What’s New at Sutter’s Fort?

What: Hands on History: By Land and By Sea: How They Came to California!
Where: Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
 2701 L Street, Midtown, Sacramento
When: Saturday, February 18, 2012
Time: Fort hours:  10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $7.00 per adult (18 and older), $5.00 per youth (ages 6-17), free for children 5 years and under 
More Information: Call 916-445-4422
   
Emigrants came to California in one of two ways. “By Land and by Sea” explores the challenges of these journeys. What did emigrants pack for their journey? Is Hardtack edible? Did Captain Sutter use ships on the Sacramento River? Find the answers by helping to pack a wagon or trunk, choosing how to come west, using a nautical compass and learning from diaries and stories. Participants can help weave rope, learn simple knots, create maps and other fun projects to prepare for the trip of a lifetime.  For more information, please call phone (916) 445-4422.

February 24, 2012
Sutter’s Fort SHP
Mexican Flag Day
For more information please call phone (916) 445-4422.

What: Hands on History: The Role of Women on the Frontier
Where: Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
 2701 L Street, Midtown, Sacramento
When: Saturday, March 17th, 2012
Time: Fort hours:  10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost:  $7.00 per adult (18 and older), $5.00 per youth (ages 6-17), free for children 5 years and under
More Information: Call 916-445-4422

Emigrant women at this time were not the well-to-do Victorian ladies wearing pretty clothes and acting like the prim and proper sort. They were vital economic

partners in families. Just getting hot water to wash your face in the morning was an effort. Many pioneer women set up their own businesses selling eggs, milk,

or baked goods to neighbors and travelers. The woman of the household was usually responsible for the education and social training of the children. In Mexican

California, women were allowed to own property, which gave them increased economic and political leverage over the conditions they experienced in the States.

Fort visitors will learn how to bake, churn butter, prepare large meals and cook with ironware. Children will write on a slate, have penmanship lessons and read

from a 19th Century primer. Cannon demonstrations will be at 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m. For more information, call (916) 445-4422.

What: Trader’s Faire - California’s First Mall
Where: Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
 2701 L Street, Midtown, Sacramento
When: April 20 – 22, 2012 (10:00 – 5:00)
Time: Fort hours:  10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost:  $7.00 per adult (18 and older), $5.00 per youth (ages 6-17), free for children 5 years and under
More Information: Call 916-445-4422

Our Annual Trader’s Fair brings the hustle and bustle of pioneer trading days back to life. Vendors selling pioneer goods, musket and cannon demonstrations,

and artisans creating goods for sale will have the Fort full of activity for the entire family. During this three-day event, everyone will have opportunities to make

their own crafts, haggle with traders, make dolls, hammer square nails and shop for gifts and crafts. For more information please call phone (916) 445-4422.

What: Hands-on-History: How Did John Sutter Expect to Make Money?
Where: Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
 2701 L Street, Midtown, Sacramento
When: May 19, 2012 (10:00 – 5:00)
Time: Fort hours:  10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost:  $7.00 per adult (18 and older), $5.00 per youth (ages 6-17), free for children 5 years and under
More Information: Call 916-445-4422

Manufacturing was a major money making effort of Sutter and it was one of the primary reasons why Sutter encouraged settlers – so he could have both

employees and customers. Sutter was giving away land and a start in the ranching business to any family that could make it to California, so Sutter’s New

Helvetia became the destination of overland migration. Visitors will learn about the many endeavors in which Sutter engaged in the attempt to make his venture a

financial success. Cannon demonstrations are scheduled for 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. For more information, call (916) 445-4422.

What: Hands-on-History: Hands on History: Three Flags, One Fort
Where: Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
 2701 L Street, Midtown, Sacramento
When: June 16, 2012 (10:00 – 5:00)
Time: Fort hours:  10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost:  $7.00 per adult (18 and older), $5.00 per youth (ages 6-17), free for children 5 years and under
More Information: Call 916-445-4422

“Three Flags, One Fort” explores the politics, similarities, and differences between Mexican, American, and independent rule that controlled Sutter’s Fort before

statehood in 1850. Cannon and musket demonstrations show the potential danger of change. Speeches, debates and arguments add passion to the issues,

and indicate who had the upper hand at critical moments in California’s history. Visitors will have the chance to listen in and participate in a mock public debate.

Both young and old will be able to examine period weaponry, see firing demonstrations, and have their picture taken with 19th century arms. Youngsters will

have the chance to create and color period flags that flew over Sutter’s Fort. For more information please call phone (916) 445-4422.