Chico History Museum upcoming events

California’s Last Grizzly Bear (Sat, November 07, 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Pete Moak & Dave Nopel

Join local resident Pete Moak and prominent local historian Dave Nopel for a fascinating look into a piece of hidden Butte County history: the story of one of California’s last grizzly bears. While official records state that the California grizzly went extinct in the 1920s, local lore tells a very different story. This lecture explores the incredible firsthand accounts of Pete Moak’s father, Lyman Moak, a lifelong outdoorsman who encountered these legendary predators decades after they were thought to be gone.

Backyard Circus: The Life and Times of Grace Jr. and Arvel Victor Allread (Sat, November 14, 2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Terry Allread

Discover life under the Big Top in the 1940s–50s! Join our presenter Terry Allread as he recounts his unique childhood. Terry’s parents, Grace Jr. and Arvel Victor Allread, introduced their children to such circus luminaries as Clyde Beatty, Big John Strong, and Victor Robbins. Terry recounts waking up on Saturday mornings to the melodious tones of his father Arvel playing “Entry of the Gladiators” on his baritone horn, finishing his chores like mucking out animal cages, and then playing hide-n-seek in his family’s “Backyard Circus.”

Terry Allread will be signing and selling copies of his latest book; Backyard Circus: The Life and Times of Grace Jr. and Arvel Victor Allread after the lecture.

The Maidu: Myths, Magic, and Archaeology (Sat, December 05, 2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Paul Bowman

Join us for an engaging lecture with Paul Bowman as he explores "The Maidu: Myths, Magic, and Archaeology." Beginning with an overview of local prehistoric archaeology, Paul will delve into the topics of indigenous myth and magic, offering rare and fascinating insights into traditional Maiduian culture.

Tower in the Trees: A History of Bidwell Mansion Special Lecture & Book Signing (Sun, December 06, 2026)

Mon, 07 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Nancy Leek

Written by Dave Veith and completed by Nancy Leek, Tower in the Trees is a biography of Bidwell Mansion, widely regarded as the finest example of 19th century Italianate Villa architecture in California. For 160 years the Mansion has been the centerpiece of Chico. Discover the life history and the secrets of Bidwell Mansion from the time it was just a notion in the minds of John Bidwell and architect Henry W. Cleaveland, through the years in which the Bidwells called it home, to its time as a college dormitory, the campaign to save and restore it, its rebirth as a state historic park, and the fight to save it once again when threatened by closure.

Please note that this special event is not a part of the seasonal Fall Lecture Series. Season tickets do not apply. Additional cost to attend.