Three dominating factors surface when we think of History: different and developing lifestyles, heroic and dynamic people and significant events. Inter-related and co-dependent, the Discovery Museum explores the History of Sacramento and California by tracing the relationships that shaped our community, culture and lives.

Sacramento's earliest settlers first arrived in the Central Valley circa 10,000BC. How did California Indians survive for over 2,500 years in the area? How did neighboring tribes communicate and collaborate as independent communities? Come discover the fascinating tale of the Nisenan Maidu and Miwok tribes whose peaceful and abundant lives were ultimately and tragically ended.

Sacramento's development and vast growth are largely due to the discovery of gold in 1848. Visit our Gold Gallery and discover for yourself why thousands around the world rushed to Sacramento in the hopes of striking it rich. From local to international immigrant miners, gold panning and sluicing techniques, to the modernization of hydraulic and hard rock mining, learn how the Gold Rush established Sacramento as a prominent city rich in ethnic backgrounds and nationalities.

The end of the Gold Rush's excitement brought with it settlement. Diversity and multi-cultures gave birth to a new community. Our Community Gallery highlights significant artifacts symbolic of early settlement, featuring occupational tools, expressive fashion and literature & photographs.

With Sacramento's flourishing redevelopment plans in progress today, the city is once again making history. Learn about how our Capitol City reached this moment of fruition at the Discovery Museum and experience the events and people who shaped Sacramento and those who solidified her.