The Museum Collection

In addition to the historic structures at Sutter’s Fort SHP, Friends of Sutter’s Fort also is committed the preservation of the many artifacts that are part of the Sutter’s Fort Collection. This expansive collection of artifacts is housed both at Sutter’s Fort, and at the State Museums Collections Center, which is also managed by California State Parks.

Artifacts include furniture, tools and artwork, along with thousands of photographs and documents. Due to the difficulty to control the environment in the historic structures of Sutter’s Fort, many of these items are not currently accessible to the public. It is our hope to provide future funding to expand the ability to exhibit these items for public viewing. We also hope to fund efforts to preserve and protect the artifacts.

Ah Foo’s Bamboo Hat donated to Sutter’s Fort in 1928

It was through the It attainment of the James Marshall Museum collection from Ms. Kelley that Ah Foo’s hat came into the Sutter’s Fort Collection. In 1928, when the acquisition took place, the Fort collection gained over 2,000 objects from Ms. Kelley, ten of which belonged to Ah Foo. A hat, a pipe, a teapot, a dish for soy Sause, and a few other household items. Some of these items are on display at the Joss House in Weaverville and at Marshall Gold in Coloma today while the rest are kept here at our collection’s facility.

Decorative handkerchief donated to Sutter’s Fort by Harriet Hoyt in 1932

The Sutter’s Fort Curatorial Department is celebrating International Children’s Book Day by drawing your attention to a decorative handkerchief donated to Sutter’s Fort by Harriet Hoyt in 1932.

Anna Kloppenburg’s Artwork: Celebrating Women’s Artistic Contributions at Sutter’s Fort

In recognition of Women’s History Month and Arts Education Month, we are highlighting the unique artwork of Anna Kloppenburg, a distinguished artist in the Sutter’s Fort Collection.

Through the Eyes of History: A Glimpse into Sutter’s Fort’s Historical Eyewear Collection

The eyeglasses within the Sutter’s Fort collection belonged to a diverse range of owners. The original catalogue cards provide some information, but often raise more questions than they answer. All we know about the ox horn spectacles is that they belonged to a “Chinese individual.”

Inside Sutter’s Fort, Museum Collection Spotlight Series: Fire Fighter Holiday Photo

The firemen at Engine Company No. 8 in Sacramento celebrated by decorating a tree in front of their firehouse, setting a scene with Santa Clause and reindeer, and making ornaments.

Inside Sutter’s Fort, Museum Collection Spotlight Series: Gold Rush Era Harp

This harp is an example of a “harp of one order.” According to the original Sutter’s Fort catalogue card, Mexican musicians played this harp in the dance halls in mining towns during the Gold Rush Period. The harp was made in Mexico and brought to San Francisco by an unknown player in 1848. It later fell into the hands of an early Sacramento resident, who donated it to Sutter’s Fort between 1900 and 1930.