SACRAMENTO, Calif. (April 17, 2023) – Three Sacramento area museums are collaborating to present “A Stanford Spring,” a limited-time offering that showcases the lives of Jane and Leland Stanford with unique artifacts on display at the California State Railroad Museum, Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park and the Sacramento History Museum. The remarkable artifacts are on display now and will remain up through June at the three participating museums.

Plus, special offers, promotions and events are planned to further highlight the experience and connect with museum visitors, including:

• California State Railroad Museum – On special display is an historic Central Pacific Commissioners’ Car that traveled to Promontory, Utah – with Central Pacific Railroad President and former California Gov. Leland Stanford and the priceless ceremonial Golden Spike on board – for the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869.

Plus, a special “Travel in Style” excursion train ride is planned on May 27 at 4 p.m. (for guests ages 21 and over) that will include light appetizers, wine, and a souvenir wine glass to take home. Train ride guests will enjoy a scenic 45-minute ride down the Sacramento River in a first-class rail car (elegant attire is encouraged).

• Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park – A cherished cookbook owned by Jane Stanford titled Mrs. Hale’s New Cook Book published in 1857 is on special display. Plus, two free and open to the public Garden Tours are planned for May 14 at 10 a.m. and June 15 at 10 a.m. for California State Parks Week, all ages are welcome and advance reservations are not required.

• Sacramento History Museum – An opulent special occasion dress worn by Jane Stanford is now on display on the third floor of the museum. Made of silk and lavender in color, the beautifully ornate 1860s dress is on loan from the Center for Sacramento History’s impressive collection.

Open hours for each of the three museums are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Visitors can receive half off admission at the Sacramento History Museum by showing their same-day receipt from the California State Railroad Museum. Admission to Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park is always free. Tickets to ride the “Travel in Style” excursion train ride are $40 and space is limited. More details about “A Stanford Spring” are available at www.californiarailroad.museum/stanford.

For more information about upcoming activities offered by Sacramento area museums, “like” them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SacMuseums, follow them on Instagram and Twitter @SacMuseums or visit the user-friendly website at www.SacMuseums.org. Those interested can also sign up for emails to learn more about your Sacramento Area Museums via the website at www.sacmuseums.org.

About Sacramento Area Museums (SAM)

Comprised of approximately 25 greater Sacramento area museums, SAM’s mission is to raise awareness of local museums by giving the community the opportunity to discover the region’s fine art, history, and science treasures. SAM achieves its mission through implementing cooperative promotions and developing strategic marketing alliances, by encouraging sharing of knowledge and resources among its partner institutions. For more information, visit www.SacMuseums.org.

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Media Contact:

Traci Rockefeller Cusack at 916-213-4373 or [email protected]