Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "sacramento history museum"

We Won the Vote! 100 Years of Equal Suffrage in CA Exhibit Inspires

2011-07-11T17:04:58Z

“Freedom has not come as a gift, but as a triumph.” –Alice Paul

The 1911 victory for California women made California the sixth state to win equal suffrage for women. The California win doubled the number of women who could vote in the United States, building electoral power and support for the 1920 passing of the 19th amendment, which would give all women in the country the right to vote.

The Sacramento History Museum has unveiled a unique and wonderfully elaborate exhibition detailing the long struggle women fought to win the vote, not only in California but in all of the United States, aptly titled “We Won the Vote! 100 years of Equal Suffrage in California.”

The exhibit displays true gems of a different time, including original letters from Susan B. Anthony, original artwork by Selina Solomons, a variety of women’s suffrage posters and many examples of anti-suffrage paraphernalia, which, from a modern perspective, seems humorous in its stereotypically pre-feminist ideology, but it serves as an important reminder of where modern day society has come from. One such example, a vintage valentine, affectionately inscribed, “Some long for votes & women’s rights, and shout with great ado; I’d be content with a cozy home, a fireside, and you.”

As you make your way through the many displays, you are faced with pictures of early feminist heroes: Alice Paul, Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady-Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth and many others. An original photograph from the Seneca Falls Convention of 1848 hangs in a case, immortalizing the women who began the over-70-year struggle to gain the right to vote. It is alongside original pamphlets, banners, sashes and buttons which accessorize the display beautifully.

While the entire exhibition is inspiring, perhaps the most moving displays are the audio bits from movement greats Helen Valeska Bary, general secretary for the Political Equality League of California during the 1910-1911 campaign; Jesse Haven Butler, investigator for the U.S. Department of Labor; Miriam Allen de Ford, a soap-box speaker from Philadelphia; and Ernestine Hara Kettler, arrested for picketing in front of the White House in 1917.

The recollections of the movement, told by voices affected by time, spoken by women who truly dedicated their lives to a movement, and in some cases martyred themselves for the cause, leave quite an impression.

This exhibition should serve not only as a visual history of the women’s suffrage movement, but also as a reminder that the freedoms we enjoy today and oftentimes take for granted, were won by the hard work and organization of many, the dedication of lives and truly the blood, sweat and tears of our foremothers and forefathers. See for yourself and be inspired.

The We Won the Vote exhibition will be on display at the Sacramento History Museum through mid-September and will then move to the State Capital Museum, where it will be on display from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, 2012.

Empress Hornblower sails into the past

2011-06-13T04:35:37Z

About 250 formally and historically dressed guests gathered at the L Street Dock on Front Street in support of the preservation and exploration of Sacramento’s historical legacy Friday evening. Under the guidance of the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation, party-goers traveled through the 1850s, 1960s and back to the present on the Empress Hornblower along the Sacramento River for the hour-long cruise Casino Royale on the River: Where Old Sacramento Meets Monte Carlo.

This was the second year HOSF had hosted the event to raise funds for its educational and interpretive programs, including the historical exhibitions in the Sacramento History Museum on I Street.

Last year the event was held on the Delta King, and while “the whole thing was a hoot and wonderful success,” the foundation wanted to spice things up a bit, deputy director Kristina Swanson said. Not only did this year’s vessel allow for about 100 more passengers, it provided people with the wonderful experience of a leisurely ride down the river that started the city of Sacramento.

As guests made their way to the boat, they were encouraged to spin a wheel for prizes before being warmly greeted by the captain and crew. Upon entering the ship, they were immediately transported into an 1850s casino room with the help of the live folksy music of Claudia’s Kitchen.

With feathers, petticoats and top hats abound, several members of the Old Sacramento Living History Program were fully dressed in authentic 1850s garb, manning the floor and at least 14 gaming tables. Set both port and starboard, the volunteer gang was more than ready to help guests gamble away their complimentary bag of playing chips.

Not only did the members look the part, they acted it as well. At the Faro card table, working women Flora “Lily of the West” and Miss Bud, “A Flower-in-Training,” refused to leave character. With Derringer pistols visibly placed in their bosoms, anyone could see this was serious play.

Flora reported having to pull her piece out on a cheating party-goer, and Miss Bud wasn’t too shy either, threatening another guest who dared to question the “period appropriateness” of her husband’s costume.

