An aerial picture of the 7th Annual Burnett Awards held in 2025. Photo courtesy of Sacramento History Alliance

 

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento History Alliance is proud and excited to announce the prestigious 8th Annual Burnett Awards Nov. 12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The celebratory Burnett Awards are named in honor of the late Burnett Miller – a native Sacramentan, former mayor, community icon, philanthropist, business leader, and one of the city's most prominent history enthusiasts. Each year, the Sacramento History Alliance honors longstanding legacy businesses and organizations that are pillars of Sacramento's history and embody resilience, tradition, and community spirit.

Emceed by Scott Syphax, KVIE Studio Sacramento host, the high-profile evening gala will take place in the expansive lobby of the Sacramento History Museum located at the Old Sacramento Waterfront. The event is a benefit fundraiser for the Sacramento History Museum and is presented by Burnett & Sons, SMUD, Bank of Marin, Allan Robin Insurance and Financial Services, Rytina Fine Cleaners, Country Club Lanes, and Preservation Sacramento.

Four businesses are the 2026 Burnett Award honorees.

In celebration of 100 years in business (1926-2026), Downey Brand launched 100 Acts, a year-long initiative to recognize the values that have defined the firm for generations: service, leadership, collaboration, gratitude, and a commitment to making a positive difference.

Founded in 1965, family-owned and operated Broadway Costumes – with the third generation now leading the way – is Sacramento's leading costume rental & supply store, specializing in historical costuming for adults and children.

Rytina Fine Cleaners, this third-generation, family-owned business, offers 60-plus years of expertise in caring for Sacramento's finest fashions. From garment care and laundering to alterations and specialty items, they offer couture level service and quality to every textile that passes through the doors.

Serving the Sacramento community for 65 years and counting, Oto’s Marketplace specializes in offering a large selection of Japanese and Asian foods, sushi-grade fresh fish, A5 Wagyu and other quality meats, farm fresh produce, and daily-made bento lunch boxes and sushi.

In addition, two other awards recognize the preservation and community spirit of Sacramento. The Community Partner awardee is Sacramento Ballet that has been a beacon of artistic excellence in the California Capital Region, delivering world-class dance performances, education, and community outreach programs since 1954. The Preservation Award, sponsored by Preservation Sacramento, goes to Lil Joe's Restaurant, a staple of North Sacramento since 1948.

Gala participants will enjoy wine and appetizers as part of the evening festivities. In addition to a limited number of sponsorships that are still available, individual 2026 Burnett Award ceremony and reception tickets cost $100 per person that include the awards ceremony, assorted appetizers, and a hosted wine bar. For more information and/or tickets to the 2026 Burnett Awards, please visit www.SacHistoryMuseum.org.

The Sacramento History Museum is managed by the Sacramento History Alliance, a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to making Sacramento's history accessible to all. In partnership with the city and county of Sacramento, SHA operates the Sacramento History Museum and its programs including the Underground Tours, educational school programs, and community cultural events.

For more information about the Sacramento History Museum and Sacramento History Alliance, please visit www.sachistorymuseum.org.