historic sacramento tour

• Search Experiences
• Manage Booking
• Phone # SMS #
• My Offers 5

Historic River Cruises in Sacramento | City Cruises™

Be the first to get offers and news, shopping cart, find your experience.

The Railyards

15 Landmarks That Tell the Story of Sacramento

Between passing light rail trains and bustling traffic, a keen eye will unearth monuments to Sacramento’s past across the city. Discover 15 historic landmarks that tell the story of Sacramento, from the days of the Gold Rush and the Pony Express through the 1940s and into our modern era.

15 Historic Landmarks to Explore in Sacramento

Old sacramento underground.

Explore the hidden secrets of Sacramento's past as you venture beneath the streets of Old Sacramento. Did you know that the streets of California’s capital used to be 10 feet lower than they currently stand? The street levels were raised to provide residents relief from dangerous flooding, but you can still see the original foundation of Sactown with a Sacramento History Museum tour of the city’s buried walkways.

The Lady Adams Building

The Lady Adams Building , known to today’s Sacramentans as the home to beloved costume shop Evangeline’s, is one of the oldest surviving structures in Sacramento. The hardy brick building withstood historic events such as the fire of 1852, the flooding of 1860 and ‘61, and other calamities. Like the rest of Old Sacramento, it was raised to its present level in 1865.

Eagle Theater

Immerse yourself in the rich theatrical heritage of Sacramento by visiting the Eagle Theater . The theater Old Sacramento visitors enjoy today is a recreation of the original, standing as a testament to California's entertainment history. In 1849, construction began on what would become the Golden State’s first permanent theater. The building was destroyed in the floods that plagued historic Sacramento and would be rebuilt over 100 years later.

Big Four Building

Step into the past at the Big Four Building, a treasure trove of Sacramento's commercial and railroad history . This Big Four Building in Old Sacramento was the historic home to the Huntington, Hopkins & Company Hardware Stores; the Stanford Brothers Warehouse; and the Nathaniel Dingley Steam Coffee & Spice Mill. The historic structure showcases the pivotal role of railroads in shaping Sacramento's development and the city’s commercial heritage.

Pony Express Terminal

The Pony Express Terminal, also known as the B.F. Hastings Bank Building , served as the western terminus of the legendary Pony Express in 1860 and 1861. Walk in the footsteps of daring riders and relive the excitement and adventure of this iconic mail delivery service.

Tower Bridge

Sacramento’s iconic bridge first opened in 1935, becoming the first vertical lift bridge in the California highway system. The historic bridge was originally aluminum silver and was repainted its iconic gold in 2002 after a public vote to pick the new color. Enjoy a stroll across this architectural marvel and take in the breathtaking views of the city and the mighty Sacramento River.

California State Capitol

Marvel at the architectural splendor of the California State Capitol , a historic building that dates back to 1869. Visitors can bask in the serene beauty of the World Peace Rose Garden and reflect at the memorials and monuments that dot Capitol Park.

Sutter’s Fort

Step into the Gold Rush era with a visit to Sutter’s Fort . This historic landmark preserves California’s history and tells the story of many of the cultures that called this area home during the 1840s, such as Mexican citizens of Alta California, Native Americans, and European and American pioneers.

The Sacramento Valley Station

The historic Sacramento Valley Station , which opened its doors in 1926, is a testament to Sacramento’s long history with the railroad. Marvel at architectural details like the striking, locally-produced brick and terra cotta trim, or grab tickets for the California Zephyr or the Coast Starlight with Amtrak. Where will the Sacramento Valley Station take you?

Gunther’s Ice Cream

Gunther’s Ice Cream has been serving scoops in Sacramento for more than 80 years. Enjoy classic, nostalgic flavors in a shop that still looks much as it did in the ‘40s. Savor a sweet treat beneath the iconic neon sign that has graced the roof of the establishment for 70 years. The sign, Jugglin’ Joe, was designed by Herman “Pop” Gunther in 1949.

Old City Cemetery

Wander through the grounds of the Old City Cemetery, a 30-acre outdoor museum steeped in history. Explore the historic gravesites and statues that bear witness to the stories of Sacramento's past. Join a guided tour to delve deeper into the lives and legacies of the city's early residents.

Leland Stanford’s House

Originally built between 1856 and ‘57, this mansion was inhabited by Leland and the rest of the Stanford family until about 1900. The family then donated the estate to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento to use as a children’s home until it closed in 1978. It is now California Historical Landmark #614 and is open to the public for tours of its entire property and gardens. A tactile model of the house is also available in the visitor center.

Folsom Powerhouse

As one of the first examples of significant electrical power being generated and economically shipped to local regions, the Folsom Powerhouse holds both a lot of historical and literal power behind its walls (at least it used to). Though the power station closed down in 1952, PG&E, which purchased the plant in 1902, donated it to California, where it became California Historical Landmark #633. Today, you can visit the building and view the larger-than-life generators and alternators that were used to power Sacramento and beyond.

Locke Historic District 

The Locke Historic District was built in 1915 by Chinese immigrants after a fire destroyed the Chinese community in Walnut Grove. Afterward, several Chinese businessmen got a verbal lease to develop land a mile north. Because California's Alien Land Law of 1913 prevented non-US citizens (aliens) from owning land, the lease provided ownership of any buildings but not of the land itself, which remained with George Locke and his family. Locke is the last of the Sacramento River Chinatowns to be built, and it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990. 

Crocker Residence and Gallery

In addition to being the oldest state art gallery west of the Rocky Mountains, the Crocker Art Gallery is also home to over 1,000 original ‘old masters’ and over 700 oil paintings purchased at or before 1870. In 1885, the Crocker family donated the gallery to Sacramento, which became California Historical Landmark #599. Today, you can roam its halls, viewing works of art dating back centuries or even just a couple of years. 