After a bit of nudging and lots of winning on their part, the two women revealed themselves as Catherine Hanson, Flora, and Mary Aye, Bud, and discussed their passion for history, especially Sacramento’s. Hanson works for the California State Library in the history section, and Aye is a docent, leading local school groups on historical tours.

“History is so important, especially that of Sacramento’s,” Aye said. “You really need to learn about the past to know where you’re headed. Most people don’t realize it, especially these days with the focus on standardized testing topics, but Sacramento was such an important part in the development of the West Coast and America.”

If party-goers needed a break from the excitement downstairs, they went up to the second floor, with specially-made Gold Rush drinks in hand, to where James Bond-themed cuisine awaited them. While guests were served hors d'oeuvres on all levels, here they could feast on “The Man with the Golden Bun” mini-burgers and “Aston Martini Mashed Potatoes,” while bidding on various displayed auction items.

As guests finished emptying their pockets and filling their stomachs, they were able to dance their way up the stairs and back into the present day to more contemporary tunes spun by a live DJ on the third floor. On the rooftop, guests were able to take advantage of the warm weather, slight breeze and gorgeous view of Sacramento as the boat glided along the Sacramento River during sunset.

Executive director Marcia Eymann, explained how the boat ride is both a fun experience and great way to remind and share with people how important the Sacramento River is to the history of the city.

“Location, location, location,” Eymann said. “Outside of Sacramento’s part in the Gold Rush, because of this river, Sacramento was and is such an important part of history. For example, historically speaking, because of the river, Sacramento was once San Francisco’s No. 1 trading partner, as well as the ‘fruit basket’ of America.”

Prior to the ship’s voyage, VIP ticket holders, which included a number of former and current elected officials and local dignitaries, attended a reception at the Sacramento History Museum, where Former Mayor Burnett Miller was honored as the first ‘007 Hero of Historic Old Sacramento’ for his continued contribution to the preservation and development of the area.

After the honoree was roasted and toasted by a few of his friends and colleagues, Miller talked to The Sacramento Press about his investment in the history of Sacramento.

“Myself, my father, my grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather all lived in Sacramento,” Miller said. “So there is obviously a personal interest, but mostly I’m invested because I enjoy it so much.”

“The history of Sacramento is important, and people of Sacramento should be invested, if not because of that, then simply because it is their community and thus their history.”

The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation has been providing historical programming for Sacramento since 1985.

For more information on their mission and various events and programs, check out their site.

Photos by event photographer Tia Gemmell, Riverview Media Photography

Bomb shelter offers glimpse into city's past

2010-09-06T05:54:56Z

Tucked away under the unremarkable former Broadway Hardware store is a dark reminder of a time in Sacramento’s past when the threat of war loomed.

Entering the front of the store, which will soon be reborn as a pawn shop, visitors will see an open space with display cases and a counter. But behind one of the curtains in back is a gently sloping concrete ramp leading underground to a nuclear fallout shelter.

Stan Lukowicz Jr., who owns Capital City Loan and Jewelry with his father and brother, said he thinks the shelter might date back as far as World War II – before the threat of nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union.

“At one point during the war, bomb shelters were considered a necessity,” he said, adding that going down in the shelter for the first time was “a little intimidating.”

Broadway Hardware’s shelter is one of more than 100 listed on a 1960s map at the Center for Sacramento History, 551 Sequoia Pacific Blvd.

Other shelter sites include the Old City Hall, The Sacramento Bee, numerous state and government buildings, McClatchy High School, the water treatment plant and the dorms at California State University, Sacramento.

The shelter map was originally accompanied by a booklet describing what to do in the event of a nuclear attack on Sacramento. A blank form was intended to be filled out and serve as a reference to which shelter to head for if it became necessary.

Also at the center is a flier advising residents of the steps to take in an attack.

The flier, distributed by the Sacramento Operational Area Civil Defense Council in 1962, advised residents to “select a shelter area for home and work. Stock shelter area with food, water, medical and sanitary supplies.”

Graphic representations told residents that an “alert” signal would be a long, droning note played out on the sirens and a “take cover” signal would be a warbling siren for three minutes.

In a sobering tone, the flier gives the harsh details of an attack without warning.

“No siren sound. A brilliant white flash, the brightest you’ve ever seen, is your only warning ... You have a few seconds before heavy shock wave arrives,” according to the flier. The flier then advises people to stay inside until they hear it is safe to leave, as radioactive fallout would be dangerous.

Though the presence of shelters and doomsday fliers makes the 1960s sound like an era of dark fears, life went on as normal for most residents, according to Larry and Barbara Kronquest, volunteer docents at the Sacramento History Museum at 101 I St.

