Gold! Riches and Ruin explores the historical and cultural significance of gold in the American West. This exciting exhibit looks at historic gold rushes in California, the Black Hills, and the Yukon-Klondike, and features objects and images that tell the stories of people, their relationships with the landscape, and the gold they sought and took from it. These are stories of perseverance, adventure, innovation, and success, but also of greed, violence, sacrifice, and failure. They illuminate the significance of gold to American culture, and the role it has played in forging a national identity.

Opening Day Schedule of Events:

Pan For Gold!
You can pan for gold in Hunt Studio in the R.B. Annis Western Family Experience every day. 

Meet Storyteller Belinda Mulrooney! 
Saturdays & Sundays at: 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.

Meet Belinda Mulrooney, one of the richest women in the Klondike at the turn of the 20th century, and hear about her adventures during the Yukon Klondike Gold Rush. Local actress, Jamison Fisher will portray Mulrooney in the Gold! Riches and Ruin gallery throughout the run of the exhibition.

Zena Pearlstone Presentation and Book Signing
Begins at 3 p.m.
 
Meet Zena Pearlstone, who is the author of Hopi Gold Hopi Silver. Zena will give a presentation about Hopi Gold in Clowes Sculpture Court at 3 p.m.  on Saturday, Mar. 7. And, on Monday, Mar. 9 from noon to 1 p.m., visitors will be able to meet Zena in the Eiteljorg private dining room for a "Lunch and Learn" discussing Hopi Gold and her new book!  

Related Public Programs:

Golden Sounds of the American West with the Taylor University Wind Ensemble
Saturday, March 14
1 p.m.
Performance                  

Golden Heirloom Appraisal Day with Cowan’s Auctions
Saturday, March 28
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Bring your family treasure in for an informative appraisal. Call 317.275.1310 to reserve your spot. Fee. 

Chuck Wagon Cookout
Saturday, April 25
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Experience the flavors of the West with chuck wagon cook, Randy Dyer. 

WestFest
Saturday, August 1
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Discover the sights, sounds and smells of the West at this family festival.