Gold Fever!

Untold Stories of the California Gold Rush

Jul 22, 2021–Aug 29, 2021

Main Gallery

It has been more than 150 years since the Gold Rush galvanized California. Now “Gold Fever!” is sweeping Los Altos. “Gold Fever! Untold Stories of the California Gold Rush” is a fascinating exhibition presenting a treasury of Gold Rush-era photos, documents, and hands-on activities. Stories and objects offer a glimpse into California before the fateful discovery of gold in the American River, the frenzied rush to the gold fields over land 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.

About the Exhibit

The exhibition spotlights the remarkable stories of individual Californios, women, Native Americans, and adventurers and gold seekers who emigrated from all parts of the world during the tumultuous and colorful Gold Rush era. James Marshall’s discovery changed the West irrevocably, and the legacy of the Gold Rush continues to shape California’s people, culture, environment, politics, and economy.

The “Gold Fever! Untold Stories of the California Gold Rush” traveling exhibition tour was organized by Exhibit Envoy in partnership with the Cal Humanities. Exhibit Envoy provides traveling exhibitions and professional services to museums throughout California.