Tattooed and Tenacious: Inked Women in California’s History

Coinciding with Photography Month, the Sacramento History Museum is proud to present a compelling new exhibit titled “Tattooed and Tenacious: Inked Women in California’s History” that is highlighted by three dozen locally produced photographs.  In addition, a visually captivating 30″ X 60″ photograph welcomes visitors as they enter the limited-time exhibit that is located in the R. Burnett Miller Gallery on the museum’s third floor.

The exhibit allows museum visitors to explore the world of tattoos and demonstrates why they are not just a recent trend or passing fad. From the working-class to the upper-class, inked women have a long history in California and have helped popularize tattoos while also providing female tattoo artists the opportunity to leave their mark in an otherwise male-dominated industry. The exhibit sheds light on the little-known history of women and tattoos through photographs, personal histories, and artifacts from individuals such as Victorian-era heiress Aimée Crocker. The exhibit also highlights the style differences in tattooing of the past with the inked women of today; for instance, in the late 1800s, tattoos were primarily one color while today they are a vibrant and colorful display of artistry.