Exhibits
The 16,000 square foot building that houses the SVM collection contains multiple rooms of exhibits that represent the Sacramento Valley from the mid 19th through the mid 20th century. Exhibits that have been completed in the last couple of years are a 19th century dry goods and a room representing businesses that could be found in Colusa County in the late 19th century, including hotels, barber shops, and hot springs resorts. Newer exhibits include a room dedicated to those who represented the Sacramento Valley in military wars and conflicts from the Civil War to the current generation. SVM staff and volunteers plan on updating popular current exhibits as well. First on the list is the room representing a 19th century general store and another room representing an apothecary and pharmacy.
If you would like to assist staff in working on the exhibits mentioned above, please see the "Volunteers" page of this website!
Exhibit Makeovers
Many of the current exhibits at the SVM are favorites of staff, volunteers and visitors. Those exhibits have not been updated in years, and objects are dusty and poorly exhibited. All exhibits at the SVM will be updated to reflect current museum standards and create renewed interest.
Dry Goods Exhibit
This exhibit features 19th century objects and textiles that would have been sold in a dry goods store of the period. Dry goods stores sold clothing, fabric, dress patterns, shoes, and clothing accessories.
Dry Goods Exhibit Makeover
The exhibit before: objects were cluttered in exhibit cases that had not been updated in years.
Dry Goods Exhibit Makeover
In order to update the exhibit, staff and volunteers removed everything from the room and placed the objects on covered tables.
Dry Goods Exhibit Makeover
Volunteers searched objects for accession numbers. If found, volunteers combed through paperwork to find information.
Dry Goods Exhibit Makeover
Once empty, exhibit cases were cleaned and lined with cotton muslin.
Dry Goods Exhibit Makeover
Volunteers also sealed the windows to prevent dust that is harmful to historical collections.
Dry Goods Exhibit Makeover
Once finished, the Dry Goods Exhibit contains clean objects, reorganized cases, and previously unseen bodices, dresses, and artifacts.
