Happenings In and Around Old Sacramento!

Railroad Museum Calls Out for Volunteers in 2013!

2013-01-15T18:21:33Z

Fascinated by railroading history? Interested in working on a train? Enjoy working with visitors, children and school groups? The California State Railroad Museum and Old Sacramento State Historic Park (SHP) are now recruiting adults (18 or older) who are interested in volunteering in early 2013 to help communicate the West’s fascinating heritage of railroading and the California Gold Rush. The volunteer orientation will begin on Monday, February 11, but interested volunteers must apply and be interviewed in advance. Volunteer applications are being accepted now through Monday, February 4. Community members are encouraged to get involved in this worthwhile program that offers an opportunity to support the local community while learning more about California’s rich history, meeting new people and developing friendships with those who share similar interests.

Anyone who has ever visited the California State Railroad Museum and Old Sacramento SHP has undoubtedly crossed paths with a docent. Dressed in railroad garb or other period attire, these trained volunteers answer questions and discuss history with guests. There are many other volunteers, too. Each year, approximately 600 men and women volunteer for the California State Railroad Museum’s programs -- including weekend steam train operations, track construction, restoration and maintenance, even clerical work. Since the Museum’s 1976 inception, volunteers have contributed more than two million hours of service.

As part of their training, candidates are encouraged to consider participating in one or more Museum programs. For example, volunteers may choose to serve as docents and Museum tour guides; participate in hands-on, interactive educational programs for school groups; or become involved with train operations on the Sacramento Southern Railroad. Volunteer training represents a serious commitment of 84 volunteer hours annually, but the hours are flexible and the rewards can be tremendous.

A background in history is not required. In fact, most of the volunteers began with little knowledge of railroads or the Gold Rush. As they become more familiar with the Museum’s varied and frequent programs, many volunteers take on additional responsibilities, such as conducting research or giving talks to community organizations about the Museum. Perks for active volunteers include free parking while on duty, invitation to an annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet, complimentary Museum membership and the chance to meet new and interesting people.

Interested volunteers are encouraged to download an application at www.parks.ca.gov/CapitalDistrict or contact the Museum’s Volunteer Training Coordinator at 916-324-7593 or tgonsolis@parks.ca.gov.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the California State Railroad Museum.

Railroad Museum to Commemorate Historic Date in Railroad History

2013-01-04T16:17:55Z

One hundred and fifty years ago – on January 8, 1863 – California Governor Leland Stanford turned a ceremonial shovelful of earth near the intersection of Front and K Streets in what we today know as Old Sacramento. This marked the starting point for the Central Pacific Railroad, one of two companies that together would construct America’s first transcontinental railroad. To commemorate the inception of one of the United States’ most significant accomplishments, the California State Railroad Museum will debut a new sign at Front and K Streets on Tuesday, January 8, 2013, at 12:30 p.m.

Following the sign unveiling, the nearby California State Railroad Museum will offer an afternoon of special public programs focusing on the First Transcontinental Railroad. Featured speakers include the following: Dr. Richard Orsi, author and professor emeritus of history at California State University, Hayward; Kyle K. Wyatt, curator of history and technology at the California State Railroad Museum; and William Burg, local author and historian and Railroad Museum docent.

Starting at 1:30 p.m. Burg’s presentation, “Sacramento’s Victory,” will explain how and why Sacramento became the starting point and original western terminus for the Pacific Railroad. At 2:30 p.m. Dr. Orsi’s presentation “Rising Above” will include the showing of a recently produced Sacramento documentary by the same name, and discuss how the Central Pacific Railroad’s construction helped hold back the flood waters of the Sacramento River. At 4 p.m., Wyatt’s presentation “Dreamers Wanted” will address how the U.S. grappled with locating a suitable route and why this one was ultimately chosen.

Special presentations this day are included with regular Museum admission but limited to the first 135 attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. More information about the California State Railroad Museum or these commemorative activities is available at www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or by calling (916) 445-6645.

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Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the California State Railroad Museum.

FREE New Year's Eve Sky Spectacular in Old Sac - 12/31!

2012-12-26T13:55:36Z

Following a popular tradition 13 years in the making, visitors to Old Sacramento will be treated to a free New Year’s Eve celebration along the historic waterfront. Prior to the two dazzling firework shows scheduled to light up the night sky at 9 p.m. and midnight, the festive community event also features live music, food and drink vendors and a variety of live entertainment all evening from 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. There will be kid-friendly entertainment provided under the tent in the early evening at Waterfront Park stage followed up later by a crowd-pleasing 70’s and 80’s cover band. The free celebratory evening activities are produced by the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau and sponsored by the City of Sacramento.

The special children’s programming will feature the Radio Disney Rockin’ Road Crew and Swift Country—a tribute to Taylor Swift. Throughout the evening, other highly anticipated entertainment will include Big Bad Boogie Rock, the Spike Show, and more. In addition, the iconic Raley’s Theatre of Lights will wrap up the holiday season with two final performances at 7 p.m. and again at 8:30 p.m. along K Street.

Guests to Old Sacramento can enjoy two different firework shows -- both stunning and memorable -- as part of the high-energy community celebration. Choreographed to pop music and other family-friendly tunes, the exciting 9 p.m. fireworks show will be tailored to children and families. This early show will last more than 10 minutes in length and can be seen from virtually any vantage point in Old Sacramento. Then at midnight, the “main event” sky concert will be scripted to crowd-pleasing classic rock tunes by musical legends such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Led Zepplin, and Queen to name a few. The midnight fireworks extravaganza will last nearly 15 minutes in length and originate from both land and the iconic Tower Bridge, providing even more depth and visual intensity.

Both shows promise to take revelers on an emotional journey filled with twists, turns and heart-pounding inspiration. Additionally, guests are encouraged to keep an eye out for a variety of today’s high-end fireworks shaped as hearts or willows, with flashing strobes or even color-changing shells that burst into multiple hues.

In preparation for the evening activities, the Tower Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. For additional safety, the bridge will be closed to pedestrian traffic for 15 minutes leading up to and after each of the two firework shows.

Taking place rain or shine, the New Year’s Eve Sky Spectacular is produced by the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau and sponsored by www.sacramento365.com—with the midnight sky concert being simulcast on 96.9 FM The Eagle. For more information about times, locations, hotel recommendations or other event details, call 916-808-7777 or log onto www.nyesacramento.com.

Editor’s note: Every Thursday we deliver a local event guide straight to your inbox, right on time to make your weekend plans. Sign me up.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Railroad Museum to Debut Award-Winning Photos this Saturday

2012-12-05T18:49:29Z

As part of a special exhibition debuting on Saturday, December 8, the California State Railroad Museum is proud to showcase award-winning photographs from the prestigious Center for Railroad Photography & Art’s 2012 Creative Photography Awards Program. With an impressive number of entries submitted by photographers from all over the world, the theme of the 2012 competition was “Railroading, Inspired by Steinheimer” in honor of the legendary photographer Richard Steinheimer. Before he passed away in 2011, Steinheimer left a lasting legacy in railroad photography with a focus on both creative and documentary styles.

The Grand Prize in the Center’s 2012 Creative Photography Awards Program went to Chris Starnes of Gate City, Virginia. With separate categories for color and black and white submissions this year, the First Place prizes went to Robert Day of the Fillongley, Coventry, UK (color) and to Shel Michaels of Hollis, New Hampshire (black and white). Second Place prizes went to Todd Halamka of Western Springs, Illinois (color) and to Eric Williams of Millburn, New Jersey (black and white). Third Place prizes were awarded to Ken Kraemer of North Tonawanda, New York (color) and to Matthew Malkiewicz of Mount Laurel, New Jersey (black and white). In addition, two California photographers received recognition in the “Judge Also Liked” category, including Dick Dorn of Yuba City and Mark Jones of Vacaville.

The photographs were judged by Sacramento resident Shirley Burman Steinheimer, Richard’s widow and a former California State Railroad Museum staff member who is also a railroad photographer and historian of women in railroading. After judging the entries, she remarked: “Selecting the winners was agonizing and challenging. I looked for photos that Stein liked taking—especially crummy weather, landscapes and night shots using time exposures and moonlight, along with people—as just some of the elements.”

This special photography exhibit will remain on display at the California State Railroad Museum through summer 2013. In addition to being showcased in the special exhibit at the Railroad Museum, the award-winning photographs will be featured in an upcoming issue of Railfan & Railroad magazine and the Center’s journal, Railroad Heritage.

Old Sac Underground Tours Offers Expanded Holiday Schedule & Extends Season!

2012-11-08T17:16:40Z

Looking for something fun and unique to do with friends and relatives this holiday season? Look no further than Old Sacramento where you are invited to take a family-friendly Old Sacramento Underground Tour! It’s not too late to plan a special outing given an expanded schedule Thanksgiving weekend plus an extended tour season that continues through the first two weekends in December!

Hidden beneath the city for nearly 150 years, Old Sacramento’s underground has long been the capital’s best-kept secret. Today, visitors have the unique opportunity to uncover the facts behind the legends that lie below historic buildings and sidewalks. For these hour-long guided walking tours, guests should check in at the Sacramento History Museum before descending below several historic Old Sacramento buildings. Participants should be prepared to walk in areas with uneven surfaces and low ceilings and get ready to learn and have fun all along the way!

Advance tickets are recommended and are available now at www.historicoldsac.org and for answers to frequently asked questions, visit www.historicoldsac.org/programs/programs-underground-faq.asp

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

"Souls of the City" Celebrations in Old Sacramento!

2012-10-31T15:12:58Z

In honor of “Day of the Dead” activities celebrated each year in Mexico and in major cities around the world, Sol Collective and the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation have teamed up to present a series of Dia De Los Muertos/“Souls of the City” events and activities in Old Sacramento that culminate on November 2 & 3, 2012. The annual tradition -- a national holiday in Mexico – is showcased by friends and families building elaborate altars to honor loved ones who have died then gathering in remembrance and celebration.

After a series of community workshops and special activities that were held throughout October, the community is invited to a free Traditional Altar & Velacion Ceremony and large-scale Altar Installation on Friday evening, November 2, from 8 p.m. to midnight at Waterfront Park in Old Sacramento. This symbolic “gathering of the spirits” celebration offers Sacramento area residents and Old Sacramento visitors a chance to experience and learn more about the cultural tradition that is highlighted by chanting, singing, dancing, the building of the altar with personal items, intricate offerings of orange Mexican marigolds on the altar, and much more. Then on Saturday, November 3, a final evening of free Dia De Los Muertos or “Souls of the City” celebratory activities will take place throughout Old Sacramento beginning at 4 p.m. that include family-friendly fun such as face painting, a pop-up photo booth and traditional music. Then at 6 p.m., the festivities will conclude with a traditional Procession and not-to-be-missed Azteca Dance performances.

More information about the Dia De Los Muertos/“Souls of the City” events is available at www.historicoldsac.org or www.solcollective.org .

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

“Spookomotive” Train Rides Start This Weekend in Old Sacramento!

2012-10-10T15:47:33Z

All aboard for some Halloween fun Old Sacramento style!

The California State Railroad Museum is proud to offer diesel-powered “Spookomotive” train rides aboard a whimsically decorated train crawling with spiders, cobwebs and cornstalks while staffed with an entertaining “skeleton crew.” Family-favorite “Spookomotive” train rides are offered for the next three weekends on October 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28.

For more information about “Spookomotive” train rides or other events and activities provided by the California State Railroad Museum, call 916-445-6645 or visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks.

Living History Ghost Tours in Old Sacramento Start Friday!

2012-10-10T15:39:13Z

As part of a returning Living History “Ghost Tours” program offered by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation, Old Sacramento guests can journey back in time to hear ghostly tales and spooky stories as they walk through the history-rich streets and re-live 19th century lore.

On Friday and Saturday evenings for the next three weekends, always-popular "Ghost Tours" depart from the Sacramento History Museum every 30 minutes from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Entertaining yet knowledgeable tour guides will take daring and inquisitive guests through Old Sacramento’s infamous locales to experience a bit of the dark side of California’s history.

Don’t miss the special Living History “Ghost Tours” on October 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 & 27. For advance tickets or more information, call 916-808-7059 or visit www.historicoldsac.org.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

"Souls of the City" Events & Activities in Old Sacramento

2012-10-02T19:51:21Z

In honor of “Day of the Dead” activities celebrated each year in Mexico and in major cities around the world, Sol Collective and the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation have teamed up to present a series of Dia De Los Muertos/“Souls of the City” events and activities in Old Sacramento that take place throughout October and culminate on November 2 & 3, 2012. The annual tradition -- a national holiday in Mexico – is showcased by friends and families building elaborate altars to honor loved ones who have died then gathering in remembrance and celebration.

A series of community workshops and special activities will be held in October that showcase the traditions and/or demonstrate how to create some of the special items used in “Day of the Dead” celebrations. A schedule of the special workshops–free with Museum admission--and activities is as follows:
• Papel Picado & Paper Flowers Workshop - 10/6 at Sacramento History Museum (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• Calavera Masks & Pinatas Workshop - 10/13 at Sacramento History Museum (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• Decorate Frames & Candles Workshop - 10/20 at Sacramento History Museum (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• Honoring Our Past Event* - 10/25 at Sacramento History Museum (6 to 8 p.m.)
• “Souls of the City” Pop Up at Panteon De Sacramento Event - 10/27 at La Raza Galeria Posada (11 a.m. to 11 p.m.)

Then on Friday evening, November 2 from 8 p.m. to midnight, the community is invited to a free Traditional Altar & Velacion Ceremony and large-scale Altar Installation at Waterfront Park in Old Sacramento. This symbolic “gathering of the spirits” celebration offers Sacramento area residents and Old Sacramento visitors a chance to experience and learn more about the cultural tradition that is highlighted by chanting, singing, dancing, the building of the altar with personal items, intricate offerings of orange Mexican marigolds on the altar, and much more.

And on Saturday, November 3, a final evening of free Dia De Los Muertos or “Souls of the City” celebratory activities will take place throughout the Old Sacramento beginning at 4 p.m. that include family-friendly fun such as face painting, a pop-up photo booth and traditional music. Then at 6 p.m., the festivities will conclude with a traditional Procession and not-to-be-missed Azteca Dance performances.

