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New county museum exhibit highlights area Sikh history
exhibit
A crowd poses in front of the Stockton Sikh Temple, the first built in the United States, circa 1915. The photo is courtesy of the San Joaquin County Historical Museum, Lillian Palmer Collection.

For more than a century, Sikhs have played a vital role in shaping the history, agriculture, economy, and cultural landscape of San Joaquin County. For the first time in its history, the San Joaquin County Historical Museum has dedicated a major exhibition to preserving and sharing the history of the local Sikh community that is deeply woven into the fabric of the region. Residents from throughout the region are invited to join in for the opening of the exhibition, The Sikhs in America: Faith, Resilience, and Power.

Presented by the San Joaquin County Historical Society & Museum in collaboration with the Sikh American History Project and the Stockton Gurdwara, this bilingual exhibit – presented in both Punjabi and English – brings more than a century of Sikh history in San Joaquin County to life.

The public is invited on Saturday, Aug. 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to the San Joaquin County Historical Museum for an opening celebration which will feature remarks from community leaders, authentic Punjabi cuisine, demonstrations of traditional Sikh martial arts (Gatka), and live music celebrating Sikh culture and heritage. All are encouraged to join in to commemorate this landmark exhibition and celebrate the people, stories, and legacy that have made San Joaquin County home to one of the oldest and most significant Sikh communities in the United States. Admission to the exhibit opening celebration is free but there is a $6 per car fee to enter Micke Grove Park; free for museum members. For more information, call 209-331-2055. The museum is at 11793 N. Micke Grove Road, Lodi.

Visitors will follow an engaging timeline that explores early migration through British Columbia, the founding of the historic Stockton Gurdwara and Pacific Coast Khalsa Diwan Society, and the Sikh American community’s continued growth despite targeted immigration laws and devastating global events. Along the way, immersive mini-stations spotlight Sikh contributions to agriculture and trucking, powerful traditions like gatka martial arts, political and social activism, and vibrant contemporary Sikh art.

The San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum chronicles the rich heritage of the region, from the Miwok and Yokuts Indians through Charles Weber (founder of Stockton and first farmer in the area) and the development of modern agriculture. The Museum has eight exhibit buildings and four historic buildings. It is home to the very popular Valley Days, an award-winning living history educational program for third, fourth and fifth graders. The 18-acre grounds include the Sunshine Trail living exhibition of native habitats and the Delta Water Path.