Are you interested in diving deeper into California’s history and culture? Plan a day at one of our region’s many engaging museums to learn more about medical history, the railroad, science, and more! Discover your guide to Sacramento’s museums.

Enjoy this article? Share it with your friends.

Related posts.

Sacramento Women in History

5 Pioneers Who Altered the History of Sacramento

Culture Makers: the People and Places Inspiring Sacramento

5 Industries Flourishing in Sacramento

7 Reasons to Make the Move to Sacramento

Sacramento Breathes New Life Into 5 Historic Landmarks

Be a part of the railyards..

Take one moment to tell us what your unique vision is for a future home at The Railyards.

Take The Survey

Stay Connected

Want to stay up to date? Sign up for our newsletter for periodic updates about the project.

URGENT: Save 1950 Arden Way/Former Home Savings & Loan Bank!

Welcome to Sacramento—would you like fries with that?

There’s a battle brewing at the highly prominent corner of Arden Way and Exposition Boulevard on the outskirts of the City of Sacramento that would dramatically alter the triangular site of the Point West neighborhood. At stake is demolition versus preservation of a former and historic Home Savings & Loan bank which is clad in Italian travertine with two large-scale exterior mosaic murals and an interior mural designed by renowned artist and architectural designer Millard Sheets .

More emails are needed (see example letters below) by July 29, 2024 to urge City Council to support landmarking/adaptive reuse of the bank. City Council will make their decision after hearing presentations and public testimony at the meeting scheduled for July 30, 2024 at 5:00PM at City Hall .

Background and Issues: Currently, the highest accepted bid for the site is from Shake Shack, who intends to tear down the historic landmark and replace it with car-centric drive-through restaurants —even though they have a past record of adaptively reusing a historic landmark in Sandy, Utah ( see before and after ). The corporation is busting out of its home-grown, boutique image and hitting the country with a newly-minted competitive business model that ironically abandons its mission to “ Stand for Something Good ® .” If built, the point in Point West will become a fast food drive-through beacon in an area already saturated with other franchises , adding more traffic jams and carbon emissions to an area known for having one of top 20% rates of asthma in California . This would also be completely out of compliance with several goals and policies delineated in the City of Sacramento’s 2040 General Plan relating to drive-throughs, pedestrian and transit orientation on a future high transit corridor, enhanced gateways, sustainability, and community access to healthy food. Point West is a mix of retail, commercial, offices, and multifamily housing, though residents in the area lack many community-friendly services. These neighbors —and residents in adjacent West Arden Arcade, identified as an Environmental Justice Community by Sacramento County —deserve better.

It started when power investors purchased the bank and, after failing to secure a tenant, decided to prepare the site for sale—which included pursuing entitlements for demolition. They consulted with the offices of a politically-connected land use attorney with deep ties to the City Council, and contacted the City of Sacramento’s Community Development Department who, per standard procedure, instructed the group to conduct an historic evaluation. The investors’ architectural historian produced a report that preservation organizations SacMod.org , Preservation Sacramento , and internationally recognized Millard Sheets expert, Adam Arenson disputed—and provided corrected information. The City of Sacramento Preservation Office conducted their own examination, which resulted in a separate report with findings supported by: the City of Sacramento Preservation Commission, who provided critical in-depth analysis of the investors’ report (see transcripts 1 and 2 ); Adam Arenson; Preservation Sacramento; SacMod.org; and local historians. Meanwhile, the investor-owners have let the property fall into decay and have failed to prevent damage by trespassers —a tactic known as “ demolition by neglect ,” that helps hasten the property’s demise.

There is an alternative : a local consultant/developer intends to step forward and states he submitted a second back-up offer for the property. If Sacramento’s City Council determines the historic bank is eligible to be listed on the City of Sacramento Register of Historic and Cultural Resources, the local developer says Shake Shack will back out and his second bid will be accepted. The local developer expresses the desire to preserve the historic bank and adaptively reuse the site to serve the surrounding community. Which sounds better to you? Adaptive reuse of a stone-clad historic landmark with iconic public art? Or more fast food drive-throughs?

Who decides the fate of this battle? You have the power to speak up. Many thanks to those of you who already have written emails, but more input from people in the community is needed! By July 29, 2024, email City Council and Shake Shack with a copy to preservation organizations and tell them what you think! Use the email addresses and sample text below .

Stand with SacMod.org , Preservation Sacramento , and Vintage Arden Arcade to push back against demolition! If enough people express the desire to landmark the historic bank, Sacramento City Council just might take a stand for something good when they decide its fate on July 30, 2024 .

Please write via email by July 29, 2024 ( sample letters below ) to :

• Important — please cc: SacMod.org; Preservation Sacramento; Preservation Director Sean deCourcy
• Shake Shack [email protected] : Encourage them to adaptively reuse the historic building/site—and create a better community experience like they did at The School Yard . Remind them that the building holds invaluable public art and there is room at the former Home Savings & Loan bank site for adaptive reuse of the historic building PLUS additional room for further growth. Furthermore, there is no need for drive-through as demonstrated elsewhere in Sacramento at the Ice Blocks.

