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. In November, many of the 30 members of Sacramento Association of Museums (SAM) are honoring our veterans and historic past with special events and activities, including:

Civil War Tour at the Historic City Cemetery - November 10 
Find out why Sacramento's Historic City Cemetery is truly home of the brave. Visitors to the "Country Divided, City United: Sacramento's Involvement in the Civil War" free tour will learn how Sacramento contributed to the Civil War and hear stories of the many Union Soldiers who, after the war, headed west to make their mark. Their feats of courage and great acts of sacrifice helped shape the country we live in today. For more, visit historicoldcitycemetery.org

Veteran's Day Tribute at the Aerospace Museum of California - November 11 
A special tribute and ceremony will be held in honor of all veterans at 11 a.m. presented by the Air Force Sergeant's Association of Sacramento. The special program will be held at the Museum's Memorial Plaza with a tribute to the flag, followed by the National Anthem, a wreath laying and remarks. For more information, go to www.aerospacemuseumofcalifornia.org

Veteran's Day Celebration at the California State Military Museum - November 11 & 12 
With visually-enticing army equipment on special display outdoors, the California State Military Museum will celebrate Veteran's Day by offering free Museum admission to all community members on Sunday, 11/11. In addition, the Museum will be open on Monday, 11/12 (Veteran's Day holiday) but regular Museum admission applies. For more, visit www.militarymuseum.org

Military Family Day at the Sacramento Zoo - November 12 
In honor and appreciation for our troops and their service to our country, all military personnel, veterans and their families will receive a 50 percent discount to the Sacramento Zoo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Veteran's Day (with a valid military identification card). For more, visit www.saczoo.org