Think about your favorite place in California. It could be an old mission, a quiet cemetery or a plaque in the middle of town. There are numerous stories behind many of these spots which people worked hard to save. Cultural heritage is not self-preserving. It takes people who care. Let’s look at why protecting our shared past matters and how the Native Sons of the Golden West have helped for nearly 150 years.
A Group Built to Remember
The Native Sons of the Golden West was founded in 1875 by General A.M. Winn. To commemorate the courageous men and women of the Gold Rush of 1849 and to maintain memory of them. The group expanded to become a statewide fraternal organization with local Parlors over the years. It has as its motto: Friendship, Loyalty and Charity. Those three words guide everything from history projects to community service. It’s an obvious solution, and it still works.
Markers That Tell California’s Story
One of the best-known efforts of the group is placing historical markers. The first state marker was erected by the Native Sons in 1890 when gold was discovered. Since then, hundreds of markers have been placed at missions, cemeteries, old buildings, and battlefields. They each provide a brief overview to passers-by of what has happened right under their noses. You can read more about this work and the group’s mission on their website, which also explains how local Parlors take part. Next time you see a plaque, stop and read it. You might find out something about your local community.
Replacing What Has Been Lost
Sadly, some historical plaques have been stolen, often for scrap metal. When a marker disappears, a piece of local memory goes with it. The California Landmark Foundation teamed with the Native Sons to replace the stolen plaques to help correct this. This is what heritage protection is all about. No one team can solve all the problems. Together, history clubs, nonprofits, and neighbors preserve more stories for all to enjoy.
Honoring the Whole Story
Heritage protection involves telling the whole story – not just the easy-to-hear story. Over the past few years the Native Sons have honored many communities. A plaque is one example that honors the Chinese Cemetery in Auburn, celebrating the contributions of pioneers that were often overlooked. The group has also expanded its membership to include everyone living in California who is a U.S. citizen, to include other voices in the work. More people care about saving the story of California when they see themselves.
Teaching the Next Generation
History lives as much as youth learn it. The Native Sons help with this by sponsoring an annual Essay Contest for the fourth graders, in which those students describe California’s history. The group also provides scholarships for California students who demonstrate a potential for and a desire for involvement in history or civic engagement. These programs make history feel personal. A kid who writes about a local landmark is a lot more apt to safeguard it as an adult. Tiny lessons today are big lessons that can be a big source of pride in our state for a lifetime.
How You Can Help
It’s not necessary to be a member to make a difference. Below are a few simple ways to participate.
- Visit a historic park, mission, or museum near you.
- Read the markers you pass and share what you learn.
- Attend a public event or ceremony hosted by a local Parlor.
- Donate to a restoration project in your area.
- Have older family members talk about the area’s history and record their memories.
- Any little effort counts. Just a single visit or a few words of encouragement make for an appreciation of heritage.
Conclusion
There are countless examples of individuals from diverse backgrounds who came to California in search of gold, constructed homes, and built families over the course of history. The history of California is rich with gold seekers, builders, families, and dreamers from all walks of life. Their stories live on in the places we can still visit and touch. But groups such as the Native Sons of the Golden West need people like you to protect those places. Pick one landmark this month and go see it. Find out what happens in its story and share it with a friend. That is how heritage is protected, one visit and one conversation at a time.