More information about the Dia De Los Muertos/“Souls of the City” events is available at www.historicoldsac.org or www.solcollective.org. *While all other events and activities are free, there is a requested $5 donation for the “Honoring Our Past” event that honors community leaders Jose Montoya and Angelberta Cobb for their roles in preserving the traditions locally.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

Scholar Symposium at Railroad Museum on Friday

2012-09-25T23:55:13Z

The California State Railroad Museum and the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society invite interested observers to a discussion among four eminent historians on Friday, September 28. This Symposium event will take place at the California State Railroad Museum beginning at 1 p.m. and ending at approximately 3 p.m. There is no cost to attend the special Symposium but regular Museum admission fees apply on this day.

The Symposium will explore such questions as the following: Was the transcontinental railroad built too soon? Was the Southern Pacific really “the octopus” of muckraking literature? Were the railroad builders good businesspeople, even in their own terms? And do the answers to these questions continue to influence the relationship between government and big business?

The scholars in this discussion have spent their lives researching these issues. They will offer their views in a roundtable discussion, followed by Q&A from the audience. The panel will include:

Maury Klein -- professor emeritus at the University of Rhode Island, author of a massive three-volume history of the Union Pacific Railroad, and biographer of rail barons Jay Gould and E.H. Harriman;
Richard Orsi -- professor emeritus at California State University East Bay and author of Sunset Limited: The Southern Pacific Railroad and the Development of the American West, 1850-1930;
T.J. Stiles -- San Francisco-based independent scholar and winner of the National Book Award for The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt;
Richard White -- professor at Stanford University, winner of the Parkman Prize and author of Railroaded: The Transcontinentals and the Making of Modern America.

The discussion will be moderated by Peter A. Hansen, editor of Railroad History, the scholarly journal of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society. For more information about the Museum, including admission price and driving directions, please visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the California State Railroad Museum.

Caricature Carvers Demonstration at Railroad Museum this Saturday!

2012-09-20T15:44:15Z

Following the opening of the fanciful new “Whittle Stop: A Cast of Caricatures on a Wild West Train” exhibit at the California State Railroad Museum, a special, one-day-only caricature carvers demonstration will take place this Saturday, September 22, from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Lobby Gallery.

Museum guests will have the unique opportunity to watch skilled crafters demonstrate their expertise and talk about their specialized craft where they meticulously begin transforming a block of wood into a comical creation, delighting Museum visitors along the way! The fun and fanciful new exhibit is an intricately detailed set of wooden sculptures forming an 1880s era steam train from engine to caboose. In between are a handcar, water tower, train station depot, railroad crossing gate and a cadre of more than 40 humorous characters from all walks of life in the West. The display was whittled, sculpted and meticulously painted by a group of more than two dozen dedicated members of the Caricature Carvers of America who spent countless hours working on their labor of love. In addition to viewing the new exhibit and watching the carving demonstration, interested Museum visitors can purchase copies of a compelling book titled Carving an 1880s Western Train, Its Passenger & Crew that chronicles the special project and is available in the Museum store. Visitors may even want to get books signed by the carvers during the special visit.

For more information about this exhibit, demonstration or other events, activities and exhibits at the Railroad Museum, please visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the California State Railroad Museum.

Free Teacher's Day at the History Museum this Thursday!

2012-09-17T22:50:47Z

Attention teachers and educators...the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation is pleased to present the first-ever “Teacher’s Day at the Sacramento History Museum” on Thursday, September 20 from 4 to 7 p.m.!

In an effort to share information about the interactive and fun hands-on programs and educational exhibits on display at the Museum, knowledgeable docents will be available for area educators interested in learning more about new ways to help make California’s fascinating history come alive for their students. After all, visitors to the Sacramento History Museum can explore the region’s rich history from the days before the Gold Rush to the present. Plus, each educator who attends the special “Teacher’s Day” will receive a free raffle ticket for a chance to win door prizes such as teacher’s guide books, education props and even a future field trip to the Sacramento History Museum.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enhance learning in fun new ways at the first-ever “Teacher’s Day” at the Sacramento History Museum!

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

Railroad Museum to Debut Fanciful New “Whittle Stop" Exhibit

2012-09-17T15:16:07Z

In partnership with the Caricature Carvers of America (CCA), the California State Railroad Museum will debut an entertaining new exhibit titled “Whittle Stop: A Cast of Caricatures on a Wild West Train” on Tuesday, September 18, 2012. The fun and fanciful new exhibit is an intricately detailed wooden sculpture of a 1880s era steam train from engine to caboose complete with a handcar, water tower, railroad depot, crossing gate and a cadre of more than 40 humorous characters from all walks of life in the West. Museum visitors of all ages will marvel at the colorful train and ensemble that was whittled, sculpted and meticulously painted by a group of 25 dedicated carvers who spent countless hours working on their labor of love.

The project was conceived at the Caricature Carvers of America Annual Meeting in 2004. What started as a one-year project grew in scope and the finished train carving and accompanying vignettes were completed in 2006. Since that time, the exhibit has periodically been put on special display. However, when the exhibit debuts at the California State Railroad Museum on September 18, it will represent the first time it has gone on public display at a major venue in California. Timed to coincide with its appearance in the Golden State, the Caricature Carvers of America 2012 Annual Meeting will also be held at the California State Railroad Museum in September. As part of the annual meeting activities, Museum visitors will have an opportunity to meet the carvers and enjoy special carving demonstrations on Saturday, September 22 from 1 to 5 p.m.

Once on display at the California State Railroad Museum, the “Whittle Stop: A Cast of Caricatures on a Wild West Train” exhibit will be located in the Lobby Gallery near the entrance and store through September 2013. For more information about this exhibit or other events, activities and exhibits at the Museum, please visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the California State Railroad Museum.

Railroad Museum to Debut New “Building America” Exhibit - 9/29!

2012-09-13T13:31:22Z

Timed to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the Union Pacific Railroad this year, the California State Railroad Museum is proud to debut a new exhibit titled “Building America: Abraham Lincoln, California and the Union Pacific Railroad” on Saturday, September 29, 2012.

Located in the Roundhouse Gallery on the Museum’s second floor, the retrospective exhibit will include photos, maps, artifacts and memorabilia covering 150 years of railroad history. The powerful new exhibit will begin with the early history of President Abraham Lincoln and his steadfast support of the railroad, culminating with the signing of the Pacific Railroad Act in 1862. The exhibit will highlight the construction of this – the world’s very first transcontinental railroad – and continue on to showcase how the Union Pacific Railroad has helped with “Building America” through natural disasters, wars, and a changing transportation industry. Through all of these changes, the Union Pacific Railroad has had many California connections, and these have grown over time. The company today is America’s biggest railroad and a major part of the global supply chain with 32,000 route-miles in 23 states.

Museum visitors can expect to view a wide variety of artifacts, images and memorabilia, including: a souvenir gold album locket from the late 1850s displaying a picture of Abraham Lincoln during his presidential campaign; a large stylized map of the famous route of the first transcontinental railroad; colorful railroad-related advertisements, posters and marketing materials; a rare uniform from the 1930s once worn by nurses/stewardesses who traveled aboard passenger trains assisting elderly or ill passengers and children prior to World War II; two large, lighted “drum-head” signs that once “brought up the rear” of famous passenger trains; framed photos of early railroad workers building the Transcontinental Railroad; and the iconic Union Pacific logo as it evolved over time. Guests will also learn about various other companies that have become part of today’s far-reaching Union Pacific system through mergers and acquisitions.

The new “Building America” exhibit will remain on display at the California State Railroad Museum through August 2013. For more information about this exhibit or other events, activities and exhibits at the Railroad Museum, please visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the California State Railroad Museum.

UP CELEBRATES 150TH ANNIVERSARY WITH FREE EVENT IN OLD SAC 9/29-30!

2012-09-13T13:25:05Z

Union Pacific Railroad will continue its year-long 150th anniversary celebration with a huge, two-day signature event in Old Sacramento September 29-30 that will include free excursion train rides and free entrance into both the California State Railroad Museum and Sacramento History Museum. The community celebration will commemorate 150 years since President Abraham Lincoln created the original Union Pacific by signing the Pacific Railway Act of July 1, 1862. In partnership with California State Parks, the Union Pacific - Building America for 150 Years! celebration will be the most elaborate event staged in the Western United States as part of Union Pacific's sesquicentennial year to be held at the California State Railroad Museum.

“Union Pacific’s 150TH anniversary gives us a special chance to celebrate our historic past with the communities that are important to our future,” said Scott Moore, Union Pacific vice president, public affairs – Western Region. “We are proud to celebrate 150 years of innovation and building America with a signature event in Old Sacramento, which has a fascinating past rich in the history and heritage of the West.”

Saturday morning at 10 a.m., the public is invited to join Union Pacific Railroad, California State Parks and state and city officials to a special kick-off event outside the California State Railroad Museum. At the opening festivities, which are sure to delight railroad and history enthusiasts from near and far, Sacramento officials plan to honor Union Pacific’s 150th anniversary, and the railroad will proclaim the Sacramento community an official Train Town USA. The first 500 people to arrive at 9:30 in advance of the kick-off presentation will receive a limited-edition 150th Anniversary pin from Union Pacific.

In addition to live music, entertainment and period-appropriate performances happening in various locations throughout Old Sacramento State Historic Park, a variety of locomotives and other equipment will be on special display during the two-day Union Pacific - Building America for 150 Years! event in Old Sacramento, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Event highlights will include:

The chance for visitors to see the inside of the engineer’s cab of the crowd-favorite steam locomotive No. 844 known as the “Living Legend.”
The public’s first opportunity to see the experimental locomotive UP 9900 equipped with the very latest emissions-reducing technology that provides a glimpse into the future of railroading.
The popular 1960‘s vintage Promontory baggage car that has been retrofitted into a state-of-the-art traveling museum.
History-rich passenger cars and equipment.
Modern UP police and maintenance vehicles.
Free train rides on Union Pacific’s popular miniature train, UP 956.
Free weekend excursion train rides on the Sacramento Southern Railroad (based on availability). For visitors interested in a luxury train ride experience along the Sacramento River, train rides aboard the first-class El Dorado are available for $15 per person (ages five and under ride free) and can be booked online in advance at www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org.
Free entrance to the California State Railroad Museum, widely recognized as North America’s most popular train museum, and access to a special exhibit launching that weekend highlighting the legacy of the transcontinental railroad.
Free entrance to the Sacramento History Museum, a popular destination that offers visitors a chance to explore the region’s rich history from the days before the Gold Rush to the present.

More information about Union Pacific Railroad, the series of special events or the Union Pacific - Building America for 150 Years! celebration is available at www.up150.com and www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including Union Pacific and the California State Railroad Museum.

Get Ready for "Rollin' on the River" on September 14!

2012-08-14T16:43:18Z

It’s time to celebrate Sacramento-style when the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation presents “Rollin’ on the River” on Friday evening, September 14, 2012*. Honoring Sacramento restaurant owner Lina Fat and saluting the 100th birthday of the iconic I Street Bridge, the festive event begins with a VIP Reception – emceed by Dave Walker and Lois Hart -- at the Sacramento History Museum followed by a memorable and spirited River Cruise aboard the Empress Hornblower.

As the Empress Hornblower cruises down the Sacramento River, adult-only guests will enjoy scrumptious food, 1850s-style gambling, and a champagne toast saluting the I Street Bridge when cruising underneath the local icon. This festive fundraising event will also include a silent auction with all proceeds supporting the ongoing and invaluable historic programming provided by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

Advance tickets for “Rollin’ on the River” are available now by calling 916-808-7059, online at www.historicoldsac.org or in person at the Sacramento History Museum located at 101 I Street.

*Due to scheduling conflicts, this event was rescheduled from an earlier date in June.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

Cultural Diversity Takes Center Stage at SacWorldFest 2012!

2012-08-08T21:21:50Z

Sacramento gets its musical groove on for the 5th Annual SacWorldFest in Old Sacramento coming October 6-7, 2012, with an impressive line-up of live musical performances, visually-exciting ethnic dance, engaging storytellers, a dynamic Global Village and much, much more. The annual SacWorldFest extravaganza is designed to celebrate and share the region’s rich and remarkable cultural diversity. In fact, since the inaugural festival in 2008, SacWorldFest has hosted more than 120 performances from more than 500 performers reflecting more than 40 ethnicities, cultures and nations.

SacWorldFest 2012 kicks off the first Saturday evening in October with a very special international headliner performance by Band H'sao during a high-energy “Spotlight On: AFRICA!” outdoor event. Band H’sao draws from gospel, traditional African music, as well as their Chadian roots for a unique sound that displays clear soul, pop, and R&B influences.

Then on Sunday, Old Sacramento is transformed into an elaborate and sprawling multi-cultural center complete with multiple stage areas offering free public shows by talented performers that include the following:

Z’Amico -- Brazilian and Afro-Caribbean beats, soulful songwriting and inter-community action for social change;
Halau 'o Keikiali'i of Sacramento & San Francisco -- Traditional Hawaiian hula kahiko (or ancient dance) performances with chants, songs, stories and more;
Rasa Vitalia -- a powerful multi-disciplinary artist, professional music & dance performer focused on celebrating life through art;
Charged Particles -- crosses stylistic boundaries and blends multiple traditions to create vital new sounds in the electric jazz arena;
Jodama Drum & Dance -- extensive group of drummers and dancers with an electrifying delivery of incredible energy, stage presence and exquisite costuming;
URBANFIRE -- an accomplished California Reggae band with a unique style that plays a wide range of music and has a strong fan base in Northern California.

In addition to the energizing music and dance, there is a lot more to do at this family-friendly multi-cultural celebration all day Sunday such as watching free entertaining children’s theater performances, participating in hands-on activities, watching a fun fashion show and visiting a Global Village complete with entertaining cooking and dancing demonstrations. A special highlight this year is a new “Instruments of the World: DRUMS!” area near Front and J Streets. Plus, visitors of all ages will also enjoy visiting booths with innovative and interactive educational opportunities to learn about different cultures.

The Saturday evening “Spotlight on: AFRICA!” opening performance runs 6 to 9 p.m. at Waterfront Park and there is a small admission fee. Sunday’s free activities run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and happen in five performance areas in Old Sacramento, including Waterfront Park (Front and L Streets), Global Village (Near Front and J Streets), Passenger Station Stage (Front and I Streets), Old Eagle Theatre (Near Front and J Streets) and Fats City Performance Area (Front and J Streets).

SacWorldFest 2012 is produced by a dedicated volunteer board of directors, collaborative local business owners and generous sponsors such as Wells Fargo. For updated performance schedules and more information about the SacWorldFest celebration, visit www.SacWorldFest.org. For sponsorship inquiries or vendor participation information, please call 916-549-2749.

