Sacramento Museums and Historical Buildings

Amador County

Amador County Museum
The Amador County Museum was built in 1859 and shows Mother Lode artifacts in 15 exhibit rooms, a 15-minute audiovisual show, and a full-sale model of a railroad locomotive. Visitors must call the museum at (209) 223-6386 for days and hours of operation. The Amador County Museum is in Jackson.

Amador Whitney Museum
The life experiences of women and their contributions to Mother Lode history are showcased at the Amador Whitney Museum. Exhibits at the museum rotate twice a year. The Amador Whitney Museum, on Main Street in Amador City, is open only on weekends.

Western Hardrock Mining Museum
The Western Hardrock Mining Museum has one of the largest collections of mining and Gold Rush objects in the United States. This museum is located at 14207 Highway 49 in Amador City. Call (209) 267-0848 for more information.

Butte County

Butte County Pioneer Museum
The Butte County Pioneer Museum has a multicultural view of life during the California Gold Rush. The museum has Chinese artifacts, the Bidwell Bar’s grand old clock, an American Indian basket and arrowhead collection, and ’49s memorabilia. The Butte County Pioneer Museum is on Montgomery Street in Oroville.

Chico Museum
http://www.chicomuseum.com/
The Chico Museum has rotating exhibits that demonstrate life and history in the city. Chico Museum is in the old Carnegie Library, which is next to California State University, Chico.

Gold Nugget Museum
The Gold Nugget Museum has mining artifacts, guns, dolls, minerals, and a Native American exhibit. The museum is funded by the annual Gold Nugget Days, which celebrates the day a 54-pound gold nugget was found in 1859. Call (530) 872-8722 to get directions and information about its operation hours.

Calaveras County

Angels Camp Museum
Angels Camp Museum is located in the city of Angels Camp and has gold excavating equipment, a blacksmith shop, and a carriage barn. The museum’s hours vary according to the season. It is located at 753 S. Main St. Call (209) 736-2963 for more information.

Calaveras County Museum & Archives
This San Andreas museum is a depository and exhibit hall that details the history of Calaveras County. This museum is housed in an historic jail that once held Black Bart, the famous robber. The Calaveras County Museum & Archives, at 30 N. Main St., is open daily. Call (209) 754-3918 for more information.

Murphys Old Timers Museum
Murphys Old Timers Museum details the history of Murphys through artifacts. The museum covers the time period from the Gold Rush to the present. Call (209) 728-1160 to get information about the museum’s hours of operation.

Nevada County

Firehouse Museum #1
Firehouse Museum #1, at 214 Main St. in Nevada City, is one of the most well-known landmarks in Nevada County. The museum has Gold Rush artifacts, a Maidu Indian display, a Chinese exhibit from the 1870s, and a receiver from the first long-distance telephone call, which was placed in Nevada County. The museum is open daily. Groups of more than 10 people should call beforehand to schedule a tour. Call the museum at (530) 265-5468 for more information.

Grass Valley Museum
This museum was originally built as a convent for the Sister of Mercy in 1865. The building was restored and now includes a classroom, a parlor, a music room, and memorabilia from Grass Valley’s past. The Grass Valley Museum, at 401 S. Church St. in Grass Valley, is open year-round. Call (916) 273-5509 to get information about its operation hours.

Sacramento

California Military Museum
The California Military Museum has more than 30,000 artifacts, including uniforms, weapons, photographs, and flags. The museum, at 1119 Second St., traces California’s role in different military operations throughout U.S. history. Admission prices vary. Call the museum at (916) 442-2883 for more information.

California State Railroad Museum
This 100,000-square-foot museum features 21 locomotives and railroad cars and has nearly 50 exhibits. The California State Railroad Museum is the largest railroad museum in North American and is open every day except on major holidays. Admission prices vary for adults and children. Call the museum at (209) 984-3953 for more information.

The Capitol
http://capitolmuseum.ca.gov/english/index.html
The Capitol has a 120-foot-high rotunda, beautifully decorated rooms, and flower gardens and memorials. The building was constructed in 1869, and the legislative chambers are decorated in styles from the 1890s.

Discovery Museum
http://www.thediscovery.org/index.html
The Discovery Museum, at 101 I St., offers kids the opportunity to learn about science and technology. The attraction is housed in a replica of the 1854 City Hall and Waterworks building. The museum has hands-on exhibits, including an exhibit on gold sifting, an American Indian-thatched hut, and a print shop from an old Sacramento newspaper. Its operation days and hours vary. Call (916) 264-7057 for more information.

Governor's Mansion
Many historians believe this home was the first in California to have an indoor bathroom. Ronald Regan was the first California governor to use this 15-room Renaissance-style home. Tours are available daily at the house, which was built in 1877. Call (916) 323-3047 for more information about tours.

State Indian Museum
This museum offers a multimedia view of American Indian life in California. The museum has arts and crafts exhibits, the replica of a village, and a 10-minute video that details the life of American Indians in California. The museum, located at 2618 K St., is open every day except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Call (916) 324-0971 to get more information.