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Link to Previous Shows:

Lon Megargee, 2008/2009
Carl Sammons, 2009
Edward S. Curtis, 2009
Mendocino Landscapes, 2009/2010
Maynard Dixon's West, 2010
A California Indian Feast, 2010
California Indian Basketry, 2010/2011
Stories of Home, 2011
Meadows & Mountains, 2011

Link to all GHM Exhibits
prior to 2009

Bear In Mind: The Story of the California Grizzly

October 15, 2011 – February 12, 2012

Grizzly Bear Fishing, C Hart Merriam Pictorial Collection, The Bancroft Library

Over the centuries, the relationship that Californians have had with the grizzly bear is one of dualities – expressed in fear and fascination. Although extinct in the state, the grizzly has been a central character in California’s history. "Bear In Mind: The Story of the California Grizzly" is a traveling exhibition that tells the compelling story of one of California’s most beloved and feared animals.

"Bear In Mind" uses striking images, informative text, memorabilia, a variety of historical and scientific objects, and hands-on activities to engage visitors of all ages. The exhibition is divided into three thematic sections:

1. Loss of the Grizzlies This first section discusses the reasons behind the extinction of the California grizzly, documenting early Californian’s attitudes about the bears through powerful quotes and historic illustrations and photographs.

2. The Truth About Grizzlies This section presents scientifically accurate information about bear biology, dispelling many of the myths surrounding the legendary predator. The section’s topics include what we knew about California grizzlies before the extinction, the differences between the California black bear and grizzly bear, where grizzlies can be found today, and the lessons learned from the loss of California grizzly that can be applied to other threatened species.

3. Bears In Our Imagination Today, the California grizzly lives only in our imaginations as symbols of things desired and things lost. This final section investigates how the image of the California grizzly has been used as an icon, advertiser, and entertainer.

California’s Jubilee, Semi-Centennial Celebration, Calthea Campbell Vivian, 1896, The Bancroft Library

Children’s Area and Hands-On Activities This exhibition includes sections created especially for children of all ages. It offers a simulated bear den, colorful books and puppets, and special text panels written at a 5th grade reading level to help children understand the story of the California Grizzly. “Bear In Mind” also provides hands-on interactive displays such as a map showing a timeline of the grizzlies’ demise; comparing and contrasting grizzly size, scat, and paws; and a bear image sorting game.

The "Bear In Mind: The Story of the California Grizzly" exhibition is produced and toured by Exhibit Envoy (formally the California Exhibition Resources Alliance (CERA)). The exhibition was developed in concert with The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley and Heyday Books. Exhibit Envoy is a network of professionally operated museums and cultural organizations that collaborate to create and tour smaller, affordable, high quality exhibitions that enhance civic engagement and human understanding. This exhibition was organized with support from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation with additional funds from the Bank of the West and the James Irvine Foundation. Local funding for the Ukiah showing made possible by The Sun House Guild. The Grace Hudson Museum and Sun House is a division of the Department of Community Services, City of Ukiah.

Marvin Schenck, Curator
Grace Hudson Museum and Sun House

Call the Museum, (707) 467-2836, for further information. Group and School Tours are available by advance arrangement.

Docent and Member Tour: Tuesday, October 18, Noon, Free.

Join Marvin Schenck, Curator of the Museum, for a tour of the exhibition.

Lecture and Opening Reception: Saturday, October 22, 2 – 4:30 p.m. Free.

Susan Snyder, editor of Bear In Mind: The California Grizzly, and Head of Public Services at The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley, will present a slide lecture about the book that inspired the exhibition, her research, and the history of the grizzly bear. Following the lecture, refreshments will be served and the author will be available to sign books.

Lecture: The Bears of North America: Sunday, February 5, 2012, 2 p.m. Free.

Polar bears, brown bears and black bears are all beautifully illustrated in this very entertaining one-hour slide presentation. Dr. Gary Alt, one of the country’s leading black bear experts, gives the natural history and general ecology of North America’s three bear species. In addition to his expertise, Dr. Alt shares his sense of humor and personal experiences with the bears. Refreshments will be served following the lecture.

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Link to previous exhibits:
Lon Megargee: Legendary Prints of the Southwest, 2008/2009
Carl Sammons: California Impressionist Landscapes from the Donna Walsh Sumner Collection, 2009
Edward S. Curtis Refocused, 2009
Through the Viewfinder: Mendocino Landscapes, 2009/2010
Space, Silence, Spirit: Maynard Dixon's West, 2010
Seaweed, Salmon, and Manzanita Cider: A California Indian Feast, 2010
American Masterpieces: The Aristic Legacy of California Indian Basketry, 2010/2011
Look at Who We Are: Stories of Home, 2011
Meadows & Mountains: The Art of William F. Jackson, 2011

Link to all GHM Exhibits prior to 2009

Grace Hudson Museum - 431 S. Main Ukiah, CA - 95482 - 707.467.2836