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An audience of about 250 people applauded in unison as six golden shovels were thrust into the soil in a lot next to Bidwell Mansion on Thursday.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Northern California Natural History Museum celebrated the 10-year project of raising funds and getting ready to build the museum, said Greg Liggett, executive director of the museum.
President Paul Zingg spoke at the ceremony.
"This doesn't happen everywhere," Zingg said. "This is a rich reminder of why people are living here."
So far $6 million has been collected to build the museum, including $3 million from a Chico State grant, Liggett said. The project will cost about $14.5 million. Staff will continue to collect money from donations and grants.
The museum, which is expected to open next year, will have hands-on exhibits including animal fur and fossils.
"This spot will be a gateway to a cultural and artistic ensemble," Zingg said.
The Mechoopda Tribe was one of the group organizers recognized because the tribe has a history in the area. The tribe's chair blessed the area before shovels hit the ground.
"Them getting involved is such an honor," Liggett said. "We wanted to give them recognition because this land was their home."
The museum will also be a catalyst for sustainability, said Judy Sitton, president of the board of directors.
It was awarded a silver LEED certificate, which certifies the structure as a "green" building, and it will contain outdoor exhibits.
"We're going to try to draw in every opportunity, especially teaching, in sustainability," Sitton said.
The museum will be a place students can study math or science and check out exhibits that teach about sustainability. Volunteer programs from the university will put on these programs and help with exhibits, she said.
Tehama Group Communications member Hannah Davison was at the celebration. The group has worked with the museum for a year.
"The groundbreaking event was a great step in the construction of the museum," she said. "It represents all the work that has gone into the planning process, and it shows how close the museum is to being built."
The museum will also offer internships, Davison said.
Freshman Max Feiler has been to natural history museums and thinks it's great Chico is going to get one, especially because of internship possibilities, he said.
"My neighbor is going into museums, and Chico doesn't offer any internships like that," he said. "This place will open new barriers."
Construction next to the mansion is scheduled to start in a couple of weeks.
Raelene Willis can be reached at rwillis@theorion.com
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