Examples of other current / successful adaptively reused Home Savings & Loan banks in California you can mention in your letter :

Pacific Beach, CA: Family Health Centers of San Diego

La Mesa, CA: JCS Manzanita School  

Redlands, CA: Finney’s Crafthouse

Coronado, CA: Walgreen’s

Montebello, CA: Urgent Care Center

Other adaptively reused Sacramento banks in Sacramento:

Buca di Beppo

Crawford & Associates

________________________________________________

Sample letters — cut and paste! Or write your own by 7/29/24:

To: [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected] cc: [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected]

Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers, Based on the facts presented by the City of Sacramento Preservation Office and backed by experts, historians, and the preservation community, I support the landmarking and adaptive reuse of the historic bank located at 1950 Arden Way and am asking you to do the same. The proposed demolition of the existing building and replacement with drive-throughs would have terrible consequences for the neighborhood/adjacent communities—resulting in more traffic problems and carbon emissions. The area is already saturated with other fast food franchises. If you fail to support landmarking, it means you support a project that is completely out of compliance with the City of Sacramento’s 2040 General Plan—which you overwhelmingly supported in February. Relevant goals and policies in the General Plan specifically address drive-throughs, pedestrian safety, transit orientation, enhanced gateways, sustainability, and underserved communities’ access to healthy food and better air quality. Point West and adjacent West Arden Arcade neighborhood, an Economic Justice Community, are home to many residents in multifamily housing with limited access to community-friendly services. They deserve better.

A local developer with a back-up offer wishes to preserve and adaptively reuse the historic bank. Other cities, such as Pacific Beach, La Mesa, Redlands, Coronado, and Montebello have successful examples of adaptive reuse of former Home Savings & Loan banks. In Sacramento, examples of adaptively reused banks include Buca di Beppo on Howe and Crawford & Associates on Freeport. Please vote in favor of landmarking 1950 Arden Way and adding it to the City of Sacramento Register of Historic and Cultural Resources. Thank you.

To: [email protected]   cc : [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected]

Based on the facts presented by the City of Sacramento Preservation Office and backed by experts, historians, and the preservation community, I support the landmarking and adaptive reuse of the historic bank located at 1950 Arden Way in Sacramento, CA—a site that Shake Shack has submitted an offer to purchase in order to demolish and build a drive-through.

As a member of the community, I am calling on Shake Shack to “Stand for Something Good ®” by setting aside your drive-through plans and restoring the existing building and site for a walk-in restaurant—like you did in Sandy, Utah. Adaptive reuse is more sustainable—and saving the only public art in the area would be remembered and appreciated by potential customers. If you acquire the site, it is large enough to accommodate the company’s objectives without destruction of the historic bank. There is no need for a drive-through—as demonstrated elsewhere in Sacramento by the success of your restaurant at the Ice Blocks. Please reconsider your proposed business model and adaptively reuse 1950 Arden Way. Thank you.

Photos: Justin Wood

If you prefer this information in PDF format, you may download it here .

South Land Park Hills Eichler Homes Historic District!

You can read the Eichler Network story “Eichler Victory in Sacramento!” by Dave Weinstein. 

Sacramento Zoo Entrance Structures Landmarked!

UPDATE 2.21.23: The Sacramento Zoo Entrance is now a historic landmark!

We are delighted to report that the ordinance for the Sacramento Zoo Entrance structures was unanimously passed by City Council! It is now listed on the Sacramento Register for Historic and Cultural Resources. We are grateful that City Council recognizes the hyperbolic paraboloids’ historic significance.

Many thanks to everyone who submitted emails and letters of support. Hundreds of comments were sent. Your voices mattered and made a huge impact!

We encourage and support historic rehabilitation of the historic Zoo Entrance — its historic status now makes preservation funding possible for much-needed repairs and restoration.

ORIGINAL POST FROM 2.15.21: The ordinance to landmark the Sacramento Zoo Entrance structures is scheduled to be heard and decided by City Council next Tuesday, February 21, 2023. We urge you to add your voice in support of the landmarking effort. Our friends at Preservation Sacramento have made it easy ! Just click on the underlined text in the previous sentence to jump to their handy email generator so you can easily show your support. It takes only seconds!

This landmarking effort began over eleven years ago as part of a City of Sacramento-led survey. As a result of the survey findings, SacMod facilitated a more intensive and focused historic evaluation of the hyperbolic paraboloid structures, resulting in a National Register Nomination.  

SacMod stands with the Sacramento historic preservation community — the City of Sacramento’s Preservation Directors over the years; architectural historians from Mead & Hunt, Inc.; the City of Sacramento Preservation Commission, and Preservation Sacramento — as well as with City of Sacramento residents who wish to see the Zoo Entrance structures preserved.

The Sacramento Zoo entrance (1961) was designed by Kenneth Rickey and Fred Brooks. The largest building originally doubled as a concession stand to all William Land Park visitors. These iconic structures are an important, rare, and intact example of a Mid-Century Modern style known as Googie.

They are a beautiful portal to the Zoo — and also serve as a visual transition to the South Land Park neighborhood — which is known for its abundant mid-20th century architecture. The entrance to the Sacramento Zoo has been well-loved by multiple generations. It is an irreplaceable and distinct place in our cityscape and collective memory. We are delighted to see these 61 year old structures being recognized — and hope this landmarking will help ensure they will be preserved and enjoyed by future generations.

For more details regarding the effort toward landmarking effort and reasons for support, please see letters from SacMod and Preservation Sacramento . Please enjoy our slide show of historic images of the Sacramento Zoo entrance structures!

Images in slide show via SacMod’s archive, the Center for Sacramento History, and the City of Sacramento’s Youth Parks and Community Enrichment Department

Join us at Preservation Sacramento’s 2021 Virtual Historic Home Tour – October 24th and November 7th!

We are pleased to announce that we are collaborating with  Preservation Sacramento  for a virtual home tour in 2021!

