The Bidwell Mansion Association (BMA) is dedicated to the restoration, preservation, and interpretation of
Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park, the 1868 home of John Bidwell, founder of the city of Chico, California.

General announcement

Due to the devastating December 2024 fire at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park, both the park and the Visitor Center remain closed.

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.
​Please be sure to check back often—we will be posting updates as they come in. Or go to our BMA Facebook page for more fun and interesting posts. And don't forget to visit the Bidwell Mansion SHP Facebook page for some of their exciting posts about the Mansion.

As always, thank you for your support!

Mansion Updates

Reimagine Bidwell Mansion survey is now open!

Now is the time to make your voice heard and take an active role in the Reimagine Bidwell Mansion planning process.
​
The official online survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and asks participants to share their perspectives on visitor experiences, potential options for the fire-damaged structure, future educational programs, and possible changes to park facilities. The survey will close on Friday, April 24.

Additional opportunities to participate are also being offered:
At both events, community members can learn more about the Reimagine project and share their thoughts.

We know how deeply BMA members and supporters care about Bidwell Mansion. Now is the time to voice your opinion, advocate for the Mansion, and help shape what comes next.
For more information about the fire and past updates, please visit our Bidwell Updates page. ​

​California State Parks Files Lawsuit Against Alram Company Over Bidwell Mansion Fire

California State Parks has filed a civil lawsuit in Butte County Superior Court against Advantage Total Protection (ATP), the alarm company responsible for monitoring Bidwell Mansion’s fire and burglary alarm systems at the time of the December 11, 2024, arson fire.

According to State Parks, the lawsuit alleges that ATP failed to properly inspect and test the system when it assumed the contract in June 2024, failed to monitor the Mansion as required, and failed to ensure that the alarm system would alert authorities in the event of a fire. State Parks also alleges that ATP indicated the required testing had been completed and that the system was operating as it should.
Picture
Jason Halley/University Photographer/Chico State
As outlined in the filing, State Parks contends these failures prevented timely notification to fire authorities and park staff on the night of the fire, contributing to the devastating loss of the Mansion and the historic objects inside. The state is seeking $38 million in damages, with the final amount to be determined in court.

You can read the full California State Parks press release on their website.

Still Standing: John Bidwell's Magnolia—a Possible
​State Champion

Of all the trees surrounding the Mansion, the magnolia just outside the front door was the only one to suffer significant damage in the December 2024 arson fire.

The tree splits into two main trunks. The one farthest from the Mansion appears to be in fairly good shape, while the one closest to the house — and the flames — shows damage to the bark and branches. Even so, it still seems to be supporting a healthy canopy higher up.

Experts have examined the tree, and some work is expected to help stabilize it. Chico’s urban forester, Richie Bamlet, determined that pruning will be needed to remove dead wood from the side closest to the fire. At the same time, his measurements suggested something remarkable: the magnolia may be the largest of its kind in California. He has proposed nominating it as the state champion silver magnolia.

That nomination is expected to go before the City Park Commission on March 30, then to the City Council, before moving on to the state panel that makes the final determination.

The magnolia will also receive special protection as contaminated soil around the Mansion is addressed. In the area near the tree, contamination will be capped rather than removed to prevent damage to its roots.

The story goes that John Bidwell was once told the magnolia would not do well in Chico because the climate was not humid enough. He planted it anyway, and it thrived. Driving around town, it is easy to see how many others followed his lead.
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Magnolia trees clearly adapted just fine to Chico’s dry air—and this one, despite all it has endured, may soon receive special recognition of its own.

Reimagine Bidwell Mansion

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.
We’ll continue to share details as community events and engagement opportunities are announced throughout the Reimagine process. Your voice matters, and together, we can help shape the next chapter of this special place.

Bidwell Fire Information

Charred remains of the Bidwell Mansion the day after the fire
(Matt Bates/University Photographer/Chico State)
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. 

MRS. BIDWELL INVITES YOU TO BECOME A BMA MEMBER

Photo of Annie Bidwell from around 1890
Your membership support of the BMA is greatly appreciated. Because of your membership we are able to support the educational programs at Bidwell Mansion SHP, and sponsor Friday tours of the Mansion during the summer. We welcome new members and are looking forward to your participation and hope you continue as members into the future. Click here to join or renew your membership

We would also like to thank our members who annually renew and make donations to the Bidwell Mansion. Your generosity is truly exceptional—THANK YOU!

BMA NEWSLETTER – WE'VE GOT ALL THE DETAILS

Wondering what's going on at the Bidwell Mansion? Check out our current and past newsletters and get up-to-date with all the happenings, BMA activities, and upcoming events. You don't want to miss out!

join our mailing list and stay connected

bidwell mansion historic state park hours

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.

STAY CONNECTED

Check us out on Facebook where you can get updated information on Association activities and events.  Please click on this link to "Like" us! In addition, click here to visit Nancy Leek's Bidwell Blog!  Another way to connect is by becoming a member.  Please click on the button below to begin enjoying the benefits of being a member of the Bidwell Mansion Association!

join our mailing list and stay connected

MAKE A GIFT

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.
​Consider making a monetary gift to continue education, preservation, and interpretation at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park.

​Have something you'd like to donate to Bidwell mansion?

If you would like to donate an object or antique to Bidwell Mansion SHP that is from the years of 1850-1918, please contact the Visitors Center at 530-895-6144.

Please note that the Bidwell Mansion Association does not handle these types of donations on behalf of the park. All items must be processed through State Parks. 
Photo of John and Annie Bidwell around 1890
John and Annie Bidwell
Bidwell Mansion Association, Chico, California
Bidwell Mansion Association
PO Box 1303
Chico, California 95927
[email protected]
530-588-0476
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