Speaker Series

May 18

Dave Stuart

Dave is an archeologist/anthropologist and has spoken to us a few times in the past. He began his career at Caswell State Park on then lower Stanislaus River, where he helped indigenous women gather basketry materials. Dave returned to California and developed museums and programs for the city of Ventura, then he directed the Sacramento Science Center (now MoSAC), the Sacramento History Museum on Old Sacramento, and the San Joaquin County Historical museum in Micke Grove Regional Park near Lodi. 

For more information about Dave, click here: Speaker Series

“Indigenous Peoples of California’s Bay-Delta Region”

Dave will touch on Native languages of the San Francisco Bay Area, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, and the adjacent Central Valley heartland (“Bay-Delta”) region and will summarize migration and the spread of indigenous ancestors throughput the area. He will describe the traditional lifeways of the California Native American’s from our region, including their care for local habitats to sustainably support a population that was among then highest in pre-colonial North America. Then he will discuss the colonial period and highlight the impact these regional Native people had on California’s colonial history.

Big Day of Giving: Now until May 7, 2026

Step back in time and help bring history to life The Elk Grove Historical Society is participating in the Big Day of Giving on May 7 to support the Rhoads School Living History Program—an unforgettable hands-on experience where local students learn what school was like in the 1890s.

This year’s goal:

• $10,000 for student scholarships
• $10,000 to celebrate 50 years of the program

“Every donation helps students experience history—not just read about it.”

Donate online NOW or stop by the museum on May 7th from 10AM–8PM (snacks included!)

Give here: https://www.bigdayofgiving.org/organization/elkgrovehistoricalsociety

Small, thoughtful contributions add up quickly and make a real difference:

• $10 can help provide classroom supplies for a student’s visit
• $25 can support hands-on learning materials used during the program
• $50 can help cover the cost of a student scholarship
  $100 can help expand access so more local students can participate

 

29th Annual Spring Tea

“Parlor Games”

Tickets are on sale now!! You may print and mail the order form or purchase tickets on-line below the flyers.

If ordering on-line, when you see this at the end of your order,

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Yard Sale

The Elk Grove Historical Society’s beloved annual Yard Sale returns June 25–28, 2026, for four full days of treasure hunting, vintage finds, and community fun at the museum. Held the fourth weekend in June from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM each day, this popular event offers free admission and an incredible selection of antiques, collectibles, household goods, books, décor, and unique treasures generously donated by the community. Whether you’re searching for hidden gems, supporting local history, or simply enjoying a cherished Elk Grove tradition, the Yard Sale is a can’t-miss summer event for shoppers of all ages.

 

Volunteering

Do you have a little time on your hands and want to help out at your own pace and when you are available, give us a call. Everybody at the Elk Grove Historical Society volunteers at many levels and we always have a lot of things going on (see below). We appreciate any help and we have a great bunch of people to work with and we have a lot of fun.

Annual Events

The Elk Grove Historical Society hosts, supports and/or partners with SEVEN specific events through the year. See list on Menu under “Annual Events.”

First Saturday and Virtual Museum Tours

The Museum (Heritage Park) and Rhoads School are open for FREE tours every first Saturday of each month (February through October) from noon to 4:00 pm (Rhoads School 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm) or upon request. We close in November to get ready for our “Old Fashioned Christmas” event.

We also have made a short six minute virtual tour video to give you an idea on what you may experience when you visit.

Click here to view video

If at anytime you would like a personal tour of the museums other than on 1st Saturday, please contact Dinah Withrow at (916) 204-4656 or dinahcct@comcast.net and we will schedule a tour with you.

Tom Russell Research Center

The Elk Grove Historical Society has become the history research center of Elk Grove and has spent many years gathering, collecting, and organizing information of the area. We have ten file drawers of local family sir names and there are other files labeled Churches, Schools, Cemeteries, Organizations, Clubs, Businesses, Events, Places, Elk Grove, Local Cities, etc. We have the entire collection of Elk Grove High School yearbooks from the very first issued in 1912. Also, we are fortunate to have the entire Elk Grove Citizen newspaper archives. Plus, we have a huge variety of books in the library on a multitude of topics, including the Donner Party, the Miwok, Railroads, and Genology, to name just a few.

The whole purpose is to allow the community access to our history. If you want to search our files, just call and make a two hour appointment and peruse the subject matter at will. We have a copy machine at 25 cents a copy. Call the museum and leave a message at (916) 685-8115 or eghs@elkgrovehistoricalsociety.com and we will call back and set up a time to visit. Or you can call Louis Silveira at (916) 682-1335 or lssilveira@comcast.net who gladly accommodate and set up a meeting.

[Click here] for direct link to Bookstore

Enjoy. Thank you.