The California Museum Announces the 2010 California Hall of Fame Red Carpet & Induction Ceremony on December 14

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Museum announces the 2010 California Hall of Fame on Tues., Dec. 14, 2010, when Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver will continue their tradition of honoring California's legendary trailblazers who embody the Golden State's innovative spirit.

The extraordinary men and women who will be presented with the Spirit of California medal by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver include:

• Governor-Elect Jerry Brown, accepting on behalf of his father, inductee Governor Edmund G. "Pat" Brown
• Blockbuster film-maker James Cameron
• Silicon Valley visionary investor John Doerr
• The family of A. P. Giannini, father of modern banking  and founder of Bank of America
• Country music legend Merle Haggard
• Author and activist Anne Lamott
• Former U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz
• Historian Kevin Starr
• The family of businessman and philanthropist Levi Strauss
• Screen and music icon Barbra Streisand
• Celebrated artist Wayne Thiebaud
• Comedienne Betty White
• International tennis champion Serena Williams
• Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg

"The California Hall of Fame is a great way to honor amazing Californians whose dedication, determination and courage have helped shape this state," said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. "These extraordinary individuals make me proud to call California home, and their accomplishments remind us all that we live in the greatest state in the world, one of opportunity and prosperity."

The 2010 inductees join 51 fellow Californians who have made extraordinary accomplishments in science, philanthropy, sports, business, entertainment, literature, fitness, technology, activism and politics. Conceived and initiated by Governor Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver in 2006, the California Hall of Fame highlights a broad range of accomplishments achieved by California residents who have not only broken barriers in their field or talent, but have also impacted the world with their courage, determination and creativity.

"I am so honored to be able to recognize this incredible roster of people who are not only an inspiration to me but to others across California and beyond," said First Lady Maria Shriver. "They represent the diversity, innovation and creativity that overflow from our amazing state."

The 2010 California Hall of Fame will begin with a red carpet event at 6:00p.m. at The California Museum, located at 1020 O Street in Sacramento. At 7:00p.m., the induction ceremony will take place inside the Museum's auditorium, followed by a reception and unveiling of the new 2010 California Hall of Fame exhibit installation. Featuring artifacts and mementos personally loaned by the inductees, their families and related organizations, many of the exhibit's items have never been publicly displayed before. Items of particular note include:

• The recreated office of Governor Edmund G. "Pat" Brown containing  desk, chair, lamp, blotter and a marlin caught by the former California governor
• Props used in block-buster films James Cameron including maquettes and spears from Avatar; life-size Terminator statue, machine from Aliens, ship's wheel and engine wheel from Titanic
• The restored 1933 Lincoln automobile owned by father of modern banking, A.P. Giannini
• Fender Haggard Tuff Dog guitar played by country music legend Merle Haggard
• Several costumes worn by music and film icon Barbra Streisand in On a Clear Day You Can See Forever; My Name Is Barbra and Yentl; first contract with the Bon Soir; albums, tickets, movie posters and rare Broadway billboard from Funny Girl
• Wayne Thiebaud gallery containing works selected by the artist himself
• A script from Golden Girls signed by all cast and the Emmy won by comedienne Betty White

Members of the press are invited to attend the following 2010 California Hall of Fame events on Tues., Dec. 14, 2010:

The 2010 California Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be broadcast live on Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010, from 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m. on Comcast Hometown Network, digital cable channel 104. Co-hosted by Lisa Ling and E! News' Jason Kennedy, this is the first time that the ceremony will be televised live. 

The 2010 California Hall of Fame sponsors are The Women's Conference and the California Travel and Tourism Commission. Comcast is the exclusive multi-media sponsor of the 2010 California Hall of Fame.

For more information and to access the press kit including images and biographies of each inductee, please visit: http://www.californiamuseum.org/about/press-center

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA MUSEUM:

The California Museum — home of the California Hall of Fame and California Legacy Trails — engages, educates and enlightens people about California's rich history and unique contributions to the world through ideas, innovation, art and culture. Through interactive and innovative experiences, the museum inspires men, women and children to dream the California dream and dare to make their mark on history. Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.; Sunday from noon to 5:00p.m. Admission: Adults $8.50; Students/Seniors $7.00 with valid ID; Children 6-13 $6.00; Children 5 and younger free. For more information, visit CaliforniaMuseum.org.

SOURCE The California Museum