About the Sacramento World Music & Dance Festival (SacWorldFest)
The mission of the SacWorldFest is to showcase the cultural diversity of the Sacramento region through a spectacular annual presentation of an ethnic dance and music festival that offers an educational and entertaining experience for all ages. The annual event provides educational entertainment opportunities for the entire Sacramento region while recognizing, nurturing and honoring the region’s rich cultural diversity. For more, call 916-549-2749 or visit www.SacWorldFest.org.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the SacWorldFest 2012.

Railroad Museum to Debut Phase Two of "Wedlock's Gift" Exhibit on 8/3

2012-07-29T15:50:50Z

The California State Railroad Museum will debut the second set of 26 fascinating, documentary-style sketches beginning on Friday, August 3, as part of the continuing “Wedlock’s Gift: California Railroad Depot Images in Ink” exhibit first displayed in September 2011. Commercial artist Walter J. Wedlock gifted the complete set of 52 drawings and one watercolor to the California State Railroad Museum in 1985 after seeing the collection together for the first time during a special exhibit. The second phase of “Wedlock’s Gift: California Depot Images in Ink” exhibit will remain on display until March 4, 2013.

A few highlights of the second set of sketches include the following: the picturesque and charming Menlo Park station that opened in 1867 and still serves Caltrain commuters today; the Placentia station of the Santa Fe Railway, built in 1910, was the second that Wedlock drew and was demolished a week after he completed his sketch in 1971; and two stations in Fullerton built in 1922 and 1930 that are still standing today, one serving as a busy stop for Amtrak and Metrolink trains and the other of which has been moved and adaped for reuse as a restaurant.

Wedlock’s quest to interpret many of California’s disappearing historic railroad depots in brush and ink began in the 1970s, when he realized the depots that had once dotted the rail lines of California were in danger of being demolished due to the decline of rail passenger travel. Racing against time and the wrecking ball, Wedlock sketched his compelling images on-the-spot after tracking down various depots built primarily between the 1880s and the late 1930s. Wedlock did not concentrate on any one architectural style, railroad company or structure, but instead focused on capturing the unique personality of each historic railroad depot, many of which had been the center of their communities at an earlier time. While more than a third of the depots sketched by Wedlock have been demolished, many communities subsequently launched successful efforts to save their endangered depots. Today, many serve as museums or have changed to some other adaptive reuse. Happily, several are once again busy transportation centers for the communities they serve.

Each drawing in the “Wedlock’s Gift: California Railroad Depot Images in Ink” exhibit will include information about the structure’s heritage including the date it was built, the architectural style and building materials used, the railroad company with which it was associated, and whether the station still exists today and, if so, its current use.

For more information about this exhibit or other exhibits on display at the Museum, visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks.

Railroad Museum Presents "Ales on the Rails" Sunset Train Ride

2012-07-26T16:54:40Z

All aboard as the California State Railroad Museum celebrates summer in rail-related style with a special, one-night-only “Ales on the Rails” brew sampling event. The sunset train ride takes place on the Sacramento Southern Railroad on Saturday evening, August 18, when adult passengers will have the opportunity to sit back, relax, and enjoy views of the Sacramento River. As the train rolls along, guests will sample tasty appetizers provided by Crisp Catering, and three signature artisanal brews -- Alkali Wit, Bee Line Blonde and Daylight Amber -- will be provided by Sacramento’s newest brewery, Track 7 Brewing Company.

The special evening begins with boarding at 7:15 p.m. as the train departs promptly at 7:30 p.m. The excursion train features a combination of vintage closed coaches with comfortable seats and open-air “gondolas” with bench-style seating. Those aboard are treated to a relaxing excursion train ride along the levees of the picturesque Sacramento River while watching the sunset on the horizon.

Tickets include beer, appetizers, train ride and a commemorative glass. Limited space is available and a sell-out is expected for this one-night-only event. Proceeds from ”Ales on the Rails” benefit the California State Railroad Museum Foundation whose mission is to raise funds in support of the California State Railroad Museum and California State Parks. Advance tickets to “Ales on the Rails” are available online at www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or by calling 916-445-5995.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks.

"Time Travel Weekends" Program Resumes in Old Sac!

2012-07-05T15:12:46Z

For the third consecutive summer and to the delight of guests near and far, the popular “Time Travel Weekends” program will resume in Old Sacramento on Saturday, July 7, 2012. Designed to entertain and engage Old Sacramento visitors with good, old-fashioned fun reminiscent of the Gold Rush era, the free “Time Travel Weekends” street theater program first debuted in 2010 and will be offered again on weekends from July 7 through August 26, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The “Time Travel Weekends” program is presented by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation (HOSF) in partnership with the City of Sacramento, California State Parks, Old Sacramento Business Association and participating merchants and businesses.

“Time Travel Weekend” performance themes vary each weekend and are scheduled as follows:

July 7-8 : American Independence: Picnic Games, Pageantry, Declaration of Independence Reading, Little Patriots’ Parades
July 14-15 : Heroes & Villains: Melodrama and Darling Damsels in Distress
July 21-22 : A People at Play: Victorian Pastimes
July 28-29 : Politicians, Patent Medicine men, and other Purveyors of Pomposity
August 4-5 : Founders of Sacramento: featuring Sam Brannon and The Founding of Sacramento Pageant, Road Raising debates
August 11-12 : A People at Play: Victorian Pastimes
August 18-19 : Civil War In Sacramento: The Union Stronghold of the West
August 25-26 : Pioneer Skills: Mountain Men

In addition to toys, games and “make and take” craft activities for the kids at the Victorian Academy located at the corner of Front & J, plus special “meet and greet” opportunities with period-appropriate living history characters from the past, the centerpiece to this free and highly interactive program includes a series of Old West stage shows -- including the much acclaimed New Golden Melodeon Review each day at 2 p.m. in the Eagle Theatre -- performed by teams of talented actors and actresses in period attire. Special performances are scheduled on four stages located throughout Old Sacramento including in the Eagle Theatre, Victorian Academy (north end of Train Depot), Pioneer Park and Waterfront Park. Additionally, the talented performers will roam the streets of Old Sacramento throughout the scheduled weekends, putting on spontaneous and often-elaborate skits and performances so visitors can step back in time to the 1850s, 1860s and 1870s.

The “Time Travel Weekends” program is also showcased on special weekends by historic re-enactments complete with wagons, wild characters that include heroes and villains, historic gambling, bowling, juggling, singing, dancing and other forms of musical mastery, military encampments, mining camps, parades, historic events, and medicine shows. Depending on the weekend theme, Old Sacramento visitors may also meet 19th century miners, ranchers, railroaders, Civil War soldiers, politicians, sailors, magicians, shopkeepers, actors of all kinds and much more as they stroll along the historic cobblestone streets.

The continuing program is designed to bring a lively and theatrical flair to the streets of Old Sacramento reflecting the exciting atmosphere and character of the early gold mining period. For a complete and updated performance schedule, visit www.historicoldsac.org/timetravel.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

"Riding the Rails with Mark Twain" this Saturday!

2012-07-03T13:13:15Z

All aboard for a summertime special train ride when the California State Railroad Museum presents “Riding the Rails with Mark Twain” on Saturday evening, July 7. Guests are invited to enjoy a warm summer evening in Old Sacramento State Historic Park along with Mark Twain (portrayed by local period actor Pat Kaunert), cool refreshments, entertaining live music and a delightful train ride along the Sacramento River.

The leisurely evening begins at 6:30 p.m. inside the historic Eagle Theatre with Mark Twain sharing fascinating stories about his train travels in the West. Mr. Twain will be accompanied by popular Mother Lode fiddler, Dave Rainwater. Then at 7:30 p.m., guests will board the Sacramento Southern Railroad for a relaxing train ride with Twain and Rainwater on board to entertain and amuse passengers. Guests can sit back and enjoy a comfortable coach seat or watch the passing scenery from an open-air gondola with benches while sipping refreshing lemonade or iced tea as the sun sets over the Sacramento River.

Advance tickets are recommended for this one-night-only “Riding the Rails with Mark Twain” evening event and are available online at www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or by calling 916-445-5995.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the California State Railroad Museum.

Union Pacific Celebrates 150 Years With Big Event in Old Sac

2012-07-01T18:56:11Z

Union Pacific Railroad will continue its year-long 150th anniversary celebration with a huge, two-day signature event in Old Sacramento September 29-30. The free event will commemorate 150 years since President Abraham Lincoln created the original Union Pacific by signing the Pacific Railway Act of July 1, 1862. In partnership with California State Parks, the Union Pacific - Building America for 150 Years! celebration will be the most elaborate event staged in the Western United States as part of Union Pacific's sesquicentennial year to be held at the California State Railroad Museum.

“Union Pacific’s 150th anniversary gives us a special chance to celebrate our historic past with the communities that are most important to our future,” said Scott Moore, Union Pacific vice president, public affairs – Western Region. “We are proud to celebrate 150 years of innovation and building America with a signature event in Old Sacramento with its fascinating past rich in the history and heritage of the West.”

A variety of locomotives and other equipment will be on special display during the two-day Union Pacific - Building America for 150 Years! event in Old Sacramento, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Highlights will include:

The chance for visitors to see the inside of the engineer’s cab of the legendary steam locomotive No. 844.
The 1960‘s vintage Promontory baggage car that has been retrofitted into a state-of-the-art traveling museum.
History-rich passenger cars and equipment.
Modern UP police and maintenance vehicles.
A recently launched UP locomotive that reduces emissions and provides a glimpse into the future of railroading.
Train rides on Union Pacific’s popular miniature train, UP 956.
Free weekend excursion train rides on the Sacramento Southern Railroad (based on availability).
Complimentary entrance all weekend long to the California State Railroad Museum, widely recognized as North America’s most popular train museum, and access to a special exhibit launching that weekend highlighting the legacy of the transcontinental railroad.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including Union Pacific Railroad.

Railroad Museum Celebrates “Diesels & Dads” on Father’s Day!

2012-06-11T13:45:04Z

The California State Railroad Museum is gearing up to celebrate “Diesels and Dads” on Sunday, June 17 (Father’s Day), by showcasing seven rarely seen diesel locomotives that will be on special display from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The locomotives on display will include two stationed inside the Museum itself: Foley Bros. No 110-1, a pioneering 1929 diesel locomotive, and Southern Pacific No. 6819, a 1970s ”Tunnel Motor” hood unit. On the turntable outside the Museum, the unpainted Southern Pacific No. 6402, a F7A Cab unit, will be displayed with open sides exposing the interior mechanical components. Southern Pacific No. 5208, a 1949 Baldwin road switcher, and Sacramento Northern No. 402, a 1939 switcher originally owned by the Western Pacific Railroad will also be available outside the Museum on Father’s Day.

In addition to viewing the special diesels on display, dads will also enjoy taking a relaxing train ride aboard a historic locomotive along the Sacramento River! Weekend excursion train rides are up and operating as usual, departing hourly from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission weekend excursion train ride tickets are available in-person on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 10:30 a.m. the day of the train ride at the Sacramento Southern Railroad ticket office, located on Front Street between “J” and “K” Streets in Old Sacramento. Train ride tickets cost $10 adults; $5 youths ages 6-17; free for children ages 5 and under ($15 for first class tickets aboard the first class El Dorado). Advance tickets to ride the first-class El Dorado are available online at www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org

For more information about the California State Railroad Museum or any of these special activities, please visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the Capital District State Museums & Historic Parks.

“Above Ground” Walking Tours Resume This Weekend in Old Sac!

2012-06-08T20:18:20Z

In addition to the popular Old Sacramento Underground Tour program already underway for the season, the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation is adding to the fun with intriguing “above ground” walking tours as well. On weekends beginning June 9, and continuing through August, two informative walking tours will be offered that include the following: Sacramento City: California’s Gold Rush Legacy Tour and Old Sacramento Architectural Tour: From Canvas to Brick.

For the Gold Rush Legacy Tours, docents in historically appropriate attire take guests on a journey back to the 1850s using original and reconstructed Gold Rush-era buildings as a compelling backdrop to describe what the town was like during that fascinating period in California’s history.

For the Old Sacramento Architectural Tours, guests are guided through Old Sacramento to see how the architecture of the buildings silently but assuredly reflects the compelling history of how Sacramento was transformed from a water-logged tent city -- with floods, fires and the Gold Rush along the way -- to a firmly established city and the state’s capital.

On Saturdays and Sundays, the Sacramento City: California’s Gold Rush Legacy Tour is offered at 11 a.m. and the Old Sacramento Architectural Tour: From Canvas to Brick is offered at 1 p.m.

All Old Sacramento walking tours last approximately one hour in length and guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces. Walking tours begin and end at the Sacramento History Museum located at 101 I Street in Old Sacramento. Above ground walking tours cost $5 a ticket and can be purchased in advance at www.historicoldsac.org or in person the day of the walking tour.

The above ground and underground tour programs are coordinated by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation (HOSF) and in partnership with the City of Sacramento, California State Parks, Old Sacramento Business Association and participating merchants and businesses.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

Railroad Museum Debuts New “Ticket To Ride” Exhibit This Thursday

2012-05-29T16:16:46Z

The California State Railroad Museum is proud to debut a new exhibit titled “Ticket to Ride: 150 Years of Passenger Comfort & Style” on Thursday, May 31, 2012. Located in the Mezzanine Gallery near the entrance to the Theater, the exciting and highly visual exhibit showcases American railroad-related artifacts that chronicle how the on-board experience has been enhanced over time through innovations in comfort, design, service and technology that have helped to meet ever-changing consumer expectations.

For example, Museum visitors will have the opportunity to view different types of passenger seating from the 1870s to present and to experience sitting in a restored 1930s vintage upholstered passenger car seat and, for comparison, a current model Amtrak double coach seat. Guests will see a variety of vintage train tickets, sleeping accommodations and amenities from different eras and traveling classes. They will also have the opportunity to touch manufacturing materials used to produce passenger seats, read conversations between passengers from different eras and see printed advertisements appealing to different audiences. In addition, Museum visitors will view early traveling comforts such as an original barber chair used in the early 20th century, a bar from a 1930s streamlined lounge car, a coal stove, light fixtures, dining utensils, china and decorated leaded glass.

The new “Ticket to Ride” exhibit will remain on display through March 2013. For more information about this exhibit or other events, activities and exhibits at the California State Railroad Museum, please visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the California State Railroad Museum.