Preservation Sacramento’s 2021 Historic Home tour is an online tour , including several unique and historic homes located throughout the city of Sacramento. Selected to ensure the safety and well-being of members, tour visitors, and homeowners, this video tour has several advantages.

The online tour is accessible for all , including those who are geographically far from Sacramento, and is accessible for those with disabilities that make physical access on tours like this more difficult. Unlike previous years, the tour is not tied to a specific neighborhood, so we chose a sampling of homes from different neighborhoods and eras. Sites throughout the city, impossible to visit using our more traditional tour format, are yours to explore.

The homes on this year’s tour include a Craftsman bungalow that’s the only historic landmark building in Natomas; a Mid-century Modern home in Sacramento’s only Eichler neighborhood; a Tudor Revival home in Curtis Park listed in the National Register of Historic Places; a 1960s concrete block auto garage converted into a unique home and art gallery; and the oldest home in Midtown, residence of a former Sacramento County Sheriff and vintner, once used as a “Headache Sanitarium.” You’ll see the homes inside and out, and learn their unique stories, exclusively available on this home tour.

The tour will be broadcast twice, on October 24 and November 7, with early and late shows, allowing flexibility for people’s varying schedules — or the ability to enjoy the tour a second time at later showings:                      

October 24, 2021 10 AM and 2 PM PST

November 7, 2021 10 AM and 2 PM PST

$20 for Preservation Sacramento and SacMod members; $25 for non members.

Tickets can be used for any of the four showings, or multiple times.

* Current Sacramento Modern members will also be able to buy tickets for $20 using a secret code; after you have update d your membership, we will send you the code in a separate email. Memberships are annual; if you renew or become a member now, your SacMod membership will run until December 31, 2022.

For the SacMod member discount: To renew/join SacMod : https://sacmod.org/get-involved-join – you will receive an email with your special tour discount code

For the Preservation Sacramento member discount: To renew/join Preservation Sacramento : http://www.preservationsacramento.org/join – NOTE: if you are already a member, the ticketing system should automatically recognize you

CLICK HERE for Preservation Sacramento’s 2021 Virtual Home Tour Tickets

The Historic Home Tour is Preservation Sacramento’s largest fundraiser.  Other than memberships, the Home Tour is their main source of revenue to carry out projects including surveys and nominations of historic properties, advocacy and lobbying to protect historic places, and their educational programs like the Preservation Roundtable.

SacMod has worked with Preservation Sacramento on several projects over the years. They have been very supportive of our preservation efforts — and we are delighted to be a part of their 2021 tour.

Cheers — and enjoy!

FILM : “The Streng Bros. | Modernist Pioneers of the Sacramento Valley”

Sacramento Modern is pleased as punch to share “The Streng Bros. | Modernist Pioneers of the Sacramento Valley”. This short film (~9 mi ns) was Directed by D. L. Stern , a documentary filmmaker in the Sacramento Area.

Originally airing at the “2019 Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour – 60 Years of Streng Bros. Homes”, the film features an interview with Jim Streng, and weaves archival material and contemporary photography to tell the story of chance encounters and Carter Sparks’ magic behind our beloved “Native Moderns” – Streng Bros. Homes.

Archival material provided by Steve Streng, Jim & Mary-Jo Streng, Karmen and Bill Streng, Jennifer Sparks, Dodi Sparks, Marty Arbunich and Gretchen Steinberg.

With Production by D.L. Stern , Robert Maurer , Glen Warren and Justin Wood .

Dan runs a project called “ In My Own Words ”, which helps people create documentary films of their lives which they can share with their loved ones. Dan has a talent for putting this kind of thing together with humor and compassion, and we’re really lucky to have him helming this film. Thanks Dan!

SOLD OUT! 2019 Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour – 60 Years of Streng Bros. Homes

Ticketholders: check your inbox for an email from us via Brown Paper Tickets with tour addresses. We’ll see you tomorrow, (Saturday, June 1, 2019) between 10AM and 4PM! It’s going to be a GREAT tour!

IMPORTANT: Find and display those barcodes for us to get into the first door/check-in. You will get a hand stamp (for easy entry thereafter) and a guidebook that will tell you all you need to know! Follow these instructions and the wait in line will be shorter.

If you have accidentally misplaced your Brown Paper Ticket confirmation email, or are unsure which email you used to buy your ticket, you can use

https://www.brownpapertickets.com/trackorder.html

  – or call BPT’s 24/7 hotline at 1-800-838-3006.

If you missed out on getting tickets, please join our mailing list so you can be informed of our future events: https://sacmod.org/about/contact-us/

All the best,

[Photo from 2013 Sac MCM Home Tour by Kace Schwarm]

Tour Instructions: 2019 Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour – 60 Years of Streng Bros. Homes

How to get ready for a great 2019 Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour experience: 1) Brown Paper Ticket barcodes? Check! 2) Watch for email on 5/31/19? Check! 3) Go to your assigned address, show your barcode, get a hand-stamp and a guidebook? Check!

It’s this easy! ________________________________________________

Are you ready?!? We’re getting excited for our upcoming tour this Saturday, June 1st! We’ve got some important and easy-to-follow tips to help you get in the door quickly and on your way to having a great tour:

• In the late afternoon/evening of May 31st, look for an email announcement from Brown Paper Tickets (BPT) ! This is going to tell you where to start your tour.
• This email will be sent to all ticket holders/attendees – to the email that was used to receive your BPT tickets. The email will have instructions regarding your first tour home address. It will be one of the six homes (A-F) on the map .
• For safety reasons, we are only releasing addresses to ticket-holders/attendees.
• Your wait in line will be shorter if the instructions below are followed!

