Introduction
Continuing from California History Photos – I : Origins
Taken from Museum of California, Oakland.
Previous parts
California History Photos – I : Origins
California History Photos – II : Wild West
Previously, the Great Fire in San Francisco ended the era of Gold-Mining in 1900. However, the Golden State of California was entering a new modern era – with a different industry that drew people from all over the world.
Hollywood
As Thomas Edison patented the technology of Motion Pictures on the East Coast and demanded royalties and other legal benefits, movie-makers moved west to Hollywood Hills, to bring to fruition their artistic vision, and thus, Hollywood was born.




The birth of Hollywood in Los Angeles area led to advertisements of new housing developments of California bungalows, leading to mass movement of wealthy, creative and ambitious people to the sunnier and cheaper West Coast.


Who is a Californian? Identity & Belonging







(Above) Many LGBT folks found early acceptance in California. Drag Queens even rose to prominent political positions in San Francisco.
War Abroad & at Home
While Americans fought the Nazis in Europe, the homeland also was undergoing a parallel war of identity and belonging. Minorities called the government hypocrites. While they were fighting white supremacy in foreign lands, there was racial conflict in domestic front.







Silicon Valley – Era of Computers


The Ongoing Struggle Today





Conclusion
The story of California, from my understanding, is a story of pioneers. On this edge of the earth, all people from First People (like Ohlones) to newcomers today are coming seeking new horizons. The past and present, I found, are not two different things, but parts of the same story – a complex human story in search of identity and belonging.
I currently live in California and this place has been one of my homes on this planet. I loved how the museum, saw current people and future Californians as a part of this continuous story.

Note – the museum also has equally large and detailed sections dedicated to Natural History of California as well as Art Gallery of Californian artists.
It is a must-see.
See Also
19 Quirky Museums of San Fransisco Bay Area (Part – 1)
Very interesting! Thanks for sharing! : )
Thank you, history museums are the best !!
Indeed they are!