History Museum Offers Free Admission to Military Personnel This Summer!

2012-05-21T20:59:59Z

Today, the Sacramento History Museum announced its participation in Blue Star Museums, a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and more than 1,500 museums across America to offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2012.

“We are proud to participate in the third annual Blue Star Museums program again this year,” said Historic Old Sacramento Foundation Deputy Director Kristina Swanson. “We are happy provide an opportunity for our nation’s service members and their families to connect with our national treasures. It is our way of giving back to military families who sacrifice so much.”

This year, more than 1,500 (and counting) museums in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa are taking part in the initiative, including more than 300 new museums this year. The free admission program is available to any bearer of a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 ID card, or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card, which includes active duty military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard), National Guard and Reserve members and up to five immediate family members.

For more information, call (916) 808-7059 or visit www.historicoldsac.org.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

Railroad Museum Gets in the Jazzy Spirit Memorial Day Weekend!

2012-05-21T20:42:46Z

Coinciding with the 39th Annual Sacramento Music Festival happening over Memorial Day weekend in Old Sacramento, the California State Railroad Museum will offer jazz musicians performing inside the Museum, aboard popular weekend excursion train rides and even complimentary admission to event badge holders. With several music venues located in close proximity to the Railroad Museum and a special free Children’s Stage and activity area just outside the Museum in the “1849 Scene,” a visit to the Railroad Museum extends the weekend enjoyment for all ages.

Inside the Museum, visitors will be treated to live entertainment in the Roundhouse performed by various banjo musicians all four days as follows: Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition, live musical performances will be available in the Museum Theater on Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day. And, guests who choose to take a lovely six-mile, 40-minute round trip excursion train ride along the levees of the Sacramento River will also be entertained on board by talented banjo performers from the Sacramento Banjo Band.

Weekend excursion train rides will be offered on Saturday, Sunday and Monday of the holiday weekend (May 26-28). Trains depart hourly from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. all three days from the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot in Old Sacramento (located on Front Street between J and K Streets). The train features a combination of vintage closed coaches with comfortable seats, and open-air gondolas with bench style seating.

For more information, visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the California State Railroad Museum.

Historic Old Sac Foundation Presents “Rollin’ on the River” - June 14!

2012-05-17T21:46:38Z

It’s time to celebrate Sacramento-style when the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation presents “Rollin’ on the River” on Thursday evening, June 14, 2012. Honoring Sacramento restauranteur Lina Fat and saluting the 100th birthday of the iconic I Street bridge, the festive event begins with a VIP Reception at the Sacramento History Museum followed by a memorable and spirited river cruise aboard the Empress Hornblower.

As the Empress Hornblower cruises down the Sacramento River, adult-only guests will enjoy scrumptious food, 1850s-style gambling, and a champagne toast saluting the I Street bridge when cruising underneath the local icon. This festive fundraising event will also include a silent auction with all proceeds supporting the ongoing and invaluable historic programming provided by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

Advance tickets for “Rollin’ on the River” are available now by calling 916-808-7059, online at www.historicoldsac.org or in person at the Sacramento History Museum located at 101 I Street.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

Railroad Museum Finds Three Ways to Celebrate Next Weekend!

2012-05-01T15:18:01Z

Known as North America’s most popular train museum, the California State Railroad Museum is gearing up for a weekend of -- separate but festive -- celebratory activities on May 11, 12 & 13, don’t miss the rail-related fun!

Annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet -- Friday Evening, May 11
Closed to the public but deserving of the community’s widespread recognition, approximately 600 volunteers will be honored at an Annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet for collectively dedicating nearly 130,000 hours of service to the California State Railroad Museum in 2011. In fact, since the Museum’s 1976 inception, volunteers have contributed more than two million hours of service.

National Train Day -- Saturday, May 12
Two visually exciting 1950s-era vintage streamlined diesel locomotives from the California State Railroad Museum’s prized collection -- Southern Pacific 6051 and Western Pacific 913 -- will be on a special back-to-back configuration pulling the open-air gondolas and first class El Dorado observation lounge car on National Train Day. National Train Day is a celebration of American railroading, trains and train travel in cities all across the country.

Mother’s Day Excursion Train Rides -- Sunday, May 13
The California State Railroad Museum plans to treat moms extra special on Mother’s Day by giving away complimentary Decadent Double Fudge Dipped Cake Pops to all mothers who take a train ride (trains depart hourly between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.), while supplies last. General admission weekend excursion train ride tickets are available in-person on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 10:30 a.m. the day of the train ride at the Sacramento Southern Railroad ticket office, located on Front Street between “J” and “K” Streets in Old Sacramento. Train ride tickets cost $10 adults; $5 youths ages 6-17; free for children ages 5 and under ($15 for first class tickets aboard the first class El Dorado). Advance tickets to ride the first-class El Dorado are available online at www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org

For more information about the California State Railroad Museum or any of these special activities, please visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks

Railroad Museum Offers "Trains & Tripods" Program for Amateur Photograpers - 5/4 & 5/5!

2012-04-17T18:24:57Z

Lights, Camera, Action! The California State Railroad Museum is proud to host the first “Trains & Tripods Photo Workshop & Lighting Seminar” for 2012.

“Trains & Tripods” is a popular two-part program that includes an optional seminar on existing light photography and a unique photographers-only photo shooting session inside the visually-enticing museum before it opens to the public for the day. Amateur photographers of all skill levels can choose to attend one or both of the activities.

Conducted by former Sacramento Bee photographer and Canon USA consultant Dave Henry, the fast-paced and information-packed lighting seminar is scheduled for Friday evening with the “bring your own tripod” photography opportunity scheduled for Saturday morning.

Space is limited to 50 participants and advance registration for “Trains & Tripods” is required. All photographers are required to sign a release of liability and a “not for commercial use” clause. For more information, interested photographers are encouraged to visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call 916-445-7373.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the California State Railroad Museum.

History Museum Celebrates 100 Years of I Street Bridge With Photo Display - 4/28!

2012-04-17T18:19:36Z

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the completion of Sacramento’s I Street bridge, the Sacramento History Museum in Old Sacramento will unveil a special exhibit showcasing photographs of the beloved bridge on Saturday, April 28, 2012.

This Sacramento landmark was built by the Southern Pacific in 1912 with contributions by Sacramento and Yolo counties. A true engineering accomplishment in its day, this bridge was built to last. In fact, the first train to cross the bridge did so on April 29, 1912, and train travel on the bridge continues to this day.

The Sacramento History Museum invites the community to visit the photo display and learn more about the history of this enduring landmark. The special photo display will continue through 2012. For more information, visit www.HistoricOldSac.org or call 916-808-7059.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

History Museum Presents "An Indigenous History of Sacramento” Special Lecture - 4/14

2012-04-04T22:35:35Z

On Saturday, April 14, beginning at 1 p.m., the Sacramento History Museum is proud to present a special guest lecture by April Farnham -- former collections manager and historian at the Maidu Indian Museum and current Sacramento History Museum docent -- who will discuss her research and findings about California indigenous peoples in Sacramento's early history.

The Sacramento region includes the ancestral homelands of the Nisenan Maidu as well as Miwok, and Southern Wintun (or Patwin) tribal groups. Individuals from these groups played a significant role in Sacramento's history from the early 1800s well into the turn of the century; however, their names have been largely forgotten or neglected in the history books. Ms. Farnham's thought-provoking lecture will include a powerpoint slideshow including rare photographs and early illustrations.

While there is no cost to attend the special lecture, regular Museum prices apply. For more information, visit www.HistoricOldSac.org or call 916-808-7059.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

“Living History” Easter Bonnet Promenade & Spring Ball in Old Sac - April 7!

2012-03-23T18:39:51Z

The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation invites one and all to dress up in your favorite Easter finery -- or other historic apparel -- to celebrate in high style during the 17th Annual “Living History” Easter Bonnet Promenade on Saturday, April 7, beginning at 11 a.m. Year after year, visitors of all ages come from near and far to take a leisurely one-hour stroll through the historic boardwalks and cobblestone streets of Old Sacramento. Women tend to get all dolled up in fanciful dresses, lovely parasols or colorful hats while attire for the gentlemen might include top hats, frock coats, vests, and trousers with a walking stick and watch fob (pocket watch) to complete the distinguished look. As a fun and lively new activity introduced last year, “promenading” guests are also invited to enjoy a Spring Ball at 2 p.m. featuring 19th-century ballroom and contra dancing with period music played by the Claudia’s Kitchen Band. And for those interested in learning some fancy footwork, talented dance instructors will demonstrate and teach various period dances that include polkas, mazurkas, waltzes, and quadrilles. Don’t miss the spirited and free Easter celebration! For more information, visit www.HistoricOldSac.org or call 916-808-7059.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

Railroad Museum to Debut a Whole New Crop of Fruit Crate Art as Phase Two of the Popular “Pick Me!” Exhibit Opens April 10

2012-03-14T16:34:31Z

Due to popular demand, the California State Railroad Museum will debut phase two of a visually-powerful exhibit titled "Pick Me! Fruit Crate Art & the California Dream" on Tuesday, April 10, 2012. A whole new crop of more than 100 fruit crate art labels from the 1880s through the early 1950s will be on display as part of the second phase of this vibrant exhibit located inside the Museum's restored 1924 Fruit Growers Express Refrigerator Car and along a re-created loading dock/icing station.

Chosen from the Museum's collection, and on loan from the California State Library and private lenders, the evocative art portrays vibrant hues and whimsical motifs that romanticized life in the Golden State and served as an alluring call to "Go West." Beginning in the 1840s, early railroads experimented with shipments of perishables cooled by ice. In the decades after 1869, when the Transcontinental Railroad connected West with East, techniques for cooling insulated wooden railroad cars--using ice--were perfected. Suddenly a vast new market opened up for California's farmers. As the primary means of transport, the railroad was instrumental in the early expansion and success of the Golden State's agriculture industry. But along with sharing luscious fresh produce with new markets, these refrigerated cars (known as "reefers" in railroad slang) inadvertently delivered something more to a wider population--the California Dream.

Filled with fresh California produce, wooden shipping crates were identified on their exteriors by artistically and fantastically designed labels. Dripping with color, these labels communicated the powerful allure of the Golden State. Many labels depicted verdant fields and idyllic pastoral scenes, subtly suggesting that California was a magical place - a place where it was always sunny and the grass was somehow greener. Visitors to the second phase of the "Pick Me!" exhibit will enjoy seeing new selections of historic labels and exploring how fruit crate art developed over time as a graphic art form, a printing technique and a means of marketing. This exhibit will also explore the mechanics of how ice was packed into the top hatch of each "reefer" car to keep it cool in this era before mechanical refrigeration.

Additionally, Museum visitors will also have the hands-on opportunity to create their own labels using magnetic cut-outs of typical design elements. "Pick Me! Fruit Crate Art & the California Dream" will remain on display through October 31, 2013. For more information, please visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645.

About the California State Railroad Museum
Operated by California State Parks with financial assistance from the non-profit California State Railroad Museum Foundation, the California State Railroad Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Widely regarded as North America’s finest and most popular railroad museum, the complex of facilities includes the 100,000-square foot Railroad History Museum plus the reconstructed Central Pacific Railroad Passenger Station and Freight Depot, 1849 Eagle Theatre, and Big Four and Dingley Spice Mill commercial buildings in Old Sacramento. For 24-hour information, visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks.

Ride the Rails or Go Underground in Old Sacramento; Exciting New Season Debuts 3/31!

2012-03-05T19:46:25Z

Coinciding with the beginning of Easter week, Old Sacramento officially springs into action for a new season of popular excursion train service on the Sacramento Southern Railroad and coveted Old Sacramento Underground tours that both resume the weekend of Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1 (no foolin’!). Visitors to Old Sacramento are encouraged to spend the weekend enjoying the various outdoor activities, exploring the historic museums, and making new discoveries along the way.

Excursion Train Rides - Start March 31
The California State Railroad Museum’s popular excursion railroad -- the Sacramento Southern Railroad -- officially returns to operation for the 29th consecutive season on Saturday, March 31, and continues on weekends through September. Guests are treated to a six-mile, 40-minute roundtrip excursion along the picturesque levees of the Sacramento River while enjoying the sights, smells and sounds of authentic locomotives rolling down the tracks. The train features a combination of vintage closed coaches with comfortable seats, and open-air “gondolas” with bench style seating. Once underway, weekend excursion trains depart every hour on-the-hour from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.Tickets to ride the first-class El Dorado are available to book online in advance at www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org and groups interested in reserving the El Dorado for a regularly scheduled ride should call 916-322-7112. Same-day general admission excursion train ride tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Sacramento Southern Railroad ticket office located on Front Street between J and K Streets.

Old Sacramento Underground Tours - Start March 31
For the third consecutive season, popular Old Sacramento Underground tours resume on Saturday, March 31, and continue through Fall 2012. Old Sacramento has the distinction of being the only city in California to raise its streets in the 1860s through the 1870s to protect the city from devastating flooding. Tour participants explore excavated foundations, an open archeological site and enclosed pathways -- all while entertaining and knowledgeable tour guides recount the tales of the devastation, perseverance, and determination that led to California’s only successful street-raising project. While tour dates will be expanded in the summer months, the initial underground tour schedule is as follows: on Saturdays and Sundays, tours depart every 30 minutes from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. through the month of May. Interested guests are encouraged to check the website for updated tour times and information. Tours of the underground last approximately one hour in length. Tour check-in is located at the Sacramento History Museum, 101 I Street in Old Sacramento. Underground visitors will need to be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces in areas that have low ceilings and in occasional small spaces. Advance tickets for underground tours are available now for online purchase at www.historicoldsac.org.

About the California State Railroad Museum
Operated by California State Parks with financial assistance from the non-profit California State Railroad Museum Foundation, the California State Railroad Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Widely regarded as North America’s finest and most popular railroad museum, the complex of facilities includes the 100,000-square foot Railroad History Museum plus the reconstructed Central Pacific Railroad Passenger Station and Freight Depot, 1849 Eagle Theatre, and Big Four and Dingley Spice Mill commercial buildings in Old Sacramento. For 24-hour information, visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645.

About the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation
The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation (HOSF) is a 501(c)3 public benefit corporation. Old Sacramento is a living historic district. The mission of HOSF is to convey the importance of historic Sacramento as a place that connects our past to our present and future through engaging and entertaining events, activities and programs. More information is available at www.historicoldsac.org or call 916-808-7059.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks.

