History
The California Museum opened in 1998 in partnership with the California Secretary of State as the public showplace for the California State Archives. Today, the Museum emphasizes stories commonly overlooked, reflecting the state's diverse population and the cultural contributions of all Californians.
One of the Museum's signature programs is the California Hall of Fame, launched in 2006 as the brainchild of former First Lady Maria Shriver to celebrate Californians who have changed the world. Since then, the Museum has worked with each gubernatorial administration to administer this official award. In 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom began bringing their perspectives to the California Hall of Fame and began partnering with the Museum on programming highlighting the role of women in California. Since 2017, the Museum also has been home to the Unity Center, whose interactive multimedia exhibits highlight leaders in the state's rich civil rights history and encourage visitors to stand up against hate, intolerance and bullying. The Museum board draws its leadership statewide, and includes the Secretary of State, the State Archivist, and the Director of California State Parks as ex officio members.
By the Numbers
A self-supporting 501(c)(3) non-profit, the California Museum -- home of the California Hall of Fame -- engages, educates, and enlightens people about California's rich history, its diversity and its unique influence on the world of ideas, innovation, art and culture. Through interactive experiences, the Museum inspires visitors to make a mark on history.
The California Museum relies on the community's generosity to maintain our exceptional exhibits and programming. Your donation on the Big Day of Giving will assist in:
-Providing scholarships for students in Title I schools to participate in virtual and in-person field trip programs.
-Offering low-cost museum admission to those receiving food assistance through the Museums for All low-income access program.
-Supporting upcoming temporary exhibits "America at the Crossroads: The Guitar and a Changing Nation," exploring America's evolution through its beloved instrument, and "Pleibol! In the Barrios & the Big Leagues," a Smithsonian exhibit on Latinos/as' contributions to baseball.
-Expanding the interactive kiosk content in "Women Inspire" to showcase more influential California women.
Any contribution, large or small, is deeply valued. If we meet our $20,000 fundraising target on May 2, 2024, we'll host a free admission day in 2024, alongside pursuing our outlined objectives. If you donate using a Golden 1 Credit Union debit or credit card, your gift will be proportionately matched by Golden 1 Credit Union. Join us in preserving and celebrating California's vibrant heritage!
At the California Museum, we celebrate diversity and strive to create a safe space for our employees, volunteers, partners, and visitors. We promote a culture of equity and inclusion and work to build pathways to belonging where all voices are heard and appreciated.
Organization name
California Museum
1998
Tax id (EIN)
94-3015670
Mission Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Operating Budget
$1,000,001-$5 million
Organization Need
Funding: Program
Demographics Served
Youth & Children, General population
Local Counties Served
El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Yolo
Address
1020 O StreetCA, US