Celebrate the Historic Klamath River Restoration at Sacramento’s California Museum on Saturday, Dec. 7 

Free event will bring Native American leaders, environmental advocates and community members together to celebrate the monumental dam removal project 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — November 14, 2024: Join the California Museum on Saturday, December 7 for “Klamath Unbound,” a free celebratory event honoring the cultural and environmental significance of the largest dam removal project in U.S. history. From 12 to 4 pm, visitors can enjoy film screenings, basketweaving demonstrations, and discussions with members of Klamath Basin Tribes who led the decades-long dam removal efforts . 

“We are honored to help mark this triumphant moment in our state’s history at the California Museum,” said California Museum Executive Director Amanda Meeker. “We look forward to bringing the community together to celebrate the river restoration and learn more about the importance of the dam removal from Native American leaders and supporting environmental advocates.” 

On October 2, 2024, the final pieces of the four hydropower dams on the Klamath River were razed, marking a new chapter in restoring formerly submerged land and replenishing the river’s once-thriving salmon population. In recent weeks, salmon have been spotted returning upstream to their spawning grounds in Oregon for the first time in 100 years, an encouraging sight for the Klamath Basin Tribes, for whom the fish are not just a key part of a healthful diet but also play an important cultural and spiritual role . 

“The years-long effort to undam the Klamath River embodies the resilience of our communities and all those who stood with us to bring the salmon home and restore balance to these waters,” said Jack Kohler, executive director of the Hoopa tribal production company On Native Ground and co-director of “River of Renewal.” “We are deeply grateful for this collective dedication to restoring the river and look forward to celebrating and sharing this story at the California Museum.” 

“Klamath Unbound” attendees can enjoy basketweaving demonstrations; discussions and Q&As with Native American leaders, ecologists and environmental advocates; a book talk and book signing of “River of Renewal”; and screenings of the short film “Undammed” and the “River of Renewal” companion documentary. Bigfoot Frybread will also be on site with food available for purchase.  

Admission to “Klamath Unbound” provides access to all exhibits at the California Museum, home to “California Indians: The First People” and other interactive exhibits on California’s rich and diverse history and culture. Capacity is limited and advance registration is recommended. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit KlamathUnbound.eventbrite.com.  

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA MUSEUM:
The California Museum—home of the California Hall of Fame—focuses on the state’s rich history, its diversity and its unique influence on the world of ideas, innovation, art and culture. Through interactive experiences, the Museum inspires visitors to make a mark on history. Located at 1020 O Street in the March Fong Eu Secretary of State complex, the Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $8-$10. Plan a visit at californiamuseum.org. 

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