California State Indian Museum, Sacramento, CA
The California State Indian Museum demonstrates some of the technology, art, and dance regalia of the state’s first inhabitants. The most recent estimate sets the California Indian population at 500,000 or more people before the arrival of the first Europeans. That makes it the area of greatest population anywhere on the continent north of the Valley of Mexico. Considering the size of the area, which was most of California, the cultures of the Native Californians were the most diverse in the Western hemisphere. Over 150 distinct tribal groups spoke at least sixty-four different languages.
The State Indian Museum reveals the extent of California’s Indian cultures through their numerous artifacts, including basketry, beadwork, clothing, ceremonies, dances, and other traditions. Visitors are invited to make use of the two hands-on areas. Touch a deer antler, like those used to make awls and other tools, and feel pelts of animals used for clothing. Try grinding acorns (if available) into meal for food with the mortar and pestle, see a brush made from a soap root plant and used to to save every crumb that was scattered in the grinding process, and a work a pump drill, which was adapted from a Europen invention and used to drill holes in shell beads.
Outside the museum building are many native plants used for food and in the manufacture of baskets. Ask at the reception desk and gift counter for a printed guide to the plant trail.
Currently, many thousands of indigenous people seek to rediscover and continue their unique cultural heritage. They have donated many photographs of family and friends for display. For this reason and because the collection shows hundreds of sacred items, no photography is allowed in the museum.
Location, Parking, and General Information
The California State Indian Museum is located in the Mid-town area of Sacramento. The museum building is the single story white adobe building on K street between the intersections of 26th and 27th streets. The main entrance is on the side away from the street and near the pond. School group leaders should enter the museum through the main entrance, but students are to wait outside the K Street entrance and enter after the door is opened.
Metered automobile parking for eight hours is available on 26th Street between L and K streets, and for four hours on K, 28th, and L streets around the Sutter’s Fort Park property. Bus parking is available to the east of the Indian Museum on K Street and in front of Sutter’s Fort on L Street.
Address
Information
- The Museum is open daily, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
- The museum is ADA accessible.
- No pets, food, beverages, candy, or chewing gum are allowed.
- Photography is not allowed inside the museum building.
- Restrooms and a drinking fountain are outside, but at the far end of the brown adobe building and beyond the pond.
Admission
Prices are subject to change.
- Adults $2.00 (18 years and older)
- Youth $1.00 (ages 6 to 17)
- Children Free (5 and under)
- Native American?-show your official I.D.
California State Indian Museum Events and Dates
Dates and events are subject to changes from year to year.
- March 2009
- 3/14/2009, American Masterpieces: The Artistic Legacy of California Indian Basketry
- April 2009
- 4/18/2009 to 4/19/2009, Indian Arts & Crafts Market
- June 2009
- 6/6/2009, Gathering of Honored Elders
- September 2009
- 9/25/2009, Native American Day
- October 2009
- 10/17/2009, Acorn Day
- November 2009
- 11/27/2009 to 11/28/2009, Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair
Disclaimer
Please visit the official website or call to confirm prices, dates, and other information. I try to keep the information current, but things change over time.