Railroad Museum Debuts New Photo Exhibit "Steam: An Enduring Legacy" on March 9

2012-02-24T19:13:26Z

The California State Railroad Museum, in collaboration with the Center for Railroad Photography & Art, will debut a visually-enticing new photo exhibit titled Steam: An Enduring Legacy, the Railroad Photographs of Joel Jensen on Friday, March 9, 2012. To help kick-off this exciting exhibit, Joel Jensen will deliver two special presentations in the Railroad Museum Theater on Sunday, March 11, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., each to be followed by book signing opportunities.

Showcasing 50 dramatic black-and-white images, the exhibit features a selection of railroad photographs taken and published in a new book of the same name by the famed railroad photographer. Visitors to the Railroad Museum will see how Joel Jensen has artfully succeeded in visually capturing the bygone era of steam railroading and, in fact, has documented virtually every major steam operation west of the Mississippi. Although regularly scheduled steam locomotives for American trains were virtually gone by 1960, Jensen’s dramatic photographs of steam locomotives beautifully capture the spirit of American railroading throughout the West. The images featured in the new photo exhibit showcase the immense mechanical power available at the time but also demonstrate the human component needed to keep the trains operating in the late 19th century and early 20th century.

While there is no cost to attend the special presentations, regular Museum admission fees apply. The photographic book Steam: An Enduring Legacy, the Railroad Photographs of Joel Jensen (W.W. Norton & Company) is also available for purchase in the Museum Store.

The exhibit Steam: An Enduring Legacy will remain on display through July 29, 2012. For more information about the exhibit or presentation, or other upcoming activities happening at the California State Railroad Museum, call 916-445-6645 or visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org. Or, for more information about Joel Jensen, his book or the Center for Railroad Photography & Art, visit www.railphoto-art.org.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks.

Railroad Museum Celebrates Black History Month By Exploring the Role of Railroads in African American History on February 18

2012-01-30T19:04:28Z

In celebration of Black History Month, the California State Railroad Museum is proud to present two special guest presentations and book signing opportunities with Professor Theodore Kornweibel, Jr., author of Railroads in the African American Experience: A Photographic Journey. After 30 years of research and work in the field of black history, Kornweibel will share his thoughts and findings during two special illustrated presentations on Saturday, February 18, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., each to be followed by book signing opportunities.

His photographic book is a captivating, illustrated tour of the black railroad experience from slavery to Amtrak. It includes nearly 200 compelling images, many of which have never before been published. In the book, Kornweibel examines how the history of American railroads is deeply intertwined with African American history. This industry, America’s first “big business,” provided industrial jobs for blacks who were instrumental in the daily operation and success of America’s railroads.

While there is no cost to attend these special presentations, regular Museum admission fees apply. The book Railroads in the African American Experience: A Photographic Journey is also available for purchase in the Museum Store.

In addition, Kornweibel has generously donated his research notes from his book to the Museum which can now be accessed through the Museum Library. For more information about this special presentation, accessing information from the Museum Library or about other activities, events and exhibits on display at the Museum, visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645.

Special Note: In cooperation with the Museum, there will be an additional opportunity to meet Kornweibel at Underground Books, 2814 35th Street in Sacramento, on Friday evening, February 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. At this venue, guests can talk with Kornweibel informally, purchase his book and have it signed by the author.

About the California State Railroad Museum
Operated by California State Parks with financial assistance from the non-profit California State Railroad Museum Foundation, the California State Railroad Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Widely regarded as North America’s finest and most popular railroad museum, the complex of facilities includes the 100,000-square foot Railroad History Museum plus the reconstructed Central Pacific Railroad Passenger Station and Freight Depot, 1849 Eagle Theatre, and Big Four and Dingley Spice Mill commercial buildings in Old Sacramento. For 24-hour information, visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the California State Railroad Museum.

Railroad Museum to Showcase a “Small Train Holiday” on 11/25 & 26!

2011-11-18T16:43:55Z

Widely known as North America’s most popular railroad museum, the California State Railroad Museum has exciting plans to dazzle, delight and engage post-Thanksgiving visitors with a special “Small Train Holiday” focus on November 25 and 26. Expanded holiday offerings inside the Museum include fun interpretive handcar rides, crowd pleasing scale models and toy train displays, story time with Mrs. Claus, period-appropriate holiday decor and much more.

In addition to these new activities, the “Small Train Holiday” focus includes other fun favorites such as amazing scale models and toy train layouts on display throughout the Museum, a Polar Express model train running on the “Small Wonders” toy train layout, a discovery-filled scavenger hunt and even a whimsical Toy Train movie where the viewer’s eye-level perspective provides a unique experience that explores the magical world of vintage toy trains.

With all the fun and festive activities happening inside the Museum, there’s plenty to do outdoors in Old Sacramento State Historic Park as well. Of course, Santa Claus will be available in the Eagle Theatre from 2:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for those interested in visiting with him; professional photo opportunities are also available. And, the dazzling Old Sacramento Theatre of Lights will brighten the evening skies with a nightly symphony of lights, sounds and visual effects at 6:15 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. beginning Thursday and continuing through Sunday.

All “Small Train Holiday” activities happening inside the California State Railroad Museum are included with the cost of admission. More information about events, exhibits and activities happening at the California State Railroad Museum is available at www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org.

Operated by California State Parks with assistance from the nonprofit CSRM Foundation, the California State Railroad Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Widely regarded as North America’s finest and most-visited railroad museum, the complex of facilities includes the 100,000-sq. ft. Railroad History Museum plus the reconstructed Central Pacific Railroad Passenger Station and Freight Depot, 1849 Eagle Theatre, and Big Four and Dingley Spice Mill buildings in Old Sacramento. 24-hour info: (916) 445-6645 or www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks.

Sacramento History Museum Celebrates Veteran’s Day With FREE Museum Admission and Discounted Underground Tours for Military Personnel & Their Families

2011-11-07T23:45:39Z

In celebration of the Veteran’s Day holiday, the Sacramento History Museum is offering FREE Museum admission for military personnel and their families on Friday, November 11. In addition, and with an expanded holiday schedule, discounted Old Sacramento Underground tours are available on Friday, November 11, for military personnel as well as for their entire families. To receive free Museum admission and/or discounted underground tours, military personnel must present a valid military ID.

With visually exciting and educational exhibits and artifacts on display plus interactive offerings and special hands-on activities on weekends, the Sacramento History Museum offers visitors a chance to explore the region’s rich history from the days before the Gold Rush to the present. The Museum also offers the perfect starting point for exploring Old Sacramento State Historic Park and for understanding how the area developed and grew to the vibrant community it is today.

In fact, the Sacramento History Museum is the starting point and check-in for the popular Old Sacramento Underground tour program. For the Veteran’s Day holiday on Friday, November 11, an expanded underground tour schedule is available with a total of six tours offered at 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Underground tours are also available on Veteran’s Day for the general public at the regular prices. Underground visitors will need to be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces in areas that have low ceilings and in occasional small spaces. After the Veteran’s Day holiday, the regular underground tour schedule resumes through November 27, 2011.

The Sacramento History Museum is located at located at 101 I Street in Old Sacramento. More information about the Museum or Old Sacramento Underground Tours is available by visiting www.historicoldsac.org by calling 916-808-7059.

About the Sacramento History Museum
Supported by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation, the Sacramento History Museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day) and is located at 101 I Street in Old Sacramento. Admission is $5 for adults; $4 for youths ages 6-17 and free for children five and under. For more information, call (916) 808-7059 or visit www.historicoldsac.org.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

Attention Toy Train & Scale Model Railroad Enthusiasts!

2011-10-21T19:17:37Z

To the delight of rail enthusiasts of all ages, the California State Railroad Museum will debut a new exhibit titled “Common Diversions: Toy Trains and Scale Model Railroads” on November 3, 2011. While the items on special display will all be miniature in size, the goal of the exhibit is to clearly distinguish the big differences between scale models and toy trains, both of which have unique characteristics and avid collectors.

In addition to the Railroad Museum’s popular “Small Wonders: The Magic of Toy Trains” exhibit and in contrast to the impressive collection of 21 full-size meticulously restored locomotives and cars on display throughout the Museum, visitors will soon have a unique opportunity to learn more about the decidedly smaller end of the spectrum. As guests will learn, the difference between model trains and toy trains has to do with scale.

“Model trains are built to scale with a specific size relationship between the model and its real life prototype,” explained the late Thomas W. Sefton in a descriptive publication titled Sefton American Collections. “Toy trains, in contrast, are not made to scale. They are crafted with color and imagination rather than an attempt at perfect realism.” (Mr. Sefton collected more than 7,000 toy trains during his lifetime; many are displayed at the Museum today in the “Small Wonders” exhibit.)

Toy trains are miniature versions of their bigger counterparts that were designed as toys for children. Today, many participants in this hobby are interested in building layouts or collecting treasured playthings. One popular line of accessories, “Plasticville,” is a line of snap-together toys introduced the late 1940s and both an early village scene and a rural scene -- complete with cars, people and animals -- will be on display as part of the exhibit. Conversely, model railroad enthusiasts tend to be keenly focused on the accuracy of virtually all details of their models. Visitors will see and appreciate a selection of brass scale model locomotives and cars, showcased on mirrored pedestals that accentuate their jewel-like qualities and intricate details.

“Common Diversions: Toy Trains and Scale Model Railroads” will remain on special display in the Museum’s Lobby Gallery through September 14, 2012. For more information about “Common Diversions,” visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks.

Above Ground Walking Tours in Old Sac Extended Thru October!

2011-10-03T20:24:49Z

Due to continued public interest in “above ground” walking tours, the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation has extended the touring season to include two educational yet entertaining tours each weekend through October.   On Saturday at
1 p.m., the Sacramento City: California’s Gold Rush Legacy Tour is offered. Then on Sunday at 1 p.m., the From Canvas to Brick: Old Sacramento Architectural Tour is available.

For the Gold Rush Legacy Tours, docents in historically appropriate attire take guests on a journey back to the 1850s using original and reconstructed Gold Rush-era buildings as a compelling backdrop to describe what the town was like during that fascinating period in California’s history.

For the Old Sacramento Architectural Tours, guests are guided through Old Sacramento to see how the architecture of the buildings silently but assuredly reflects the compelling history of how Sacramento was transformed from a water-logged tent city -- with floods, fires and the Gold Rush along the way -- to a firmly established city and the state’s capital.

These Old Sacramento walking tours last approximately one hour in length and guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces. Walking tours begin and end at the Sacramento History Museum located at 101 I Street in Old Sacramento.   Above ground walking tours cost $7 for adults and $5 for youths, and can be purchased in advance at www.historicoldsac.org or in person the day of the walking tour (if space is available).

The above ground and underground tour programs are coordinated by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation (HOSF) and in partnership with the City of Sacramento, California State Parks, Old Sacramento Business Association and participating merchants and businesses.

About the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation
The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation (HOSF) is a 501(c)3 public benefit corporation. Old Sacramento is a living historic district.   The mission of HOSF is to convey the importance of historic Sacramento as a place that connects our past to our present and future through engaging and entertaining events, activities and programs. More information is available at www.historicoldsac.org or by calling 916-808-7059.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

Old Sac Underground Adds Adult-Only "Date Night" Tours!

2011-09-20T21:21:44Z

Well into its second full season, the popular Old Sacramento Underground tour program is now redefining “Date Night” with special adult-only evening tours being offered for a limited time. In fact, six special “Date Night” underground tours are available on the following evenings departing at 6 p.m.: 9/29, 9/30, 10/6, 10/7, 10/13 and 10/14. Available for guests ages 18 and over, the special “Date Night” Underground Tours last approximately 90 minutes and will include tales of devastation, perseverance, and determination that led to California’s only successful street-raising project, but will also include lots of shady stories and decidedly adult tales about colorful characters from Sacramento’s past.

In addition, two of Old Sacramento’s most popular restaurants are offering dining discounts for interested “Date Night” underground tour participants. The special evening tours will end at Ten22 Restaurant on Thursdays and at Fat City on Fridays.

Due to the limited availability, advance reservations are strongly encouraged for the “Date Night” underground tours as they are expected to sell out quickly. The check-in for all underground tours is located at the Sacramento History Museum, 101 I Street in Old Sacramento. Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.HistoricOldSacramento.org or by calling 916-808-7059. If available, tickets can be purchased at the door on the day of the tour with cash or check only (no credit card transactions can be made at the door). “Date Night” tours are for adults ages 18 and over only (no exceptions). Underground visitors will need to be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces in areas that have low ceilings and in occasional small spaces.

The Old Sacramento Underground tour program is coordinated by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation (HOSF) and in partnership with the City of Sacramento, California State Parks, Old Sacramento Business Association and participating merchants and businesses.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

“Spookomotive” Train to Haunt Old Sacramento in October

2011-09-15T21:13:07Z

All aboard for Halloween fun! For three weekends beginning in mid-October, the California State Railroad Museum will once again offer engaging and entertaining rides aboard its popular “Spookomotive” train this fall season. “Spookomotive” trains operate Saturdays and Sundays beginning the weekend of October 15-16 and continuing the weekends of October 22-23 and October 29-30.

For these three weekends only, “Spookomotive” trains depart on-the-hour from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., departing at the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot at Front and “K” Streets in Old Sacramento. The diesel-powered “Spookomotive” pulls the whimsically decorated train, crawling with spiders, cobwebs and cornstalks and staffed by a “skeleton crew.” Visitors are encouraged to climb aboard for a fun-filled, 40-minute, six-mile roundtrip ride along the Sacramento River.

In addition to “Spookomotive” train rides, Old Sacramento will be crawling with other activities during October including Ghost Tours and trick-or-treating. For more information about Old Sacramento activities, visit www.oldsacramento.com. For more about “Spookomotive” train rides or other California State Railroad Museum events and activities, visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645.

About the California State Railroad Museum
Operated by California State Parks with financial assistance from the non-profit California State Railroad Museum Foundation, the California State Railroad Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Widely regarded as North America’s finest and most popular railroad museum, the complex of facilities includes the 100,000-square foot Railroad History Museum plus the reconstructed Central Pacific Railroad Passenger Station and Freight Depot, 1849 Eagle Theatre, and Big Four and Dingley Spice Mill commercial buildings in Old Sacramento. For 24-hour information, visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks.

