Museums are the perfect place to learn about our past and about the people who paved the way to where we are now. As Sacramentans, we’re lucky to have some of the nation’s best—ones that help foster our appreciation and interest in the arts, science, history, and more. Spend a few hours exploring or volunteering your time, while learning something new or expanding your knowledge on something you already have an interest in. The following are just 10 of some of the gems we have close to home.

1) California Museum 

Home of the California Walk of Fame and also a great place to learn about our state’s history or find inspiration to pursue your own California dream.

Volunteer: They’re always looking for people to volunteer as guides, classroom presenters, and more. 

1020 O Street, Sacramento, 916-653-8099, californiamuseum.org

2) California State Capitol Museum

The Capitol is both a working government building and a museum where visitors can learn about our state's history and witness history being made.

Volunteer: Help with tours, greet visitors, or participate in “Living History” events while wearing costumes from the past. 

1315 10th Street, Sacramento, 916-324-0333, capitolmuseum.ca.gov

3) Sacramento History Museum

Explore the history and stories of the area’s first inhabitants, the pioneers who settled here during the Gold Rush, life on the farm, and more via interactive exhibits, galleries, and guided tours. 

Volunteer: Opportunities include assisting with educational programs and special events, providing administrative support, and recreating Sacramento’s early days with their Living History Program. 

101 I Street, Sacramento, 916-808-7059, sachistorymuseum.org

4) Crocker Art Museum

Known for their California art, as well as diverse exhibitions, films, concerts, and classes, it’s the only museum in the Sacramento region accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), a recognition given to fewer than 1,100 of the nation's 33,000 museums.

Volunteer: The next Volunteer Open House is scheduled for this summer. Contact them via their website to be put on a list to receive information. 

216 O Street, Sacramento, 916-808-7000, crockerart.org

5) California State Railroad Museum

Steam engines, railroad cars, exhibits, and even train rides! Spend the day learning about the history of the railroad in California.

Volunteer: They’re always looking for people who have a genuine interest in the railroad and want to inspire and educate the younger audience. There will be a volunteer open house on April 11 from 1-3p.m.

125 I Street, Sacramento, 916- 323-9280,
californiarailroad.museum

6) Aerospace Museum of California

Explore the wonders of flight and technology and find out how it feels to fly a plane in one of the museum’s flight simulators.

Volunteer: Many opportunities are available, including administrative, marketing, flight zone instructors, landscaping, and more. 

3200 Freedom Park Drive, McClellan, 916-643-3192, aerospaceca.org

7) Powerhouse Science Center

Dig up fossils, learn about Earth and other galaxies, and engage in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities at this museum that sits on 14 acres of natural parkland and also features a public planetarium.

Volunteer: All ages and experience levels are needed to assist with special events and programs and lend a helping hand behind the scenes.

3615 Auburn Boulevard, Sacramento, 916-674-5000, powerhousesc.org

8) Folsom Prison Museum 

Learn how the prison was built from gray granite from nearby quarries; and view weapons made by the prisoners, and of course memorabilia from Johnny Cash’s performances.

Volunteer: They need docents, people to help with research and archiving, and help with special events. 

312 3rd Street, Folsom, 916-985-2561 x. 4589, bighouseprisonmuseum.org

9) Roseville Telephone Museum

View their collection of phones and phone technology—from the wooden box and pay phones, to cradle phones, rotary, and novelty phones.

Volunteer: Show your passion for telephone history by volunteering as a docent. 

106 Vernon Street, Roseville, 916-786-1621, consolidated.com/about-us/history/telephone-museum

10) California Automobile Museum

Drive through 120 years of automobile history while looking at over 120 types of cars.

Volunteer: Help in the library and gift shop, assist as a docent, or put your passion for cars into action as part of their detail, road, or pit crew. 

2200 Front Street, Sacramento, 916-442-6802, calautomuseum.org

By Julie Ryan