Treasures, Curiosities, and Secrets:
The Crockers and the Gilded Age

November 6, 2009 – May 9, 2010

Pay tribute to the Crocker family in the final exhibition before the new Crocker opens. From Margaret’s Floral Festival, to Jennie Crocker Fassett’s Korean gold mines, to Aimée Crocker’s marriage to Russian nobility, the major events of Crocker family history are seen in the exquisite objects assembled in Treasures, Curiosities, and Secrets: The Crockers and the Gilded Age.

California's premier early art patrons, Edwin Bryant and Margaret Crocker were deeply concerned with bringing culture to the new state. But their story began in South Bend, Indiana, where E. B. Crocker built an impressive law practice. After the death of his first wife, he met his match in Margaret Rhodes and married her in 1852. The ceremony took place only a few days before the newlyweds booked passage to California.

They settled in Sacramento and worked as merchants until 1863, when Judge Crocker was appointed to the California Supreme Court. Ultimately, the Crockers achieved glittering success as railroad tycoons. In this exhibition, breathtaking jewelry, dramatic gowns, family china, furniture and other treasures of the era join personal family letters, paintings, and photographs to tell another side of the Crocker family’s story.

Happy Birthday, Crocker Art Museum!
SATURDAY MAY 8, NOON-4 PM
FREE TO MEMBERS
$1.25 NONMEMBERS
Party like it’s 1885 at this celebration of the Crocker family, the times in which they lived and their amazing gift to the City of Sacramento—the Crocker Art Museum. All ages are invited to celebrate the Museum’s 125th anniversary with trick roper James Barrera, banjo-ologist Gordy Ohligher, Folklorico Latino de Woodland, the Sacramento Poetry Center, living history interpreters and more. Be sure to arrive in time to sing the Happy Birthday and eat some cake at 1:25 PM.

Crocker Anniversary Week at Firehouse Restaurant
MAY 8-15
In celebration of the Crocker’s 125th anniversary and The Firehouse Restaurant’s 50th anniversary, the Firehouse will donate 15 percent of its sales from the week of May 8-15. Help support the Crocker when you enjoy an elegant meal in this beautiful historic landmark in Old Sacramento. This partnership offers you a perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day for a good cause!