involves illustration done in gold or silver, but it has expanded to include other handwritten texts accompanied by decorative design. This is a primarily Western tradition (although similar styles existed in the Far Eastern and Islamic worlds and are usually referred to by different names) and dates back to late Antiquity, when illuminated manuscripts were responsible for preserving much Greek and Roman literature that might otherwise have been lost. The majority of the surviving illuminated manuscripts date from the middle ages and are primarily religious in nature. This tradition lasted into the Renaissance as well.    

During the mid 19^th century, artists became interested in imitating the illuminated manuscripts of the Middle Ages. Now on display in a new exhibit-Illumination and Color Printing During the Victorian Era-in the State Library's first floor gallery are several rare examples from this Gothic Revival era in which artists decorated manuscripts with gold, silver, and other bright colors produced from semi-precious stones. With the introduction of chromolithography or printing in color, publishers could produce in quantity spectacular reproductions of this attractive form of page decoration made to look like the page leaves created by the monks and scribes of the 10^th - 14^th centuries.  In addition, Illumination and Color Printing During the Victorian Era includes books ranging from a late Middle Ages Horae or Book of Hours to the spectacular Arion Press 2000 Millennium Bible with original illuminated initials created by noted calligrapher Thomas Ingmire of San Francisco, as well as examples of books actually bound in papier mâché and made to look like carved wooden bindings from the Middle Ages. Illumination and Color Printing During the Victorian Era will be on exhibit until April 30.

In conjunction with this exhibit, this month's A Night at the California State Library program will feature "Illuminated Manuscripts" with internationally known antiquarian bookseller John Windle. Windle specializes in illuminated manuscripts, early and fine printings, and illustrated books. He will be discussing the history and making of illuminated manuscripts, and the State Library's History Librarian Emeritus, Gary F. Kurutz, will present rare pieces from the California State Library's collection and the stories behind them. A Night at the California State Library will take place Wednesday, March 21. The doors open at 5PM, and the presentation begins at 6PM. The State Library is located at 900 N Street in Sacramento. If you wish to attend, please RSVP to Rebecca Ann Fontaine at rfontaine@library.ca.gov or 916-653-9942. Light refreshments are generously sponsored by the California State Library Foundation.

The 150th anniversary of the construction of the old Fiddletown School will be celebrated in Amador City with a festive dinner and silent auction.

The 1862 schoolhouse replaced an earlier building destroyed by fire. It served Fiddletown's children until 1955 when it closed and the classes were moved to Plymouth. Historic restoration began in 1964 and since then several major repairs have been accomplished by the Fiddletown Preservation Society. Currently the schoolhouse's entire foundation will have to be renovated.

The dinner next Thursday will benefit the ongoing effort to restore the Fiddletown School. If you can't attend but want to help out, you can send a tax-deductible donation to the Fiddletown Schoolhouse Restoration Fund, PO Box 53, Fiddletown, CA 95629.

What: Fiddletown Schoolhouse Sesquicentennial Celebration
Where: Imperial Hotel, 14202 Old Highway 49, Amador City
When: March 22, 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $50 per person. Proceeds benefit the restoration of the original Fiddletown/Oleta Schoolhouse. Reservations for the dinner are required by March 17. RSVP with an entree selection to treasurer@fiddletown.info or by calling (209) 245-6999.
For more info: Elizabeth Squire, (209) 245-6999

News release

Sutter's Fort observes Women's History Month with a "Hands on History" program giving visitors are real taste of frontier life with stories, demonstrations and do-it-yourself activities.

You'll learn some of the many tasks frontier women did in the mid-1800s: baking, churning butter, preparing large meals and cooking with ironware. Kids will have the chance to write on a slate, have penmanship lessons, read from a 19th century primer and participate in a fun "History Hunt."

What: Hands on History: The Role of Women on the Frontier
Where: Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, 2701 L St., Sacramento
When: Saturday, March 17. Fort hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cannon firing demonstrations: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. Musket demonstrations periodically throughout the day.
Cost: $7.00 per adult (18 and older), $5.00 per youth (ages 6-17), free for children 5 years and under.
For more info: Call 916-445-4422 or visit the web site

News release

Speaking of Sutter's Fort, Sacramento's Hometown Tourist Blog recently visited the historic site and wrote up the experience in a detailed posting accompanied by some nice photos. The Blog is written by three local women who explore the city as "local tourists."

PHOTO CREDIT: Wendy Rosell demonstrates "women's work" at Sutter's Fort State Historic Park during Women of the Fort Living History Day in 2007. Courtesy Benjamin Fenkell

Root Cellar, the Sacramento Genealogical Society is seeking entries for this year's Family History Writing Contest.

The group is looking for "factual articles about family or local history, character sketches, or memoirs," relating "the experiences of a family or individuals, revealing their character and personality." Entries should be between 500 and 2,000 words in length.

Contest prizes include a "six month membership to Ancestry.com's World Edition, Family Tree Maker 2012 software, year's membership to Fold3, admissions to Root Cellar's seminar and society memberships."

You don't have to be a member of the Society to participate.

What: 2012 Family History Writing Contest
Who: Root Cellar, the Sacramento Genealogical Society
When: Aug. 1, deadline for submissions; Oct. 1, winners notified.
Cost: free
For more info: Contact the Preserves Editor or see web site.

Contest brochure

PHOTO CREDIT: Library volunteer Bernard Marks shows the family tree of his wife, Eleanor J. Marks to patrons at the Sacramento Public Library. 2010 Sacramento Bee photograph by Autumn Cruz

National History Day is a year-long competition in the area of historical research, writing and analysis (sort of history's equivalent of a science fair for primary and secondary school students around the country). Contestants who qualify at the regional level go on to compete at state gatherings where winners are chosen for the national competition.

This year's NHD theme is Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History. Students choose a related event from local, state, national or world history and present their research in one of six formats: 2-D display, documentary video, exhibit, paper, performance or website.

The first leg of the 2012 competition, Sacramento County History Day, was completed last Saturday at Rosemont High School. Regional entries ranged from California's Proposition 98 to the Treaty of Versailles, from the Black Death to Walt Disney. Students who qualified at this level have the opportunity to attend California History Day, scheduled for April 27-29 in Riverside.

Congratulations to everyone who participated in Sacramento History Day!

Complete list of the 2012 Sacramento County History Day Qualifiers
Videos of the 2012 Documentaries
Photos of the 2012 competition events

PHOTO CREDIT: Ashleen Kishore, left, Nazeela Sabir and Khanh Nguyen of Valley High won 2nd place ("The Flu Kills 20 Million") in the Senior Group Exhibit at the National History Day competition in Washington D.C. in 2007. Sacramento Bee photograph by Michael Allen Jones.

Beginning, intermediate and advanced classes on African American family genealogy will be offered at a day-long seminar this Saturday. The workshops cover everything from using basic research tools to writing your family's history.

Keynote speaker is writer-reseacher Antoinette Broussard, author of books and articles on black history, biography and culture. Her topic is "The Militant Matron: Dr. Nettie J. Craig Asberry," an early civil rights leader in Washington State.

What: Seventh Annual African American Family History Seminar
Where: LDS Family History Center, 2745 Eastern Ave., Sacramento
When: March 10, 8:30 to 3:30 p.m. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.
Cost: $20 (includes materials and workshop; optional lunch is $6.50).
For more info: 916-487-2090

Event flyer and workshop schedule

PHOTO CREDIT: Elizabeth W. Stephens, left, 73, of Elk Grove and Hester McCoy Snider, 82, of Rocklin attends the 4th Annual Family History Seminar at the Sacramento Family History Center. 2009 Sacramento Bee photography by Michael Allen Jones

The Sacramento Public Library is going for broke this year with its Sacramento One Book program, celebrating two books rather than one, according to director Rivkah Sass.

Appropriately for an election year, the library's main book choice is "The Penguin Guide to the United States Constitution" by constitutional scholar Richard Beeman (Penguin, $12, 224 pages), Sass announced.

"The book is set in a small colony where a group of terrorists is plotting the overthrow of a king," Sass joked about the guide to the making of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution. "Much like the characters in the movie 'Oceans 11,' each has a special skill."

The library's "companion" selection, "Constitution Cafe," is by educator Christopher Phillips (W.W. Norton, $24.95, 321 pages).

"The Penguin Guide" is described as "a marvel of accessibility and what every American should have: a compact, fully annotated copy of the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution and amendments." Visit Beeman at www.richardbeeman.com.

Publishers Weekly magazine writes of "Constitution Cafe": "In an era of hyper-partisanship, it's refreshing to read instances of Americans from all political persuasions holding rational and respectful conversations with one another." Visit Phillips at www.christopherphillips.com.

California Reads: Sacramento One Book asks everyone in our community to read the same book and participate in events online and at library branches, schools and other venues. Programs will be tailored to adults, teens and children, and will include hands-on activities, films, music, writing projects, and group readings and discussions. The program is on track to start in mid-September and run through October.

For other information, call (916) 264-2920 or visit www.saclibrary.org.

-- Allen Pierleoni

"Twenty-five years of Yolo County Women's History" is the theme of the 25th annual Women's History Month Luncheon scheduled for March 8 in Woodland. On the program is a special video featuring reflections by BJ Ford and Helen Thomson, former Yolo County Supervisor and California Assembly member, who organized the first luncheon in 1987.

Anderson Family Catering & BBQ of Winters will cater the event. Proceeds will go to purchase women's history materials for the Yolo County public libraries.

What: Yolo County Women's History Month 25th Annual Luncheon
Where: Woodland Community & Senior Center, 2001 East St., Woodland
When: March 8, 11:30 to 1 p.m.
Cost: $20 per person. Reservations required by March 2.
For more info and to make reservations: contact Dotty Pritchard 530-666-8230, Louisa R. Vessell 916-451-2113, or visit website.

PHOTO CREDIT: Helen Thomson 2002 candidate photograph.

In the early days of the state, emigrants to California came overland or by ship. Their experiences will be vividly described at Sutter's Fort next "Hands on History" program.

Docents in period costumes will explain the special challenges these travelers faced on their journeys. Park visitors will help weave rope, learn simple knots, pack wagons, create maps and do other fun educational projects.

In addition the New York Volunteers group will pay a special visit to the Fort dressed in full military gear, ready to demonstrate marching, flag raising and lowering and activities.

What: Hands on History: By Land and By Sea
Where: Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, 2701 L St., Sacramento
When: Feb. 18. Fort hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cannon firing demonstrations: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. Musket demonstrations periodically throughout the day
Cost: $6 per adult (18 and older), $4 per youth (ages 6-17), free for children 5 years and under
For more info: call 916-445-4422 or visit website

News release

PHOTO CREDIT: Sutter's Fort cannon demonstration. Courtesy Sutter's Fort State Historic Park.

California Mission Studies Association, a group "dedicated to the study and preservation of the California Missions, presidios, pueblos, ranchos and their Native American, Hispanic and Early American past," is holding its annual conference in San Rafael this year.

The three-day program consists of presentation of scholarly papers and tours of nearby historic sites.

The conference site is Mission San Rafael Arcangel, the 20th California Mission founded in 1817 by Father Vicente de Sarria.

What: California Mission Studies Association 29th Annual Conference
Where: Mission San Rafael Arcángel, 1104 Fifth Ave. San Rafael
When: Feb. 17-19
Cost: registration fee $85; students $30.
For more info: conference web site

PHOTO CREDIT: A view of Mission San Rafael in downtown San Rafael from Albert Park. 2008 Sacramento Bee photograph by Michael Allen Jones

Songs celebrating California predate Katy Perry, Tupac and Dr. Dre and even the Beach Boys.

By a good century. The San Francisco exhibition "Singing in the Golden State" has collected songs -- from the Gold Rush to the vaudeville era -- name-checking the state and its events. Its sheet-music collection includes the 1913 song "I Love You, California," as well as "California Flood Mazurka," which commemorates the 1862 Sacramento flood.

The songs evoke pre-radio, pre-television parlor get-togethers that helped spread news about California. The show at the Society of California Pioneers, 300 Fourth Street, includes visually evocative sheet-music covers, sound recordings and instruments

The show runs into December. Hours are 10 - 4 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays and the first Saturday of each month. For information, see the Society of California Pioneers website or call (415) 957-1849.

-- Carla Meyer

Those interested in California History (particularly books on California History) who will be traveling outside of Sacramento over the next two weeks will likely be interested in two upcoming events. San Francisco will be hosting the 2012 Antiquarian Book, Print & Paper Fair the weekend of February 4 and 5. This show will include dealers from the United States and around the world featuring antiquarian and rare books as well as other paper ephemera. In addition, complementary appraisals will take place on Sunday from noon to 3pm, limited to two items per person with paid admission. The San Francisco 2012 Antiquarian Book, Print & Paper Fair will be open on Saturday from 10 to 7 p.m., and Sunday 11 to 5 p.m. at the Concourse Exhibition Center, 7th and Brannan Streets. Admission is $10 with return privileges.

The following weekend the Pasadena Convention Center will host the 45th California International Antiquarian Book Fair, which will also feature a wide variety of antiquarian and rare books, and paper ephemera. Open hours are Saturday, February 11 from 11 to 7 p.m., and Sunday, February 12 from 11 to 5 p.m.. Admission is $15 with return privileges. In addition, there will be a $25 opening preview on Friday the 10th from 3 to 8 p.m., with proceeds benefiting the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. The Pasadena Convention Center is located at 300 East Green Street in Pasadena.

UPDATE 2/4/12: This event has been canceled.

On Thursday, February 9, the Sacramento History Museum will be offering a singles event targeted at Sacramento history buffs: Singles Night at the Museum. Attendees will mingle with fellow singles, enjoy tasty hors d'oeuvres and a wine sampling, go on an Underground Tour of Old Sacramento hosted by 19th-century matchmaker Miss Odessa, and take part in a museum scavenger hunt. For those who wish to catch dinner later in the evening, the Rio City Cafe will offer a 15% discount to ticket holders.

What: Singles Night at the Museum
When: February 9, 2012, 5 p.m.
Where: Sacramento History Museum (101 I Street)
Cost: $25; Ages 21+
For more info: (916) 808-7059; www.sachistorymuseum.org

Black History Month is upon us and there will be scores of programs and activities taking place this month in celebration throughout the Sacramento area. Rosa Parks Day events will be held the first week of February, while Sacramento Public Library will be putting on special programs throughout the month, including history lectures, arts and crafts programs, and interactive music concerts.

The first week of February, several events will be held commemorating Rosa Parks Day (February 4) in anticipation of the Rosa Parks Centennial Celebration in 2013 and the installation of her statue in National Statuary Hall, Washington, D.C.:

     For Sacramento Museum Day, the Historic Regional Transit "Ole Blue" bus will honor
     the birthday of Rosa Parks at the Crocker Art Museum (February 4, 2012, 10:00 a.m.)

     Rosa Parks Day at the Capitol (February 6, 2012, 11:30 a.m., West Steps of State Capitol)

     Chocolate, Wine and Roses, Rosa Parks Day Celebration (February 6, 2012, 6:00
     p.m., Queen of Sheba Restaurant, 1704 Broadway)

Sacramento Public Library Black History Month programs are listed in the library's Events Calendar. For more information, phone (916) 264-2920.

PHOTO CREDIT: The Washington Club, named in honor of George Washington and Booker T. Washington, Sacramento High School (1945). From the Special Collections of the Sacramento Public Library.

Museum Day is your once-a-year opportunity to sample the region's wealth of art, history, science and wildlife exhibits for free or half-price.

The event features 28 facilities, including the Sacramento History Museum, California State Railroad Museum, Aerospace Museum of California, the California Museum, State Capitol Museum, State Indian Museum, State Military Museum and Sutter's Fort.

Special this year: free ice cream will be provided by Umpqua Bank (while supplies last) at three locations as follows: 10 a.m. at Fairytale Town, noon at the California State Railroad Museum and 2 p.m. at the Aerospace Museum of California.

Please note that shuttle buses will not operate this time.

What: Sacramento Museum Day 2012
Where: 28 museums located throughout the Sacramento region (complete list and map)
When: Feb. 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last guests are admitted at 4 p.m.)
Cost: free at 26 museums; half-priced at Sacramento Zoo & Fairytale Town (Sacramento Zoo is $5.50 for adults, $3.50 for children ages 2-11 and free for children under two; Fairytale Town is $2.25 for everyone and free for children under two years of age).
For more info: 916-808-7777 or website

News Release

PHOTO CREDIT: The California Gallery at the Crocker Art Museum. 2010 Sacramento Bee photograph by Randall Benton

A group train seeks to establish excursion trolley service between Folsom and Placerville on the historic Placerville & Sacramento Valley Railroad tracks will hold a benefit concert Monday night.

Music will be provided by Igor Glenn and a group of prominent California musicians. Glenn first toured with the New Christie Minstrels and later with his own Igor & the Jazz Cowboys, a fixture of the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee. He also toured with the American Freedom Train and has recorded railroading songs for the Smithsonian.

