California State Indian Museum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids California State Indian Museum |
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California State Indian Museum entrance
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| Location | 2618 K Street, Sacramento, California, U.S. |
| Built | June 23, 1914 |
| Governing body | California Department of Parks and Recreation |
| Designated | August 17, 1990 |
| Reference no. | 991 |
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The California State Indian Museum is a special place in Sacramento, California. It is part of California's state park system. This museum teaches visitors about the many different cultures of the Indigenous peoples of California. These are the first people who lived in California.
The museum is located at 2618 K Street in Midtown Sacramento. It shows traditional items that help us understand the lives of California's first inhabitants. Before European explorers arrived, over 500,000 Native people lived in California. They belonged to more than 150 different tribal groups. These groups spoke at least 64 different languages! The museum is not just for showing old things. It is also a place where Native people can gather and share their culture. It helps everyone remember that California's Native population is still very much alive and active today.
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About the Museum
The State Indian Museum first opened its doors in 1940. You can find it right next to Sutter's Fort in Sacramento. The museum's exhibits focus on three main parts of California Indian life: Nature, Spirit, and Family. Native peoples lived well in California for thousands of years. All the displays and photos in the museum show great respect for these people. They honor those who lived on this land long ago and those who live in California communities now.
What You Can See
The museum has many interesting cultural items from California Indian groups. You can see traditional baskets, including some of the smallest in the world! There is also a large dugout canoe made from a redwood tree. Other items include special clothing for ceremonies, beautiful beadwork, and tools for hunting and fishing. Some of these tools are over 2,400 years old!
One special exhibit tells the story of Ishi. He was believed to be the last survivor of the Yahi tribe. His story shows how Native cultures changed a lot when outsiders came to California.
Hands-On Activities
Many Native people have shared photos of their families and friends for the museum. There is also a wall dedicated to honoring California Elders. These are respected older members of the community.
You can also try out some tools yourself in a special hands-on area. For example, you can use a pump drill. This tool was used to make holes in shell beads. You can also try a mortar and pestle, which was used for grinding acorns into flour.
Museum History
Before the museum opened, cultural items were kept in other state buildings. The State Indian Museum was officially opened in 1940. It was dedicated by a group called the Native Daughters of the Golden West.
From 1951 to 1956, the museum started to tell stories with its exhibits. It was no longer just a place to display items. In the 1960s, local tribes began to have more say in what was shown. The museum also started taking better care of its items. In the 1970s, the museum worked even more closely with local Native tribes. A museum store opened in 1972. The first "Gathering of Honored Elders" also took place in 1978.
The museum closed for updates from 1984 to 1985. More improvements happened from 2013 to 2014. New information panels were added. A gallery and meeting room became the "Basket Gallery." This new gallery is dedicated to the amazing basket weavers of California.
A New Museum Project
In May 2018, the Governor of California set aside $100 million to build a new place. This new place is called the California Indian Heritage Center. It is being built in West Sacramento, California. This new center will take the place of the current State Indian Museum.
Land for the project was transferred in June 2019. There was a delay in May 2020. Funds were used to help with the COVID-19 pandemic instead. In April 2022, the California State Parks department announced that Fentress Architects would design the new center. The construction of the center is expected to be finished by 2032.
See also
- List of California state parks
- Gorman Museum of Native American Art
