SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- In addition to its fascinating Gold Rush past, the Sacramento area is rich with an amazing array of state-of-the-art museums and historic sites that offer visitors the chance to explore California's fine art, history, science, and wildlife treasures all year long. With 28 active partners, the Sacramento Association of Museums (SAM) is proud to showcase a variety of uplifting special events, activities and exhibits in January, including:

"California Hall of Fame" Exhibit at The California Museum -- through October 31, 2012
Honoring individuals from the Golden State who have made their own mark on history and the world, the new exhibit features the personal artifacts of the 2011 California Hall of Fame inductees, including items such as Buzz Aldrin's Apollo 11 spacesuit, Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn's Nobel prize, Carlos Santana's guitar, Amy Tan's handwritten journal and much, much more!

"MLK Day: Lift Every Voice" at the Crocker Art Museum - January 16
Visitors to the Crocker Art Museum will enjoy free Museum admission as well as performances by regional choirs and a screening of the PBS documentary "Not in Our Town: Light in the Darkness." A post-screening panel discussion will explore the issues raised by the film and the connections to the ideals of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King.

Chinese New Year Special Display at the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum - January 23
Nestled in the Capital City's historic Old Sacramento district, the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum will celebrate the Chinese New Year with a special display that includes souvenirs honoring the "Year of the Dragon."

"Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America" Exhibit at The California Museum - opens January 24 through June 3, 2012
As the last stop of the national touring exhibition, "Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America" reveals the often overlooked history of a group of independent American women who helped shape both the state and the nation's cultural landscape over the last 300 years. For The California Museum's showing, additional artifacts highlighting California sisters has been added.

For more information about SAM, its partners and/or these and other events and activities, visit www.sacmuseums.org