January 29
Family Concert: Music of the Gold Rush Era
Saturday, 1:30 and 3:00 p.m.

Sonora County's Black Irish Band will perform traditional folk music of the Gold Rush era and storyteller Peter Kors will spin tales of the Forty-Niners in this toe-tapping concert for the whole family. The program will include songs and stories that evoke the adventure of life in the mining camps and the experiences of the many immigrants who came to California in search of gold. The concert is part of the "Children's Concerts in Historic Sites" series presented by the Da Camera Society. Suitable for ages 4 and up. Tickets are $12 for children, $18 for adults. (Includes complimentary museum admission.) Special discounted prices available for Series or Family Package ticket orders. To order, call the Da Camera Society at (310) 954-4300.

February 19-21
The California Dream

When news of gold discovery spread, people came from all over the world to pursue dreams of wealth and fame. Over this three-day weekend the contributions of the many cultures that expanded California during the Gold Rush decade and today will be celebrated.

July 15-16
Life in a Gold Rush Camp

An encampment that will replicate an authentic gold rush camp, complete with tents and all the accompanying activities such as an assayer, sluice boxes, and crafts demonstrations will be on the grounds for visitors to enjoy.

This public conference will examine the impact of gold discovery on California and those who came in search of wealth. Participants include Malcolm Rohrbough (University of Iowa), Susan Johnson (University of Colorado, Boulder), James Sandos (University of Redlands), James Rawls (Diablo Valley College), and Elliott West (University of Arkansas).

An exhibition catalogue, Land of Golden Dreams: California in the Gold Rush Decade, 1848-1858, by Peter J. Blodgett, the Huntington's Curator of Western Historical Manuscripts and organizer of the exhibition is available. The 148-page catalogue features 150 color illustrations and is available in both hardcover ($20.95) and softcover ($14.95). Click here to order

Land of Golden Dreams: California in the Gold Rush Decade, 1848-1858 has been made possible through the generous support of Dr. and Mrs. Peter S. Bing, Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Munger, Wells Fargo, Institute of Museum Services/Library Services and Technology Act, Times Mirror Foundation, Mrs. Helen Smetz, Dorothy Clune Trask Murray Foundation, and The GenCorp Foundation-Aerojet.

Historical artifacts were loaned through the generous assistance of the Historical Services Department of Wells Fargo Bank, Martha and Roy Tolles of San Marino, California, and Mrs. Ellen Ellis of Pasadena, California.

The Land of Golden Dreams Web presentation has been made possible by a grant through the California State Library from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.

Land of Golden Dreams Home Page

Visit the Land of Golden Dreams at the Huntington

Huntington Home