Opening the show will be the Sacramento Banjo Band (comprised of 30 banjo players).

What: Benefit Concert for the Placerville & Sacramento Valley Railroad
Where: Oak Hill Auditorium, 1100 Blue Ravine Road, Folsom
When: Jan. 30, 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $20 (includes beverage and dessert)
For more info and tickets: Kathryn Corbett, 916-353-0556

News release
Event poster

PHOTO CREDIT: Bill Anderson of the Folsom Historical Railroad Association wants to establish an excursion line between Folsom and Placerville on existing tracks known as the Sacramento Valley Railroad. If the project is accepted it would allow tourists to travel retail shops on historic Sutter Street in Old Town Folsom to the new Broadstone Plaza. 2000 Sacramento Bee photograph by Lezlie Sterling

Founded in 1990, the Pioneer Mutual Hook & Ladder Society is dedicated to establishing a fire museum in Sacramento. The group has been collecting vintage equipment and memorabilia for years and hopes to secure a permanent building to display it all.

This Saturday's crab dinner is the Society's biggest fundraising event of the year.

What: Pioneer Mutual Hook & Ladder Society's 21st Annual Crab Feed
Where: St. Mary's Parish Hall, 58th & M Sts., Sacramento
When: Jan. 28. 6 p.m. no host cocktails; 7 p.m. dinner (antipasto, salad, pasta and crab).
Cost: $40 donation
For more info: contact: Craig Barmby, 916-686-8395 or Ed Basurto, 916-457-9998

PHOTO CREDIT: A historic leather Sacramento Fire Deptartment helmet, left, and a fire extinguisher from the Victorian era, right, are among the items Randy Wootton has been collecting in hopes to open a fire museum. Currently most of the artifacts are housed at Station 21 in Citrus Heights, where he works. 2007 Sacramento Bee photograph by Lezlie Sterling

The Center for Sacramento History is partnering with the Sacramento County Office of Education to host Sacramento County History Day (SCHD) on Saturday, March 3 at Rosemont High School. This year, young scholars from around the country will gather to present their original projects in one of six categories based on the theme, "Revolution, Reaction and Reform in History."

Friendly, service-oriented folks with an interest in history are invited to serve as judges at the competition. Judges evaluate student entries, providing positive feedback and constructive criticism to help them advance to the state competition in Riverside. It's a fun day for all, and one that allows some of the best and brightest in our community to shine!

If you're interested in being a judge, please visit the SCHD website and fill out the Judge Registration Form.

What: Sacramento County History Day
Where: Rosemont High School, 9594 Keifer Boulevard, Sacramento
When: March 3, 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
For more information: 916-808-7072 or email

On Saturday, January 28, California State Park Interpretive Specialist Lindsay Harbison will lead an easy and fun snowshoe tour along the west coast of Lake Tahoe in Ed Z'Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park.  The tour will explore the natural environment of the lakefront, stories of early Tahoe settlers, and the history of a Tahoe landmark - the historic Hellman-Ehrman Estate. Hikers are asked to wear warm clothing and waterproof winter shoes, bring water, snacks, and their own snowshoes (snowshoes can also be rented from a local sporting goods shop such as West Shore Sports in Homewood).

What:Snowshoe through History Hike
When: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., January 28, 2012
Where: Hike begins near restrooms in the Day Use side of the park (lake side entrance off Highway 89)
Cost: Free; $8 vehicle parking fee
For more information: The hike is contingent upon weather conditions; please call 530-525-9528.

On Hundred sixty-four years ago the finding of flecks of yellow metal in Coloma ignited a huge migration of people into California and spurred the development of the state in the 19th century. You can help celebrate this historic event this Saturday during Gold Discovery Day at John Marshall park.

As usual knowledgeable volunteers dressed in period garb will be on hand to demonstrate pioneer cooking, trading and a long-ago way of life. Plus visitors will be treated to stories by the Cemetery Players and other historical performances.

What: Gold Discovery Day
Where: Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, Coloma
When: Jan. 21, 10 to 2 p.m.
Cost: free
For more info: (530) 622-3470 or web site

PHOTO CREDIT: Carol Timmerman of Cool portrays a pioneer woman and Ed Allen of El Dorado portrays James W. Marshall at Marshall Gold Rush State Historic Park in Coloma. 2009 Sacramento Bee photograph by Michael Allen Jones

Trappers played an important role in the development of early California. Sutter's Fort pays tribute to these entrepreneurial pioneers at the next "Hands on History" event.

Led by docents in period clothing, visitors this Saturday will learn how trappers lived, worked, traded and explored. You'll watch musket demonstrations and have the chance to examine fur pelts, write with a quill pen and oak gall ink and string trading beads.

What: Hands on History: Trappers, Trades, and Treaties
Where: Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, 2701 L St., Sacramento
When: Jan. 21, 10 to 5 p.m.
Cost: $6.00 per adult (18 and older), $4.00 per youth (ages 6-17), free for children 5 years and under
For more info : 916-445-4422 or www.suttersfort.org

News release

PHOTO CREDIT: A Mexican Officer (Tom Hill) checks the passport of an American trapper (Jeff Volberg) at Sutter's Fort Living History Day. 2006 photograph by Eileen Hook

Among the New Year's Eve events compiled by The Sacramento Press is one that will appeal to local history fans.

Celebrate 2012 with 1920s flappers and gangsters at The Crescent Club, a prohibition-era speakeasy located in the Newton Booth Mansion in Old Sacramento. Guests are encourage to come dressed in period attire and be ready to dance, gamble and have fun. The Crescent Katz group will provide live Ballroom Swing, Gypsy Jazz and Blues music. Poker and roulette available at the Speakeasy Casino. Prizes awarded for the best costumes.

What: The Roaring '20's New Year's Eve Celebration
Where: Crescent Club Speakeasy, 1150 Firehouse Alley
When: Dec. 31, 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Cost: $50 online/$65 at door, 21+
For more info: visit the website or call 498-9098.

The former Gold Rush town of Nevada City transforms into 19th century London for the 34th annual Victorian Christmas festival.

Visitors will amble down gaslamp-lit streets passing minstrels and carolers in period dress. They can enjoy childrens' pony rides, carriage rides, live entertainment, savory yuletide food and beverages, and of course, St. Nick.

What: Victorian Christmas
Where: Downtown Nevada City
When: Dec. 14 & 21, 5 to 9 p.m.; Dec. 11 & 18, 1:30 to 6 p.m.
Cost: free
For more info: 530-265-2692 or Nevada City Chamber web site

Event brochure

PHOTO CREDIT: The Ananda Victorian Singers play to a crowd on PIne St. in Nevada City during the annual Victorian Christmas celebration. 2000 Sacramento Bee photograph by Bryan Patrick

Every Friday morning the Aerospace Museum of California offers young children under six a special opportunity to see the aircraft and to hear stories from age-appropriate books on aviation and space exploration. After each reading, kids can take a tour of a related Museum exhibit.

Participating children must be accompanied by an adult.

The new Museum Pavilion and air park, which opened in 2007, is home to a variety of civilian and military aircraft, including Navy and Air Force fighters, trainers and transports covering the period 1940 to 2000.

What: Story Time
Where: Aerospace Museum of California, 3200 Freedom Park Dr., McClellan
When: every Friday, 10 to 10:30 a.m. (excluding holidays)
Cost: $8 adults; free for children under six
For more info: 916-643-3192 or web site.

PHOTO CREDIT: Tyler Minter, 9, and his sister, Shelby Minter, 4, both of Elverta, explore the inside of a Grumman HU-16B Albatross rescue airplane at the Aerospace Museum of California. 2008 Sacramento Bee photograph by Autumn Cruz

Coloma, home of Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, transforms into an 1850s Gold Rush town this weekend to celebrate the holidays as the early California pioneers did.

Costumed volunteers will show visitors an assortment of traditional Christmas crafts, including candle-making, wreath-making, rope-making, corn husk doll-making and ironware blacksmithing. There will be holiday plays, music, games and food and craft vendors. And Santa and Mrs. Santa Claus will be on hand to meet children and pose for photos.

What: Christmas in Coloma
Where: Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, Coloma, (Hwy 49 midway between Placerville and Auburn)
When: Dec. 10 & 11, 10 to 4 p.m.
Cost: parking $7 per vehicle
For more info: call 530-295-2170, 530-622-3470 or see web site

PHOTO CREDIT: Volunteer Dulcie Warganich, left, holds up the wreath Nathan Van Ness, 9, just made during Christmas in Coloma. 1997 Sacramento Bee photograph by Anne Chadwick Williams

Dec. 7 marks the 70th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and America's entry into World War II. The ranks of Pearl Harbor survivors are dwindling, but local veterans of that "Day of Infamy" will again attend this year's ceremonies in Sacramento's Discovery Park and Roseville.

Submarine veterans of the USS Holland will conduct (for the 25th consecutive year) the Pearl Harbor Remembrance and Wreath Laying Ceremony in Sacramento. The observance begins at 9 a.m. at Discovery Park. (Exit I-5 North or South at Richards Blvd. Turn Right on Jibboon St. Cross the bridge and turn left into parking area.)

Roseville's service begins at 11 a.m. It will feature an oral reenactment of the events of Dec. 7-8, 1941, as well as a wreath laying at the World War II Memorial. This year's wreath will be presented by Alfred Mirtoni, 96, an Army veteran of the South Pacific theater. The Memorial is located in downtown Roseville (100 block of Vernon Street).

The local Pearl Harbor Survivors Association will host a breakfast and ceremony Wednesday at Brookfield's Restaurant near Sunrise Blvd. and U.S. 50. Breakfast starts around 8 a.m. followed by the ceremony. No need to RSVP. Guests will order their meal off the menu.

The Coast Guard will conduct its own ceremony at Coast Guard Island (located between Oakland and Alameda). The event includes the arrival of veterans and Coast Guard officers in WWII era military vehicles (7:55 a.m.), reading of a proclamation, wreath hanging and 21-gun salute. See this news release for more details.

Watch for The Bee's Pearl Harbor Day profiles of local attack survivors by Anita Creamer and Carlos Alcala. The online versions of these stories will be accompanied by a photo gallery and links to informative Pearl Harbor resources on the Web.

PHOTO CREDIT: Pearl Harbor veteran John Riches salutes at the 2010 observance in downtown Roseville. Sacramento Bee photograph by Randy Pench

PS (Dec. 7): The Bee posted a new photo gallery showing scenes from this year's 2011 Pearl Harbor Day observance at Discovery Park.

The 34th Annual 49er Bottle and Antique Show, presented under the auspices of the 49er Historical Bottle Association, will take place on Saturday, December 2 at the Gold Country Fairgrounds in Auburn. Aside from bottles, other beverage material along with general antiques, books, photographs, collectibles, and ephemera will also be available from a variety of dealers. Much of it relates to Northern California and particularly to the Mother Lode and Gold Rush era, and as such will be of interest to Sacramento and California history buffs. Admission is free, and the show will be open from 9 to 3 p.m.

Feeling creative this holiday season? Decorate a gingerbread house and enter it in the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse annual gingerbread house contest.

Entries will be accepted at the Schoolhouse on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3. Winners will be announced on Dec. 10. Houses will be exhibited at the Museum through Dec. 21. After that they'll be given to local children's homes and hospitals.

What: Gingerbread Holiday
Where: Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum, 1200 Front St.
When: Entries accepted Dec. 2 & 3, 1 to 4 p.m. Houses on display thru Dec. 21.
For more info: 916-483-8818 or web site

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum

Every year since 1996 the Capitol Museum, in conjunction with the Legislature Joint Rules Committee, the Governor's Office and the Department of General Services, has sponsored holiday music during December.

These lunch-time performances feature a wide range of musical styles and instruments, including jazz and classical choirs, harpists, violinists, brass ensembles, bell-ringers, etc.

The program kicks off today with the Salvation Army Brass Quintet (11-12 p.m.) and the Golden State Accordion Club (12-1 p.m.).

What: Holiday Music Program
Where: California Sate Capitol Museum, 10th & L Sts., Sacramento
When: Dec. 1 thru 23
Cost: free
For more info: 916-324-0333 or program schedule

PHOTO CREDIT: The Cosumnes River College Chamber Singers perform in the rotunda of the State Capitol. 2005 Sacramento Bee photograph by Brian Baer

Thanksgiving just passed, but it's not too early for young scholars to start preparing for next year's National History Day.

NHD is history's version of a science fair. Elementary and secondary students research and analyze a historical theme and present their findings in one of five formats: a paper, an exhibit, a performance, a documentary or a web site. The projects are first presented at a regional competition (TBD). Local winners advance to the state contest (April 27-29 at the Riverside Convention Center). State finalists will attend the national event (June 10-14 at the University of Maryland).

The 2011-12 theme is Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History. Participating students choose a specific topic that illustrates the theme of radical or gradual change. The topic could be local, state, national or international in scope. It could be about a person or an event. The important thing is that the topic fit within the broad parameters of the theme. (See a list of sample topics broken down by grade level.)

Important links:
National History Day
California History Day
Sacramento County History Day

The first two Saturdays in December (Dec. 3rd and 10th, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.), the Governor's Mansion State Historic Park will welcome visitors of all ages to celebrate Christmases long, long ago with "Christmas Memories." The mansion will be decked in recreated period decor, and entertainment will include costumed storytellers, a visit by Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and live music throughout the day.

What: "Christmas Memories"
Where: Governor's Mansion State Historic Park (1526 H Street)
When: December 3 and 10, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: (916) 323-5916 and http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=498 

PHOTO CREDIT: Governor's Mansion, Sacramento, Cal. (1907). From the Special Collections of the Sacramento Public Library. Twins enjoy a visit with Santa at the Mansion. 2007 photograph courtesy Governor's Mansion State Historic Park.

Looking for unique gifts this holiday season? Check out the Arts & Crafts Fair at the State Indian Museum this weekend. Meet native artisans from all over California and see their hand-crafted jewelry, basketry, pottery, hand-painted gourds, dolls, holiday ornaments and other special items.

What: Arts & Crafts Holiday Fair
Where: State Indian Museum, 2618 K St., Sacramento (on the grounds of Sutter's Fort)
When: Nov. 25 & 26, 10 to 5 p.m.
Cost: $3 for adults, $2 for youths ages 6-17 and free for children five and under
For more info: 916-324-0971 or www.parks.ca.gov/indianmuseum

News Release

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy State Indian Museum

Local historians know that beer-making was a big deal in Sacramento's past. And there is no name bigger in the city's brewing tradition than Frank Ruhstaller, a Swiss immigrant who co-founded the storied Buffalo Brewery.

A new beer with the Ruhstaller name officially launched at Mulvaney's B&L yesterday. As reported in Sacramento Press, J-E Paino created Ruhstaller 1881, a red ale made with California-grown hops, to honor the man and the local industry. 1881 refers to the year Ruhstaller started his own premium label.

"This particular beer isn't a historical recipe, but it's made in the spirit of what Ruhstaller did," brewmaster Peter Hoey explained to The Bee's Chris Macias back in August. "The reason he set up in Sacramento is that barley and hops used to grow here and there were excellent rail and water shipping lines. His whole thing was using local products."

Incidentally, the Buffalo Brewery plant stood at 21st and Q Sts. on the spot now occupied by The Sacramento Bee. The brewery closed in 1942 and the structure was dismantled in 1950. The current Bee building opened in 1952.

PHOTO CREDIT: The Buffalo Brewery circa 1920-1930. The photo was taken from the center of Q Street, looking at the northwest corner of the building. Print photographed by John Thomas.

The November "Food For Thought: Thinking and Talking at the California State Library" program  will feature Master Paper Engineers and authors David A. Carter and Noelle Carter and their latest, Lots of Bots! - the first title in a new pop-up series by the creators of the hugely successful Bugs in a Box and One Red Dot series. David A. Carter learned the fine art of Paper-Engineering and Pop-Up bookmaking at Intervisual Communications Inc. working with creative director Jim Diaz and various other artists. While at I.C.I. he met his wife Noelle, who was a production artist learning the art of paper engineering with her father Tor Lokvig. David started his own business in 1987 and has created over 75 pop-up books. Lots of Bots! has been released with a companion app, Bot Garage for iPad®, iPhone®, and iPod touch®. A trailer for the app can be viewed at RHKidsApps.com and at www.library.ca.gov

The program will take place on Wednesday, November 16 at 6 p.m. at 900 N Street, in the California History Room. Light refreshments will be served when doors open at 5 p.m. Books will be available for purchase and authors signing at discount prices between $10 and $15 tax included. Children and children at heart of all ages' are encouraged to attend! For more information please contact Rebecca Ann Fontaine at rfontaine@library.ca.gov or (916) 215-9280.

