News from the Fort
We are seeking board members to join us in 2023
As you may be aware, fundamental changes are ongoing at Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park in order to tell a more inclusive historical narrative. This effort began over 2 years ago in consultation with California Tribal Leaders and is part of State Parks’ Reexamining Our Past Initiative. As a result of this comprehensive overhaul of the interpretive programs at Sutter’s Fort SHP, more than 100,000 visitors each year will experience a more inclusive and historically accurate interpretive experience. Friends of Sutter’s Fort has been working alongside our partners at California State Parks to refocus our work to support these efforts. We are seeking board members who are excited to be a part of these changes.
Lighting and Exterior Walls Project Completed
As we shared at the end of last year, a beautiful exterior lighting enhancement was completed in conjunction with Midtown Parks, SMUD and Hume Development to increase public usability and increase overall safety during the evening hours. In anticipation of the...
Sutter’s Fort Over Time: Historical Photograph
The entrance to Sutter’s Fort has changed a lot throughout the years. This undated photograph shows the wooden gates heavy with wisteria vines. Imagine how beautiful they would have been in bloom! If you zoom in and peer inside the gates you can see visitors strolling...
At last! A new roof is approved for Sutter’s Fort
After years of advocacy efforts, Sutter’s Fort SHP is finally getting a new roof! This project is fully funded through deferred maintenance allocations with the Department of Parks and Recreation budget and has already gone out to bid with plans of work beginning this...
Wooden entrance gate is carefully restored
In 2022, Park staff noticed that the arched lintel above the main beam which secures the large door posts at the South Entrance to Sutter’s Fort appeared to be leaning. The lintel was removed promptly to ensure visitor safety. Once removed, Parks restoration staff...
Staircase Replacement Underway at Sutter’s Fort
If you have visited Sutter’s Fort SHP recently, you may have noticed something missing… an entire staircase! The central building’s west staircase had outlived its useful life and needed a complete rebuild. This project began in 2021 with the tedious process of...
A Look at the Past: “Strange Doings At Sutter’s Fort.”
Every month we share an historical photo or article in our enews. This month we look at an article published in the Sacramento Bee on January 5, 1899.
Recent Grant Awards Connect Students to Sutter’s Fort SHP
Grants recently awarded by Friends of Sutter’s Fort in partnership with the San Juan Education Foundation will help more than 430 students visit Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park (SHP) this year.
A Look at the Past: Photo of the Fort
This photo (thought to be from 1915) was taken from St. Francis Church. The California State Indian Museum had not yet been built. A flagpole towers over the Central Building. In the far right corner you can see a vehicle making its way down L Street. Courtesy,...
Shop With Us on Museum Store Sunday
When you purchase a gift from a Museum Store (like our Museum Store at Sutter’s Fort), you help to sustain the museum’s service to their community and the public. Products found in museum stores are carefully curated resulting in distinctive and unique offerings.