California Museum Hosts Free Event Celebrating Historic Klamath River Dam Removal

The California Museum is hosting “Klamath Unbound,” a free event on Saturday, December 7, celebrating the largest dam removal project in U.S. history and its profound impact on the Klamath River. From 12 to 4 p.m., visitors can enjoy an afternoon of film screenings, basketweaving demonstrations, and discussions with members of Klamath Basin Tribes who spearheaded the effort to restore the river.

This historic project, completed on October 2, 2024, saw the removal of four hydropower dams on the Klamath River, paving the way for a new era of ecological restoration. Already, salmon have returned upstream to their traditional spawning grounds in Oregon for the first time in a century, a powerful sign of renewal for the Klamath Basin Tribes, for whom the salmon holds cultural, spiritual, and dietary significance.

“We are honored to help mark this triumphant moment in our state’s history at the California Museum,” said Executive Director Amanda Meeker. Jack Kohler, executive director of the Hoopa tribal production company On Native Ground and co-director of “River of Renewal,” added, “The years-long effort to undam the Klamath River embodies the resilience of our communities…to bring the salmon home and restore balance to these waters.”

In addition to interactive cultural activities, attendees can view the short film “Undammed” and the “River of Renewal” documentary, as well as participate in Q&A sessions with tribal leaders and environmental advocates. Local favorite Bigfoot Frybread will offer food for purchase.

Admission includes access to all museum exhibits, including “California Indians: The First People.” Space is limited; advance registration is recommended at KlamathUnbound.eventbrite.com.