In addition, the California State Library Foundation's latest Bulletin is now available and can be viewed online at the Library's web site. It contains articles on the French culinary journal l'Art Culinare, prominent California historian and author JoAnn Levy, and an overview of some of the interesting public transit collections owned by the library. But since this is the 100th issue of the Bulletin, it also features a history of the publication itself, and a list of the many fine historians and writers who have contributed to it.

Ever wonder how archaeologists uncover the secrets of the past? You can learn by doing at the first-ever family Archaeology Activity Day this Saturday in Old Sacramento.

Participants will work in groups of four on a "dig box," a mock excavation where they uncover, collect, and dissect artifacts just like the experts. Each box is different and will represent a different geographic area.

Digs last about two hours, starting at 10 a.m and 12 p.m. Only 10 boxes will be going at a time, so families and other groups are encouraged to reserve a spot in advance. (A few dig boxes will be held for walk-ins.)

What: Archaeology Activity Day
Where: Outside the Sacramento History Museum (inside if it rains), 101 I St. in Old Sacramento
When: Nov. 12, 10 to 2 p.m.
Cost: free
For more info: Sign up in advance by calling (916) 808-7059 or emailing jwest@cityofsacramento.org

This Friday, November 11, is Veterans Day, and in celebration of the holiday, a number of Sacramento-area museums are offering special programs and free or discounted admission.  In addition, the city will host its inaugural City of Sacramento Veterans Day Parade, which will honor heroes past and present and will be followed by a festival on Capitol Mall.  Details for all of these Veterans Day history happenings are listed below.

What: City of Sacramento Veterans Day Parade and Festival
Where: Parade will travel north on 3rd Street to Capitol Mall, east on Capitol Mall, and then south on 9th Street, where the parade will disband; reviewing stand at 5th Street and Capitol Mall.
When: November 11, parade at 10 a.m. followed by festival at Capitol Mall from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: Flyer with map; (916) 808-2344
 
California State Military Museum
What: California Veterans Week
Where: California State Military Museum, 1119 2nd Street, Sacramento
Cost: Free admission from Nov. 8 through Nov. 11; Special display on Nov. 11
More info: (916) 854-1904

Old City Cemetery
What: Medal of Honor Tour
When: November 12, 10:00 a.m.
Where: Old City Cemetery, 1000 Broadway, Sacramento
Cost: Free
More info: (916) 264-7839

Aerospace Museum of California
What: Veterans Day Ceremony
Where: 3200 Freedom Park Drive, McClellan
When: November 11, 9:00 - 5:00 p.m. (ceremony at 11 a.m.)
Cost: $5 general admission, free admission for veterans with ID
More info: (916) 643-3192

California Automobile Museum
What: Free admission for active and retired military
Where: 2200 Front Street, Sacramento
When: November 11

Sacramento History Museum
What: Free admission for military personnel and their families
Where: 101 I St., Old Sacramento
When: November 11
For more info: 916-808-7059

Old Sacramento Underground Tour
What: Discounted admission for military personnel and their families
Where: Meet at the Sacramento History Museum, 101 I St.
When: November 11, 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $13 for adults and $8 for children
For more info: 916-808-7059

Car buffs of all ages can delight in six generations of Chevrolet Corvettes this Saturday at the "Vettes for Vets" car show sponsored by the California Automobile Museum and the Just for Corvettes car club. The event will benefit Northern California veteran's groups via sales of raffle tickets, vendors, veteran displays and music.

An exhibit of Corvettes will continue at the museum all through November.

What: Vettes for Vets Car Show
Where: California Automobile Museum, 2200 Front St., Sacramento
When: Nov. 5, 10 to 3 p.m.
Cost: free
For more info: email and web site

Event flyer

PHOTO CREDIT: Bill Millard pops the hood on his 1954 Corvette during the California Auto Museum's Big Event on the Road. 2009 Sacramento Bee photograph by Cathy Locke

The Association for Northern California Historical Research, based at CSU Chico, is a non-profit organization whose mission "is to increase the understanding and appreciation of Northeastern California History through activities encouraging and promoting historical research and publications." It serves Siskiyou, Modoc, Trinity, Shasta, Lassen, Tehama, Glenn, Colusa, Plumas, Yuba, Sutter and Butte Counties.

ANCHR will hold its annual meeting on Nov. 5. The featured speaker will be G. D. "Don" Lillibridge, Professor and Chairman Emeritus of the CSU Chico History Department. He is author of five books, including the two-volume Images of American Society, as well as essays in American Heritage, The American Scholar and other journals. Lillibridge, who is 90, will speak on his latest book Images From A Long Life, a memoir.

What: ANCHR Annual Meeting and Luncheon
Where: Shelley Anderson's Creative Catering, 2565 Zanella Way, Chico
When: Nov. 5, 11:30 to 2 p.m.
Cost: $18 per person. RSVP no later than October 28, 2011.
For more info: email and web site

Event flyer

Sutter's Fort gets in the Halloween spirit next weekend with evening programs designed to reveal the eerier side of Sacramento's oldest structure.

Docents in period costumes will lead visitors on 45-minute walking tours of various darkened rooms (which some believe are still haunted by past inhabitants). They'll also tell stories of how some early pioneers perished in creepy and melancholy ways.

What: The Haunted Fort
Where: Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, 2701 L St., Sacramento
When: Oct. 28 & 29, 6:30 - 9 p.m. Walking tours depart every 10 minutes.
Cost: $6 per adult, $4 for youth ages 6-17 and free for children 5 years and under
For more info: Call 916-323-7626 or visit www.suttersfort.org

News Release

PHOTO CREDIT: Sutter's Fort at twilight. Courtesy Sutter's Fort State Historic Park

The Friends of the McKinley Library and the McKinley East Sacramento Neighborhood Association (MENA) have organized a celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Florence Turton Clunie Memorial Community Center (601 Alhambra Blvd.) to take place from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, October 23rd.  The program includes a juried exhibit and auction of plein air art by regional artists, talks on the history of the center and the community, and historical photographs, plans and more tracing the history of the McKinley Library. Refreshments will be provided, and all ages are welcome.

The Clunie Community Center was named for Florence Turton Clunie, wife of pioneer and state congressman Thomas J. Clunie, and a notable Sacramento businesswoman in her own right.  Upon her death in 1934, Mrs. Clunie donated $150,000 for the building of a community center and pool in McKinley Park, and the City of Sacramento pitched in an additional $20,000 to establish the McKinley Library at the north end of the new building. Both opened to the public in late 1936.

What: Clunie Community Center 75th anniversary celebration
Where: Clunie Community Center, McKinley Park, 601 Alhambra Blvd.
When: October 23, 1-4 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.valcomnews.com/?p=6051

PHOTO CREDIT: Front exterior of the Florence T. Clunie Memorial Clubhouse, Sacramento, Calif., ca. 1951. From the Sacramento Public Library Archives.

Halloween decor and scary music will set the holiday mood at the Governor's Mansion during the After Dark tours the next two Saturdays.

Storytellers will share tales of past governors and fortune tellers will predict your fate. Costumed guides will lead guests through the creepier parts of the building -- including darkened rooms and "coffin corners."

What: The Mansion After Dark
Where: Governor's Mansion State Historic Park, 1526 H Street in Sacramento
When: Oct. 22 & 29, 6 - 9 p.m.
Cost: $6 for adults, $4 for youth ages 6-17 and free for children five and under
For more info: 916-323-5916 or www.parks.ca.gov/governorsmansion

News Release

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy Governor's Mansion Historic State Park

This month's Food for Thought: Thinking and Talking at the California State Library program is scheduled for October 19th and will feature Sacramento's historic City Cemetery, resting place of many prominent early Californians. Visitors to this cemetery can see beautiful statues, dramatic markers, and lush gardens surrounding the burial sites of Sacramento mayors and California governors, as well as memorials to Civil War veterans, volunteer firemen, and victims of the 1850 cholera epidemic. In addition, Food for Thought will be showing The Young and the Dead, which tells the story of how Tyler Perry bought and renovated the dilapidated Hollywood Memorial Cemetery and turned it into "Hollywood Forever," transforming it into a modern, interactive, state-of-the-art facility. Similarly, the Sacramento History City Cemetery, through a dedicated group of volunteers, has successfully become an outdoor museum chronicling California history from the Gold Rush era through the present time.

Food for Thought will take place in the California History Room at the State Library, 900 N Street. The program begins at 6PM, and light refreshments will be served when the doors open at 5PM. For more information please contact Rebecca Ann Fontaine at rfontaine@library.ca.gov or at 916-215-9280. 

Like a Werewolf, the California State Railroad Museum's popular excursion train transforms into "Spookomotive" for Halloween.

Starting this weekend the diesel engine -- decorated with spiders, cobwebs and cornstalks and staffed by a "skeleton" crew -- will take visitors on a fun-filled, 40-minute, six-mile roundtrip ride along the levees of the Sacramento River.

Tickets for the Spookomotive excursion train rides are available on a first-come, first-served basis starting 10:30 a.m. at the Sacramento Southern Railroad ticket office in Old Sacramento.

What: "Spookomotive" Train Rides
Where: Trains depart from the Central Pacific Passenger Station, Old Sacramento State Historic Park
When: Oct. 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30. Hourly 11 to 4 p.m.
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for youths ages 6-17 and free for children 5 and under. $15 per person - all ages for First Class El Dorado Car.
For more info: 916-445-6645 or California State Railroad Museum

News Release

PHOTO CREDIT: Museum excursion train decorated for Halloween. Courtesy the Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks

Accompanying the State Capitol exhibit commemorating the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage in California, Museum docents will don period costumes this Saturday to reenact key moments in the struggle to get the vote.

Visitors will see suffragists, politicians, anti-suffragists and other citizens play out the drama at various locations in the Capitol.

Docent-led living history tours will leave the First Floor Rotunda every 15 minutes.

What: Women's Vote in California - 100-Year Anniversary Living History Program
Where: State Capitol. Guests should meet in the First Floor Rotunda.
When: Oct. 15, 10 to 4:30 p.m.
Cost: free
For more info: 916-324-0333 or visit www.capitolmuseum.ca.gov

News release
Community Service Announcement

PHOTO CREDIT: California State Capitol Museum docents dressed as suffragists. Courtesy State Capitol Museum

Would you like to delve into your family's history, but don't know where to begin? Root Cellar (the Sacramento Genealogical Society) offers a day-long event to acquaint amateur researchers with the tools and resources to get you started. Choose from 19 different classes ranging from basic genealogy 101 to evaluating documents.

Participants can also learn archival preservation techniques and take mini-tours of the rarely-shown State Archives stacks and vault. They will also have the chance to browse the Root Cellar Genealogical Library and visit with representatives of various genealogical, historical and lineage societies, research libraries and archives.

What: 12th Annual Family History Day
Where: California State Archives, 1020 O St., Sacramento
When: Oct. 15, 8:30 to 4 p.m.
Cost: free
For more info: email fhdmailbox@gmail.com or Family History Day blog

Event flyer
Event news release
Class descriptions
Class schedule

PHOTO CREDIT: California's chief archivist, Nancy Lenoil, leads a behind-the-scenes tour of the California State Archives. 2007 Sacramento Bee photograph by Brian Baer

Dead men will tell tales of Sacramento's dark past at the Central Library on October 14, 2011, for the library's 2nd annual Haunted Stacks! event. From 7-9 p.m., the library will screen Tim Burton's Beetlejuice in the Tsakopoulos Library Galleria, and signups will be taken for special after-hours tours of the Sacramento Room in the historic Carnegie library building. The Sacramento Room will be visited by ghosts from 1879 Sacramento, including Sacramento's pioneer City Librarian, Caroline G. Hancock, and "Lucky" Bill Thorington, a Sacramento shell-gamer who was eventually hanged for cattle rustling in Nevada.

What: Haunted Stacks!
Where: Tsakopoulos Library Galleria and Sacramento Room (828 I Street, Sacramento)
When: October 14, 2011, 7-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: www.saclibrary.org or (916) 264-2920

This weekend, October 7-9, the Scottish Rite Center will play host to the Art and Antiques Show & Sale- 40th Anniversary to benefit the Crocker Art Museum.

According to the Crocker website, " For the past 40 years, the Art and Antiques Show & Sale has been the place to find unique collector items, from vintage jewelry to antique furniture and more."

Regional and national antiques dealers, plus experienced conservation and restoration specialists will be on hand to share rare items and to answer questions.

The event runs from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10:00am to 4:00pm on Sunday. The Scottish Rite Center is located at 6151 H Street, across from the main entrance to California State University Sacramento.

Parking is free, and admission is $7. For more information contact Art Service Group at: (916) 807-0158.

PHOTO CREDIT: Brian Suhr, Crocker Art Museum website.

This Monday is the 100th anniversary of the passage of the voter initiative that gave California women the right to vote. To commemorate this civil rights milestone, many events are planned around the state. In Sacramento there are several opportunities to learn and celebrate women's suffrage, including films, exhibits, reenactments, music and receptions:

Oct. 9

Crest Theatre, 12 to 4 p.m., films and live performance. Seneca Falls, a documentary about America's first women's rights convention in 1848. California Women Win the Vote, a film tracing the political and social battle for suffrage in the state. We Did It for You!, a play that celebrates the struggle for equal rights in U.S. history.

Oct. 10

California Museum, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., gather for craft corner, sign making, storytelling and singing.

Stroll to the State Capitol, 10:30 a.m. Welcome by officials and singers on north steps, 11 a.m. Inside the Capitol, 12 to 3 p.m., Living History suffragists, The Girl from Colorado (short play), Suffrage Singers, reading of Proposition 4 and arguments for and against, pick up Centennial souvenir, take your photo in period clothing or suffrage colors.

California Museum. Authors and book signing, 2:30 to 4 p.m. The Six Star Suffragists presentation, 4 p.m., in the Auditorium. Museum reception and program, 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 11

California State University Sacramento, 6 to 8 p.m., University Union Ballroom. Keynote address by California Secretary of State Debra Bowen, plus a panel of experts discussing how women's legal rights have changed since 1911 in the United States.

Oct. 15

State Capitol, 10 to 4:30, Museum docents reenact key moments in the struggle to get the vote. Performance tours leave every 15 minutes from the First Floor Rotunda.

Ongoing

State Capitol Museum, 9 to 5 p.m., We Won the Vote! 100 Years of Equal Suffrage in California, an exhibit documenting suffrage with interactive displays, historical photographs, period campaign materials, clothing worn during the campaign and oral histories.

News release
Event program
Event flyer

This weekend Coloma brings the Gold Rush back to life with its premier interpretative event.

Visitors will enjoy live music demonstrations of gold panning, rope making, blacksmithing, spinning, weaving, basket making and more. Volunteers in period dress will sell wares, tell miners' stories and portray historic figures, such as John Marshall whose gold discovery spark the migration of thousands to California.

Children will be treated to games, hands-on activities and period music and songs.

What: Coloma Gold Rush Live
Where: Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, directions
When: Oct. 8 & 9, 10 to 4 p.m.
Cost: Parking is $10 per vehicle
For more info: call (530) 295-2170, 622-3470 or website

PHOTO CREDIT: Ed Allen portrays James W. Marshall, who discovered gold in Coloma in 1848. 2009 Sacramento Bee photograph by Michael Allen Jones

The first ever Sacramento Archives Crawl will give the general public a unique opportunity to view some very rare and interesting items during tomorrow's open house at four of the city's largest historical collections. People who visit the facilities will be treated to historic treasures from 21 Northern California institutions, as well as "behind-the-scenes" tours of archival storage and work areas.

I was privileged to attend a "media preview" of the Crawl at the Center for Sacramento History. Among the fascinating artifacts we were shown: papers of Nathaniel S. Colley, Sacramento's nationally known civil rights attorney; memorabilia documenting the 100th anniversary of the California's women's suffrage; a photographic exhibit from Sirlin Photography Studios featuring portraits of Sacramento leaders Pete Wilson, Willie Brown and Heather Fargo.

From the collections vault: an eight-inch long grasshopper dating back more than 150 years; items from the Eleanor McClatchy collection including 19th century theater posters, rare books, publishing materials and a Gold Rush-era map of the region; police evidence and prosecution displays from the Dorothea Puente murder case.

Sacramento Archives Crawl is the kickoff event for the region's observance of American Archives Month. Libraries, museums, special collections all around the state will celebrate with a variety of events.

What: Explore History: Sacramento Archives Crawl
When: October 1, 2011, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: California State Archives (1020 'O' Street), California State Library (900 'N' Street), Center for Sacramento History (551 Sequoia Pacific Blvd.) and Sacramento Room, Central Library (828 'I' Street)
Cost: Free
For more info: sacarchivescrawl.blogspot.com

PHOTO CREDITS: An eight-inch long grasshopper dating back more than 150 years which originated in the Isthmus of Panama. Rubber boots and digging tools belonging to convicted mass murderer Dorothea Puente. 2011 Sacramento Bee photographs by Lezlie Sterling.

Colfax Railroad Days is the annual opportunity for the town's historic district to strut its stuff.

