Spend a Day at the Haggin

Looking for a cool and captivating escape from the summer heat? Look no further than the Haggin Museum in Central Stockton. Most native Stocktonians were introduced to the Haggin (rhymes with ‘wagon’) through an elementary school trip but it deserves a re-visit! This local gem offers a delightful combination of air-conditioned comfort and engaging exhibits that will transport you through time and immerse you in art, history, and culture. 

The history galleries focus on the San Joaquin Valley’s past and the accomplishments of its residents, such as Charles Weber, Stockton’s founder; Benjamin Holt, inventor of the Caterpillar track-type tractor; Tillie Lewis, the “Tomato Queen” and the Stephens Bros. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of Native American pottery and the enchanting landscapes of California Impressionism, and of course, the Haggin has a wonderful museum store to commemorate your trip.

Along with the museum’s permanent collection, the Haggin hosts a series of exhibitions. Currently, you can experience; A Cast of Blues, a celebration of Mississippi’s rich musical heritage. Featuring resin-cast masks of blues legends created by artist Sharon McConnell-Dickerson, as well as color photographs of performers and of juke joints by acclaimed photographer Ken Murphy, this exhibit runs through August 13th.  

Next, Handstitched Worlds: The Cartography of Quilts invites viewers to read quilts as maps, tracing the paths of individual stories and experiences that illuminate larger historic events and cultural trends. Spanning the nineteenth to the twenty-first centuries, the exhibition brings together 18 quilts from the collection of the American Folk Art Museum, New York, representing a range of materials, motifs, and techniques. 

The Haggin is open weekends 12:00-5:00 p.m., Wed – Friday 1:30-5:00 p.m. and 1st & 3rd Thursday are open until 9:00 p.m. Visit www.hagginmuseum.org for more information on upcoming exhibits and special events!