Bear in Mind: The Story of the California Grizzly

January 9 - August 30, 2025

Bear In Mind: The Story of the California Grizzly uses striking images, informative text, memorabilia, a variety of historical and scientific objects, and hands-on activities to engage visitors of all ages.

Over the centuries, the relationship that Californians have had with the bear is one of dualities – expressed in fear and fascination. Although extinct in the state, the grizzly is a central character in California’s history. “Bear In Mind” is an exhibition that tells the compelling story of one of California’s most beloved and feared animals. Exhibit themes include: The Loss of Grizzlies, The Truth about
Grizzlies, and Bears in our Imagination.

Bear In Mind includes a section created especially for children with a simulated bear den, colorful books and puppets, and special text panels to help children understand the story of the California Grizzly and American Black Bear. Interactives include a map showing a timeline of the grizzlies’ demise; an activity comparing and contrasting grizzly size, scat, and paws; a bear image sorting game; and an animal track activity.

Bear in Mind was curated by Gateway’s director Adrienne McGraw and is based on the Heyday Book publication Bear in Mind: The California Grizzly by Susan Snyder, and the Bancroft Library exhibition of the same name. The exhibit is traveled by Exhibit Envoy.