Before Tour Day :

• Locate your Brown Paper Ticket (BPT) confirmation email. You should have received it the same day that you purchased/received your tour ticket(s). Check the email you used to receive the tickets, as well as your “spam” folders.
• Under 1. “Cart Overview”, you will see, “Your order contains one or more Print-at-Home tickets. If you have not already done so, please print your tickets by following this link: ( specific link to your ticket ).”
• Click on that link to display your ticket / barcode. Print out, or simply display your barcode(s) on your mobile device.
• Each ticket barcode is like a key for entry to the first tour home. See our ‘fridge photo for what the document should look like. – We are digitally scanning barcodes at the first door. – We will accept printed or digitally displayed tickets; either is fine!
• If you have accidentally misplaced your Brown Paper Ticket confirmation email, or are unsure which email you used to buy your ticket, you can check online to track your BPT order : – or call BPT’s 24/7 hotline at 1-800-838-3006.
• And if you haven’t bought your tickets yet, go to: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4103901 Ticket sales close May 31st at noon.  

On Tour Day (June 1, 2019 between 10AM and 4PM) :

• Go to your assigned address (this helps us spread guests between houses and will make the lines shorter). Carpooling with other guests? Pick one assigned address for all to check in. No need to make multiple stops.
• Tour homes will have signs posted in front, but there will be no additional tour signage; this is a private event for ticket-holders only. There will be no tickets sold at the door.
• These homes are in residential neighborhoods, so please drive slowly and with care. Study maps and alternative routes in advance to avoid heavy traffic and difficult turns. If you can walk easily, park farther from the homes to avoid traffic and walk in.
• Show your barcode(s) at the first home and have them scanned.
• Get your hand stamped (for easy entry to the other five homes) and pick up your guidebook. Then enjoy the rest of the tour!

Looking forward to seeing you on tour day!

All the best, Your hosts from SacMod

Sneak Peek of Homes on the 60 Years of Streng Bros. Homes – 2019 Sacramento MCM Home Tour – June 1, 2019

(All pictures copyright by Travis Pacheco)

Here are some sneak peeks of the homes on our upcoming Tour on June 1, 2019 to get you in the mood!

Tickets online only until noon, May 31, 2019: Brown Paper Tickets

For an in-depth look at our Tour homes, you can read more about our Tour homes: – An atrium model is highlighted in this great article from Inside Sacramento ; – A fantastic roundup of our tour from our friends at Eichler Network!  – An excellent writeup of the tour from local mainstay Sactown Magazine ; – And some nice background on Streng Bros. Homes in Valley Community Newspapers. In addition to six wonderful homes, our Tour also features fun extras, such as live music, vintage wares, Motel California book signing, informative displays, and extra treats and trinkets along the way (magazines, stickers, toys, candy)!

Streng Bros. Homes Vintage Logo T-shirts!

Limited edition T-shirt featuring a vintage Streng Bros. Homes logo – wear your Streng Home pride! T-shirt sales end May 9, 2019 – and ship to arrive by May 28th, just in time to wear for the Home Tour, if you wish! 

https://www.customink.com/fundraising/sacmod-vintage-streng-bros-homes

June 1, 2019: “60 Years of Streng Bros. Homes – 2019 Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour”

SacMod is delighted to announce: “60 Years of Streng Bros. Homes – 2019 Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour”

WHEN: Saturday, June 1st, 2019 from 10AM to 4PM .

WHAT: This special-edition tour celebrates the 60th anniversary of Streng Bros. Homes — a Sacramento-based company founded by Jim and Bill Streng — who built and sold over 3,500 modern homes in Sacramento, Yolo, and Placer Counties over the course of 30 years. Our self-guided driving tour features a wide variety of Streng Bros. Homes models, with iconic exteriors and distinctive interiors that reflect the mid-20th century aesthetic and lifestyle!

Want to see some sneak peeks of the homes on our upcoming Tour to get you in the mood? Check out our featured homes post . For an in-depth look, you can read more about our Tour homes: – An atrium model is highlighted in this great article from Inside Sacramento ; – A fantastic roundup of our tour from our friends at Eichler Network!    

In addition to six wonderful homes, our Tour also features fun extras, such as live music, vintage wares, Motel California book signing, informative displays, and extra treats and trinkets along the way (magazines, stickers, toys, candy)!

WHERE: Homes featured in this tour are located in Evergreen Commons and Overbrook (Sacramento), Eastridge (Citrus Heights), and Homewood (Carmichael); plus a rare custom modern home in Fair Oaks designed by architect Carter Sparks! (See new Preview Map below.)

TICKETS: Tickets will be available online via Brown Paper Tickets (link : bpt.me/4103901 ) starting with member sales first on March 15, 2019 at 9AM. General sales will begin April 1, 2019 at 9AM. There will be no sales of tickets on tour day. You must buy your ticket online by Noon on May 31, 2019. Space is limited — buy your tickets early to ensure you don’t miss out! (The tour may sell out any time before the day of the event.)

MEMBERSHIPS: You can become a member any time and receive special rates at this and other upcoming SacMod events this year. It’s easy! Please visit our website — SacMod.org — and click the link “Get Involved/Join” to purchase a 2019 SacMod Annual Associate Membership via PayPal – $25 for a year of membership (good for one household). Within 24 hours, you will receive the password via an email from SacMod for member ticket pricing to use for your ticket purchase at Brown Paper Tickets.

BIG THANKS to this year’s homeowners (and tour sponsors) who helped make the tour possible with their generosity and support! Watch for more details to come!

• Information
• History & Timeline
• Notable Residents
• Tours/Events
• Big Day of Giving

Preserving Sacramento's Historic City Cemetery

Old city cemetery committee inc. welcomes you.

