The E. B. Crocker Art Gallery of Sacramento is the oldest public art museum in the West. The author of this study, a Sacramentan, has long been interested in the history of this institution, how was the collection assembled? What is its value? How did it come to Sacramento? What is the nature of the California museum Association which is the custodian of the collection, This paper is an attempt to answer these questions. The answers are not as complete as the author might wish, but they are as complete as extant records and accounts allow. This study provides a more accurate history of the collection and the gallery than has sometimes been given in previous accounts. A review of past recommendations of authoritative persons acquainted with the institution is also given in order to present an idea of its future possibilities.