California State Capitol

California State Capitol Museum Our Mission The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Between 1849 and 1854, four cities served as state capitals— San Jose, Vallejo, Benicia and finally, Sacramento. California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at (916) 324-0333. This publication can be made available in alternate formats. Contact interp@parks.ca.gov or call (916) 654-2249. CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 For information call: (800) 777-0369 (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. 711, TTY relay service www.parks.ca.gov Discover the many states of California.™ California State Capitol Museum 10th and L Streets State Capitol, Room B-27 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 324-0333 www.capitolmuseum.ca.gov © 2002 California State Parks (Rev. 2012) Construction on the new Capitol began in 1860 and concluded in 1874. I n the heart of Sacramento on 10th Street In 1906 a remodeling of the area now called the West Wing created more office space. The East Annex, completed in 1952, added even more offices. When a 1972 study of the building showed it to be unsafe in the event of an earthquake, the “Old Capitol” elow the Capitol’s was scheduled beautiful inner dome is for renovation. By a large statue grouping 1982 the building entitled “Columbus’ was restored to Last Appeal to Queen Isabella,” a generous its original early gift from Darius Ogden twentieth-century Mills in 1883. elegance. Today it is a working museum. Period displays include the 1906era Governor’s office suite; the Treasurer’s Office circa 1906 and 1933; and the 1902 office of the Secretary of State. For a special treat, visit the Rotunda, which begins on the first floor and rises First floor Rotunda 120 feet to the inner dome. between L and N Streets, California’s State Capitol embodies the best of California’s past and present. Forty acres of lawns, flower gardens and memorials to California history surround the building. Stately trees in Capitol Park, including many exotic species planted over 100 years ago, thrive in Sacramento’s climate. The Capitol is a hub of activity— visitors might be inspired to join a rally for a favorite cause, attend a legislative session, visit lawmakers in their Capitol offices, or relax on the lawn for a shady picnic. During the holiday season, visitors might discover a festive musical concert in the first floor Rotunda. Informative exhibits on California’s 58 counties highlight the first floor of the East Annex. The Capitol has gone through many changes. Electricity first augmented, then replaced gaslight between 1892 and 1895. B CALIFORNIA’S STATE CAPITALS Californians wrote the first California State Constitution in Monterey in 1849, and on September 9, 1850, California became the thirty-first state. Between 1849 and 1854, four cities served as state capitals—San Jose, Vallejo, Benicia and finally, Sacramento. Construction on the new Capitol began in 1860 and concluded in 1874. However, eager lawmakers moved into the unfinished building in 1869. Today the Capitol is home to 40 Senators, 80 Assembly Members, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. CAPITOL PARK During the winter of 1870, the original four square blocks of the Capitol grounds were Father Junípero Serra planted with 800 trees and flowering shrubs of nearly 200 varieties from all parts of the world. Today there are more than 450 varieties represented. Capitol Park features memorials to significant events involving California: • A Civil War Memorial Grove planted in 1897 with saplings from famous Civil War battlefields. World Peace Rose Garden • A life-sized statue of Father Junípero Serra, a Roman Catholic missionary sent by Spain to help colonize California. At its base is a map of California’s 21 missions, from San Diego to Sonoma. • The California Vietnam Veterans Memorial, with life-size bronze figures of service men and women, depicting military life in Vietnam and featuring engravings of names of Californians killed or missing in action. • The California Veterans Memorial, a granite obelisk honoring California Veterans from the Mexican-American War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War. discuss and vote on new laws, helping to create the world of tomorrow. Legislative sessions are held on Monday and Thursday from early January through late August. First come, first served gallery seating is available to the public during sessions, and committee meetings take place during every day of the business week. LIVING HISTORY EVENTS The State Capitol Museum presents free living history events. Election Day, 1906 Earthquake, Governor’s Day and California Admission Day Living History Programs transport visitors back to the early days of California government. Costumed volunteers participate in these events. Treasurer’s Office–1906 Historic Governor’s Main Office–1906 The Senate Chamber features desks built in the 1860s, where representatives propose, discuss and vote on new laws. LEGISLATIVE SESSIONS AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS Visit the restored Legislative Chambers and watch today’s lawmakers at work in surroundings that echo the past. Seated at desks built in the 1860s, representatives propose, Living History Day SCHOOL/GROUP TOURS Free guided school and group tours are by reservation only. Groups are limited to 35 persons. We recommend a ratio of ten students to one adult chaperone. For tour reservations, call (866) 240-4655. To receive educational materials and school group rules, visit our Web site at www.capitolmuseum.ca.gov, or call the Tour Office at (916) 324-0333. PUBLIC TOURS The State Capitol Museum conducts tours daily, on the hour, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ACCESSIBLE FEATURES The north and south entrances of the Capitol Annex, restrooms and elevators are wheelchair accessible. Hearing devices are available upon request at the Tour Office. OTHER AMENITIES • The Tour Office (located in basement Room B-27) is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. • The Museum Theater features films on the history of the Capitol from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Cafeteria-style restaurants are open MondayFriday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the basement and on the 6th Floor. Coffee service is also available in the basement Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. • A gift shop, located in the basement, is open Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; weekends, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. PLEASE REMEMBER The State Capitol and grounds are under the jurisdiction of the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Permits for weddings or rallies are obtained from the CHP. Security measures to enter the building include passing through a metal detector, examination of all packages, and presentation of positive identification. • Check cameras, cell phones and backpacks at the Senate and Assembly doors. Visitors to chamber galleries must remain seated and not lean over the rail. • Except for leashed service dogs, pets are not allowed in the building. • Skateboarding, roller-skating, inline skating and bicycling are not permitted in Capitol Park. • Trash containers are located at all four entrances and around the park grounds. • Alcohol is not allowed in the park without a special permit issued by the CHP. • There is a parking garage at 10th and L Streets, and metered parking surrounds the Capitol. NEARBY STATE PARKS • Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park, 16th and H Streets (916) 323-3047 • California State Railroad Museum, in Old Sacramento at 2nd and J Streets (916) 445-6645 • Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, midtown Sacramento at 2701 L Street (916) 445-4422 • State Indian Museum, 26th and K Streets next to Sutter’s Fort (916) 324-0971 • Leland Stanford Mansion, 800 N Street (916) 324-0575 • Visit: www.parks.ca.gov/capitaldistrict This museum is supported in part through a nonprofit organization. For more information contact: California State Capitol Museum Volunteer Association P.O. Box 2451, Sacramento, CA 95812 (916) 324-0333