Living History Day at Marshall Gold Discovery SHP

Date: 4/14/2018
Time: 10:00 AM TO 3:00 PM

310 Back Street
Coloma, CA 95613

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Event Description: On Saturday, April 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma, California will explore the legacy of the Italians who came to California during and after the gold rush. At 11 a.m. join author and historian Carolyn Fregulia in the theater in the visitor center for a talk covering the profound influence of Italian culture in California over the past 160 years. Immigrants from Italy’s northern provinces were drawn to the state by the lure of gold, but it was the allure of the California foothills, where they found the terrain and Mediterranean climate similar to that of Italy, that convinced them to stay. California’s fledgling economy provided unparalleled opportunities for Italian businessmen, and unclaimed land was available for agriculturalists. Settlement soon brought women and children, and within a decade, Italians represented a significant portion of the population in the region, numbering among the gold country’s leading farmers, merchants, and tradesmen. The Mother Lode also offered women unique advantages, and Italian women proved wonderfully resourceful when necessity demanded. The 1870s saw a second wave of immigration, as Italian laborers arrived to work in the large, corporate-owned gold mines. In addition, the Papini House will be open for viewing. Visitors are encouraged to join park docents under the trees behind the museum from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for living history demonstrations and to learn more about the history of and contributions made by Italians during the gold rush. This event continues the park’s exploration of the diverse peoples and cultures found in Coloma before, during and after the Gold Rush. On the second Saturday of each month during the park’s monthly Living History event, a different cultural group will be highlighted. October 11-14, all cultures will come together in the melting pot of Coloma Gold Rush Live, the park’s annual 4-day living history event. Upcoming Living History dates and themes for the year include: April 14 Italians May 12 Asians June 9 English/Welsh July 14 Irish August 11 Mexican/Chilean September 8 Germans October 11-14 Coloma Gold Rush Live! The Melting Pot For more information on these events, or other activities at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, please call the museum at 530-622-3470.


Directions:
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park Coloma, CA

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