This weekend visitors will be treated to a variety of lively activities. On Saturday there will be a plant sale, a model train display, a historic railroad film, quilt show, live music, a beer garden and more. The historic Western Pacific train (full size) will also be on hand for viewing.

On Sunday there will be a classic car show, a raffle and the same rail-related events downtown and at the depot. 

What: 2011 Colfax Railroad Days
Where: Historic Downtown Colfax (map)
When: Oct. 1 & 2, 9 to 4 p.m.
Cost: free
For more info: (530) 346-8888 or contact@colfaxarea.co

Event flyer

PHOTO CREDIT: Historic downtown Colfax. 2010 Sacramento Bee photograph by Randy Pench

Prior to passage of the 19th Amendment, which gave American women the right to vote in 1920, California granted the same right to the state's women in the special election on Oct. 10, 2011. To celebrate that achievement, the State Capitol Museum will host a special exhibit celebrating 100 years of California suffrage.

Visitors to the Museum can gain a better understanding of the social and political struggle through interactive displays, historical photographs, period campaign materials, clothing worn during the campaign and oral histories.

What: We Won the Vote! 100 Years of Equal Suffrage in California exhibition
Where: California State Capitol Museum Rm. 105
When: Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, 2012. Museum hours 9 to 5 p.m.
Cost: free
For more info: call 916-324-0333 or visit www.capitolmuseum.ca.gov

News release

The Placer County Museums will also commemorate California women's suffrage this Saturday with a reenactment program on the Courthouse grounds in Auburn. There will be pro-suffrage speeches by Jennifer Montgomery, District 5 Supervisor, and Bridgette Powers, Auburn City Council member. Plus an anti-suffrage oration (be prepared to boo).

What: Rally for Women's Suffrage
Where: Historic Courthouse, 101 Maple St., Auburn
When: Oct. 1, 10 to 1 p.m.
Cost: free
For more info: 530-889-6500

IMAGE CREDIT: Sacramento Bee editorial cartoon.

California history buffs and archives enthusiasts alike can celebrate the first day of National Archives Month this Saturday, October 1, by participating in the first annual Sacramento Archives Crawl. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., twenty-two archives and special collections libraries from the Sacramento area and beyond will be celebrating National Archives Month by exhibiting rarely-seen historic treasures from their collections at four host locations in the downtown area (the California State Library, California State Archives, Center for Sacramento History and Sacramento Room at the Central Library).

Participants will pick up an Archives Crawl passport at their first location and then "crawl" among the others throughout the afternoon. At each location, visitors will be invited to view archival collections on display and take behind-the-scenes tours. Representatives from other archives and special collections libraries will also be on hand to discuss their archival collections - historic photographs, rare books, historic artifacts - and answer questions about how to connect with local history resources. Those who have their passports stamped by at least three of the host locations will receive a set of four limited-edition collectible coasters with images from Sacramento's former Buffalo Brewing Company.

What: Explore History: Sacramento Archives Crawl
When: October 1, 2011, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: California State Archives (1020 'O' Street), California State Library (900 'N' Street), Center for Sacramento History (551 Sequoia Pacific Blvd.) and Sacramento Room, Central Library (828 'I' Street)
Cost: Free
For more info: sacarchivescrawl.blogspot.com

Are you interested in old cars -- really old cars, built prior to 1943?

Then check out this Sunday's 24th Annual Galt Old Car Festival. Hosted by the Galt Area Historical Society, the event not only features classic autos but also trucks and motorcycles.

Besides the vehicle show, there will be food, live entertainment, a general store (selling jams and jellies) and a reenactment of 1920-30s living by the Sacramento Art Deco Society.

What: Galt Old Car Festival
Where: McFarland Living History Ranch, Galt
When: Sept. 25, 11 to 3 p.m.
For more info: 209-745-0951 or www.galthistory.com

PHOTO CREDIT: Galt Old Car Festival. Courtesy Galt Area Historical Society

The alpine town of Truckee, a two-hour drive from Sacramento, continues to impress visitors with its restaurants, shops, art galleries, winetasting events and more. The latest:

It's the right season for a stroll in the woods, beginning with the annual guided Donner Party hikes (seven of them) and one walk, Oct. 8-9. The inaugural Summit Canyon hike, Oct. 8, is through terrain just recently opened to the public. Thirty hikers will be led along the Dutch Flat Donner Lake Wagon Road, one of the oldest of the emigrant trails.

Register for guided hikes and the walk at www.truckee.com or call (530) 587-8808. Space is limited. Early registration is $45 ($50 after Sept. 27), and includes a commemorative water bottle, barbecue lunch and an informative presentation. The Oct. 9 walking tour is $15, including admission to the Emigrant Trail Museum. A two-day packages is $60 ($65 after Sept. 27).

Strolls of a spookier kind are planned for Oct. 20-21 on the two-hour Historical Haunted Walking Tour.

You'll hear tales of unsolved mysteries, hauntings and manifestations, and learn about the colorful characters who made the bars and boarding houses of 1800s Truckee very edgy places. Get into the spirit by competing in the costume contest, featuring the attire of the era (1880 to 1920). Buy tickets ($30) at www.truckeehistorytour.org.

-- Allen Pierleoni

This Thursday's celebration at the State Capitol honors elders who work to preserve Indian culture, language, stories and traditions. The event combines the annual Native American Day with the California State Indian Museum's Honored Elders Day for 2011.

Visitors will be treated to cultural demonstrations, guest speakers, the Tule River Color Guard, traditional games, music, dancing, artisans, and information booths. There will also be an update on the new California Indian Heritage Center project

What: 44th Native American Day Celebrating Honored Elders
Where: State Capitol, south steps (near 11th & N Streets).
When: Sept. 22, 10 to 2 p.m.
Cost: free
For more info: 916-324-0971 or www.parks.ca.gov/indianmuseum

News release

PHOTO CREDIT: A celebration honoring Bertha Norton on her 101st birthday at the California State Indian Museum. She was born in Wheatland, CA and is of Maidu and Wintun decent. 2000 Sacramento Bee photograph by Jose M. Osorio.

This month's California State Library "Food For Thought" event will feature Fulbright Scholar, art historian, and author Erika Esau. She will be presenting her newly published book Images of the Pacific Rim: Australia and California 1850-1935 (Power Publications, University of Sydney). Australia and California have shared aesthetic ideas through imported popular imagery for nearly two hundred years. Images of the Pacific Rim tells the fascinating story of aesthetic exchange between two "cultures on the periphery." Through photography, graphic art, architecture, and the ubiquitous eucalyptus, this book reveals the source elements of what became a 'Pacific Rim' aesthetic.

Erika Esau is a native Californian who spent more than a decade teaching art history at the Australian National University, Canberra. Her writings on Australian art and culture include the Blue Guide Australia (with George Boeck) and E.O. Hoppé's Australia (with Graham Howe). She was a Fellow at the Huntington Library, and currently works as librarian at the Rifkind Center for German Expressionist Studies at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Images of the Pacific Rim will be available for purchase and signature for $50.00 including tax.

"Food for Thought" will take place this Wednesday, September 21, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. in the California History Room at the California State Library, 900 N Street, Sacramento. Light refreshments will be served, and the program will begin at 6 p.m.. Please RSVP to Rebecca Ann Fontaine at rfontaine@library.ca.gov or at 916-215-9280.

On September 24, Slow Food Sacramento and the Friend's of Sutter's Fort will team up for the second annual "A Taste of History" event at Sutter's Fort State Historic Park.  Attendees will be treated to a four-course sit-down dinner of historic dishes recreated by some of Sacramento's top chefs in the Sutter's Fort kitchen, bakery and courtyard. In addition to a tasty meal made with locally-grown ingredients, the event will include music, hors d'oeuvres, wine and beer pairings, a silent auction and more.  Proceeds raised at the event will go to support the many educational programs offered throughout the year at Sutter's Fort. 

What: A Taste of History dinner
Where: Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, 2701 "L" Street
When: Sept. 24, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Cost: $75 - $85; Tickets can be purchased at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/186674
More info: (916) 323-7626, www.suttersfort.org

The Sacramento Fall Antiquarian Book Fair will take place at the Scottish Rite Temple, 6151 H Street, this Saturday from 10AM to 5PM. Books, ephemera, and photographs on all subjects will be available, but at this event many of the dealers showcase their Western Americana materials, particularly those dealing with Sacramento and the Mother Lode.

Admission to the Book Fair is $5.00, but coupons entitling one to free admission are available in the California History Room at the State Library, and at other facilities around town. Further information is available at bookbomb@att.net, sacbookfair.com, or by calling 916-849-9248.

Get a jump on Christmas shopping at this Saturday's antique and craft show sponsored by the Elk Grove Historical Society.

About 30 vendors are expected to display their wares, including antiques, collectibles, and handmade arts and crafts.

What: First Annual EGHS Antique and Craft Show
When: Sept. 17, 9 to 3 p.m.
Where: 8820 Elk Grove Blvd. (Cosumnes Communitiy Services District Parking Lot)
Cost: Free
For more info: contact Brookelea Lutton, 685-3368, blutton2@surewest.net

Show flyer

Before gold was discovered, John Sutter was building an agricultural empire with many cows, sheep, horses, mules and a huge wheat harvest on his land holdings. The invasion of prospectors ended that dream. But in the long run, Sutter's vision prevailed.

At the next Sutter's Fort "Hands on History" program visitors will engage in corn shucking contests, threshing, winnowing and grinding wheat and watch goat milking, spinning and weaving wool, lassoing and property branding.

What: Hands on History -- Harvest Time: The Real Gold in California
Where: Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, 2701 L Street, Midtown, Sacramento
When: Sept. 17. Fort hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cannon firing demonstrations: 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
Cost: Special event pricing -- $6.00 per adult (18 and older), $4.00 per youth (ages 6-17), free for children 5 years and under
For more info: Call 916-445-4422 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/suttersfort

News release

PHOTO CREDIT: Shelling peas at Sutter's Fort. Courtesy of Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks

This Saturday amateur photographers of all skill levels have a unique opportunity to shoot pictures inside the California State Railroad Museum before the facility opens. 

It's part of a two-part program that includes an optional existing light seminar on Friday that's led by former Bee photographer and Canon USA consultant Dave Henry.

Space is limited and advance registration is required.

What: Trains & Tripods Photo Opportunity & Lighting Seminar
Where: California State Railroad Museum, corner of 2nd and I Sts. in Old Sacramento
When: Sept. 16 & 17. Friday - 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Photography Seminar). Saturday - 7 to 9:30 a.m. (Shooting Workshop)
Cost: $35.00 per person Friday night seminar, $35.00 per person shooting workshop or $60.00 per person for both.
For more info: www.csrmf.org or call 916-445-7373

News release

PHOTO CREDIT: California State Railroad Museum. 2003 Los Angeles Times photograph by Myung J. Chun

Nevada City Annual Constitution Day Parade will culminate a weekend of festivities, taking place September 10th and 11th, celebrating our nation's most important document. Among the scheduled events are Civil War battle reenactments, the Gold Country Duck Race, and a free outdoor big band concert. The parade itself, which begins Sunday at 2 p.m., will feature marching bands, floats, antique autos, equestrians, the Ophir Prison Marching Kazoo Band, and the Famous Marching Presidents of Nevada City. This last named group will showcase each United States President marching arm in arm with his First Lady, accompanied by Secret Service agents and volunteers.

  For further information on this weekend's schedule of events in Nevada City, click: http://www.nevadacitychamber.com/blog/nevada-city-events/constitution-day-parade

The California Capital Airshow is a huge two-day program packed with aerial demonstrations and ground exhibits that showcase an array of military and civilian aircraft. Two events will certainly interest the aviation history buff.

The Air Force Heritage Flight honors American airman and aircraft of the past with performances featuring vintage warbirds from WWII, Korea and Vietnam eras in formation with contemporary fighter/attack planes. The Heritage Flights began in 1997 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force. This year's Sacramento show will pair a P-51 Mustang with a F-15E Strike Eagle.

Tora! Tora! Tora! is a large-scale reenactment of the 1941 Japanese air strike on Pearl Harbor. Produced by a volunteer team of ground crew, maintenance, pilot and pyrotechnic experts, the show features replicas of Japanese bomber and fighter planes simulating the attack. Smoke, fire and explosions make the experience all the more real. A professional announcer explains the action and the history behind the performance.

What: California Capital Airshow
Where: Mather Airport, 3745 Whitehead St., Mather, Calif.
When: Sept. 10-11, 9 to 5 p.m.
Cost: General admission, adults 13+ $15, children 6-12 $10, children under 5 free. Parking $10.
For more info: (916) 876-7568 or web site

PHOTO CREDITS: P-51, courtesy Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation. Pearl Harbor attack reenactment, courtesy Commemorative Air Force.

There's an abundance of vintage homes and other sites in Woodland. And this Saturday the town will show off its historic heritage during its 23rd annual Stroll through History.

Visitors will have the opportunity to examine the Victorians and other houses during several guided open house, bus, bicycle and walking tours. Maps will be available for self-guided tours in the historic downtown district.

This years events include celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Woodland Train Depot (under restoration). The Depot will be open for free tours during Stroll Day.

Rounding out the festival will be entertainment, a vendor fair and food offerings on Main Street.

What: Woodland Stroll Through History
Where: Tour tickets and information at Heritage Plaza, 2nd and Main Sts. in front of the Opera House
When: Sept. 10, 8:30 to 4 p.m.
Cost: Bus tour $15. Open homes tour $25. Guided walking and bike tours are free.
For more info: Event contacts or web site

News release

The California State Capitol Museum and California State Capitol Museum Volunteer Association invite Californians to celebrate the state's 161st birthday on Friday, September 9, 2011, at the north entrance steps of the State Capitol.  Festivities will include music by the Sacramento Banjo Band, cake and ice cream served by members of the Capitol Museum Volunteer Association, and a presentation of the colors by the Armed Forces Color/Honor Guard.

What: California's Admission Day celebration
Where: North entrance steps (L Street) at State Capitol (10th and L Streets)
When: September 9, 2011, 11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: 916-324-0333

IMAGE CREDIT: Stained glass representation of The Great Seal of the State of California (1907) in the ceiling of the hallway leading from the Capitol rotunda. Courtesy California State Capitol Museum.

Gold Rush Days, Sacramento's annual heritage celebration, is fast approaching. Despite its name, the weekend festival also includes some terrific evening activities.

The Gold Rush Days Preview on Friday is a fund-raising reception at the CP Station that will feature appetizers and refreshments from nearby restaurants, period entertainment and the debut of a new video about Old Sac narrated by Timothy Busfield.

Also Friday evening there will be a beer crawl through many of Old Sac's popular bars, discounted food at the Ten22 restaurant and live music at the Save Mart BBQ Patio & Farmers' Market (the latter continuing Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights).

The Silent Movie Festival summer series concludes at the Eagle Theatre Saturday night (7 p.m.). Besides the films, guests will be treated to a sing-along and live music, skits and comedy performed by period entertainers.

Gold Rush Days is co-produced by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation, the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of Sacramento and California State Parks with cooperation from the Old Sacramento Business Association.

What: Gold Rush Days Preview Reception
Where: Central Pacific Railroad Passenger Station, Old Sacramento State Historic Park, 930 Front Street
When: Sept. 2, 5-7:30 p.m.
Cost: $18.49 per person. Tickets can be purchased online, in person at the Sacramento History Museum, or over the phone at 916-808-7108.
For more info: 916-808-7059 or Gold Rush Days website

News Release

PHOTO CREDIT: Galena Street East's Performing Ambassadors will perform traditional song and dance arrangements at Old Sacramento's Old Eagle Theater at the upcoming Gold Rush Days celebration. 2005 photograph by Chris Chavez for Galena Street East Productions

In celebration of 100 years of naval aviation, the Sacramento Coast Guard Air Station will open its gates to the public for a day.

There will be a search and rescue demonstration and visitors will be able to examine two warplanes on display, a F-14 Tomcat and an A-4 Skyhawk. In addition, the rifle team from the Burbank High School JROTC program will perform a precision exhibition drill.

The Aerospace Museum next door is offering discounted admission for this special day.

What: U.S. Coast Guard Open House
Where: U.S. Coast Guard Air Station, 6037 Price Ave. Aerospace Museum of California, 3200 Freedom Park Dr.
When: Aug. 27, 10 to 3 p.m.
The Open House begins at 10:00 a.m. and will include the following:
1:45 p.m. Search and Rescue Demonstration begins
2:30 p.m. Search and Rescue Demonstration ends
3:00 - 3:30 p.m. Gates close
Aerospace Museum open 9 to 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Open House is free. Admission to the Aerospace Museum will be $5.00 for everyone ages six and up; children under five are free; and active duty military with ID.
For more info: Air Station Sacramento or Aerospace Museum of California

News release

PHOTO CREDIT: Lt. Ed Newman, left, and Lt. Commander Joe Pesci walk to a C-130 Hercules waiting for them on the tarmac at McClellan AFB, site of the USCG Sacramento Air Station. 1998 Sacramento Bee photograph by Randy Pench

The Pony Express delivered mail from Missouri to California for just a brief time in the early 1860s. But the romance of those intrepid riders racing across the country lives on in the annual reenactment by the National Pony Express Association.

