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California State Indian Museum State Historic Park
The California State Indian Museum
Location	Sacramento, California, USA
Coordinates	38°34′22″N 121°28′17″W / 38.57278°N 121.47139°W / 38.57278; -121.47139Coordinates: 38°34′22″N 121°28′17″W / 38.57278°N 121.47139°W / 38.57278; -121.47139
Area	less than 1-acre (4,000 m2)
Governing body	California State Parks

The California State Indian Museum is a California State Historic park located in Sacramento, California. The museum exhibits traditional items illustrating the varying cultures of the State’s first inhabitants. The native population of California, one of the largest and most diverse in the Western hemisphere, was made up of over 150 distinct tribal groups who spoke at least sixty-four different languages. Prior to the arrival of the first European explorers, the native population is estimated to have been in excess of 500,000 people.

General Information

The California State Indian Museum is located at 2618 K Street Sacramento, near the intersection of 26th and K Streets. Current exhibits in the museum include traditional basketry, beadwork, ceremonial regalia and hunting & fishing items associated with many of the tribes of California, as well as contemporary artwork by celebrated Maidu artist Harry Fonseca. Indigenous people have donated many photographs of family and friends for use in the museum. The museum also contains a hands-on area, complete with a pump drill and mortar and pestle for grinding acorns. The museum's basketry display includes three one-centimeter-sized baskets created by renowned Pomo basket maker Mabel McKay. The California State Indian Museum is open from 10am-5pm daily. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Admission is $2/ Adult, $1/Youth (ages 6–17), 5 & under are free. Native Americans do not pay admission.

Events

All events are held at the State Indian Museum, unless otherwise noted.

American Masterpieces: The Artistry and Legacy of California Indian Basketry ~ March 14 to December 2009. Eighty six baskets from the museum will be on display at the California Museum, located at 10th and O Streets in Sacramento.

Indian Arts & Crafts Market ~ April 18 & 19, 2009. Native artisans from all over California participate in this event. Enjoy shopping for basketry, gourds, jewelry, and more.

Gathering of Honored Elders ~ June 6, 2009. This annual event is held to honor and commemorate California Native Elders- keepers of the traditions. The public is welcome.

Native American Day ~ September 25, 2009. This annual event is held on the north steps of the State Capitol.

Acorn Day ~ October 17, 2009. Observe the ancient practice of preparing acorns for food. Sample acorn mush and participate in arts & crafts making.

Indian Arts & Crafts Holiday Fair ~ November 27 & 28, 2009.

Projected Developments

Plans are underway to construct a new community and museum facility, the California Indian Heritage Center, in the Sacramento area.

References

External links

• State Parks Website
• California Indian Heritage Center

See also

• List of California state parks
• Sutter's Fort