Welcome to the website of the Old City Cemetery Committee, Inc., the 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting Sacramento's beloved Historic City Cemetery!

Adorned with beautiful statues, dramatic markers, and lush gardens, the Sacramento Historic City Cemetery is an outdoor museum recording California history from the Gold Rush era through today. The OCCC is a group of volunteers dedicated to helping with the preservation and upkeep of the cemetery and its historical significance.

Our website has information on monthly tours (including our famous Lantern Tours), Memberships, and ways you can help the cemetery through donation or volunteering.

Sacramento Historic City Cemetery

Visit Old City Cemetery Website

HOURS: Winter (November through February): 7:00am - 5:00pm Spring/Summer/Fall (March through October): 7:00am to 7:00pm

Recent News & Upcoming Events

The Old City Cemetery Committee, Inc. is a public-benefit, non-profit organization devoted to the preservation, beautification, and maintenance of Sacramento's Historic Old City Cemetery. All donations go to help run our organization to bring awareness and restoration to Sacramento's historic cemetery.

Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour

TICKET PRICES STARTING FROM

Taxes and fees will be calculated at checkout

On this guided walking food tour through Old Sacramento you will learn about the California Gold Rush and enjoy tasty treats along the way. See historic buildings and hear about Sacramento's exciting history of fire, floods and raising the city. We take you to some of the best spots to tantalize your taste buds. and you and your crew will be happily full by the end. This tour takes place in the Old Sacramento Waterfront district, right on the Sacramento River, featuring Gold Rush-era buildings, cobble stone streets and horse drawn carriages. The state Railroad Museum and the Sacramento History Museum are located in this area, as well as numerous shops including souvenir shops, antique stores, boutiques and old time candy shops. There are also numerous eateries and bars. There is ample parking in nearby parking garages.

Ticket Options

1 Option Available

Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $79

Ticket Information

• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking

What's Included

• 4 - 6 food stops
• All taxes, and gratuities (except guide tips)

Cancellation Policy

• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Additional Info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Not recommended for travelers with difficulty walking on uneven surfaces, or who have difficulty standing for periods of time.

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get ideas from the pros.

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

Sign up to stay in touch!

Sign up to get interesting news and updates about the Sacramento History Museum and all of its programs delivered to your inbox.

Email Address

By submitting this form, you are granting: Sacramento History Museum, 101 I Street, Sacramento, California, 95814, United States, http://sachistorymuseum.org permission to email you. You may unsubscribe via the link found at the bottom of every email. (See our Email Privacy Policy for details.) Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.

The Sacramento History Museum is located in the heart of Historic Old Sacramento.  We are located next to the beautiful Sacramento River and two buildings away from the California State Railroad Museum.  We are also minutes away from fine and family dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Sacramento History Museum 101 I Street, Old Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 808-7059

Download Old Sacramento map

Regular Museum Hours: Open Monday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please note we accept our last admission at 4:30 p.m.

Holiday Hours: The Sacramento History Museum will be closed on the following holidays:

• Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• New Year’s Day 

Admission Prices: Sacramento History Museum Members – FREE Adults (18+) – $12.00 Youth (6-17) – $6.00 Children (0-5) – FREE

Please call our front desk to confirm admission, hours, and special events.

Payment Options: We accept the following forms of payment:  cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.

The Sacramento History Museum is proud to be part of Museums For All, an initiative of the Institute of Library and Museum Services to make museums accessible to all. Present your SNAP EBT card and photo ID for free Museum admission for up to four people. 

Accessibility: The Sacramento History Museum is accessible to persons with disabilities.  Wherever possible, access to exhibits is facilitated by elevator and ADA accessible aisle width.  Additional assistance may be available upon request from our friendly staff.  Please call our front desk for more information at (916) 808-7059.

The African Tour de France cyclist racking up historic wins

To his fans, he’s the “African king” - an international star and the first black African to win a Tour de France stage.

Biniam Girmay did that not only once but three times this year at road cycling's premier event. Barring an accident, the 24-year-old looks set to win the green jersey on Sunday - a prize awarded to the best sprinter over the gruelling three-week competition.

But Girmay's journey to the top has been riddled with obstacles - he has battled culture shocks, Europe's visa procedures and the loneliness of being thousands of miles away from his wife and young daughter.

Now, he is embracing his role as a hero in his home country - Eritrea - and an inspiration for cyclists across Africa as a whole.

Many believe Girmay's success will spark change in an overwhelmingly white sport - in this year's Tour de France he is the only black rider in the whole peloton of 176 riders.

Girmay - or Bini to his loved ones and fans - was born and raised in Eritrea, a small East African country with a population of around 3.7 million.

Unusually, Girmay was never a champion of Asmara - the capital city he grew up in - or Eritrea. Instead, he appeared quite suddenly on the international stage after being scouted by cycling's global governing body, the UCI.

Girmay told Eritrean media earlier this year that it is easier to win at the Tour de France than to be an Eritrean champion. This is because despite its tiny population, the country has a wealth of talented cyclists, many of whom have won medals in global and continental races.

Cycling is one of Eritrea's most popular sports, a pastime picked up during decades of Italian colonial rule.

It is a source of pride for many Eritreans, whose country usually only makes global headlines for its border conflicts and a human rights record considered to be poor by rights organisations, but fiercely defended by the government.

Girmay's dreams of becoming a cyclist were sparked by his cousin, African champion Meron Teshome.

The cycling obsession extends further into his family - his younger brother is now a professional rider and his father, a carpenter, used to watch the Tour de France on TV with Girmay every year.