This year over 600 NPEA members are participating in the 10-day relay that follows segments of the 1,966-mile route between St. Joseph and Sacramento.

The 2011 "re-ride" was delayed until August due to an outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus in May. The first rider left St. Joseph on Aug. 17, and the last rider is expected to gallop into Pony Express Plaza in Old Sacramento on Aug. 27 around 10 a.m. (give or take a few hours). There won't be as elaborate a reception in Old Sac as in years past, but it will be exciting nonetheless.

You can follow the progress of the ride with this updating Google map. There's also a detailed schedule of arrivals and departures along the route. And here's the NPEA news release describing the 2011 festivities.

PHOTO CREDIT: Brian Jensen, the last rider of the Pony Express National Historic Trail, pats his horse, Stormy, after his arrival in Old Sacramento. 2001 Sacramento Bee photograph by Sarah Orr

Chinese dance, music, food and history are in the spotlight next Sunday at the annual Sacramento Chinatown Mall Fair.

The event kicks off with a traditional lion dance, followed by performances demonstrations of singing, dancing, instrumentals, marital arts and calligraphy. Vendors will be on hand selling unique food, crafts, books and clothing.

Historical exhibits will explore the contributions of Sun Yat-sen, the Flying Tigers of World War II, Chinese immigration to California and restaurants as a window into Chinese-American culture.

Bring the kids. They can enjoy hands on crafts, face painting, shows and games. 

What: Chinatown Mall Fair
Where: Sacramento Chinatown Mall, between 3rd, 5th, I and J Sts. (across from Downtown Plaza)
When: Aug. 28, 11 to 4 p.m.
Cost: free
For more info: website or Facebook page

Event flyer

PHOTO CREDIT: Girls in princess costumes performing Mongolian dance "The Red Princess".  Courtesy of Xiaoting Su from the Red Shoes Performing Arts Group.

In its next "Hands on History" program, Sutter's Fort docents will explain the far-reaching impact the discovery of gold in 1848 had on California and the nation as a whole.

Visitors can try their luck at panning for gold, listen to speeches, argue in mock debates, bowl in a pioneer bowling alley, hear miner's stories, and experience the gold rush economy with its inflated prices and limited supplies.

What: Hands on History: Gold Fever!
Where: Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, 2701 L Street, Midtown, Sacramento
When: Aug. 20. Fort hours: 10 to 5 p.m. Cannon firing demonstrations: 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
Cost: Special event pricing: $6.00 per adult (18 and older), $4.00 per youth (ages 6-17), free for children 5 and under.
For More: Call 916-445-4422 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/suttersfort

News release

PHOTO CREDIT: Sutter's Fort Militia. Courtesy Sutter's Fort State Historic Park

The weekend of August 13 and 14 the Tahoe Heritage Foundation will hold its annual Great Gatsby Festival at the Tallac Historic Site near the southern shore of Lake Tahoe.  Held the second weekend in August each year, the festival celebrates the Roaring 20s and features vintage car shows, performers, a raffle and sales of period items.  Activities take place at the Pope and Baldwin Estates and the event is staffed by volunteers, many dressed in period attire.  A Gatsby Tea will be held on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m., and in addition to tea and treats from the era, attendees will enjoy a vintage fashion show.

What: Great Gatsby Festival
Where: Tallac Historic Site (approximately 3 miles north of South Lake Tahoe on the lake side of Highway 89.  The entrance is across the street from Fallen Leaf Lake Road)
When: August 13-14, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Cost: Free for Festival; $35 for Gatsby Tea
For more information: www.tahoeheritage.org or (530) 544-7383

Kids of all ages will get the chance to sit behind the controls of several vintage aircraft at the Aerospace Museum during its Open Cockpit Evening this Friday.

Guests will also have the opportunity to examine close-up the many airplanes on display, including the U.S. Navy Blue Angels' fighter, the A-10 Thunderbolt and the F-14 Tomcat of "Top Gun" fame.

What: Open Cockpit Evening
Where: Aerospace Museum of California, 3200 Freedom Park Drive, McClellan.
When: Aug. 5, 4 - 8 p.m.
Cost: $5 general admission. Free for children five and under.
For more info: (916) 643-3192 or http://www.aerospaceca.org.

Event flyer

PHOTO CREDIT: A restored Grumman HU-16B Albatross rescue airplane on display at the Aerospace Museum of California. 2008 Sacramento Bee photograph by Autumn Cruz

In honor of Yolo's first community celebration and the 100th anniversary of the county library system, the Yolo Public Library will offer a special program this Saturday.

Adults can get a library card and tour the two-room Carnegie building (listed in the National Historic Register). Children can enjoy games, a petting zoo and other events. The Yolo County Archivist will be on hand to discuss local history and to explain the resources at the County Archives.

What: Yolo County Library celebrates its 100th anniversary year
Where: Yolo Branch Library, 37750 Sacramento St., Yolo
When: Aug. 6, 10-12 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: (530) 662-236

News release

PHOTO CREDIT: Librarian Nora Gortze (r) checks in books for Becky Hallett at the Yolo County branch library in Yolo. 2009 Sacramento Bee photograph by Paul Kitagaki Jr.

Eighteen Placer County museums from Roseville to Tahoe City will strut their stuff during this weekend's 2011 Heritage Trail tour.

The museums are grouped in three "clusters," each close to Interstate 80: Five Valley Museums in South Placer; six Auburn Museums; and seven Mountain Museums in the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe.

Admission will be free at all museums and each will offer special activities that will appeal to visitors of all ages. Many will offer food and beverages.

See the Heritage Trail blog for the latest information on bus tours, raffles, food, souvenirs and activities.

What: The Heritage Trail: Placer County Museums Tour
Where: You can start at any of the 18 participating museums.
When: Aug. 6 & 7, 10 to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free admission at all museums. Bus tours, $10.
For more info: Heritage Trail Blog and Trail Guide Brochure. Call (530) 889-6500 to reserve a seat on the bus tours.

PHOTO CREDIT: Roseville Telephone Museum, one of 18 Placer County museums featured in the 2011 Heritage Trail. 2007 Sacramento Bee photograph by Michael A. Jones

Calling all classic car fans. It's time for the California Automobile Museum's Third Annual Car Cruise. Come see a caravan of hundreds of great cars from all eras and manufacturers. The cruise ends with a big car show and awards ceremony. Plus a beer garden, live music and vendors.

Watch video of the 2010 Car Cruise.

What: Third Annual California Automobile Museum Car Cruise
Where: Starting at 3000 J St. (CSUS Lot 1) and ending at Fulton between Camino and Marconi for the car show. See route map.
When: Aug. 6. Cruise starts at 4 p.m. Awards ceremony at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $49 for participants. Free for spectators.
For more info: Cruise brochure, Participant Registration Form and CAM web site.

PHOTO CREDIT: Vintage cars cruise through Sacramento streets during the 2nd Annual CAM Car Cruise. 2010 Sacramento Bee photo by Jose Luis Villegas

Gold Rush Days is Old Sacramento's annual Labor Day weekend extravaganza celebrating the city's historic past. It's a huge event requiring the participation of more than 200 volunteers and artisans.

Volunteers help with the information booth, hospitality tent, first aid station, security booth, children's activity areas and other tasks.

Organizers also seek artisans for a new area called "Artisan Alley" where candle dippers, soap makers, gold panning experts, dyed wool makers, basket weavers, leather tanners, silver smiths, barrel makers or other period craftspeople can demonstrate skills and sell wares.

To become a Gold Rush Days artisan or a volunteer, please submit an application by the deadline, Aug.1. Application forms are available for download at www.historicoldsac.org/goldrushdays.

What: Volunteer and Artisan Applications Accepted Now for Gold Rush Days 2011
Where: Old Sacramento
When: Application deadline: Aug. 1
Volunteer orientation: Aug. 19 - 20
Gold Rush Days: Sept. 2 (preview/education day) and Sept. 3 - 5 (main event)
Volunteer hours vary: event hours are 10 to 5 p.m. each day
Cost: free
For more info: 916-808-7059 or www.historicoldsac.org/goldrushdays

News Release

PHOTO CREDIT: Bob Firato, plays "Curly Bob" during a Wild West gun fight on the streets of Old Sacramento at the annual Gold Rush Days. 2010 Sacramento Bee photo by Manny Crisostomo

Speaking at this month's California State Library "Food For Thought" event will be John Boessenecker, author of Bandido: The Life and Times of Tiburcio Vasquez. Vasquez was born Jose Jesus Lopez in Monterey< in 1835, and changed his name to Tiburcio Vasquez after fleeing the scene of a fatal altercation in 1854. In subsequent years Vasquez turned to a life of banditry. Leading a gang, he was in and out of jail during a span of twenty years as he worked a large area of the southern half of California. Vasquez was hanged in San Jose on March 19, 1875, after being convicted of murder committed during a robbery in Tres Pinos. Was he a common thief and heartless killer, or a Mexican-American Robin Hood seeking social justice? Boessenecker will pull back the curtain on a story shrouded in myth--a myth created by Vasquez himself and abetted by writers who saw a tale ripe for embellishment. Historic artifacts associated with Vasquez' life and death, drawn from the Special Collections of the California State Library, will be on display.

"Food for Thought" will take place Wednesday, August 17, from 5:00 to 8:30 pm at the California State Library, 900 N Street, Sacramento. Doors open at 5:00 pm; the program begins at 6:00 pm. Metered street parking is free after 6:00 pm; 8th and O light rail access is nearby. Seating in this venue is limited, so attendees must RSVP to Rebecca Ann Fontaine at (916) 653-9942 or

Shown is a photo of Tiburcio Vasquez from the collection of the State Library's California History Section, a photo owned by Vasquez himself.

Railtown 1897, home of the "movie star" locomotives, is offering a special evening train ride honoring the great American writer Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain. The Sidewinder Express (No. 2 Shay) train will take passengers through the Gold Country, passing meadows and grassy hills studded with oak trees. Prior to the ride, fiddler Dave Rainwater will treat visitors to traditional music and Mark Twain himself (portrayed by Pat Kaunert) will tell stories about the author's train travels in the west.

What: Mark Twain Train Ride
Where: Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, Jamestown (Tuolumne County)
When: Saturday, July 23. Live music and Mark Twain impersonation starts at 4 p.m. Train departs at 5 p.m.
Cost: General: $24 adults, $12 youths ages 6-17, free for children 5 and under
For more info: 209-984-3953 or visit www.railtown1897.org

News release

PHOTO CREDIT: No. 2 Shay locomotive pulls into the station of the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown, CA. Paul Sullivan via Flickr.

The Sutter's Fort "Hands on History" series continues this Saturday with a program focus on gold mining and gambling circa 1850. Visitors can pan for gold to get a "stake" and local currency to play vintage games of chance such as Faro, three-card monte and chuck-a-luck. Kids can create their own hand-made crafts they can take home.

Incidentally, there's a new web site displaying many of the important artifacts associated with John Sutter and other early pioneers who emigrated to California. Stronghold of Pioneer Memories also explains the history of Sutter Fort's reconstruction and the development of the museum collection. You'll see pictures of rare pieces such as Sutter's opera glasses, an 1864 Hammond Bulldog .38 caliber pistol, and house boots and bible used by Donner Party survivor Patty Reed Lewis.

What: Hands on History: Mining the Miners
Where: Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, 2701 L Street, Midtown, Sacramento
When: July 16, 2011. Fort hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cannon firing demonstrations: 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $6 per adult (18 and older), $4 per youth (ages 6-17), free for children 5 years and under
For More: Call 916-445-4422 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/suttersfort

News release

PHOTO CREDIT: Patty Reed's doll on permanent display in the Sutter's Fort museum collection. Courtesy Sutter's Fort State Historic Park.

Recently, the Center for Sacramento History partnered with the Cooper-Woodson College Enhancement Program at CSUS to help create a new living history project. "Sweet Freedom's Plains: African Americans on the Overland Trails, 1841-1869" explores the stories of African Americans who were part of the great overland trail migration of the nineteenth century. The program will include a replica wagon like that built by Hyrum Young, an African American wagon maker in Independence, Missouri. Young built some of the wagons used by the ill-fated Donner Party.

The team of volunteers led by Joe Moore and Roy Korb are using an authentic overland wagon undercarriage from c. 1860. The undercarriage was restored by a South Dakota company, but Moore, Korb, and team, used the wood/fabrication shop at the Center for Sacramento History to create remaining parts of the wagon. The attached slideshow/video depicts the four-month project:

For more information about "Sweet Freedom's Plains: African Americans on the Overland Trials, 1841-1869", you may contact Project Director, Joe Louis Moore at (916) 278-5363.

A new family program aimed at helping kids explore California history in a fun, activity-driven setting launches today at The California Museum in Sacramento.

The learning series titled "Poppies, Butterflies & Bears! Oh My!" is held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday through July 28, according to a museum news release. The program is free with museum admission and for members.

The program, appropriate for children ages 3 to 12 years old, features crafts and scavenger hunts based on various themes, such as panning for gold, grizzly bears and deep sea fishing. For a complete list of themes and crafts, follow the link below.

The museum also is offering an admission special through July 31. Simply "Like" the California Museum on its Facebook page, where details on how to get the two tickets for $10 special are listed. Click here to go the museum's Facebook page.

The special is an effort to help kick off the museum's newest exhibit, "Riding Concrete: Skateboarding in California," the release states.

Here is a list of themes and activities for the new family program:

Today (July 5): Eureka! Pan for Gold - discover gold and trade nuggets for goods from the Museum's general store.

Thursday (July 7): Symbols of the Stone Age - kids will create their own Chipped Stone Bear.

July 12: Decked Out, CA Style - decorate a mini skateboard deck with state symbols. Inspired by the new exhibit "Riding Concrete: Skateboarding in California."

July 14: Deep Sea Fishing - meet the Garibaldi fish, the state's salt water fish, and decorate one to take home.

July 19: Wonderful, Whacky Weaving - children will learn about the Native art of basketry and weave with paper strips.

July 21: Historical Hats - discover the connection between history and fashion. Children also will design their own top hat or sunbonnet.

July 26: Back to the Bear - children will learn why the grizzly bear is on the state flag and design their own.

July 28: Minerva, Ships and Stars! Oh My! - learn about the state's many symbols. Children can create their own California seal.

The California Museum is located at 1020 O St., Sacramento. For more information about the museum, click here.

-- Niesha Lofing

The Best Show on Tracks, the annual festival of vintage farming, will focus on harvesting this year. Visitors will see demonstrations of antique steam, gas, and diesel tractors, as well as raft horse and mule teams, doing the work of binding, plowing and threshing.

There will also be an old-style horse camp, children's activities, parades and earthmoving demonstrations using classic equipment.

Dry camping is available.

What: The Best Show: Harvest Spectacular 2011
Where: Wallace Ranch, Best Ranch Rd. and County Rd. 100B, Woodland
When: July 1, 2 and 3
Cost: $5 per person per day. Children under 12 free.
For more info: Jess Gilbertson, 530-308-0469 or The Best Show website

Event flyer

PHOTO CREDIT: Ken Flower, of Rumsey, guides two horses in operating a bale press, which will be demonstrated at the 2008 Best Show on Tracks. Sacramento Bee photo by Florence Low

Earlier this month, the Sacramento Public Library launched its 2011 Summer Reading program, One World, Many Stories.  Through the program, the library challenges people of all ages to read books, explore library resources, and attend some of the more than 600 programs offered across 28 branches.  As we launch a new year, it's fitting time look back at the roots of children's reading in Sacramento.

In 1919, just one year after the construction of the new main library, the Sacramento Public Library joined others across the country in celebrating Children's Book Week.  In November of each year, the library installed displays, dispersed reading lists, and distributed posters, and dozens of local merchants planned Book Week window displays.

By the 1930s, library branches were hosting summer reading clubs for children.  The first mentioned by name was the Jig-Saw Zoo Reading Club, which claimed many readers in 1947 and continued for the next 20 years.  Other special summer reading clubs sprung up at the children's branches.  In 1953, the McClatchy Branch Library, then still a "Young People's Library," ran a Summer Space Flight reading club.  In 1967, children joined the Smokey the Bear Reading Program, and in 1969, they were challenged to "Read at Yard of Books." 

Over the intervening decades, the Sacramento Public Library has continued its tradition of offering engaging summer programs that encourage reading outside of the classroom.

For more information about the 2011 Summer Reading program, visit www.saclibrary.org or call (916) 264-2920.

