Past Exhibits

Be sure to catch “Sacramento In a Can – Featuring the Campbell’s Sacramento Story”, chronicling the fascinating history of the canning industry in the Capital City. The limited time exhibit is perfect for visitors interested in learning how Sacramento became the Tomato Soup Capital of the World.

On June 19, 1865,the last of the enslaved people in the South received the orders that slavery was abolished. What has become known as Juneteenth is now a federal holiday and represents the African American struggle for freedom and equality in the United States and is also a celebration of family and community. Our exhibit honors the symbolic date and reflects its significance in the Sacramento area.

The first camellia seeds were brought to Sacramento in 1852 and in an unusual series of events through the turn of the 20^th century the city of Sacramento became the Camellia Capital of the World.

Discover the lost traditions of the annual Camellia Festival and learn how the camellia flower is still an important part of Sacramento’s culture. Enjoy this exhibit from April 4-May 26, 2025. It is included with regular admission to the museum.

We explore the impact of natural and man-made disasters and epidemics across the Golden State, with a look at recent and historic disasters. Discover how many disasters, epidemics, and pandemics inspired positive changes within our communities.

In proud partnership with Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum, the Sacramento History Museum has a special exhibit on display. The culturally rich exhibit featured two 19^th century teachers who prevailed against racial discrimination by breaking down discriminatory barriers to equal education.

Through the lens of a camera, we see the struggles Chinese immigrants endured during the late 1800s through the mid 1900s and how they overcame adversity. We focus on the Delta town of Locke, built by Chinese Americans for Chinese Americans.

Get ready to embark on a heartwarming journey at our Día de Los Muertos exhibition, where we invite you to remember and celebrate your loved ones in a vibrant tapestry of culture and history! Running through November 10th, the colorful exhibition is your chance to dive into the rich traditions that honor those who have passed, including the remarkable contributions of early Sacramento leaders who helped shape our beloved city.

Fast times and innovative minds created a Kustom Kulture of hot rods and monsters. Rat Fink was one of the many monsters Ed “Big Daddy” Roth drew, he was on cars, T-shirts, and toy models. Visit us to see custom models of Rat Fink and learn more about the Kulture, Ed “Big Daddy” Roth and Stanley Mouse.

Presenting “America’s Monsters, Superheroes and Villains: Our Culture at Play,” an exhibition of vintage toys and more from SuperMonster市City!. Featuring more than 400 vintage and original toys, comic books, games, posters, TV commercials, with iconic monsters, superheroes, and villains of American popular culture!

A new exhibit through July 28 describes the other Gold Rush, the one beer brought to Sacramento…
“Liquid Gold” celebrates Sacramento’s brewing history, which predates the Gold Rush but caught steam when the world clamored here for riches.

Contributions from 14 local area craft breweries tell the story of a trade that grew to national proportions in the late 19^th Century, then resurged with craft brewing in the late 1970s.

Inked women have a long history in California and have helped popularize tattoos. Uncover the largely unknown history of women and tattoos, such as Victorian-era heiress Aimée Crocker, through photographs, personal histories, and artifacts.

The exhibit also features artwork from contemporary women tattoo artists of the Sacramento region.

Since 1923, Soroptimist International of Sacramento has led a wide range of community service projects and initiatives, including scholarships and grants to support women and girls in their education and career development, and supporting local organizations that serve women and girls in need.  SIS also advocates for women and girls in the Sacramento community.

Born in California, lowrider and cruising culture is quintessentially American. Sacramento has a rich history of cruising culture with more than 40 lowrider car clubs dating back to the 1970s. Our “Boulevard Dreams” exhibit introduces some of the stories of the clubs, fashion, music, and art, through memorabilia shared by local lowrider club members.

The printed media introduced California to the world during a time when this distant land was still a captivating mystery. This collection recounts stories of adventure, hardship, discovery, and triumph, and highlights how perceptions of this new paradise evolved over time.