Gold Rush Anniversary

This year is the 150th anniversary of the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill, Calif. Some highlights of exhibits and events, most in Northern California, celebrating the state’s mining history:

Through July 26: “Gold Rush! California’s Untold Stories,” Oakland Museum; telephone toll-free (888) 625-6873. A three-part exhibit:

* “The Lure and Legacy of the California Gold Rush.” Artifacts, tableaux, films, reconstructed archeological dig. (Moves to Autry Museum of Western Heritage in Los Angeles Sept. 19-Jan. 24, 1999).

* “Silver and Gold: Cased Images of the Gold Rush.” Daguerreotypes and ambrotypes showing life in the 1850s.

* “Art of the Gold Rush.” Paintings, watercolors and drawings. (Through May 31, then moves to Crocker Museum, Sacramento, June 20-Sept.13.)

June 27, July 25, Aug. 22: Living History Days at Plumas Eureka State Park, Johnsonville. Living history demonstrations include hard-rock mining, ore crushing and blacksmithing; (530) 836-0763.

July 18-19: Gold Digger Days, Greenville. Highlights gold mining, ranching, logging and Native American heritage; (530) 284-6633.

Aug. 21-23: Feather River Railroad Days, Portola. Celebrating the community’s railroad, mining and logging history with train rides, train robbery reenactments, music and parade; (800) 995-6057.

Sept. 19: Hattie’s Tea Party, Placerville. Commemoration of 1880s opening of the Gold Bug Mine, with mine tours, mining artifacts and antique cars; (530) 642-5232.

Oct. 1-4: World Gold Panning Championships and Gold Rush Days, Coloma. Hundreds of contestants from about 20 nations expected. Also living history events, Gold Rush Symposium, games and food; (530) 622-0390.

Source: California Trade & Commerce Agency