PHOTO CREDIT: Top: Children sit for summertime Story Hour at the McClatchy Branch Library for Young People (by McCurry Foto Co., ca. 1945); Bottom: Boys stand with books and certificates outside the Fruitridge Branch Library (1968). From the Special Collections of the Sacramento Public Library.

The U.S. Postal Service is honoring Mark Twain with a new stamp that will debut in Old Sacramento. The public is invited to attend the stamp's dedication which will be accompanied by a Boy Scout Color Guard and a performance by an actor impersonating the writer.

The new postal stamp will be available for purchase at that time.

What: Mark Twain Postage Stamp Launch & Dedication
Where: Central Pacific Passenger Station, Old Sacramento State Historic Park (Front St. between I and J Sts.)
When: Saturday, June 25, 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: 916-808-7059 or www.historicoldsac.org or www.usps.com/shop

News Release

Before there was the News and Review, Midtown Monthly, or Sacramento Press, local readers flipped through pages of a neighborhood publication called Suttertown News. Founded by Tim Holt in 1977, the small paper, which ran until 1994, focused on issues of community, activism, politics, and the city's arts and cultural scene.

This Sunday, Holt makes a return to Sacramento as guest speaker for the Sacramento Living Library. He'll chat about his time in our community, the Suttertown publication, and his current life as a writer in Dunsmuir, California.

In addition to Holt's talk, guests can view a small exhibition of images from the Center for Sacramento History's Suttertown News Collection. The display will run through the night of Holt's talk and is currently on window display at Time Tested Books.

The Sacramento Living Library takes place on the third Sunday of every month at Time Tested Books. Doors open at 6:30 pm and talks begin at 7pm. Time Tested is located at 1114 21st Street, Sacramento. The event is free and all are invited.

PHOTO CREDIT: Suttertown News Staff, c. 1986, Center for Sacramento History, Suttertown News Collection, 1995/026/0362

Before California became a state in 1850, three national forces -- Mexican, American and independent -- struggled for control over the territory. Sutter Fort's "Hands on History" series continues with a program describing the tension and uncertainty of that period.

Visitors will witness cannon firings and musket demonstrations, listen to mock public debates and examine period weapons. Younger folks will get to re-create colorful period flags of their own.

What: Hands on History: Three Flags, One Fort
Where: Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, 2701 L Street, Sacramento
When: Saturday, June 18. Fort hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cannon firing demonstrations: 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $6.00 per adult (18 and older), $4.00 per youth (ages 6-17), free for children 5 years and under
For More: Call 916-445-4422 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/suttersfort

News release

PHOTO CREDIT: Cannon firing at Sutter's Fort. 2005 photograph by Steve Prey

If you're interested in donating your time to help with the preservation and restoration of local artifacts, memorials, historic buildings, landmarks and other educational projects, consider joining a new California Questers chapter now forming in the in the Sacramento area. Questers is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1944 and headquartered in Philadelphia with 800 chapters around the United States, 35 in California. Questers work on defined projects, often with local historical societies' preservation and restoration efforts including lighthouses, historic homes, monuments, and artifacts in museums and missions. This year the Governor's Mansion State Historic Park has been the benefactor of efforts of the California Questers, working with the Governor's Mansion State Historic Park staff to identify acquisition needs. This has led to a series of projects, each of which contributes to the restoration of this state historic park and Sacramento landmark.

If research and the study of antiques appeals to you, be sure to attend the first California Questers informational meeting at the Governor's Mansion State Historic Park, 1526 H Street in Sacramento, on Saturday, June 11, at 11 a.m. Come one, come all, and join a worthwhile and rewarding effort that supports the preservation and restoration of historical landmarks.

For further information contact 408-267-3879 or www.calquest.org.

If you're the type of person that enjoys wrenching on classic autos, then the California Automobile Museum (CAM) has an upcoming workshop for you! This Saturday, June 11, 2011, CAM is offering a six-hour course is muscle car maintenance.

According to the sacramento365.com event calendar, the class "teaches tune up for '60s and '70s era muscle cars...reviews include the cranking system, engine condition, ignition and advance, base timing, fuel system performance tests, and service tests."

The course is certain to offer plenty of helpful tips for souping up your vehicle, plus it's a great way to meet like-minded car buffs and to support your local history museum community.

The California Auto Museum is located at 2200 Front Street, Sacramento, 95818. The class takes place on Saturday, June 11, 2011 from 9am to 3pm. Tickets are $85 for non-members, $75 for members. For additional information call: (916) 442-6802 or visit the museum website at: http://calautomuseum.org/

If James Bond had lived during the Gold Rush, he'd approve of "Casino Royale on the River," a leisurely cruise on the Empress Hornblower complete with dinner, dancing and 1850s-style games of chance, including Three Card Monte, Shut the Box, Faro and more.

The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation is hosting the event and all proceeds go to support its educational and interpretive programs

What: Casino Royale on the River: Where Old Sacramento Meets Monte Carlo!
Where: Aboard the Empress Hornblower, located at Old Sacramento waterfront
When: Friday evening, June 10
Time: 6-9 p.m. Empress sails promptly at 7:15 p.m.
Cost: $75 for adults; $125 for VIP tickets that include a pre-event reception at the Sacramento History Museum
For More: 916-808-7059 or www.historicoldsac.org

News Release

UPDATE: This event has been cancelled due to expected unseasonably bad weather.

For 35 years Sutter's Fort has provided fourth graders with a direct experience of pioneer life through its Environmental Living Program. Students spend 24 hours impersonating people of 1840's California and doing their typical work and play activities, such as cooking, blacksmithing, spinning, candle dipping, covered wagon packing, square dancing and craft making.

To celebrate the program, the Fort is inviting alumni and the public to a special evening event that includes a cannon fire, pioneer dinner, Gold Rush-era live entertainment, pioneer dancing, hands-on craft activities and docent storytelling.

What: Twilight: Return to the Fort
Where: Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, 2701 L St., Sacramento
When: June 4
6 p.m. -- Gates open
6:15 p.m. -- Cannon fire welcome
6:30 p.m. -- Pioneer dinner
7:30 p.m. -- Music, dancing, crafts and storytelling
Cost: $35 for adults; $20 for children (under 17)
For more info: 916-445-4422 or www.suttersfort.org

News release

PHOTO CREDIT: David Lubin Elementary School students ride in covered wagons from their school in East Sacramento enroute to Sutter's Fort to begin during the Environmental Living Program. 2002. Sacramento bee photograph by Andy Alfaro

UPDATE: This event has been cancelled due to expected unseasonably bad weather.

The California State Indian Museum will again honor the Elders who keep the native traditions, stories, languages, and culture alive for future generations. The event features California Native vendors, community service groups, Indian dancers and guest speakers. Food will be available for purchase for guests and other attendees.

What: 34th Annual Honored Elders Day
Where: California State Indian Museum, 2618 K Street, Sacramento
When: June 4, 10:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more information: (916) 324-0971 or www.parks.ca.gov/indianmuseum

Event poster
Photos from the 2010 Honored Elders Day

PHOTO CREDIT: Bertha Norton gives her great great grandson Joshua Ramirez a pinch and a kiss at the California State Indian Museum during the "Gathering of Honored Elders" in 2000. Sacramento Bee photo by Bryan Patrick

The California State Railroad Museum will contribute to the musical fun at the 38th Sacramento Jazz Festival this Memorial Day holiday. Jazz performers are scheduled to play inside the museum and on excursion trains all weekend. There will also be music sets at nearby venues. Museum admission is free for those carrying Festival badges.

What: Jazz-Related Activities at the California State Railroad Museum
Where: California State Railroad Museum, Old Sacramento State Historic Park. Excursion trains depart from the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot (on Front Street between J and K Streets).
When: Friday, May 27 to Monday, May 30 - special activities inside the Museum
Saturday, May 28 to Monday, May 30 - excursion trains running
Time: Museum open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Excursion trains depart hourly from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Saturday thru Monday)
Cost: Museum admission -- $9 adults, $4 youths ages 6-17, free for children ages 5 and under. Excursion train rides -- $10 adults; $5 youths ages 6-17; free for children ages 5 and under ($15 for first class tickets aboard the El Dorado)
For more info: 916-445-6645 or www.csrmf.org

News Release

PHOTO CREDITS: Courtesy California State Railroad Museum

What: Civil War Experience
When: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Gibson Ranch Regional Park, 8556 Gibson Ranch Road, Elverta
How to get there: From Sacramento, take Interstate 5 north toward Woodland. Merge onto highway 99 toward Yuba City/ Marysville. Turn right onto West Elverta Road, then onto Gibson Ranch Road.
Cost: $7 for those 11 and older (parking included)
Information: http://gibson-ranch.com
The organizers say: Lois Meidinger looked toward the rolling hills at Gibson Ranch and marveled at the flickering lamp inside a tent in a camp of "Confederate combatants."

On another day, battle-ready horses galloped through the ranch. Then poor citizens followed other soldiers, offering to do their laundry for money.

No detail is overlooked at the annual Civil War Experience. Hundreds of war buffs dressed in full garb - many of them with encyclopedic knowledge of the time - will convene at Gibson Ranch this weekend for three days of interactive history.

"We have to look back and be reminded of what we can't remember," said Meidinger, founder of the Civil War event at Gibson Ranch.

The event begins Friday for area schoolchildren, then opens to the public over the weekend with music, camp demonstrations, lessons on medical treatments of the time and seminars on guns and canons.

Meidinger said the ranch is ideal for the re-enactments because it reminds her of mid-Southern parts of the United States. The setting is a 150-acre ranch with horses and cattle and about 70 acres of rolling hills. The area also has a 9-acre lake and a creek. Native oaks are abundant as well. Participants can lounge on the grassy hills of the ranch during battles.

About 500 men and women and 40 horses will be part of the show. They stay in character - even when the battles are not ongoing - and answer visitors' questions.

"They don't leave out any detail," Meidinger said. "They are well schooled on the aspects of the war. It's all about entertainment and education."

-- Gamaliel Ortiz

Established by emigrants from Missouri, Fiddletown arose during the Gold Rush as a mining camp that evolved into a trading center for nearby miners and farmers. The town also attracted many Chinese merchants and miners who created a sizable community there. In its heyday, Fiddletown was home to 2,000 people.

Today the Fiddletown Preservation Society works hard to preserve its Gold Rush heritage with restored buildings including a school, saloon, and Chinese herb shop, general store and gambling hall. The Society also sponsors Living History Day, an opportunity for visitors to take a docent-led tour of the historic sites, listen to jazz and folk music, hear lectures on the Chinese experience, and learn how placer mining was done in a nearby creek.

What: Fiddletown Living History Day
Where: About 45 miles southeast of Sacramento off Hwy 49. See map.
When: May 21, begins 11:00 a.m.
More information: (209) 245-6042 or info@fiddletown.info

News release
Flyer

PHOTO CREDIT: Elaine Zorbas, Vice-President of the Fiddletown Preservation Society, stands in a Chinese General Store in Fiddletown. 2009 Sacramento Bee photo by Lezlie Sterling.

Sacramentans got a taste of amphibian fun at the recent 37th annual Capitol Jumping Frog Contest, won by "Unicorn" the GOP entrant.

But the main event happens this week: the Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee. This four-day extravaganza is a full-blown agricultural fair featuring craft, food and livestock exhibits, entertainment, rodeo, carnival and, of course, frog jumping.

The practice of prodding frogs for sport goes back decades and is inspired by "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," a 1865 short story that brought much fame and national attention to Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain. Clemens visited Angels Camp during his sojourn in California and Nevada described in the semi-autobiographical Roughing It.

Incidentally, in Chapter 56 of Roughing It Clemens rhapsodizes about the varying landscape, flora and climate as he travels from Lake Tahoe and San Francisco. Though he finds Sacramento's "Eternal Summer" a bit of a bore:

One never sees Summer-clothing or mosquitoes in San Francisco--but they can be found in Sacramento. Not always and unvaryingly, but about one hundred and forty-three months out of twelve years, perhaps. Flowers bloom there, always, the reader can easily believe--people suffer and sweat, and swear, morning, noon and night, and wear out their stanchest energies fanning themselves.

Clemens also spent time camping near Lake Tahoe (Chapter 22 and 23 of Roughing It). His description of that pristine setting:

We plodded on, two or three hours longer, and at last the Lake burst upon us--a noble sheet of blue water lifted six thousand three hundred feet above the level of the sea, and walled in by a rim of snow-clad mountain peaks that towered aloft full three thousand feet higher still! It was a vast oval, and one would have to use up eighty or a hundred good miles in traveling around it. As it lay there with the shadows of the mountains brilliantly photographed upon its still surface I thought it must surely be the fairest picture the whole earth affords.

The exact location of Clemens' lakeside camp is a matter of some controversy because of an effort to rename a section of the shoreline "Sam Clemens Cove." The Bee's Tom Knudson reported on Friday that a federal panel has rejected the idea.

What: Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee, "Pirates of the Carrots & Beans"
Where: 101 Frogtown Road, Angels Camps, CA
When: May 19-22
Cost: Buy discounted online e-tickets here
For more info: 209-736-2561 or www.frogtown.org

PHOTO CREDITS: Tim Marshall of San Jose urges his frog Heads Up to jump 17 feet, 3-3/4 inches at the Calaveras County Fair. 1982 Sacramento Bee photograph. Samuel Clemens in 1884. Courtesy The Mark Twain House, Hartford, Conn.

May 15 is the next Hands on History day at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Docents in period clothing will be on hand to demonstrate blacksmithing, gold panning, cooking with dutch ovens over an open fire and rope making. There will also be music and singing, children's games, tours of historic homes and talks about the Sutter sawmill and mining techniques.

The mission of the park is to preserve the site where the 1848 discovery of gold prompted the migration of thousands into California. At the nearby museum you can see artifacts from the Gold Rush, watch a film about Coloma and the 49ers, see a basket weaving demonstration and browse the hand-crafted gold jewelry, clothing, hats and books in the Mercantile store.

What: Hands on History
Where: Marshal Gold Discovery State Historic Park, Coloma (map)
When: Second Saturday of the month, 10-2 p.m.
For more information: call 530-295-2163 or www.marshallgold.org

Park brochure

PHOTO CREDIT: Jack Veal of Cool, sits in the tent encampment during the annual 49er Family Day at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. 2004 Sacramento Bee photo by Brian Baer.

Sutter's Fort State Historical Park continues its Hands on History demonstration series with "Spring Has Sprung! Fun on the Frontier." This one will appeal to the kid in all of us, when the Fort's docents present the games and contests played by pioneers to lift morale during difficult times. Visitors will get to experience such activities as barrel hoop races, the game of Graces, tug-o'-war, jump rope, even marbles and parlor games. Vintage games and toys will also be on sale in the trade store.

What: Hands on History: Spring Has Sprung! Fun on the Frontier
Where: Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, 2701 L Street, Sacramento
When: Saturday, May 14
Time: Fort hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cannon firing demonstrations: 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $6.00 per adult (18 and older), $4.00 per youth (ages 6-17), free for children 5 years and under
For more information: call 916-445-4422 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/suttersfort

News release

PHOTO CREDIT: Children playing "pioneer" games at Sutter's Fort. Photo courtesy of Sutter's Fort State Historic Park.

This month's Food for Thought program at the California State Library will include refreshments and presentations on Scottish bagpipes, Highland dancing, and early edged weaponry by performers and experts from the Caledonian Club of Sacramento. Featured in this program will be bagpipe teacher and player Chuck Jamison (a big hit at last December's Food for Thought), dancers from the McKinney School of Scottish Highland Dance, and early weapons expert Dennis Elwell. Those in attendance are encouraged to ask questions and engage these experts and performers in lively discussion.

This upcoming Food for Thought program will take place on Wednesday, May 18 from 5:00 to 8:30 pm at the California State Library at 900 N Street in Sacramento. Doors open at 5 and the program begins at 6. Metered street parking is free after 6:00 pm, and the 8th & O light rail station is close by. Seating is limited, so please RSVP to Rebecca Ann Fontaine at 916-653-9942 or at rfontaine@library.ca.gov if you plan to attend.

Local history buffs will be interested in two upcoming events at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. On May 6 and 7 this facility will host the Old West Antique Show, which will feature a wide variety of items available from numerous dealers. This event will take place on Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and on Sunday from 9am to 4pm. For additional information call 530-272-3243. On Saturday, May 14, don't miss the 11th Annual Gold Rush Book Fair, which will offer a variety of collectible books from a wide range of sellers. The featured bookseller this year will be Rob Rulon-Miller of St. Paul, Minnesota. For addition information call 530-478-9441. Both of these events will feature items of local historical interest.

At this past weekend's state competition in San Jose, a Folsom student earned a place at the National History Day contest to be held at the University of Maryland next month. Three other Sacramento County students were runners up.

National History Day is a chance for young scholars to show off their research, analytical and writing skills in one of six media: as a 2-dimensional display, paper, exhibit, performance, documentary or web site. Students ranging in age from 4th to 12th grade pick a topic related to the annual theme, which this year is "Debate & Diplomacy: Successes, Failures, Consequences."

