Overview:
The California Hall of Fame was established in 2006 at the
California Museum by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
and First Lady Maria Shriver to honor legendary people who embody
California’s innovative spirit and have made their mark on
history. Inductees come from all walks of life and have made
distinguished achievements across a variety fields, including the
arts, education, business and labor, science, sports,
philanthropy and public service.
Since then, the California Hall of Fame has been carried forward
by each gubernatorial administration. Currently, Governor Gavin
Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom chair the
event.
As the Museum’s signature program, the California Hall of Fame
serves three distinct purposes for the institution:
- Annual gala raising funds for all of the Museum’s operations,
exhibits and programs for the year;
- Landmark exhibit inspiring visitors through a display of
personal artifacts on loan from the current class of inductees;
- Learning program educating over 100,000
visitors annually with the diverse stories of inductees’
achievements across key fields of interest
Induction into the California Hall of Fame is an official award
from the Governor of California given in an official State of
California ceremony. Inductees are presented with Spirit of
California medal by the Governor and First Partner, and
their accomplishments are made permanent record in the California
State Archives.