“I can remember ‘duck and cover’ and getting under your desk,” said Barbara Kronquest, who was a teacher at the time. “Drills were mandated once a month at the schools.”

Though duck and cover would have been largely ineffective in the event of atomic warfare, she said it was a great way to protect students from falling glass and ceiling pieces during earthquakes.

“I know they designated buildings (as shelters),” she said. “Sacramentans couldn’t get real excited about it because there wouldn’t have been time to get to many of them anyway.”

Larry Kronquest said that with three Air Force Strategic Air Command bases in the area, Sacramento would have been a prime target for Soviet missiles.

During the 1960s, Larry Kronquest worked for the Department of Utilities in City Hall, and he considered the shelter under the building – little more than a basement – virtually useless.

“I had a boss who swore he could get from City Hall to the water treatment plant in five minutes,” he said. “That was the shelter you wanted, because it was stocked with supplies, and you could tap into the water system.”

Both Kronquests said they didn’t think much about the threat – they just lived their lives.

Today, the disused bomb shelters are mere curiosities, reminders of a threat that never came to pass.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Gold Rush Gambling

2009-08-20T03:54:18Z

Sacramento gamblers tired of driving to Las Vegas to get their gaming fix can breathe a sigh of relief. The Sacramento History Museum is bringing the games to Old Sac with the first-ever Gold Rush Gambling Day. Although the dealers may be playing Three Card Monte instead of Texas Hold 'Em and the sinning might give way to educational outreach, it still promises to be a fun day.

The event, which will be held on Aug. 22 at 1 p.m. at the Sacramento History Museum (101 I St.), is one of the weekend events that the museum holds every second and fourth Saturday. It is expected to last about one hour.

The day will begin with a lecture about Gold Rush-era gambling games and life in the typical saloon by one of the museum's docents. This will be followed by an opportunity to give the games a try, although the official game list will depend on the day's attendance.

Although this is the first time the museum has had a formal Gold Rush Gambling Day, the museum has held numerous gambling activities.

"We've had classes before, and we've had events at the Gold Rush Days event which is coming up," said Janessa West, a museum educator at the Sacramento History Museum.

Citizens hoping to participate will simply have to pay the normal entrance fee, which is $4 for youth and $5 for adults. But West certainly didn't want the fee to discourage potential attendees. "If you like to gamble, if you like to play cards, then this is a great way to learn the roots of many of the games we play today," she said. Besides, it's a lot cheaper than Vegas.

Riverboat Gambling on the Delta King

2009-06-01T20:14:34Z

On June 5, the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation will host a Riverboat Casino Night on board the Delta King Riverboat, providing a colorful look at the world of the riverboat gambler. This event will feature authentic 1850s games of chance, including Chuck-A-Luck, Faro and Shut the Box, as well as more familiar games like poker and roulette. Also featured are a silent auction, live music and entertainment, and food and drink, all appropriate to the Gold Rush era. Re-enactors in period attire will add to the atmosphere of the event. While period attire is not required for those who attend, it is encouraged. Several stores in Old Sacramento, including Sacramento Dry Goods on Second and I Street, specialize in historic styles of clothing for those wishing to attend in full 19th century finery.

The event is a fundraiser for the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation and the Sacramento History Museum. Last year, the Sacramento History Museum split from the Discovery Museum and became part of the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation. Part of the change involves a dramatic renovation of the museum’s first floor, but part involves raising public awareness of the Museum with events like the Riverboat Casino Night. According to Museum public relations specialist Lindsey Meyers, “In the past our events have not necessarily tied in with Sacramento history, and that is exactly what we are trying to change. We want to focus on Sacramento history and the river is a huge part of how we became a city.” In order to highlight the evening’s focus as an educational event, authenticity and historic accuracy are the number one priority. “Even the food is historically accurate,” said Meyers. If the event proves successful, it could become an annual event on board the Delta King. As Sacramento’s last authentic riverboat, the Delta King provides an ideal site for an evening of Gold Rush era gambling and entertainment.

Riverboat Casino Night takes place on Friday, June 5, and starts at 6:00 PM on the Delta King Riverboat in Old Sacramento. Tickets cost $45 for Historic Old Sacramento Foundation members, $50 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased by calling (916)264-7059 or by visiting the Sacramento History Museum at 101 I Street. Guests must be 21 years of age or older. All proceeds will help support the exhibits and programs at the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation’s Sacramento History Museum.