Railroad Museum Rolls Out Collection of California Depot Sketches

2011-08-31T16:46:48Z

The California State Railroad Museum will debut a fascinating documentary-style exhibit titled “Wedlock’s Gift: California Railroad Depot Images in Ink” in two phases with the first set of 26 sketches beginning on September 1, 2011 and continuing through February 2012. Then, in August 2012, the second set of 26 sketches will debut and continue through December 2012. Following the completion of his quest to interpret many of California’s disappearing historic railroad depots in brush and ink, commercial artist Walter J. Wedlock gifted the complete set of 52 drawings and one watercolor to the California State Railroad Museum in 1985 after seeing the collection together for the first time during a special exhibit.

Wedlock’s quest began in the 1970s, when he realized historic railroad depots that had once dotted the rail lines of California were in danger of being demolished due to the decline of passenger train travel. Racing against time and the wrecking ball, Wedlock sketched his compelling images on-the-spot after tracking down various depots built primarily between the 1880s and the late 1930s. Wedlock did not concentrate on any one architectural style, railroad company or structure, but instead focused on capturing the unique personality of each historic railroad depot, many of which had been the center of their communities at an earlier time. While more than a third of the depots sketched by Wedlock have been demolished, many communities subsequently launched successful efforts to save their endangered depots. Today, many house museums or have changed to some other adaptive reuse. Happily, several are once again busy transportation centers for the communities they serve.

Each drawing in the “Wedlock’s Gift: California Railroad Depot Images in Ink” exhibit will include information about the structure’s heritage including the date it was built, the architectural style and building materials used, the railroad company with which it was associated, and whether the station still exists today and, if so, its current use.

For more information about “Wedlock’s Gift: California Depot Images in Ink” exhibit or other exhibits on display at the Museum, visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645.

About the California State Railroad Museum
Operated by California State Parks with financial assistance from the non-profit California State Railroad Museum Foundation, the California State Railroad Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Widely regarded as North America’s finest and most popular railroad museum, the complex of facilities includes the 100,000-square foot Railroad History Museum plus the reconstructed Central Pacific Railroad Passenger Station and Freight Depot, 1849 Eagle Theatre, and Big Four and Dingley Spice Mill commercial buildings in Old Sacramento. For 24-hour information, visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks.

Special Photo Opportunity & Lighting Seminar at Railroad Museum!

2011-08-12T18:01:07Z

Lights, Camera, Action! The California State Railroad Museum is proud to host a unique “Trains & Tripods Photo Opportunity & Lighting Seminar" on Friday evening, September 16 and Saturday morning, September 17.

The two-part program includes an optional seminar on existing light photography and a photographers-only photo session inside the visually-enticing museum before it opens to the public for the day. Amateur photographers of all skill levels can choose to attend one or both of the activities. Conducted by former Sacramento Bee photographer and Canon USA consultant Dave Henry, the fast-paced and information-packed lighting seminar is scheduled for Friday evening with the “bring your own tripod” photography opportunity scheduled for Saturday morning.

Space is limited to 50 participants and advance registration for “Trains & Tripods” is required. All photographers are required to sign a release of liability and a “not for commercial use” clause. For more information or to register, interested photographers are encouraged to visit www.csrmf.org/events-exhibits/whats-new or call 916-445-7373.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the Sacramento area including the California State Railroad Museum.

Evening Activities Galore in Old Sacramento During Gold Rush Days!

2011-08-12T15:45:04Z

During Gold Rush Days 2011 happening over Labor Day Weekend, the daytime hours in Old Sacramento are filled with an amazing array of crowd-pleasing and period-appropriate activities -- but the fun doesn’t stop there! With nearly 50 restaurants/eateries and 75 retail shops, there are plenty of reasons to eat, stay and play in Old Sacramento throughout the day and during the evening hours, too.

Listed below is a sampling of a few special Gold Rush Days-related evening activities happening during the holiday weekend, including:

Gold Rush Days Preview Reception: Friday, September 2, 5-7:30 p.m.
In an effort to kick-off the festivities in 1850s-style, the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation is coordinating a special Gold Rush Days Preview Reception in the Passenger Station in Old Sacramento State Historic Park on Friday evening. The fundraising event will include refreshments and appetizers, live period-appropriate entertainment, the opportunity to preview a new Old Sacramento welcome video narrated by Timothy Busfield, and the chance to mix and mingle with Gold Rush Days dedicated staff and lively entertainers. Tickets for the Gold Rush Days Preview Reception are available at www.historicoldsac.org/goldrushdays.

Gold Rush Days Beer Crawl: Friday, September 2, 6 p.m.-midnight
A number of popular bars in Old Sacramento are participating in a fun Gold Rush Days-inspired beer crawl where guests (ages 21 and older) will receive a six to nine-ounce draft beer at each participating establishment. At last count, nine bars are participating but more are sure to follow. Beer crawl participants are encouraged to dress up like gold miners, saloon girls, etc. A limited number of tickets are available by calling 916-524-5275 or visiting www.oldsacramentobars.com.

Discounted Dining: Friday, September 2, dinner is served 4-10 p.m.
To help guests get in the Gold Rush spirit, Ten22 is offering a 15 percent discount on food menu items for diners sporting cowboy hats and/or cowboy boots on Friday evening. Boasting they have a larger selection of beers on tap than any other Sacramento area restaurant, Ten22 opened in 2009 and offers a casual-chic dining experience with a beautiful outdoor patio and boardwalk dining.

Live Music: Evenings on Friday, September 2 through Monday September 5
During Gold Rush Days 2011, a variety of live bands playing many different genres will be available in the popular Save Mart BBQ Patio & Farmers’ Market during the daytime and also extending into the evening hours. The Save Mart stage is located in the Firehouse Restaurant parking lot and is always a favorite place to sit back, relax and enjoy Gold Rush Days.

Silent Movie Festival: Saturday, September 3, 7 p.m.
As part of the lively and interactive Time Travel Weekends program, Old Sacramento visitors won’t want to miss the season finale of the Silent Movie Festival effort happening in the Eagle Theatre on Saturday night beginning at 7 p.m. With song slides that encourage audience involvement and sing-along, movies from 1900-1929 will be showcased and presented by the Excelsior Company in association with Red Barn Productions. In addition, talented period performers will delight and amuse the audience with engaging and entertaining songs, mini skits and comedic acts as the silent movies play. Beer and wine will be available for purchase for guests 21 and over (and sarsaparilla for the little ones). For more information, visit www.historicoldsac.org/timetravel.

Gold Rush Days 2011 is 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. Presented by Save Mart Supermarkets and Wells Fargo Bank, admission to Gold Rush Days 2011 is free with historic programming offered from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. all three days. New this year, admission to the five museums in Old Sacramento is also free to the public for the three days and includes the California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento History Museum, California State Military Museum, Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum and the Wells Fargo History Museum. On Friday, September 2, some Gold Rush Days activities will be set-up for a preview “education day” -- primarily for school children -- but museum entrance will not be free to the general public on that day.

For a complete listing of activities or more information about Gold Rush Days, visit www.historicoldsac.org/goldrushdays or call 916-808-7059.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the Sacramento region including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

Railroad Museum to Debut Exhibition of Award-Winning Photography

2011-08-09T21:42:49Z

As part of a special exhibition debuting on August 26, the California State Railroad Museum is proud to showcase award-winning photographs from the prestigious Center for Railroad Photography & Art’s 2011 Creative Photography Awards Program.

With submissions received from all over the world, the theme of this year’s competition was “A Story in Three Photographs,” which challenged photographers to tell a story through three images that depicted an event or a day unfolding, illustrated a span of time, or was a creative interpretation of a single subject.

The top prize in the Center’s 2011 Creative Photography Awards Program went to Miško Kranjec of Ljubljana, Slovenia. Second place went to Stephen Hussar of Reading, Massachusetts, and third place went to Patrick J. Cashin of Brooklyn, New York. Judged by Joseph Elliott, Professor of Art (Photography) and Head of the Department at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, felt the top three sets of entries were all outstanding in different ways and said “If it was up to me, I would say they should share first place in a three-way tie.”

This special photography exhibit will remain on display at the California State Railroad Museum through June 2012, joining the Museum’s regular lineup of permanent and changing exhibitions, along with special events. In addition to being showcased in the special exhibit at the Railroad Museum, the award-winning photographs will be featured in an upcoming issue of Railfan & Railroad magazine and the Center’s journal, Railroad Heritage.

More information about the competition and the Center for Railroad Photography & Art can be found at www.railphoto-art.org, and more information about the California State Railroad Museum is available at www.csrmf.org or by calling (916) 445-6645.

About the California State Railroad Museum
Operated by California State Parks with financial assistance from the non-profit California State Railroad Museum Foundation, the California State Railroad Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Widely regarded as North America’s finest and most popular railroad museum, the complex of facilities includes the 100,000-square foot Railroad History Museum plus the reconstructed Central Pacific Railroad Passenger Station and Freight Depot, 1849 Eagle Theatre, and Big Four and Dingley Spice Mill commercial buildings in Old Sacramento. For 24-hour information, visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks.

Old Sac Underground Tours on Mondays thru Labor Day!

2011-08-04T18:11:38Z

Dig it!

Responding to the demand for more Old Sacramento Underground tour availability, tours are now available on Mondays through Labor Day. On most Mondays, four tours have been added and are offered from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Then, on Labor Day (Monday, September 5), an expanded tour schedule is available with tours departing every half hour from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. With schedules that fluctuate with the seasons, Old Sacramento Underground tours continue through Sunday, November 27.   Interested tour participants are encouraged to check the website -- www.historicoldsac.org -- for tour dates, times and availability.

“For a variety of reasons, possibly long weekends or hold-over stays during conventions, visitors to Old Sacramento have been asking for underground tours on Mondays,” said Marcia Eymann, Executive Director of the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation. “We are pleased to be able to respond accordingly with Monday tours at least for the next four weeks.”

Old Sacramento has the distinction of being the only city in California to raise its streets in the 1860s through the 1870s to protect the city from devastating flooding. Tour participants explore excavated foundations, an open archeological site and enclosed pathways all while entertaining and knowledgeable tour guides recount the tales of the devastation, perseverance, and determination that led to California’s only successful street-raising project.

The Old Sacramento Underground tour program is coordinated by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation (HOSF) and in partnership with the City of Sacramento, California State Parks, Old Sacramento Business Association and participating merchants and businesses.

Tours of the underground last approximately one hour in length Tour check-in is located at the Sacramento History Museum, 101 I Street in Old Sacramento. Underground visitors will need to be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces in areas that have low ceilings and in occasional small spaces. Box office questions can be sent via email to scox@cityofsacramento.org and more information about Foundation membership is available by calling 916-808-7059.

About the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation
The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation (HOSF) is a 501(c)3 public benefit corporation. Old Sacramento is a living historic district.   The mission of HOSF is to convey the importance of historic Sacramento as a place that connects our past to our present and future through engaging and entertaining events, activities and programs. More information is available at www.historicoldsac.org.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the Sacramento area including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

Volunteers & Artisans Needed During Gold Rush Days - Monday Deadline!

2011-07-28T14:25:27Z

From friendly greeters to crafty artisans and everything in between, the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation is now accepting applications for more than 200 volunteer positions during Gold Rush Days 2011 and the deadline to apply is Monday, August 1. Widely known as Old Sacramento’s annual heritage celebration, Gold Rush Days volunteers are needed over Labor Day weekend (September 3-5) and for a preview “education day” on Friday, September 2, that is set-up primarily for area school children. Gold Rush Days 2011 is free to the public and produced by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation, the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of Sacramento and California State Parks.

Given the sheer magnitude of the large-scale community event that transforms Old Sacramento into a scene straight out of the 1850s, a large number of volunteers are needed to help with the Gold Rush Days information booth, hospitality tent, first aid station, security booth, children’s activity areas, and much, much more. Some, but not all, positions require period appropriate attire that will be provided. Additionally, interested artisans are encouraged to submit applications to participate in a new “Artisan Alley” happening this year in the Freight Depot -- candle dippers, soap tanners, gold panning experts, dyed wool makers, basket weavers, leather makers, silver smiths and barrel makers are just a few of the artisan opportunities during the three-day community event. Those chosen to participate in the period appropriate “Artisan Alley” will be asked to demonstrate their craft to Gold Rush Days visitors and can also sell their wares at the event.

While the crowd pleasing Gold Rush Days event is scheduled for Labor Day weekend, interested volunteers are encouraged to apply now.
Orientation workshops are scheduled to take place on Friday, August 19 and Saturday, August 20. Volunteer/artisan applications can be downloaded at www.historicoldsac.org/goldrushdays and more information is available at 916-808-7059.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

Call Out Now for Volunteers & Artisans During Gold Rush Days!

2011-07-05T20:13:51Z

From friendly greeters to crafty artisans and everything in between, the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation is now accepting applications for more than 200 volunteer positions during Gold Rush Days 2011. Widely known as Old Sacramento’s annual heritage celebration, Gold Rush Days volunteers are needed over Labor Day weekend (September 3-5) and for a preview “education day” on Friday, September 2, that is set-up primarily for area school children. Gold Rush Days 2011 is free to the public and produced by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation, the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of Sacramento and California State Parks.

Given the sheer magnitude of the large-scale community event that transforms Old Sacramento into a scene straight out of the 1850s, a large number of volunteers are needed to help with the Gold Rush Days information booth, hospitality tent, first aid station, security booth, children’s activity areas, and much, much more. Some, but not all, positions require period appropriate attire that will be provided. Additionally, interested artisans are encouraged to submit applications to participate in a new “Artisan Alley” happening this year in the Freight Depot -- candle dippers, soap tanners, gold panning experts, dyed wool makers, basket weavers, leather makers, silver smiths and barrel makers are just a few of the artisan opportunities during the three-day community event. Those chosen to participate in the period appropriate “Artisan Alley” will be asked to demonstrate their craft to Gold Rush Days visitors and can also sell their wares at the event.

While the crowd pleasing Gold Rush Days event is scheduled for Labor Day weekend, interested volunteers are encouraged to apply now. The deadline to apply to become a Gold Rush Days volunteer or participate as an artisan at the event is Monday, August 1.

Orientation workshops are scheduled to take place on Friday, August 19 and Saturday, August 20. Volunteer/artisan applications can be downloaded at www.historicoldsac.org/goldrushdays and more information is available at 916-808-7059.

Disclaimer: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations located throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

Gold Rush Days 2011 -- Bigger & Better Than Ever Over Labor Day Weekend!

