Sacramento's 12th annual Free Museum Day, from the Aerospace Museum of California at McClellan Park to the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum was heavily attended. Twenty-six (26) greater Sacramento area museums offered free admission all day long. The event was presented by the Sacramento Association of Museums (SAM), and supported by Umpqua Bank.

The Aerospace Museum of California (above and below) features 39 military and civilian aircraft, aerospace exhibits, an Aviation Learning Center, tours, and simulator ride.

The Crocker had long lines throughout the day, as did Old Sacramento's California State Railroad Museum.

A boy tests the old water pump at the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum (above and below) The museum celebrates California's early days of education in a living replica of an 1800's one-room schoolhouse.

Panning for gold was popular at the Sacramento History Museum. California's golden past and Sacramento's diverse cultural legacy are featured.

A mom and daughter read about Sacramento's history in The Wells Fargo History Museum (above).  California's Gold Rush is highlighted.

A soldier helps a boy try on the military bulletproof vest. California State Military Museum displayed modern day and historical military items and personal memorabilia (above and below).

Children pretend they are in combat on a modern-day cannon.

A young girl looks down the muzzle of a military weapon.

A military reenactor holds a dummy grenade on an old cannon.

Joe Wolfenden kept the long lines moving and the humor flowing at the Governor's Mansion, a regal Victorian mansion with Persian carpets, Italian marble, French mirrors and chandeliers. Since 1967 the historic building has welcomed visitors inside the home of 13 governors and two private families. Governor Ronald and Nancy Reagan had the shortest tenure, moving out after residing there for three months. They moved out due to fire concerns.

Anything purchased for the mansion had to remain. Today it holds an eclectic but agreeable mix of objects and decor.

All of Sacramento's museums are open year-round.

Please visit http://www.sacmuseums.org/ for more information.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner