While each of our 50 states has its own nickname, California is known fondly as “The Golden State,” and rightfully so. From the abundance of golden poppies that decorate the state in the spring to its history as the birthplace of the Gold Rush (1848-1855), California is known for its effervescent shine and unqualified wealth (were it a stand-alone nation, it would qualify as the world’s fifth largest economy).
In 2024, the San Lorenzo Valley Museum is celebrating all things golden with “Gold Fever! The Untold Stories of California’s Gold Rush,” a fascinating exhibition that presents a treasury of Gold Rush era events, images and documents. The exhibition will be open for the entire year at the Faye G. Belardi Memorial Gallery, 6299 Gushee St., in Felton.
An opening reception is planned for Sunday, Jan. 28, from 2-4pm at the Gallery.
Twenty-four photo-mural panels present 1,000 square feet of text and representations of primary documents, photographs, daguerreotypes and Gold Rush era paintings. The exhibition examines California before the fateful discovery of gold in the American River, the frenzied rush to the gold fields overland and by sea, the experience of vigilante justice, life in the rowdy gold camps, Gold Rush era commerce and farming, and the shaping of California’s future.
“For younger visitors, there is a sandbox (paydirt) for dry panning with ‘gold’ (iron pyrite), garnets and quartz nuggets to discover and take home,” said SLV Museum President Lisa Robinson. “Also a rock lab and other hands-on activities.”
The exhibition spotlights the remarkable stories of individual Californios (Hispanic Californians of Spanish and Mexican descent), women, Native Americans and adventurers and gold seekers who emigrated from all parts of the world during the tumultuous and colorful Gold Rush era, and examines the impact James Marshall’s discovery continues to have on all of California’s people, cultures, environment, politics and economy.
Adding to the 49er’s gold story will be the story of the local gold mining endeavors. It was, perhaps, the 1853 state-sponsored geological survey by Dr. John Trask that sparked the Santa Cruz gold rush in July of 1853.
The San Lorenzo Valley Museum is a treasure within the community. With two locations in Boulder Creek and Felton, the nonprofit features exhibits and offers extensive education on a variety of topics, and also allows for virtual viewing through its “Museum From Home” program. This exhibit, though, demands to be seen in person.
Take a little time to celebrate the glittery State of California and catch your own “Gold Fever!” Admission is free, and the museum is open from 1-4pm on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit slvmuseum.org.
