Watch CBS News

Historic Calif. Artifacts Move To New Home, Save State Millions

WEST SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - California history is on the move as millions of state artifacts are headed to a new home -- secure enough to survive a nuclear attack.

The California Museum Resource Center is like a time machine that takes you back to the early days of California with more than 2 million artifacts. What's even more amazing is it all has to move from its West Sacramento location to McClellan Air Park.

"We've been working on this project for more than six years," said California State Parks Museum Curator Ross McGuire.

State officials say the current location is in the flood plane, which is threatening the artifacts. Also, the building isn't energy efficient, which could damage many of the artifacts -- dating back to the 1800s.

The move will also save the state millions of dollars.

"We're going to save the state money and do a whole lot better job," said McGuire.

The state says staying in the energy inefficient building would cost more than $81 million in leasing and energy costs; but moving to McClellan -- at a cost of $63 million -- would save more than $17 million.

"They're almost like caves," said McGuire of the new location.

McClellan's walls are 10-inches thick and can even stand a military attack.

"These are massive concrete bunker-style warehouses built during the Cold War," said McGuire.

Those concrete walls will help keep the temperatures cool, maintaining the historic memorabilia.

"We'll be preserving California's heritage for many future generations," said McGuire.

The resource center is on track to be in the new location by the end of June.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.