This is My Moment , a documentary charting his rise, shows an elderly female relative telling him: "When I was young no-one could beat me, not even you!"

At 12 years old, Girmay won his first mountain bike competition and as a teenager he was selected to represent Eritrea as a junior in the African Championships.

While there, he caught the eye of a UCI scout.

They invited him to train at the organisation's World Cycling Centre (WCC), an elite Swiss facility that hosts young athletes from countries where there may not be so many opportunities for development.

In 2018, at the age of 17, Girmay quit school and left home for Switzerland.

The transition was tough, he had no friends or family nearby and was hit by a huge culture shock.

"It was tough to prepare Bini; he had to change a lot of things: his lifestyle, his routines," Jean-Jacques Henry, head of talent detection at the WCC, recalled as Girmay prepared for the 2023 Tour de France .

"It was too cold for him when he arrived in July. For us, it was warm. He didn't like cobblestones [which riders of Girmay's ilk often tackle] and he didn't understand tactics."

But he believed he would overcome these issues and realise his dream. He even took up English classes so he would not have to use a translator in media interviews when he eventually turned pro.

Sure enough, in 2020, Girmay was scooped up by French team Delko.

While training in France, he began planning his wedding with Saliem, his partner back in Eritrea.

But the 2020 coronavirus outbreak scuppered his plans to return home - and also left him unable to compete in Europe as several races got cancelled.

The following year, Girmay took another blow. Delko had gone bust, leaving the young cyclist without a team.

He was, however, able to travel back to Asmara and marry Saliem.

She later gave birth to a baby girl, but Girmay could not stick around for long as he had been signed by Belgian-based team Intermarché–Wanty.

Securing a visa to continue his cycling odyssey was not easy - This Is My Moment documents the new father struggling to reach numerous visa application centres and embassies while in Asmara.

Eventually, he managed to acquire a long-term visa, which he holds to this day. However, as per its requirements, Girmay has to leave Europe's Schengen zone of 29 countries every three months. He usually goes back to Asmara.

In 2022, the cyclist began his history-making streak.

At Belgium's Gent-Wevelgem, he became the first African to win a one-day classic race. Girmay was part of a four-rider breakaway in the last 30km and sprinted to victory with 250m to go.

"Veni... vidi... Bini!" an ecstatic British commentator boomed as zoomed past finish line. The phrase, a play on the Latin for "I came, I saw, I conquered", has become somewhat of slogan among his fans and the media.

As a sprinter, Girmay accelerates quickly towards the end of the race, embarking on a ferocious dash to the finish line.

He is rarity - as a mountainous country Eritrea mostly produces "climbers", cyclists who race especially well on steep inclines.

Girmay topped his Gent-Wevelgem victory with another history-making stage win at Giro d' Italia, which after the Tour de France is cycling's second biggest Grand Tour race.

Celebrations were cut short when Girmay was taken to hospital - he had accidentally popped a prosecco cork in his eye on the winners' podium.

He made a quick recovery, but without his wife and daughter around, he still struggled to enjoy his win.

Despite this homesickness, Girmay battled on. His wife and daughter eventually moved to French city of Nice - and will be waiting for him after the Tour ends on Sunday.

Also watching closely, will be cycling fans back in Eritrea.

After his third stage victory at the Tour, people spilled out onto the streets in Asmara, waving the national flag and dancing to a soundtrack of celebratory car horns.

Eritrean fans often turn up to support Girmay away from home too - at the 2023 Tour de Suisse one fan told the BBC: "He is an African king. We are proud. Eritrea is known for some bad things like war, now it is different."

Girmay also represents the wider continent, Mani Arthur, who runs the Black Cyclists Network and has competed for Ghana, told the BBC's Focus on Africa podcast last week.

“We don’t really see many black riders, especially from Africa, competing in the Tour de France," he said.

"So to see Girmay not only be competing but to also win a much coveted stage is incredible. He's proven himself to be amongst the best riders in the world."

Eritrean cycling coach Aklilu Haile, who has known Girmay for a decade, believes his success can have a big impact.

"Sometimes cycling seems like it's for white people only, but now he teaches us that cycling is for all the world," he said.

Following the Tour de France, Girmay will take on this summer's Olympics in Paris. He hopes to win a gold medal but this is unlikely - he is the only road cyclist representing Eritrea and therefore will not have anyone to lead him out in the peleton to secure a space for his sprint.

He also has high hopes for next year's World Championships in Rwanda, the country in which he was first scouted by the UCI.

For many, a Girmay victory in Rwanda have huge significance.

Cycling fans from across the world would witness an African rider whizzing past a finish line on African soil, before being enveloped into a crowd flying the green, blue and yellow of the Eritrean flag.

You may also be interested in:

• PODCAST: Africa's new cycling hero Biniam Girmay
• Asmara - the cycling heaven with 'no traffic'
• Smiling Biniam Girmay can be 'symbol' for Africa

Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.

Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica , on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica

BBC Africa podcasts

• Africa Daily
• Focus on Africa

Historic-Cultural Cartagena Freetour

TICKET PRICES STARTING FROM

Taxes and fees will be calculated at checkout

Cartagena de Indias, is one of the most beautiful, enigmatic and mysterious cities in the Americas, do not miss the opportunity to get to know it from the inside, and understand why in Colombia, we are proud of this fascinating city.

Ticket Options

1 Option Available

Historic-Cultural Cartagena Freetour: $12

Ticket Information

• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking

What's not Included

• Private transportation

Cancellation Policy

• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Additional Info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get ideas from the pros.

