November 2026 E-News

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month

California is home to over 100 Indigenous tribes whose legacies continue to shape the Golden State. This November, explore "California Indians: The First People," where you'll discover artifacts, original art, and oral histories of California's Native Peoples in their own voice. Plus, enjoy highlights like the Chipped Stone Bear (California's official prehistoric artifact)! Join us in recognition of the rich heritage, diverse cultures, and invaluable contributions of America's Indigenous peoples.

Plan a Visit

"Sendero de las Almas Luminosas: Día de los Muertos 2026"

On view through November 15, 2026

There’s still time to experience the Museum’s Día de los Muertos display, “Sendero de las Almas Luminosas (Path of the Luminous Souls)!" Use the map available at entry to explore altars woven throughout the Museum’s permanent galleries, and collect a stamp at each altar. Complete the tour to receive a special Día de los Muertos-themed gift. Don’t miss your last chance to experience this vibrant altar display!

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Honor your loved one at the Community Altar

Members of the public are also invited to honor friends and family members who have passed with a remembrance in the exhibit’s accompanying Community Altar.

Optional templates can be downloaded ahead of time at the link below or created on site using materials at the Museum’s craft station. Any items left on the altar will not be returned.

Download Template

"Help Wanted / Leave Now: 'Operation Wetback' & The Revolving Door of Mass Deportation"

Open through January 10, 2027

Explore the century-long cycle of recruiting Mexican laborers to build U.S. industries, only to turn them away through mass deportation, in Help Wanted / Leave Now: ‘Operation Wetback’ & the Revolving Door of Mass Deportation.

Developed with an advisory committee that included the late labor and civil rights icon Dolores Huerta, this first-of-its-kind bilingual exhibition centers on the 1950s deportation campaign known as “Operation Wetback.”

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DOCENT-LED TOURS

Join a docent-led tour of "Help Wanted/Leave Now" to explore the cycle of recruitment and deportation in the US and the workers whose labor has helped drive American economic growth.

When: Sunday, November 15 at 1:30 pm & Saturday, November 28 at 1:30 pm

Where: Meet in the Museum lobby

Cost: Free with Museum admission

Who: Anyone in the Museum can join, no registration required.

Museum Store Sunday:

Shop Local / Give Back / Save Big

Sunday, November 29, 2026 | 12 - 5 pm

Shop with a purpose this holiday season! Every gift you buy at the California Museum Store supports local arts, culture, and education.

Visit us on Nov. 29, for a head start on your holiday shopping and to take advantage of special, one-day-only offers for Museum Store Sunday:

10% off select merchandise*
20% off purchases over $75
20% off Museum admission

Bring the whole family to discover California’s rich history, then explore our curated selection of unique gifts for all ages—all at a discounted cost. From keepsakes and jewelry to fun trinkets and educational toys, there’s something for everyone on your list!

*Excludes food, beverage, and clearance items

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Museum Store Shopper's Passport

Friday, Nov. 27 - Sunday, Nov. 29

Shop Local, Earn Prizes

Visit these museum stores between 11/27-11/29 for a chance to win a gift basket with items from each participating museum. Ask a store associate at any participating museum for your free shopper's passport, get it stamped at three or more locations on the map, then return it at any participating museum to enter.

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Event Recap

Día de los Muertos Fiesta

Our 2026 Día de los Muertos Fiesta was unforgettable, and it was all thanks to you. Thank you for joining us year after year to honor loved ones and celebrate culture & community.

The Fiesta marked the grand opening of "Sendero de las Almas Luminosas," a new experience featuring a path of altars illuminating spaces throughout the Museum. Altars are on display through Nov. 15, and you're invited to participate by leaving a tribute at the Community Altar!

Create one on-site at our craft table, or prepare yours ahead of time by downloading the printable altar template here.

Click to watch the video recap.

Museum Updates

Now Booking: Time of Remembrance Field Trips

Teachers, bookings are open for our most sought-after field trip, examining the incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII.

Students on docent-led tours will hear personal stories, including first-hand accounts from those who lived behind barbed wire and reflections from descendants of incarceration camp survivors.

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November Closures

The California Museum will have special hours this month for the Thanksgiving holiday:

Wednesday, Nov. 25

Early Closure (10 am - 3 pm)

Thursday, Nov. 26

Closed for Thanksgiving

The Museum will reopen with regular hours on Friday, Nov. 27.

Kris Sazaki: Docent on Duty in "Uprooted"

Saturday, Nov. 28 from 1-3 pm

Kris Sazaki, an expert docent at the Museum, would love to share her knowledge with you! Join her in “Uprooted: An American Story ” to hear about her family’s experiences of incarceration during World War II. Kris offers a Q&A as you pass through, or a full guided exhibit tour on topics such as coming to America, life in the incarceration camps and returning home after WWII. Learn more here.

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Plan Your Next Visit

The Museum is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm

and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm.

Admission for Museum members is always free!

Book Your Ticket Now