California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, who visited the state competition on Saturday, observed: "National History Day is a fantastic program. I experienced deep learning and bright students with wonderful creativity. This is the way to learn history, by making it come to life. As a teacher and history major, I was delighted with the excited projects produced by these motivated students."

The road to Maryland started in March at the Sacramento County History Day event held at Rosemont High School. Those who qualified were eligible to compete at the state finals in San Jose. Kudos to all who participated. And a special congratulations to Sierra Wentz of Vista del Lago High School in Folsom whose entry on Hetch Hetchy won the senior paper category.

Elementary Group 2-Dimensional Display, Runner-Up
The Hetch-Hetchy Debate: Yosemite's Beauty At Risk
Leigh F. Robinson & Delaney G. Roybal, Sutterville Elementary School

Junior Individual Exhibit, Runner-Up
The Rages of Shays Rebellion
Rhian Harris, Sam Brannan Middle School

Senior Paper, Champion
Temples in the Heart of Man: The Debate over the Highest Use of Hetch Hetchy Valley and the Legislation Involved
Sierra Wentz, Vista del Lago High School

Local news release
State news release

PHOTO CREDIT: A full day of competition continues in the exhibit hall as judges speak with students about their display boards in San Jose, April 29, 2011. Courtesy National History Day California.

That California's government is seriously broken is apparent to observers on all points of the political spectrum. A much lauded new compilation Remaking California: Reclaiming the Public Good presents the analysis of leading writers and scholars who "probe the roots of this crisis, trace its effects on people's lives and the environment, and propose reforms to remedy problems and restore the state's democratic promise."

The book's editor and three contributors will be on hand for an upcoming panel discussion organized by the Center for Sacramento History and the Sacramento History Foundation. The event features Dr. Jeffrey Lustig, CSUS professor of government; Dan Walters, Bee political columnist; Lenny Goldberg, California Tax Reform Association Executive Director; and Osha Meserve, Sacramento attorney specializing in environmental concerns.

What: Remaking California, Breaking Political Gridlock
When: Wednesday, May 4, 201: doors open at 6:30 p.m.; lecture at 7:00 p.m.
Place: Jean Runyon Little Theater, Memorial Auditorium, 1515 J Street, Sacramento
Cost: $5.00 suggested donation at the door
For more information: call (916) 808-7072

Press Release

On Saturday, April 30, the California State Capitol Museum will host a living history program on the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire.  Museum volunteers and staff will don period costume and re-enact important moments that took place here in Sacramento in response to the devastation in San Francisco,

"Meet Governor George Pardee as he receives a telegram from President Theodore Roosevelt offering $1 million for disaster relief. Attorney General Ulysses S. Webb, Secretary of State Charles Curry, and Treasurer Truman Reeves will be on hand to help the refugees, some of whom camped out on the Capitol grounds and at Sutter's Fort. Meet the women of Sacramento who assisted the San Francisco families to obtain meal tickets, clothing, and blankets."

This is a free program; tours run every 15 minutes from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information call 916-324-0333 or visit www.capitolmuseum.ca.gov

News Release

PHOTO CREDIT: Portrait of California Governor George C. Pardee. George Grantham Bain Collection (Library of Congress).

On Sunday, April 17 at 7pm, Peter Keat of Time Tested Books and Tim Foster of Midtown Monthly will host another one of their successful Sacramento Living Library speaker's events. This time around, the discussion will include "well-known radio personalities Jeff Hughson, Bob Keller, Dennis Newhall, and Robert Williams for a look back at the Valley's much beloved rock station, 98.5, KZAP."

According to Foster, the series' official host and sometimes-moderator, the KZAP-related event offers community members the opportunity to "get a look at the behind-the-scenes history of the region's best-loved rock station. For an entire generation, KZAP was the sound of Sacramento. "

KZAP certainly left its mark on the city, as did the station's infamous grinning cat.

Seats for Remembering KZAP 1968-1992 are sure to fill up quickly and guests should plan an early arrival. Doors open at 6:30pm and the discussion kicks off at 7pm. Time Tested Books is located at 1114 21st Street, Sacramento. The event is free and all are invited.

 IMAGE CREDIT: Center for Sacramento History, Jeffrey Hughson Collection, 2009/014/XX 

April's Food for Thought event at the California State Library will feature a screening of the 2008 indie film Bottle Shock, which tells the story of how, in 1976, Napa Valley wines scored  a shocking victory over France's best varietals in a blind tasting with eight Parisian judges. The "Judgment of Paris," as it came to be known, vaulted California vintners and their wines to international prominence. Special guest Darrell Corti, of the legendary and beloved Corti Brothers store at 59th and Folsom, will join in a discussion after the film.

Food for Thought will take place on Wednesday, April 20 from 5:00 to 8:30 PM in the California History Room, Room 200, at the California State Library, 900 N Street, Sacramento. The doors open at 5 PM and the program begins one hour later with time for discussion afterwards. Metered street parking is free after 6 PM; 8th and O light rail access is close by. Seating in this venue is limited, so attendees must RSVP to Rebecca Ann Fontaine at 916-653-9942 or rfontaine@library.ca.gov.

Today is the 150th anniversary of the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, the opening salvo of the U.S. Civil War. Although California saw little military action during the conflict, the state played a significant part in the war by supplying volunteers and gold in the service of the Union. It also provided future historians with a goodly share of political and military intrigue.

There may be few battlefields in California, but as described in the San Francisco Chronicle, there are at least five sites in the state of interest to Civil War buffs.

Locally, interested people can connect with the Sacramento Civil War Round Table, a forum established in 1961 to share and discuss knowledge about this important period in U.S. history. The group meets monthly, the second Wednesday of each month (public welcome). Tomorrow's meeting features a lecture by Sacramento City College instructor Sherri Patton, speaking on "Women in the South."

Next month, May 20-22, the Civil War Experience returns to Gibson Ranch Park, recently reopened after a five month closure due to budget cuts. Events include a day-long program for school children, battle reenactments, living history demonstrations, period music and dancing, lectures and speeches.

Down the road, Nov. 11-13, the Sacramento and Elk Grove Civil War Round Tables will host the West Coast Civil War Conference at the Sacramento Doubletree Hotel. Speakers will address "1861: The First Year."

PHOTO CREDIT: Confederate troops fire on Union soldiers during a Civil War reenactment at Gibson Ranch in 2004. Sacramento Bee photo by Brian Baer

Spring has sprung in Sacramento. Time for the annual Open Garden and Sale at the Sacramento Historic City Cemetery. Festivities include tours of the cemetery and its various gardens, plus a flower sale and silent auction to benefit the facility.

The Historic Rose Garden originated in 1987 when a group of volunteers formed to restore the cemetery to its former beauty. Today the garden extends over three acres and displays over 500 heritage roses -- many "found" in abandoned sites, homesteads, cemeteries and roadsides in the region.

The old city cemetery also houses two other gardens: the Perennial Plant Club's Hamilton Square (combining modern roses with perennial plants) and the California Native Plant Society's Demonstration Garden.

What: 2011 Open Garden Day
Where: Historic Sacramento City Cemetery, 1000 Broadway
When: April 16, 2011
10 a.m. Rose Garden tour
11 a.m. Rose Garden tour
12 p.m. History tour of Cemetery
1 p.m. Rose Garden tour
Throughout event: cart tour of cemetery and gardens
Silent Auction opens at 9:30 a.m, closes at 12:30 p.m.
Cost: free
For more info: phone (916) 443-2146 or email verlaine@citlink.net. See also the 2011 Silent Auction Catalog.

Barbara Oliva, Rose Garden curator at the Sacramento Old City Cemetery, holding "General Washington" roses. 2005 photograph by Owen Brewer, Sacramento Bee.

Looking for something to do with the family for free on Saturday?

Head to Woodland, where 11 historical sites and museums are hosting the community's first annual Free Museum Day.

Participating venues include the Hedrick Ag History Museum, Hays Antique Truck Museum, Spring Lake School House, Historic Woodland Railroad Depot, Christian Church Museum, Woodland Museum of Biblical Archeology and Reiff's Gas Station and Woodland Fire Museum.

The historic Gibson House, which houses the Yolo County Historical Museum, also is part of the tour, as is the Woodland Opera House, which was established in 1885 and was the first opera house to serve the Sacramento valley, according to a news release from the Yolo County Visitors Bureau.

Maps and brochures will be available at each site.

Free Museum Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call the Woodland Historical Museum at (530) 666-1045.

-- Niesha Lofing

The Sacramento Room at the Central Library has opened registration for an upcoming program series, Capital Decades: 1920s.  Throughout the month of May, the library will host free programs that explore life in Sacramento during the Roaring 20s:

City Life (Tuesday, May 3, 6-8 p.m., Sacramento Room): Local historians and researchers James Scott, Tom Tolley, Mike Munson, and Shawn Peter will discuss 1920s life in the city, including Sacramento's architecture, transportation, popular culture, entertainment venues, the Prohibition Era, and local speakeasies.

Fashions and Styles (Tuesday, May 10, 6-8 p.m., Sacramento Room): The Sacramento Art Deco Society will present a fashion show featuring vintage styles of the 1920s.

Motion Pictures (Tuesday, May 17, 6-8 p.m., Sacramento Room): Participate in a screening and discussion of short films and movie clips that were shown in Sacramento's early motion picture palaces during the 1920s, led by film historian Matías Bombal.

Charleston! (Thursday, May 26, 7-10 p.m., Tsakopoulos Galleria): Midtown Stomp will provide free dance instruction from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by Charleston dance music from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.  Attendees are encouraged to wear 1920s-era attire.  Single dancers are welcomed, too.

For more information and to register, visit the Capital Decades webpage or call (916) 264-2920.

This weekend Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown (Tuolumne County) will resume its steam-powered train rides. These six-mile, 40-minute excursions through Gold Country depart on the hour, 11 to 3 p.m., every Saturday and Sunday through October.

On April 2 at 7 a.m. there will be a special Early Bird program at the Roundhouse where the public is invited to watch crews fire up a locomotive in preparation for the day's operation. This weekend there will also be roundhouse tours and demonstrations in the belt-driven machine shop.

Scheduled only for April 9 and 16 are two afternoon "Wildflower Train" rides which take passengers on a six-mile, one-hour ride through the scenic meadows and rolling hills filled with "meadow foam," "gold fields" and other flowers typically in bloom.

What: Weekend Steam-Powered Excursion Train Rides
Where: Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, Jamestown
When: Weekends beginning April 2 thru October 30, 2011
Cost: Free on April 2-3 for Calaveras, Mariposa and Tuolumne residents only (with proof of residency)
General: $13 adults, $6 youths ages 6-17, free for children 5 and under
For more information: 209-984-4408 or visit Railtown1897.org

What: Wildflower Train Rides
Where: Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, Jamestown
When: Two Saturdays Only - April 9 & 16, 2011 at 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $21 adults, $10 youths ages 6-17, free for children 5 and under
For More information: 209-984-4408 or visit Railtown1897.org

Press releases

PHOTO CREDIT: A special "Wildflower Train" ride in 2007. Courtesy California State Railroad Museum.

Last Sunday some 400 union members, friends and family braved the wind and rain to commemorate the birthday of Cesar Chavez, founder of the United Farm Workers. The actual state holiday is March 31, which would have been the 84th birthday of the civil rights leader.

The Internet has an abundance of valuable historical information on Chavez and the farmworkers. Here are some highlights:

Cesar E. Chavez Research Center. The California Education Department's repository of essays, interviews, documents, photographs and letters related to Chavez and the UFW.

Resources for the Public. A California Education Department collection that includes a biography, speeches, interviews, newspaper articles, documents, tributes and scholarly articles.

Calisphere Cesar Chavez materials. More than 1,600 photos, posters, letters, interviews and other documents.

Center for Sacramento History. Online catalog of images, many from The Sacramento Bee.

FBI Records. FOIA documents on Chavez and the farm labor movement.

Fight in the Fields. Timeline, quotations and historical articles that supplement the PBS documentary film on Chavez and the farmworkers' struggle.

PHOTO CREDIT: Robert Kennedy joins Cesar Chavez at the end of his 1968 fast in Delano. Photo by the San Jose Mercury News.

More than 3,000 archaeologists from around the world will meet in Sacramento tomorrow for the 76th Annual Meeting of the Society for American Archaeology. The sessions will consider a wide range of subjects and time periods, including several of interest to California scholars. In his walk-up to the conference, The Bee's Matt Weiser describes research on the close relationship of Central Valley Indians and their dogs.

Among the other state-related papers, symposiums and forums to be offered:

Symposium: California I & II. These sessions "will highlight recent research on pre-contact, contact-era, and post-contact California emphasizing aspects of the region's past that are mirrored in its present."

Symposium: Ishi, Repatriating the Story. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the last Yahi, "we provide a venue for addressing the meaning of Ishi and his entrance into civilization, as well as his importance academic history, Native Americans, California, local historical societies, and the general public."

Symposium: Small Islands, Big Implications: The California Channel Islands and their Archaeological Contributions. "Through inter-island comparisons, this session will highlight the tremendous importance of the Channel Islands and their contributions to archaeology as a whole."

Symposium: Prehistoric Occupation of in the Ballona Lagoon, West Los Angeles. "This session details human behavioral responses to a changing physical and cultural world over 8,000 years of native occupation in the Ballona, in west Los Angeles."

Symposium: Bioarchaeological and Archaeological Perspectives on Migration and Health in Prehistoric Central California. "This symposium offers an array of papers drawing upon new archaeological and osteological data from numerous sites around San Francisco Bay and the Central Valley."

Symposium: The Sacramento River and Its Mounds, A Fresh Look at Its Prehistory. "Looking at the fields of paleobotany, faunal remains, and geoarchaeology; analyzing artifacts from old collections and ongoing excavations, and applying a variety of theoretical backgrounds provides a more thorough look at the prehistoric lifeway of the Sacramento River watershed."

Paper: California, A Land of Violence. "There is evidence for a wide range of violence and war throughout California's pre-European past."

Paper: The Last Meals of the Yahi, Contact Period Faunal Remains from Kingsley Cave. "Comparison of these remains with the underlying prehistoric materials may provide a window into the refuge survival strategies employed by Ishi and his fellow Yahi in the decades preceding 1911."

What: Society for American Archaeology, annual meeting, open to the public
When: March 30 to April 3, 2011
Where: Sacramento Convention Center, 1400 J St.
Registration (on-site, nonmember): $205; $165 students
More info: www.saa.org or (202) 789-8200

A new season is beginning in Old Sacramento the weekend of April 2-3.  The ever-popular Sacramento Southern Railroad will begin its 28th season with excursion train rides departing every hour on the hour from 11-5 on weekends. In addition, the Old Sacramento Underground Tours will start their second year with weekend tours. In the 1-hour walking tours, guides explore excavated foundations of historic buildings and enclosed walkways in Old Sacramento.

Tickets for the Sacramento Southern Railroad excursion train rides can be purchased online or in-person at the Southern Railroad ticket office (Front Street between J and K) on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 10:30 a.m. For more information, visit the California State Railroad Museum website.

Tickets for the Old Sacramento Underground tours can be purchased online, in-person at the Sacramento History Museum, or by calling (916) 808-7059. For more information, visit the Old Sacramento Foundation website.

Museum press releases

Anyone interested in Sacramento and Northern California history will want to brave the wind and rain to attend this Saturday's Sacramento Spring Antiquarian Book Fair, which will be held at the Scottish Rite Temple, 6151 H Street in Sacramento, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Printed material will be available on almost any category one can imagine, and most dealers tend to emphasize locally oriented books and ephemera. General admission is $5.00, but free passes to this event can be found at numerous libraries and bookstores. Further information is available at sacbookfair.com, by contacting bookbomb@att.net, or by calling 916-849-9248.

As every WWII history buff knows, the USS Hornet aircraft carrier (CV-8) is famous for its role in a daring bombing raid on Tokyo lead by Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle early in the war. But did you know that 22 of the B-25 "Mitchell" bombers spent time at the Sacramento Air Depot being modified for the April 1942 mission? Now there's recently uncovered evidence that some of the planes were flown to Willows for further practice after their overhaul in Sacramento.

According to Bob Fish, a Trustee at the USS Hornet Museum, a May 1942 report by Navy Lt. Henry L. Miller clearly states that he trained Army flight crews in "short-field take-off technique" at the airfield in Willows. Attached is a copy of Miller's declassified report and Fish's background memo.

This year is the 69th anniversary of the Doolittle raid. There are only five Raiders still alive. The annual Doolittle Raider's reunion will be held in Omaha, April 14-17. The USS Hornet Museum in Alameda will commemorate the Doolittle Raid on April 16 (press release).