2011-07-05T20:08:14Z

Free to the public and a favorite Sacramento heritage celebration, Gold Rush Days 2011 promises to be bigger and better than ever before with all the popular period-appropriate attractions plus FREE ADMISSION to all Old Sacramento museums! Produced by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation, the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of Sacramento and California State Parks, Gold Rush Days 2011 is scheduled for Labor Day Weekend -- September 3 through 5 -- and will take place throughout the 27-acre historic district in Old Sacramento.   On Friday, September 2, some Gold Rush Days activities will be set-up for a preview “education day” -- primarily for school children -- but museum entrance will not be free to the general public on that day.

With 200 tons of dirt to help turn back time to the 1850s, the unique three-day event will feature crowd-favorite cannon firings, wagon, pony and train rides, historic re-enactments, lively entertainment and dancing to Gold Rush era music, period games and re-creations, hands-on children’s activities, gold panning, and the popular Embarcadero Tent City depicting daily life during the Gold Rush.   New this year, an Artisan Alley will be set up in the Freight Depot with local artisans -- such as candle dippers, soap tanners and silver smiths -- demonstrating their craft-making skills and showcasing their wares.

A favorite stop with lots of hands-on crafts and activities, the traditional Embarcadero Tent City in Old Sacramento State Historic Park offers a mercantile, boarding house, millinery, hardware store, bank, various saloons, the first theater, and even an old time doctor and pharmacist. In addition, visitors can pan for gold, sample real sarsaparilla, meet an old miner and his burro, discover lace making, hat making and embroidery, or simply enjoy dancing and music.

Of course, an impressive and varied line-up of free, live entertainment will be available on various stages throughout Old Sacramento, including a variety of bands playing many different genres in the popular Save Mart BBQ Patio & Farmers’ Market.

Presented by Save Mart Supermarkets and Wells Fargo Bank, admission to Gold Rush Days 2011 is free and event hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. all three days.    New this year, admission to the five museums in Old Sacramento is also free to the public, including the California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento History Museum, California State Military Museum, Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum and the Wells Fargo History Museum. For a complete listing of activities or more information about Gold Rush Days, visit www.historicoldsac.org/goldrushdays or call 916-808-7059.

About Gold Rush Days
Gold Rush Days is Sacramento’s annual heritage celebration and is produced by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation, the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of Sacramento and California State Parks.

Disclaimer: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a variety of businesses and organizations located in the greater Sacramento area including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

Silent Movies Make a Comeback in Old Sacramento!

2011-07-01T19:31:53Z

Starting July 2 and contuning Saturday evenings through August, Old Sacramento visitors will be treated to something quite novel in this day and age -- silent films in the Eagle Theatre every Saturday night! The showings begin at 7 p.m. in the Eagle Theatre in Old Sacramento State Historic Park.

With song slides that encourage audience involvement and sing-along, movies from 1900-1929 will be showcased and presented by the Excelsior Company in association with Red Barn Productions. In addition, talented period performers will delight and amuse the audience with engaging and entertaining songs, mini skits and comedic acts as the silent movies play. Every Saturday night will offer something different and special -- early dramas, comedies, fantasies, and more! All movies and spirited performances will be presented in period appropriate style and Old Sacramento guests are encouraged to travel back in time and dress in the fun and sometimes lavish fashions of the day.

Don’t miss the Saturday night Silent Movie Festival coming to Old Sacramento this summer!

For more information, call 916-808-7059 or visit www.oldsacramento.org/timetravel.

Disclaimer: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

Lively & Interactive “Time Travel Weekends” Resume in Old Sacramento on July 2

2011-06-20T23:43:50Z

The past will mingle with the present once again when the popular “Time Travel Weekends” program resumes in Old Sacramento on Saturday, July 2. The free street theater program debuted in 2010 and was an immediate crowd pleaser.   Designed to delight, entertain and engage Old Sacramento visitors with good, old-fashioned fun reminiscent of the Gold Rush era, “Time Travel Weekends” are offered weekends July through August from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with expanded performances during Gold Rush Days over Labor Day weekend). The “Time Travel Weekends” program is presented by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation (HOSF) in partnership with the City of Sacramento, California State Parks, Old Sacramento Business Association and participating merchants and businesses.

The centerpiece to this free and highly interactive program includes a series of Old West stage shows -- including the much acclaimed Golden Melodeon Review -- performed by teams of talented actors and actresses in period attire. Weekend performances with rotating themes are scheduled on four stages located throughout Old Sacramento including in the Eagle Theatre, Passenger Station, Pioneer Park and Waterfront Park. Additionally, the talented performers will roam the streets of Old Sacramento throughout the scheduled weekends, putting on spontaneous and often-elaborate skits and performances so visitors can step back in time to the 1850s, 1860s and 1870s.

The “Time Travel Weekends” program is also showcased by historic re-enactments complete with wagons, wild characters that include heroes and villains, children’s pioneer craft activities, historic gambling, bowling, juggling, singing, dancing and other forms of musical mastery, military encampments, mining camps, parades, historic events, medicine shows and even Civil War cannon firings. Old Sacramento visitors may also meet 19th century shopkeepers, blacksmiths and railroad engineers as they stroll along the historic streets.

The continuing program is designed to bring a lively and theatrical flair to the streets of Old Sacramento reflecting the exciting atmosphere and character of the early gold mining period.   For a complete and updated performance schedule, visit www.historicoldsac.org/timetravel.

About the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation
The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation (HOSF) is a 501(c)3 public benefit corporation. Old Sacramento is a living historic district.   The mission of HOSF is to convey the importance of historic Sacramento as a place that connects our past to our present and future through engaging and entertaining events, activities and programs. More information is available at www.historicoldsac.org.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

Old Sac Launch Site for New Postage Stamp Honoring Mark Twain

2011-06-20T23:38:23Z

Old Sacramento State Historic Park has been selected by the United States Postal Service (USPS) as the site to help launch a new postage stamp that honors Mark Twain. With the historic site as a backdrop and amidst a spirited rehearsal for the “Time Travel Weekends” program, a stamp dedication and presentation by an engaging Mark Twain re-enactor will take place on Saturday, June 25, at 1 p.m. in the historic Passenger Station in Old Sacramento State Historic Park.

The activities are open to the public and the community is invited to attend the stamp dedication that will also include a performance by a local Boy Scout Color Guard. The United States Post Office will be on-hand to provide an opportunity for interested community members to be among the first to purchase the new Mark Twain anniversary postage stamp soon after its public release.

Additionally, the public is encouraged to stay and watch one of the final and highly entertaining theatrical rehearsals for the “Time Travel Weekend” program -- featuring Mark Twain -- that debuts the following weekend.   Designed to delight, entertain and engage Old Sacramento visitors with good, old-fashioned fun reminiscent of the Gold Rush era, “Time Travel Weekends” are offered weekends July through August from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with expanded performances during Gold Rush Days over Labor Day weekend). The “Time Travel Weekends” program is presented by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation (HOSF) in partnership with the City of Sacramento, California State Parks, Old Sacramento Business Association and participating merchants and businesses.

For more information about the new Mark Twain postage stamp, visit www.usps.com/shop
and for more information about the “Time Travel Weekends” program and other summertime fun activities in Old Sacramento, visit www.historicoldsac.org/timetravel.

About the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation
The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation (HOSF) is a 501(c)3 public benefit corporation. Old Sacramento is a living historic district.   The mission of HOSF is to convey the importance of historic Sacramento as a place that connects our past to our present and future through engaging and entertaining events, activities and programs. More information is available at www.historicoldsac.org.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

100 Years Later...We Won the Vote! Exhibition Debuts at Sacramento History Museum

2011-05-16T19:33:02Z

Nearly 100 years ago in a special election on October 10, 1911, women successfully won the right to vote in California. Now, two museums in Sacramento will celebrate the hard-earned victory for full voting rights for women with the compelling exhibition We Won the Vote! 100 Years of Equal Suffrage in California.

Produced jointly by The Center for Sacramento History and California State Parks, the exhibition will officially premiere at the Sacramento History Museum in Old Sacramento on Thursday, June 16, 2011. After a three-month display period at the Sacramento History Museum, the exhibition will move to the State Capitol Museum (located inside the State Capitol building) with an opening on October 1, 2011. The We Won the Vote! exhibition will remain at the State Capitol Museum through September 30, 2012.

The We Won the Vote! exhibition will showcase interactive displays, historical photographs, period campaign materials, clothing worn during the campaign, and oral histories designed to guide guests through the tumultuous history of the movement that resulted in a successful resolution in 1911. The Capital City was the stage where legislative and lobbying efforts culminated 100 years ago amid changing political, economic and social conditions. Triumphs in the West and in California -- the sixth western state to grant women the right to vote -- helped to build much needed electoral power and political support in the nation’s capital to ensure passage of the 19th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that awarded women across America the right to vote in 1920.

Note: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

Above-Ground Walking Tours Now Available in Old Sac!

2011-04-28T20:19:57Z

Above or below? That is the question.

In addition to the popular Old Sacramento Underground tour program already underway for the season, the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation is adding to the fun with intriguing “above ground” walking tours as well. On weekends beginning in May and continuing through August, two informative walking tours will be offered that include the following: Sacramento City: California’s Gold Rush Legacy Tour and From Canvas to Brick: Old Sacramento Architectural Tour.

For the Gold Rush Legacy Tours, docents in historically appropriate attire take guests on a journey back to the 1850s using original and reconstructed Gold Rush-era buildings as a compelling backdrop to describe what the town was like during that fascinating period in California’s history.

For the Old Sacramento Architectural Tours, guests are guided through Old Sacramento to see how the architecture of the buildings silently but assuredly reflects the compelling history of how Sacramento was transformed from a water-logged tent city -- with floods, fires and the Gold Rush along the way -- to a firmly established city and the state’s capital.

Beginning on May 1 and continuing all month, there is one above ground walking tour available each day starting at 11 a.m. On Saturday, the Sacramento City: California’s Gold Rush Legacy Tour is offered and on Sunday the From Canvas to Brick: Old Sacramento Architectural Tour is offered. Then, beginning in June and continuing through August, two tours are available each day and are scheduled as follows: Sacramento City: California’s Gold Rush Legacy Tour at 11 a.m. then the From Canvas to Brick: Old Sacramento Architectural Tour at 12:30 p.m.

All Old Sacramento walking tours last approximately one hour in length and guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces. Walking tours begin and end at the Sacramento History Museum located at 101 I Street in Old Sacramento. Above ground walking tours can be purchased in advance at www.historicoldsac.org or in person the day of the walking tour (if space is available).

The above ground and underground tour programs are coordinated by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation (HOSF) and in partnership with the City of Sacramento, California State Parks, Old Sacramento Business Association and participating merchants and businesses.

Note: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations in the greater Sacramento area including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

It's Your Chance for Fun & Games -- “Casino Royale on the River”!

2011-04-04T19:35:30Z

Feeling lucky?

The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation (HOSF) is proud to present “Casino Royale on the River: Where Old Sacramento Meets Monte Carlo” aboard the Empress Hornblower at Old Sacramento’s waterfront on Friday evening, June 10, from 6-9 p.m. With at atmosphere filled with excitement, guests will be immersed in a full casino experience on three decks brimming with fun, food, entertainment and adventure.

Spirited guests are encouraged to arrive in black tie optional or historic attire and will be greeted by the Captain of the ship, music of the Gold Rush era and a glass of Sacramento’s new signature drink, The Gold Rush. While enjoying a leisurely cruise up the Sacramento River, guests will have the opportunity to learn 1850s-type gambling games such as Three Card Monte, Shut the Box, Faro and more. Each floor of the Empress offers a unique and lively experience: 1850s-style gambling on the first floor casino; the second floor offers the opportunity to delight in the taste of James Bond cuisine; and the third deck offers guests with the memorable chance to dance under the stars on the modern rooftop lounge.

Event tickets are available now and can be purchased by calling 916-808-7059, online at www.HistoricOldSac.org, or by visiting the Sacramento History Museum at 101 I Street. On the evening of the event, guests board the Empress Hornblower on the L Street Dock at 1206 Front Street, behind the Delta King Hotel (the Empress sails promptly at 7:15 p.m.).

All proceeds support the educational and interpretive programs of the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation which has been delivering quality historical programming exhibitions since 1985.

About the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation
The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation (HOSF) is a 501(c)3 public benefit corporation. Old Sacramento is a living historic district. The mission of HOSF is to convey the importance of historic Sacramento as a place that connects our past to our present and future through engaging and entertaining events, activities and programs. More information is available at www.historicoldsac.org.

Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

How Low Can You Go? Old Sac Underground Tours Resume April 2!

2011-03-24T16:17:07Z

After a very successful inaugural year in 2010, tickets for the second season of Old Sacramento Underground tours are on sale now with a limited number still available for opening weekend on April 2 and 3, 2011.   With tour schedules fluctuating with the seasons, Old Sacramento Underground tours will continue through Sunday, November 27.   Interested tour participants are encouraged to check the website -- www.historicoldsac.org -- for tour dates, times and availability.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive response to the underground tour program thus far,” said Marcia Eymann, Executive Director of the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation. “We look forward to another successful year and encourage both new and returning visitors to check out this unique, educational and entertaining experience in Old Sacramento.”

In fact, Old Sacramento has the distinction of being the only city in California to raise its streets in the 1860s through the 1870s to protect the city from devastating flooding. Tour participants explore excavated foundations and enclosed pathways while entertaining and knowledgeable tour guides recount the tales of the devastation, perseverance, and determination that led to California’s only successful street-raising project.

The Old Sacramento Underground tour program is coordinated by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation (HOSF) and in partnership with the City of Sacramento, California State Parks, Old Sacramento Business Association and participating merchants and businesses.   While tour dates and times will be expanded in the summer months, the initial underground tour schedule as of April 2, 2011, is as follows: tours depart every 30 minutes from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through May.

Tours of the underground last approximately one hour in length and check-in is located at the Sacramento History Museum, 101 I Street in Old Sacramento. Underground visitors will need to be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces in areas that have low ceilings and in occasional small spaces. Box office questions can be sent via email to scox@cityofsacramento.org and more information about Foundation membership is available by calling 916-808-7059.

About the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation
The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation (HOSF) is a 501(c)3 public benefit corporation. Old Sacramento is a living historic district.   The mission of HOSF is to convey the importance of historic Sacramento as a place that connects our past to our present and future through engaging and entertaining events, activities and programs. More information is available at www.historicoldsac.org.

