In addition to its fascinating Gold Rush past, the Sacramento area is rich with an amazing array of state-of-the-art museums and historic sites that offer visitors the chance to explore California’s fine art, history, science, and wildlife treasures all year long.  In September, many of the 29 members of Sacramento Association of Museums (SAM) are celebrating our unique history and fascinating heritage with special events and activities, including:

Gold Rush Days in Old Sacramento – August 31 to September 3
Get ready to turn back time to the 1850s for the wildly fun, entertaining and free Gold Rush Days in Old Sacramento over Labor Day Weekend!  Guests will enjoy all the old favorites like K Street shoot-outs, wagon, pony and train rides, dramatic history re-enactments, entertaining live music and dancing, lively street dramas, the signature Tent City, gold panning, hands-on children’s activities and much more.  For information, visit www.sacramentogoldrushdays.com.

35th Anniversary of the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Dedication – September 9
Admission Day is extra special this year because on that day in 1977, the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse was originally dedicated 35 years ago. To celebrate, they are inviting the public to the (always free!) Schoolhouse in the afternoon beginning at 12:30 p.m. to showcase the successful programs and projects the Schoolhouse has completed over the years.  Guests are encouraged to stop by and join the fun!  For more, visit www.scoe.net/oldsacschoolhouse.

Feast at the Fort at Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park – September 22
To the delight of foodies and history enthusiasts…Friends of Sutter’s Fort is proud to present “Feast at the Fort,” a unique culinary event that includes a four-course, sit-down dinner prepared by Sacramento’s top chefs amid a beautiful setting inside the historic walls of Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park.  New this year, the historic food preservation technique of curing – popular in the heyday of Sutter’s Fort -- will be a special focus and showcased in newly-created recipes using vibrant local ingredients. For more, visit www.suttersfort.org

45th Annual Native American Day at the State Capitol – September 28
Steeped in culture and tradition, the 45th Annual Native American Day is devoted to maintaining Native culture, including stories, languages, and traditions for today and for future generations.  With a special “Honoring Native Women” theme this year, guests will enjoy free cultural demonstrations, compelling guest speakers, the Tule River Color Guard, traditional games, music and dancing, and much more. For information, visit www.parks.ca.gov/indianmuseum.

For more information about SAM, its partners and/or these and other events and activities, visit www.sacmuseums.org.