Incidentally, the USS Hornet (CV-12) berthed in Alameda is the successor to the carrier that launched the Tokyo bombing run. The latter warship was sunk at the Battle of Santa Cruz in Oct. 1942. The former is famous not only for distinguished service during WWII, but also for recovering the Apollo 11 space crew that made the first landing on the Moon in 1969.

This Hornet now serves as a museum at the former naval station in Alameda. The ship is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Visitors are welcome to explore parts of the ship on their own or with a guided tour.

PHOTO CREDIT: USS Hornet (CV-8) launches a B-25 bomber (top). A B-25 practices a short-field takeoff (bottom). Photos courtesy of Bob Fish.

Sacramento County History Day is history. I really enjoyed helping to judge the competition last Saturday. The sophistication of entries varied to be sure. But given the hard work that went into each project (not to mention the courage to face a panel of judges), in my mind every student was a winner. Check out The Bee's coverage of the live performance category.

The county event was the first tier in the 2011 National History Day contest. Those who qualified will go to the state competition to be held in San Jose starting April 28. From there, an elite group of California students will attend the national finals at the University of Maryland, June 12-16. See the attached list of Sacramento County winners.

This year's contest theme is Debate & Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, Consequences. It's a broad concept which invites students to think deeply about great issues and diplomatic turning points. Local entries covered a range of topics: Native American boarding schools, Cuban Missile Crisis, Salem witch trials, nuclear nonproliferation, integration in baseball, Hetch-Hetchy dam and much more. Students explored these subjects in six categories: 2-dimensional display, documentary, exhibit, paper, performance and web site.

PHOTO CREDIT: Beth Self portrays Elizabeth Cady Stanton, American feminist and social reformer during the 2001 Sacramento County History Day at CSUS. Sacramento Bee / Hector Amezcua

The California State Library will resume its "Food for Thought" event series on March 16 with a screening of the film The Legend of Pancho Barnes and the Happy Bottom Riding Club. Florence "Pancho" Barnes was a 1920s aviatrix who went from rebellious tomboy to Mexican revolutionary to barnstormer to Hollywood stunt pilot. 

This event will take place in the library's California History Room located in Room 200 at 900 N Street. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the program starts at 6 with time for discussion afterwards. Due to limited seating, attendees must RSVP to Rebecca Fontaine at 916-653-9942 or rfontaine@library.ca.gov.

The reclamation of the Sacramento Delta through dredging and levee construction is a remarkable engineering feat in the history of California.

For more than 100 years the Dutra Group has been working to maintain the levees that protect thousands of aces of Delta farmland. The company operates the Dutra Museum of Dredging in Rio Vista to celebrate their contributions. Exhibits include scale models of dredging equipment used to scour the rivers and sloughs of the Delta over the years.

The Sacramento River Delta Historical Society will hold its next general meeting at the Dutra Museum. March 15, 7 p.m., 345 St. Gertrude's Ave., Rio Vista (across from the high school). For more information contact Tom Herzog at (916) 871-4060 or email srdhs@riverdeltawirless.com.

Press release

Sutter's Fort continues its popular Hands on History lecture series with "Hearth & Home," a program celebrating the essential role women played in 19th century overland migrations to California. Docents will explain how women fed, clothed and kept families together in the face of great hardships and dangers. And participants will enjoy hands-on demonstrations of sewing weaving and candle making.

Hands on History: Hearth & Home
Sutter's Fort State Historic Park
2701 L Street, Midtown, Sacramento
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Fort hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cannon firing demonstrations: 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
6.00 per adult (18 and older), $4.00 per youth (ages 6-17), free for children 5 years and under
Call 916-445-4422 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/suttersfort

Press release

PHOTO CREDIT: Judy Prey, who plays the character of Mrs. Townsend at Sutter's Fort, reflects on what is was like to be a pioneer woman during Women's History Month in 2007. Sacramento Bee photo by Lezlie Sterling

On Sunday, February 27, the Sacramento County Historical Society and alternative cinema group, Movies on a Big Screen, will show the Buster Keaton film, Steamboat Bill Jr. at historic Guild Theater in Oak Park.

Made in 1928, the feature-length silent comedy portrays the life of young college graduate "Steamboat Bill Jr." as he desperately follows in the footsteps of his father, a Mississippi steamboat captain. Hilarity ensues when the character, played by Keaton, falls in love with the daughter of his father's business rival.

While the film's plotline depicts humorous events on the Mississippi, much of the movie was actually filmed along the Sacramento River. Local residents were employed as extras for the film and Keaton's production team filled local hotels and regularly dined at area restaurants while the picture was made. In addition, Sacramentans helped build a makeshift set along the River.

On the night of the film's showing, local historian William Burg will speak about the movie and its significance to Sacramento's history.

Showtime begins at 7:30 pm and admission is $5.00 per person. Movies on a Big Screen at the Guild Theater is located at 2828 35th Street in Oak Park, Sacramento.

PHOTO CREDIT: The steamboat "Dover" pulls a loaded barge on the Sacramento River, c. 1920. Photograph Courtesy of The Center for Sacramento History, Eugene Hepting Collection,1985/024/0242

The modest steel truss bridge that carries trains and cars over the Sacramento River turns 100 this year. Built in 1911 by Southern Pacific, the current structure is actually the fifth bridge at that location, according to today's story written by The Bee's Matt Kawahara.

The I St. Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. You can find more historical information and contemporary pictures on the Bridges Over the Sacramento River web site. There are also many historic pictures available in the online photo database maintained by the Center for Sacramento History.

PHOTO CREDIT: Long before water skiing was popular, some Sacramentans found their fun by "aqua planing" on flat boards, towed behind boats. A man named Carl Brainard skims along the Sacramento River near the I Street Bridge in 1915. Special to The Sacramento Bee.

By Dixie Reid
dreid@sacbee.com

Yolo County Historical Museum is seeking volunteers to share the story of its lovely Gibson House with the public.

Docent training is 10 a.m.-noon Thursday at the museum, located at 512 Gibson Road in Woodland. Refreshments will be served.

Gibson House, according to the museum's website, is Woodland's only historic home that's open to the public.

There is the main 11-room house and several outbuildings, including a blacksmith shop and barn. Gibson House is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

For more on volunteer opportunities, call the museum office at (530) 666-1045 or email ychmoffice@sbcglobal.net

Another contact is Carol Conley at (530) 662-0628 or carolinaconley@aol.com

For more about the museum: www.gibsonhouse.org

Call The Bee's Dixie Reid, (916) 321-1134.

California wouldn't be California without the Central Valley Project to control and store water for cities and farming. A key component of the system is Shasta Dam which was completed in 1945. If you want to know more about the construction of this engineering marvel, consider a drive up to the Shasta Dam Visitor Center where there will be history talks offered on Feb. 19 (1:30 pm) and Feb. 23 (3:00 pm). There's a nice writeup on the lectures by the Redding Searchlight.

The program is jointly sponsored by the Shasta Historical Society, the Shasta Lake Heritage and Historical Society and the U.S. Reclamation Bureau Northern California office. The three groups are digitizing a collection of 12,000 images documenting the building of the dam. A lot of them are already available online through the SHS searchable photo database.

PHOTO CREDIT: Shasta Dam and reservoir as seen from the Shasta-Oroville transmission line structure No. 5 on March 28, 1945. Sacramento Bee file photo.

The California State Military Museum has announced that one noticeable upcoming change at its facility will be the presence of uniformed military personnel in its working staff, a reflection of the museum's relationship with the California State Military Department. The museum also reports that almost 6000 visitors walked through during Sacramento Museum Day on February 5th. Among recent acquisitions to the museum's collection are two World War II Japanese Type 99 light machine guns, a section of fuselage from a Japanese Kamikaze plane that crashed into the USS California on January 6, 1945, and several U.S. Army organizational flags. The museum is also looking to expand its collection of old military weapons for future exhibits.

The California State Military Museum is located at 1119 Second Street in Sacramento, and staff there can be reached by phone at 916-854-1900.

The 2011 Sacramento County History Day competition will take place on Saturday, March 12, 2011, at Rosemont High School, and volunteers are being sought to assist with judging student submissions and helping to make the event run smoothly. 

For this year's competition, students in grades 6-12 will be presenting well-researched projects on the theme of "Debate & Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, Consequences." Contest categories include performance, documentary, website, exhibit and paper.  Sacramento County History Day is part of the larger National History Day program and students who perform well in this competition may go on to compete at the state or national level. Judges and volunteers are needed at all levels of the competition to evaluate entries, provide helpful feedback to students, and assist with registration and other duties.

Applications for judges/volunteers are due by February 11, 2011.  Please visit the Sacramento County History Day website to learn more and submit an application.

This is a reminder to Northern California music history aficionados that the Barry "The Fish" Melton Band will be performing at Constable Jack's in Newcastle this coming Saturday night, as seen below on the flier designed by yours truly. This same band, more or less, will also be appearing on Friday, February 25th at the Saloon, 1232 Grant Avenue in San Francisco.

Okay history fans: where in Northern California can see a 19th century train that's appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, such as Petticoat Junction, Wild Wild West, Back to the Future Part III and Unforgiven?

It's the Railtown 1897 Historic State Park in Jamestown (Tuolumne County), home to the preserved trains, repair shops and roundhouse of the Sierra Railway. It's a great attraction for railroad buffs. You can even take a short ride behind a vintage steam-powered locomotive.

On Feb. 8 Railtown is offering a special behind-the-scenes shop tour. This is a good opportunity to see ongoing restoration projects, as well as the recently restored Sierra No. 3, the "Movie Star" engine. The tour will go from 10 to 12 p.m. and the cost is included with park admission: $5 for adults, $3 for youths ages 6-17, children under five, free.

Railtown is also recruiting volunteers to serve as Car Hosts, Ticket Agents, Tour Guides, Public Greeters, and Fire Patrol Operators (entry level engine crew). No previous experience is required, but you must submit an application by Feb. 20 to be considered for volunteer training beginning in March. Interested people are invited to a Volunteer Open House (Feb. 12 at 10 a.m.) where you can learn more about the park and its activities.

For more information about the Railtown Shop Tour and volunteering, call 209-984-3953 or visit www.railtown1897.org.

Press releases

PHOTO CREDIT: The restored Sierra No 3 steam engine emerges from the roundhouse at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown, Calif., July 2010. AP Photo by Rich Pedroncelli.

The San Francisco Museum and Historical Society will be holding the first ever San Francisco History Expo at the old United States Mint, 5th and Mission Streets, on February 12th and 13th from 11AM to 4PM. Admission is free. Numerous San Francisco historical organizations will be participating, and the Expo will feature performances and displays. If you travel down for this event you will also not want to miss the 44th California International Book Fair, which will take place on February 11th through the 13th at the Concourse Exhibition Center, 635 8th Street in San Francisco. Much good Northern California material is always available at this event, but you will also gaze in wonder at the high-ticket items brought by European book dealers.

Decisions, decisions. How to spend the once-a-year Sacramento Museum Day this Saturday, February 5th? With free admission to 26 local museums, there's a lot to choose from.

Here's a good opportunity for the whole family to experience the "Capital City's incredible wealth of art, history, science and wildlife." For the history-minded, consider the California Museum, California State Capitol Museum, California State Railroad Museum, Governor's Mansion, Museum of Medical History, Sacramento History Museum, Sutter's Fort among others.

Participating facilities will offer free admittance between 10 and 4 p.m., with every museum closing at 5 p.m. There's a free shuttle bus and parking is available at most sites.

PHOTO CREDIT: Crowds line up in Old Sacramento near the Railroad Museum to get into the Discovery Museum during Museum Day 2000. Sacramento Bee photo by Chris Crewell.

We won't see any parades, but this Wednesday, Feb. 3, is the 100th anniversary of the adoption of the "Bear Flag" as California's official State Flag.

The creation of the bear flag goes all the back to June 1846, when a rag-tag group of American insurgents captured Mexican-held Sonoma and created a symbol of their rebellion. The crude icon (which featured a star and a grizzly bear that looked a little like a pig) flew for about a month before being replaced by the U.S. flag. That original flag was lost in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, but somehow the concept stuck in people's imagination. Promoted by the Native Sons of the Golden West in the years that followed, the design was eventually adopted by the legislature in 1911.

One person who'll celebrate the anniversary is William J. Trinkle, the founder of the Bear Flag Museum. Trinkle was interviewed by the Bee's Dixie Reid for a story appearing in today's paper.

IMAGE CREDIT: Bear Flag Centennial graphic created by Peggy Rose, art director, Bear Flag Museum.

A crab feed to benefit Sacramento's future fire museum will be held at St. Mary's Parish Hall at 58th and M Streets on January 29. No-host cocktails start at 6 PM, dinner begins at 7, and donations are $35. This event is presented by the Pioneer Mutual Hook & Ladder Society.

The annual Sacramento County History Day will be held on March 12 at Rosemont High School, located at 9594 Keifer Blvd. in Sacramento. This is part of a year-long program encouraging students to study all aspects of history. Further information can be found at http://www.cityofsacramento.org/ccl/history/exhibits/HistoryDay/default.asp.

And here is a reminder that the California Conference of Historical Societies First Ever Sacramento Seminar will be held on Wednesday, February 2. For more information contact xtbob@surewest.net or call 916-570-3804.

Here's a chance to share some dramatized history with your children. Take them to the B Street Theatre's new family series production, The Young Abe Lincoln, which depicts "the adventures and trials that shaped a backwoods Illinois boy into a man...and the most beloved President of the United States. A humorous and insightful tale for children ages 5 and older."

Bee reviewer Jim Carnes says the show is "funny, fast-paced, well-acted," though it takes a lot of poetic license with the facts of the 16th president's life.

Tickets:
General: $15 for children and $22 for adults
Purchase general tickets online or call the Box Office at 916-443-5300.

Showtimes:
Jan. 22 - Feb. 27, 2011
Sat @ 1pm and 4pm
Sun @ 1pm and 4pm

PHOTO CREDIT: David Campfield as the Young Abe Lincoln. Photo by B Street Theatre staff.

The California State Military Museum is hosting two upcoming events this month. An exhibit titled Strike Up the Band!: The History of Military Music in California opens on January 22nd. On January 30, the museum will host a book signing for Gene T. Boyer's Reflections of a White House Senior Pilot.

In other California State Military Museum news, the Concord Police Department will be transferring two Japanese World War II heavy machine guns to the museum. Also, the Sacramento Police Department has donated an 1895 Colt Navy Model .38 caliber double action revolver, inscribed "John Paul Miller, USN, 12 Company USNA, February 12, 1906." According to the museum's monthly e-newsletter:

Miller was involved in a notorious Naval Academy hazing event that got him and several other Midshipmen a courts-martial in February 1906.  It made the papers and was widely known at the time.  The hazing incident attracted the attention of Roosevelt at the White House - and the charges were dismissed under Presidential pressure.  It created such a stir, a Congressional hearing was convened over this case. Mr. Miller was commissioned and this pistol was a gift of support and fraternity from his classmates at the time of his commissioning as an ensign. 

The California State Military Museum is located at 1119 Second Street in Old Sacramento.

California music history aficionados might be interested in a forthcoming club event, and a recently released DVD. Barry Melton, former lead guitarist with the legendary Country Joe & the Fish and more recently the Public Defender of Yolo County, will be performing at Constable Jack's in Newcastle on February 12th. He will be joined by drummer Roy Blumenfeld of Blues Project and Seatrain fame, longtime Merl Saunders guitarist Michael Hinton, and Zasu Pitts Memorial Orchestra bassist Steve Ashman.

Also of interest is the new DVD Recoil, chronicling the life of the late Marin County guitarist John Cipollina. Best known for his work with Quicksilver Messenger Service, Cipollina played with numerous other bands as well; this release features much live concert footage along with interviews from John's musical collaborators (Quicksilver was quite popular in Sacramento, which is also where Cipollina's mother hailed from). 

The Florin Historical Society will install new officers and present merit awards at a midday event on Saturday, Jan. 15, at The Promised Lodge, 7145 McComber St.

Social Hour begins at 11:30, lunch at 12 noon. Lunch costs $15 per person. There will be a raffle with some great prizes.

Mail your reservation by Jan. 8 to: Florin Historical Society, 7145 McComber St., Florin, CA 95828. Call Cindy Russell, 916-230-2360, or Ellen Tannehill, 916-947-9268, for more information.

Event flyer

Secretary of State Debra Bowen was sworn in for her new term of office on January 3, 2011 using a Latin bible published in Paris in 1501, which has been in the California State Library's collection since the late 1850s. This bible was first used for the inaugural of Governor Newton Booth in 1871, and in the years since has been employed for the swearing-in of numerous California state officials, recently among them governors George Deukmejian and Gray Davis, Lieutenant Governor Abel Maldonado, Treasurer Bill Lockyer, and Supreme Court Chief Justice Ron George. Many who have been thus sworn in; have also written inscriptions into the bible that often reflected their hopes for their upcoming terms of office.

Photos courtesy of the California State Library.