Note: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of organizations in the greater Sacramento region including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

Old Sacramento Springs Into Action on April 2!

2011-03-02T17:23:02Z

With a special “Family Fun Day” and crowd-pleasing favorites such as the always popular steam-powered excursion train rides on the Sacramento Southern Railroad and the coveted second season of the intriguing underground tours, Old Sacramento bursts into spring full steam ahead on Saturday, April 2. With so much to do, guests to Old Sacramento are encouraged to spend the day exploring old favorites and unearthing new discoveries. Check it out:

“Pick Me! Family Fun Day” at the California State Railroad Museum - April 2 ONLY
In celebration of the new and visually exciting “Pick Me! Fruit Crate Art & the California Dream” exhibit, the California State Railroad Museum invites the community to a special “Family Fun Day” on Saturday, April 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free with admission to North America’s most popular train museum, guests will be treated to fun-filled activities such as hand-car rides inside the Museum, a produce-inspired scavenger hunt, kid-friendly Museum programs, create-your-own fruit labels, “California Grown” activity books, games puzzles and giveaways and more! For Museum admission information, go to www.csrmf.org.

Steam-Powered Excursion Train Rides - Start April 2
The California State Railroad Museum’s popular excursion railroad--the Sacramento Southern Railroad--officially returns to operation for the 28th consecutive season on Saturday, April 2, and will continue on weekends through September. Weekend excursion trains depart every hour on-the-hour from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and online tickets will soon be available at www.csrmf.org. Guests are treated to a six-mile, 40-minute roundtrip excursion along the levees of the Sacramento River. The train features a combination of vintage closed coaches with comfortable seats, and open-air “gondolas” with bench style seating.

Old Sacramento Underground Tours - Start April 2
After a very successful inaugural year with more than 10,000 underground tour tickets sold in 2010, Old Sacramento Underground tours will resume for a second season on Saturday, April 2, and continue through November. While tour dates will be expanded in the summer months, the initial underground tour schedule as of April 2 is as follows: on Saturdays and Sundays, tours depart every 30 minutes from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. through the month of May. Starting in June and continuing through August, tours will be available Thursdays through Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. departing every 30 minutes. Tour times change again in September and interested guests are encouraged to check the website for updated tour times and information.

Tours of the underground last approximately one hour in length and check-in is located at the Sacramento History Museum, 101 I Street in Old Sacramento. Underground visitors will need to be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces in areas that have low ceilings and in occasional small spaces. Coordinated by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation (HOSF) and in partnership with the City of Sacramento, California State Parks, Old Sacramento Business Association and participating merchants and businesses, advance tickets for underground tours are available now for online purchase at www.historicoldsac.org.

With so much to do beginning on April 2, it's all in a day's play in Old Sacramento!

Note: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents various organizations and businesses in Sacramento including the Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks.

Light Up the Night in Old Sacramento for a FREE New Year's Eve Sky Spectacular!

2010-12-14T18:06:15Z

Looking for a festive (and free!) way to ring in the New Year?

Following a New Year’s Eve tradition 11 years in the making, visitors to Old Sacramento will be treated to a free New Year’s Eve celebration all along the waterfront. Prior to the two dazzling firework shows scheduled to light up the night sky at 9 p.m. and midnight, the festive community event also features live music, food and drink vendors and a variety of lively street entertainment, all taking place throughout Old Sacramento and lasting from 6 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. Of special interest to children and families, kid-friendly entertainment will be provided from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. under the tent in Waterfront Park.   The free celebratory evening activities are produced by the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Guests to Old Sacramento can enjoy two different firework shows -- both stunning and memorable -- as part of the high-energy community celebration. Choreographed to pop music and other family-friendly tunes, the exciting 9 p.m. fireworks show will be tailored to children and families. This early show will last more than 10 minutes in length and can be seen from virtually any vantage point in Old Sacramento. Then at midnight, the “main event” sky concert will be scripted to crowd-pleasing classic rock tunes by musical legends such as Aerosmith, Twisted Sister and Bruce Springsteen, to name a few. The midnight fireworks extravaganza will last nearly 15 minutes in length and originate from both land and the iconic Tower Bridge, providing even more depth and visual intensity.

Both shows promise to take revelers on an emotional journey filled with twists, turns and heart-pounding inspiration. Additionally, guests are encouraged to keep an eye out for a variety of today’s high-end fireworks shaped as hearts or willows, with flashing strobes or even color-changing shells that burst into multiple hues.

The special children’s programming will feature the Radio Disney Rockin’ Road Crew, Hip Trash & Friends (a talented hip-hop dance crew new to event this year), and a variety of other live entertainment performances sure to delight young audiences. Throughout the evening, other highly anticipated entertainment will include Arrival: A Tribute to Journey, the Ralph Woodson Experience, a Jimi Hendrix Tribute Band, the Obsidian Butterfly fire dancers, and more.

Ample pre-pay parking is available in all Old Sacramento and Downtown Plaza parking garages.   In preparation for the evening activities, the Tower Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. For additional safety, the bridge will be closed to pedestrian traffic for 15 minutes leading up to and after each of the two firework shows.

For more information about times, locations, hotel recommendations or other event details, call 916-808-7777 or visit www.nyesacramento.com

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack handles media and public relations for various local clients and events

Unique Holiday Gifts Waiting to be Discovered at Local Museums!

2010-11-29T16:22:38Z

When searching for holiday gifts, local shoppers often think of malls and neighborhood retailers. However, hidden treasures and unique items are available at various museums and historic parks throughout the Sacramento area as well. Outlined below is a gift guide sampling of some of the unique, quality items waiting to be discovered at a few favorite historic destinations around town.

California State Railroad Museum

California Poppy Necklaces & Earrings -- Made exclusively for the Railroad Museum Store, fashion necklaces and earrings are available that showcase an elegant floral design taken from the Santa Fe Railway's "California Poppy" china pattern. This china pattern was used for decades on many Santa Fe passenger trains traveling to and from California. The necklace comes with a 30" chain that can be shortened. The earring wires are hypo-allergenic.
Polar Express Merchandise -- Of course, the Museum Store sells difficult-to-find and crowd-pleasing Polar Express merchandise, all officially licensed. Gift items include water globes, picture frames, throw blankets, mugs and holiday ornaments.
Gift Memberships -- The gift of membership to the California State Railroad Museum makes a wonderful gift with many benefits such as free entrance into the museum, free excursion train rides, special discounts, invitations to members-only events and much, much more!

Huntington & Hopkins Hardward Store (located next to Railroad Museum)

Wooden Toys & Puzzles -- Reminiscent of an earlier time, wooden puzzles and time-tested toys spur imagination and hands-on creativity for kids of all ages.
Local History Books -- Wonderful and thought-provoking books are available about Sacramento's role in the Gold Rush and the Pony Express.

Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park

California or State Parks Branded Merchandise -- Perfect for California lovers, the Governor’s Mansion SHP store has California branded merchandise such as mini flags, California bear mugs, t-shirts, books, pins and more. Plus, a variety of State Parks branded merchandise is available, too.
Period Popular Jewelry -- Affordable yet tasteful costume jewelry (that represents the period of interpretation 1903-1967) is available in the Mansion store and includes necklaces, bracelets, brooches, pins and earrings. Great conversation pieces!

Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park

Books About 19th Century Life -- Appropriate for the restored Mansion, two popular books are available at the on-site store, titled "Essential Handbook of Victorian Entertaining" and "Essential Handbook of Victorian Etiquette.” Both books provide guidance for properly conducting oneself in an era where social norms differed materially from those we are familiar with today.

State Indian Museum

Native American Artwork -- Unique and original artwork made by talented Native American artisans from all over California is available in the Museum Store.
Soapstone Kits -- Wonderful for children with active imaginations who love to explore and enjoy hands-on activities, soapstone carving kits are available in a variety of figurines such as a bear, wolf, sun disk or dolphin.

Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park

Corn Husk Doll Angels -- Traditional corn husk dolls bring the magic of Christmas as charming angel ornaments. Available handmade by the artisans at Sutter's Fort or as “do-it-yourself” kits.
Hand-Dipped Beeswax Candles & Pine Cones -- Made on-site, Sutter’s Fort SHP has its very own line of beeswax candles and pine cones that range in shapes, sizes, scents and prices. Beeswax candles lit the night during the cold winter of 1846. Now everyone can enjoy the beauty and scent of hand-dipped candles.

The items listed above are merely a sampling of holiday gift items available now at the various museums and historic parks. No admission fee is necessary to browse through the various on-site stores. More information and hours for the various sites is available online at www.parks.ca.gov/CapitalDistrict.

Looking for a Historic Yet Spooky Good Time?

2010-10-12T16:37:02Z

Some of Sacramento’s most popular historic sites and museums are daring to get into the Halloween spirit with unique walking tours this October. In the spirit of Halloween fun, the special activities feature spooky ghosts from the past, animated storytellers with lively tales of California’s early governors and even docents relating creepy details of unusual deaths of early pioneers. Entertaining, but with a focus on interpreting California’s rich history, all of the Halloween-related activities are family-friendly with age recommendations noted below.

Living History “Ghost Tours” offered by Historic Old Sacramento Foundation - October 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 & 30
Visitors are invited to journey back in time through the streets of Old Sacramento on guided and ghostly Living History tours while entertaining and knowledgeable guides share California’s spooky history and provide intriguing tales that date back to the 19th century. Walking tours are offered every 30 minutes between 6:30 - 9 p.m.   Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.HistoricOldSac.org or by calling 916-808-4980. Not appropriate for very small children.

“The Mansion After Dark” at Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park - October 23 & 30
Dimly lit with darkened rooms and “coffin corners,” the Mansion will be a decked out in Halloween decor for guests to see the historic site in a whole new light as part of the special “Mansion After Dark” open house activities. With costumed characters and scary music to set the mood, storytellers will captivate visitors with tales of the past lives of governors and fortune tellers will share predictions about interesting futures. Self-guided walking tours are available from 6 - 9 p.m.   More information is available at www.parks.ca.gov/governorsmansion or by calling 916-323-5916. Appropriate for all ages.

“The Haunted Fort” at Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park - October 29 & 30
Daring guests can venture to Sacramento’s oldest establishment for a fascinating new Halloween-related event called “The Haunted Fort.” Amid the glow of firelight, historical characters will take Fort visitors on 45-minute guided tours through the various darkened rooms, many of which are said to be haunted by past inhabitants. Along the path shared by weary visitors from the 1800s, guests will learn about the creepy and melancholy ways in which some of our early pioneers perished throughout history. Walking tours depart every 10 minutes between 6:30 - 9 p.m.   More information is available at www.suttersfort.org or by calling 916-323-7626. Not appropriate for very small children.

All tours are available rain or shine.

Disclosure Note: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents various local clients including Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa, the Capital District State Museums & Historic Parks and La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries.

Get the Lowdown... Advance Tickets Available Now for Old Sac Underground Tours!

2010-06-25T23:15:25Z

How low can you go?!

Advance tickets for coveted “Old Sacramento Underground” tours are available now and can be purchased online at www.historicoldsac.org. Given Old Sacramento has the distinction of being the only city in California to raise its streets and interest is high in the new offering, additional tours have been added to meet the expected demand.   Coordinated by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation (HOSF) and in partnership with the City of Sacramento, California State Parks, Old Sacramento Business Association and participating merchants and businesses, these educational and entertaining tours of the underground in Old Sacramento will be available Thursdays through Sundays beginning July 10 and continuing through October 31, 2010.

With new and expanded availability, “Old Sacramento Underground” tours will be offered as follows: on Thursdays and Fridays, tours depart every 30 minutes from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; on Saturdays and Sundays, tours depart every 30 minutes from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (although no tours will be available at 2:30 or 3:00 p.m. due to special stage performances in Old Sacramento).

Tours of the underground last approximately one hour in length and tour check-in is located at the Sacramento History Museum, 101 I Street in Old Sacramento. Underground visitors will need to be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces in areas that have low ceilings and in occasional small spaces.

The entertaining and history-rich “Old Sacramento Underground” tours will provide visitors with a unique glimpse into the massive and dramatic undertaking that took place when the streets were painstakingly raised in the 1860s through the 1870s to protect the city from devastating flooding.   Underground tour visitors will have the opportunity to view disappearing windows and doors, dipping alleyways, exposed retaining walls, walk into underground hollow sidewalks and tour historic buildings all while being entertained and educated by tour guides and docents who portray characters true to the period.

While the last underground tours for 2010 will take place on Sunday, October 31 (Halloween), the program will resume in April 2011 and continue indefinitely. Box office questions can be sent via email to tickets@historicoldsac.org and more information about Foundation membership is available by calling 916-808-7059.

History, Railroad & Movie Buffs Unite!

2010-06-25T21:16:41Z

Light, Camera, Action!

The California State Railroad Museum is set to debut a visually appealing exhibit titled “Rails and Reels: Hollywood, Trains and the Making of Motion Pictures” on Friday, July 2, 2010. The upcoming exhibit will feature a variety of railroad-related artifacts, such as scale models of train cars used for special effect crash scenes in the 1939 epic Union Pacific, a full-size smokestack and headlamp used to “backdate” steam locomotives to represent the “old west,” and station signs used in movies, including “High Noon”; a costume from the 1979 television movie Orphan Train; plus sheet music, movie posters, lobby cards, original film scripts, and other Hollywood-themed promotional items from railroad related films dating from the early 1900s.

The focus of the exhibit is to demonstrate how railroads have played an important role in television and film productions since the very early days of Hollywood, and how they continue to play starring roles in today’s increasingly “virtual” productions. In the early days of motion pictures America was fascinated with westerns, and locomotives often starred alongside leading actors and actresses such as Gary Cooper, Grace Kelley and Paul Newman. Eventually, westerns gave way to different popular culture genres such as science fiction productions and today’s action-packed thrillers, many of which continue to incorporate locomotives into their scenes and backdrops.

The opening of this new exhibit in Old Sacramento is timed to coincide with the completed restoration of the 1891-vintage steam locomotive Sierra No. 3 at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown, California. A star in its own right, Sierra No. 3 (also known as the “Movie Star Locomotive”) has appeared in more than 100 Hollywood movie and television productions. Some of the films No. 3 starred in will be chronicled in the “Rails and Reels” exhibit at the Museum.

Located in the Railroad Museum’s Mezzanine Gallery, the special exhibit will continue through May 31, 2011.