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

Watch CBS News

Sacramento car detailing owner chosen to detail Air Force One

• Daily Happenings
• National News
• International News
• Local Sports
• Sports Columns
• Football Xtra
• Letters to the Editor
• Local Columns
• Engagements
• Anniversaries
• Special Sections
• Classifieds
• Garage Sales
• Statement of Values
• Terms of Service
• Submit News
• Browse notices
• Place a notice
• Sponsored Content

• Today's Paper

Subscribe Today

Historic tour coming to mount pleasant.

Mount Pleasant Historical Society President Tom Haynes will open his home to guests during the annual “Celebrate America’s History” tour, scheduled for Aug. 3-4. Haynes’ residence is one of the village’s most beautiful homes, completed in 1884, organizers stated. Known as the J.H. Mercer/Bracken House, many of his antique furniture pieces originated in Mount Pleasant and Dillonvale. -- Contributed

Featured on the tour are 11 historic sites which guests will have the opportunity to visit, including an 1814 Quaker yearly-meeting house state memorial; the 1804 Harris-Bone log cabin; the 1830 Butler cottage and gardens, (a private home); and the 1835 Elizabeth House Mansion Museum.

The tour also will feature the 1840 tin shop; the 1846 Samuel Gill house; the 1856 historical center; the 1856 Mount Pleasant Friends Church; the 1850 and 1884 John H. Mercer and Bracken house, (a private home); the 1895 Burriss Fairlawn General Store; and the 1800s Irish Ridge Farm.

Irish Ridge Farm is a must-see on the tour, exclaimed historical society officials. The farm is situated half a mile south of Mount Pleasant, and located at 621 township Road 100. Tourists will go back in time to the 1800s. The time when it was once the farm of Isaac Thomas. Today, Irish Ridge Farm is the home of Bruce and Beverly Riddle, and their herd of 100 registered, black Angus cattle. One will experience firsthand what life is like on a working Ohio beef farm.

Guests will stroll through the 1849 post-and-pin bank barn, flower beds, rain gardens, barns and a collection of more than 50 antique tractors. Another of the farm’s historic preservation sites is a small, 1835 sugar house with a stone-built, maple, sugar arch.

Dr. Wayne Butler and his wife, Annette, will be opening their doors for those taking the tour, as well. The Butlers will allow access to their 1930 cottage and picturesque gardens. -- Contributed

“Visitors can easily imagine the sugar house being filled with steam and the smell of maple syrup,” officials commented. Guests also can visit on site the drovers’ encampment some of the early drovers traveled through the area. In addition, visitors will have the opportunity to taste some of the flavors being cooked on the site by Plain Jane’s Foods and Ohio Valley Chuck Wagon.

In the center of town lies the Burriss Fairlawn General Store. It is here that the Historical Society’s American patriotic uniform collection has been set up for guests to view.

Tourists are encouraged to stop by the gift shop in the Elizabeth House Mansion Museum for souvenirs and one-of-a-kind pottery pieces. Color and artwork are displayed at Paige’s Pieces, where handmade, quilted and fabric items are displayed and sold inside the 1830-40 living quarters of the Harris-Bone store.

Homemade lunches, including desserts and beverages, will be served both days in the comfort of the Samuel Gill House Tea Room.

This home is claimed to be the site of the Union Humane Society, an anti-slavery association first organized in 1815 by Benjamin Lundy in St. Clairsville. The lunch and Gill House tour are provided by the Women’s Missionary Fellowship of the Mount Pleasant Friends Church, officials said. Mount Pleasant has been designated as a national historic landmark district due to its ancestors’ contributions and involvement in the Underground Railroad.

Quakers denounced the evils of slavery very early on. The Friends Church, along with the Presbyterian, Methodist and African-Methodist Episcopal churches, established Mount Pleasant as a center for anti-slavery activity even before the Civil War.

As early as 1817, freedom seekers struck out for Mount Pleasant, where they were kindly received and aided on their way north to Canada. Still standing on Union Street are four Underground Railroad stations. America’s first anti-slavery newspaper, the Philanthropist, was written here. One of its writers was Benjamin Lundy who is referred to as the Father of Abolitionism.

A more unusual activity was the establishment of the Free Labor Store, where nothing raised or made by slave labor was bought or sold. The Mount Pleasant Free Labor Store is the only one left in existence. It is owned by Ohio History Connection and currently under renovation. The activities of Mount Pleasant citizens and others like them formed an interesting and significant chapter in the history of America and the righteousness for freedom.

Tour tickets will be sold at three locations, including the Elizabeth House Mansion Museum, located at 438 Union St.; the Burriss Fairlawn Store, located at 311 Union St.; and the Irish Ridge Farm, located at 621 township Road 100. Tickets will be $15 for adults. Children 12 and under will get in free with a paid adult ticket. All proceeds will benefit the Historical Society of Mount Pleasant. The society is a volunteer, nonprofit group established in 1948. Tour updates can be found on the FaceBook page Friends of Historic Mount Pleasant, Ohio.”

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

• Daily Newsletter
• Breaking News

Colesante Scholarship presented

Community news from around the area

Sidewalk Saturdays continue FOLLANSBEE — The Follansbee Chamber of Commerce will hold its Sidewalk Saturday ...

Camera Club to celebrate 50 years

WINTERSVILLE — The Upper Ohio Valley Camera Club will celebrate its 50th anniversary at 7 p.m. Aug. 6 at Two ...

Senior Olympics held

Verizon’s round room to give away free backpacks.

STEUBENVILLE — Verizon Wireless retail locations throughout the Steubenville and Weirton areas are planing to ...

Starting at $2.99/week.

Old Sacramento Waterfront

Subscribe to our newsletter, city cruises by hornblower.