An exhibit titled ÒA Most Glorious Heritage: The Grandeur and History of California State ParksÓ opens Thursday and continues through Sept. 1, 2011, at the California State Capitol Museum, on 10th Street between L and N streets, downtown Sacramento.

The exhibit showcases the diversity of state parks and the park systemÕs early pioneers, and demonstrates how the system continues to evolve and promote environmental awareness, while meeting the publicÕs demand for recreation, experiences in nature and preservation of cultural heritage.

Museum visitors will learn the rich history of the California State Parks system since its inception in the 1860s. With the collective help of a staff that includes more than 24,000 volunteers, our state parks provide an unrivaled hands-on experience for an estimated 72 million annual visitors.

A re-created park scene, which transports visitors to the redwoods of a state park, transforms the State CapitolÕs Archives Exhibit Room into the beauty of the outdoors. The visually dynamic exhibit includes breathtaking photos of CaliforniaÕs most iconic parks: state beaches, recreation areas, off-highway vehicle parks, state historic parks and monuments.

Monitors offer film and video clips, along with oral histories from state park employees.

Additionally, the exhibit showcases the uniform of Harriet Weaver, the park systemÕs first female ranger, as well as information about various types of parks, ecosystems, site restoration efforts and historic preservation efforts, along with the important role California State Parks have played in the film and TV industries.

The exhibit also includes a timeline of the individuals, groups, activists, organizations, agencies and pivotal moments instrumental in the building and preservation of the California State Parks system.

This exhibit has been planned in coordination with a one-hour film showcasing the California State Parks system; the film is in development and scheduled to be released later this year. The park system has preserved a legacy of diverse beauty for generations of Californians and visitors to experience and enjoy.

The California State Capitol Museum is managed and operated by California State Parks, under contract to and supported by the California State Legislature. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily for guided and self-guided tours of the Capitol Building and its extensive outdoor gardens. Admission is free.

For additional information, call (916) 324-0333 or visit http://www.capitolmuseum.ca.gov.

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