The news of the discovery of gold in California in 1848 swept across the
world with promises of abundant wealth.  Gold Fever spread from the West
Coast, across the nation to Europe, South America, Australia and on to
China. Young men by the thousands left their families and homes behind as
they came to California searching for instant wealth.


The Oakland Museum of California and the Autry Museum of Western Heritage
are developing an exhibition celebrating the 150 year anniversary of the
discovery of gold in California, and we need your help. The project
planning team is currently researching and seeking objects for the "Gold
Fever" exhibition. The exhibition will contain historical artifacts,
original works of art, daguerreotypes, and natural specimens spanning the
period from 1840-1875. Much of the world rushed into California during the
Gold Rush, and then rushed home again; taking back with them
souvenirs, gold specimens and trinkets, images, and miners' paraphernalia.

Please help us in locating these widely dispersed objects of material
culture. If you or your institution has knowledge of, or access to, any
objects related to the California Gold Rush, or those who participated in
it, please contact me by e-mail at [log in to unmask], by phone at
510/238-3842, or snail mail at the address listed below.

Thank you,

Candy Carlson
Curatorial Assistant

Oakland Museum of California
History Department
1000 Oak Street
Oakland, CA  94607