California Museum

Reviewed by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation

$8,404 raised by 19 donors

42% complete

$20,000 Goal


History

The California Museum opened in 1998 in partnership with the California Secretary of State as the public showplace for the California State Archives. Today, the Museum emphasizes stories commonly overlooked, reflecting the state's diverse population and the cultural contributions of all Californians.

One of the Museum's signature programs is the California Hall of Fame, launched in 2006 as the brainchild of former First Lady Maria Shriver to celebrate Californians who have changed the world. Since then, the Museum has worked with each gubernatorial administration to administer this official award. In 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom began bringing their perspectives to the California Hall of Fame and began partnering with the Museum on programming highlighting the role of women in California. Since 2017, the Museum also has been home to the Unity Center, whose interactive multimedia exhibits highlight leaders in the state's rich civil rights history and encourage visitors to stand up against hate, intolerance and bullying. The Museum board draws its leadership statewide, and includes the Secretary of State, the State Archivist, and the Director of California State Parks as ex officio members.

By the Numbers

  • 100,000 annual visitors on average
  • 60,000 field trip visitors on average
  • 86 docents & volunteers
  • 13 full-time and 6 part-time staff
  • 33,000 social media & email subscribers
  • 75% increase in membership YOY (since 2022)

Mission

A self-supporting 501(c)(3) non-profit, the California Museum -- home of the California Hall of Fame -- engages, educates, and enlightens people about California's rich history, its diversity and its unique influence on the world of ideas, innovation, art and culture. Through interactive experiences, the Museum inspires visitors to make a mark on history.

Needs

The California Museum relies on the community's generosity to maintain our exceptional exhibits and programming. Your donation on the Big Day of Giving will assist in:

-Providing scholarships for students in Title I schools to participate in virtual and in-person field trip programs.

-Offering low-cost museum admission to those receiving food assistance through the Museums for All low-income access program.

-Supporting upcoming temporary exhibits "America at the Crossroads: The Guitar and a Changing Nation," exploring America's evolution through its beloved instrument, and "Pleibol! In the Barrios & the Big Leagues," a Smithsonian exhibit on Latinos/as' contributions to baseball.

-Expanding the interactive kiosk content in "Women Inspire" to showcase more influential California women.

Any contribution, large or small, is deeply valued. If we meet our $20,000 fundraising target on May 2, 2024, we'll host a free admission day in 2024, alongside pursuing our outlined objectives. If you donate using a Golden 1 Credit Union debit or credit card, your gift will be proportionately matched by Golden 1 Credit Union. Join us in preserving and celebrating California's vibrant heritage!

Equity Statement

At the California Museum, we celebrate diversity and strive to create a safe space for our employees, volunteers, partners, and visitors. We promote a culture of equity and inclusion and work to build pathways to belonging where all voices are heard and appreciated.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

California Museum

Year Established

1998

Tax id (EIN)

94-3015670

Mission Category

Arts, Culture & Humanities

Operating Budget

$1,000,001-$5 million

Organization Need

Funding: Program

Demographics Served

Youth & Children, General population

Local Counties Served

El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Yolo

Address

1020 O Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

Service areas

CA, US

Phone

916-651-0935

fax

916-546-1635

Social Media