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General announcementFollowing the devastating fire at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park, both the park and the Visitor Center remain closed. Currently, we do not have a reopening date for the Visitor Center or the General's Store.
During this closure, BMA is excited to be collaborating with local historical organizations, such as the Stansbury House, Chico History Museum, and Chico Heritage Association, to host events and maintain community engagement. |
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Community Remembrance and Appreciation Reception for Mansion Fire First Responders and Investigators
Thursday, December 11 | 4–5 p.m. Visitor Center, Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park We warmly invite you to join us for this special reception, which offers the community a meaningful opportunity to come together to remember Bidwell Mansion—an irreplaceable part of Chico’s history—and to reflect on the loss we have all felt over the past year. Attendees are welcome to share memories, stories, and personal reflections as we honor the Mansion’s place in our community and the many lives it has touched.
It is also a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the first responders and investigators who acted swiftly and courageously the night of the fire and throughout the investigation. Their efforts remain an important part of the Mansion’s story, and this reception allows us to recognize their service while supporting one another as we look to the future. |
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DAR America 250 Patriots Marker
Friday, December 12 | 11 a.m. Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park The local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will host a meaningful event to place a marker at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park, honoring Revolutionary War patriots as part of the United States’ 250th anniversary. Annie Bidwell was a member of the first DAR chapter in San Francisco, and both her great-grandfathers, Andrew Ellicott and Samuel Kennedy, fought in the Revolutionary War. |
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An Afternoon With the Bidwells
Saturday, December 13 | 1–3 p.m. Visitor Center, Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park Join us for a special afternoon featuring appearances by General John and Annie Bidwell and friends. Light refreshments will be served as we come together to thank our members and the community for their continued support. While this event offers a touch of seasonal cheer, it is also a moment to reflect, connect, honor, and look forward with optimism as we carry the Bidwell spirit into the future. |
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California State Parks has officially launched its Reimagine Bidwell Mansion Park State Historic Park planning effort. Over the next 15 months, they will be working with us and the community to create a Vision Plan that honors the mansion’s history while also exploring possibilities for its future.
You can learn more about this outreach effort at reimaginebidwellmansion.org, where you can also share your memories through the Memory Sharing Tool and stay up to date on engagement opportunities by joining their mailing list. |
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(Matt Bates/University Photographer/Chico State)
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On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, our community suffered an unimaginable loss with the devastating fire at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. Despite the swift and diligent response of fire crews, the mansion could not be saved.
To stay updated on the fire and the ongoing recovery efforts, please visit our Bidwell Updates page. There, you’ll find the latest news, details about the fire’s impact, and updates on the path forward. To learn more about the restoration project the mansion was undergoing before the fire, please visit our Restoration Project page. |
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Guided tours of Bidwell Mansion are currently CANCELED due to the temporary closure of the park.
At this time, it is uncertain when the park Visitor Center and the General's Store will open again More Info at the State Park website. Take a Video tour of bidwell mansion
While the park is closed, please join Noel Lopez from Bidwell Mansion SHP, as he gives a tour of the Mansion and talks about the history of the Bidwells in California on
C-SPAN3–American History TV. Click HERE to watch the episode. |
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History not only educates, but also inspires and defines who we are. It reminds us of where we come from and how far we’ve come. The Bidwell Mansion Association is proud to encourage and foster a love of history through support of the Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park.
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Consider making a monetary gift to continue education, preservation, and interpretation at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park.
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