Governors’ Day Living History

California State Parks, the California State Capitol Museum, and the California State Capitol Volunteer Association are proud to present a special “Governors’ Day” Living History event. The free, interpretive event will present a glimpse into the lives and political decisions made by several California Governors who occupied the office during times of great change in the early 20th century. The special activities will take place in the historic west wing of the California State Capitol in Sacramento. Guided tours begin every 15 minutes.

Volunteers from the California State Capitol Museum Volunteer Association will help visitors return to the period between 1899 and 1917, portraying Governors Henry Gage, George Pardee, James Gillett, and Hiram Johnson and their wives in period dress. In a series of vignettes, they will re-enact important events from their administrations, including efforts to help the City of San Francisco recover from the 1906 earthquake and fire, end the era of the Southern Pacific Railroad abuses, and enact legislation to give more power to the electorate.