Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park has been temporarily closed due to concerns regarding the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. As always, the safety and well-being of our visitors, volunteers, and staff is of the utmost importance and we are working with California State Parks to communicate any changes and/or disruptions that may take place due to COVID-19.
CURRENTLY POSTPONED EVENTS
Several Friends of Sutter’s Fort and California State Parks events have been postponed at this time. New dates will be announced in the coming weeks. These events include:
- Hands on History: S.T.E.A.M. at the Fort
- 19th Century Photography: Through the Lens of the Collections
- Parent/Teacher Workshop for ELP/ESP
- Shop Traders’ Faire
- Tour by Chocolate
- The Splendor of Germany: Tour of the Crocker Art Museum
YOUR SUPPORT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
As a small 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, this closure will impact us tremendously. Your support over the next several weeks will be incredibly helpful in the wake of the park closure. If possible, please consider making a tax-deductible donation or become a Friends of Sutter’s Fort member in support of our efforts.
THINGS TO KEEP BUSY AT HOME
Stuck at home? Why not try out these fun (and educational) activities to help pass the time:
- Challenge yourself to read more! Good books never change and now is the perfect time to read one… or two… or even three! Why not combine leisure and education by setting aside some time to read? Here is a past list of some of our favorite books relating to the history of Early California and Sutter’s Fort.
- Connect with friends (both new and old) by mail! According to the WHO, “people receiving mail from an infected area are not at risk of contracting the new disease. Coronaviruses do not survive long on objects and this includes letters or packages.” Take this time to connect with one another the old fashioned way. Why not start by sending a thank you letter or favorite memory of your last visit to Sutter’s Fort (or any museum)? See some of the letters we’ve received over the past few years here!
- Game time is okay, especially when it requires critical thinking skills! The 1840s were tough… especially if you took that darned ole’ “Hastings Cutoff” when crossing the overland trail. Times have changed though and now you can do so from the comfort of your desktop, laptop, iPad, or tablet! Check out this digital version of the hit 1990 game, The Oregon Trail – fun for the whole family!
- Test your fort building skills! If games aren’t your style, why not try your hand at building your own fort (or log cabin, covered wagon, or cannon)? Sure, pillows are fun, but what you really need are some sturdy building materials that might last a while. We have just what you need! Visit our online Sutter’s Fort Museum Store for a fun assortment of wooden models to try.
FOLLOW RECOMMENDED SAFETY PROTOCOLS
The best thing you can do during this trying time is to practice safe hygiene and limit your exposure to large crowds. We recommend following the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for the latest updates and news regarding COVID-19. Please remember to follow these recommended procedures by the CDC.