John Muir Inducted in California Hall
of Fame
John Muir included as an Inaugural Inductee in the new California Hall of Fame
at the California Museum of History, Women and the Arts
 < View
Photos from the Ceremony (opens new window)
 The
inaugural Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held
on December 6, 2006, at the California Museum in Sacramento,
with the presentation of the first " Spirit of California" Medals
by Governor Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver. At
this event, each inductee (or their family representative)
in the Hall of Fame introduced the next inductee on the list.
John Muir was introduced by Amy Butler, niece of Amelia Earheart,
who described Muir as "one of the most beloved figures
in the history of California, because he devoted his life to
preserving the state's natural beauty." She recognized
his role in founding the Sierra Club, "to this day, one
of the world's most important and influential environmental
organizations." Ross Hanna, Muir's grandson, accepted
the posthumous award for John Muir.
 After
the December 6 ceremony, the California Hall of Fame exhibt was
opened. This exhibit is comprised of a stunning installation
in the Museum lobby, as well as a phenomenal collection of over
100 historic and original items representing the lives and legacies
of the inductees, located on the second floor.
The Spirit of California Medal is
the tangible representation of the inductee’s installation
into the California Hall of Fame. This Medal will be given to
inductees (or their families, if a posthumous award) each year
at a formal state induction ceremony.
[Top]
John
Muir Inducted in California Hall of Fame
John Muir included as an Inaugural Inductee in the new California Hall of Fame at the California
Museum of History, Women and the Arts
On July 31, 2006, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
and First Lady Maria Shriver announced the creation of
the California Hall of Fame, a groundbreaking institution extolling the inspirational
contributions of extraordinary Californians who have made
their mark on the state, the nation and the world.
John Muir is included among the first 13 inaugural leaders, trailblazers
and legends to be inducted in the new California Hall of Fame.
The honorees are:
Ronald Reagan, the former California governor and U.S. president.
Cesar Chavez, former leader of the United Farm Workers.
Walt Disney, creator of Mickey Mouse and founder of Disneyland
and Walt Disney World.
Amelia Earhart, the aviation pioneer and first woman to fly
solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
Clint Eastwood, an accomplished actor, Academy Award-winning
director and former Carmel mayor.
Frank O. Gehry, the architect whose creations include the Walt
Disney Concert Hall.
Dr. David Ho, a trailblazer in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Billie Jean King, a renowned former tennis champion who
is also known for speaking out against sexism in sports and
society.
John Muir, a conservationist and environmentalist whose image
appears on the California state quarter.
Sally K. Ride, the first American woman to fly into outer space.
Alice Walker, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "The
Color Purple."
The Hearst family, known for its philanthropy, its legacy
of the Hearst Castle in San Simeon, and as creators of the
Hearst Corporation, one of the world’s largest diversified
communications companies.
The Packard family, particularly David and Lucile Packard, who
helped create the multinational Hewlett-Packard technology firm.
In presenting the first inductees, First Lady Maria Shriver
described Muir as "the
person who graces our quarter - the California quarter.
He's the founding father of our environmental movement, of our national
park system, who taught us to respect and take care of
the land that we live on, and the air we breathe."
 Conceived
by First Lady Maria Shriver, the California Hall of Fame was established
to recognize individuals who embody California’s innovative spirit.
Inductees will come from all walks of life, and are people who have made
distinguished achievements across many fields including the arts, education,
business and labor, science, sports, philanthropy and public service. Inductees
(or their families for posthumous awards) will be installed at a formal,
annual event each year at the California Museum for History, Women and
the Arts in Sacramento.
The accomplishments of each inductee will be made part of the permanent record
in the California State Archives and become the subject of a year-round education
campaign. In addition, their unique stories and personal achievements will
be showcased at the California Museum in a permanent exhibit serving as the
visual, encyclopedic record of the California Hall of Fame and its inductees.
 A
California Hall of Fame selection committee, comprising representatives
from the California Museum, the California Arts Council, and the Governor’s
and First Lady’s Offices, established selection and eligibility criteria
for inductees. The inaugural inductees were selected in consultation with California
historian Kevin Starr, California State Archivist Nancy Zimmelman and California
State Librarian Susan Hildreth. The committee’s recommendations were
presented to Governor Schwarzenegger in May 2006 for approval.
The inaugural Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on December
6, 2006, at the California Museum in Sacramento, including the presentation
of the Spirit of California Medals by the Governor and First Lady, followed
by a special reception for inductees, dignitaries and invited guests. The
Muir family will accept the posthumous award for John Muir. The Spirit
of California Medal is the tangible representation of the inductee’s
installation into the California Hall of Fame, given to inductees (or their
families, if a posthumous award) each year at the formal state induction
ceremony.
The California Museum inspires men, women, and children to dream the California
dream and to dare to make their mark on history. The California Museum
is located at 1020 O Street in Sacramento. For more information about the
museum, visit www.californiamuseum.org.
Related Information Websites:
• Creation
of the California Hall of Fame
• Sierra Club-John Muir Exhibit
 Hall
of Fame Press Release-California Museum (pdf)
Related
Information Websites
[TOP] |
