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Annual BMA Members Meeting Saturday, January 25, 2025 3:30 p.m. | Chico Masonic Family Center Free and open to all BMA Members and Guests 3:30 p.m. – BMA Members Business Meeting 4 p.m. – Bidwell Mansion Updates We invite you to join us for our Annual Members Meeting of the Bidwell Mansion Association. All BMA members and guests are welcome to attend. |
(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 Fire information 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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Following the devastating fire at Bidwell Mansion, both the park and Visitor Center remain closed as the investigation continues. Unfortunately, we do not yet have a timeline for the Visitor Center's reopening.
During this closure, we will be collaborating with local historical organizations, such as the Stansbury House, Chico History Museum, and the Chico Heritage Association, to host events and maintain community engagement. |
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Saturday, November 9, 2024
We enjoyed a wonderful event that explored the fascinating story behind the ongoing restoration efforts at Bidwell Mansion. We gained a deeper appreciation for the work being done to preserve this historic landmark. Guests were treated to a brief history of the mansion, which included discussions of its unique architectural details and the innovative techniques used during its construction. The presentation also highlighted the ongoing efforts to recreate and restore architectural elements to their original grandeur, preserving the mansion's historical integrity. Additionally, the careful process of cleaning and preserving some of the mansion's historic textiles provided fascinating insights into the meticulous work required to maintain these delicate pieces. Attendees were also treated to a display of artifacts related to the restoration, offering an up-close look at important elements of the mansion’s rich story. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this informative and enjoyable event! Stay tuned for more opportunities to connect with the history and preservation of Bidwell Mansion. |
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Grab a plate of Christmas cookies and a cup of eggnog or sparkling cider, and sit down at your computer, smart phone, tablet, or smart TV, for our virtual presentation of Christmas with the Bidwells. Enjoy an amusing tale told by John Bidwell and his friend Mr. Swasey, about their first Christmases at Sutter's Fort.
The video can be seen on the BMA YouTube channel by going here, or by clicking the embedded video to the right. |
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Guided tours of Bidwell Mansion are currently CANCELED due to the ongoing restoration.
Tours will resume once the restoration is complete sometime in the spring of 2025. Tours will continue to be held on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, starting in the Visitor Center at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Price: Adults: $6 | Youth under 18: $3 Once available, tours will be on a first-come-first-served basis and are limited to 10 people. They can be reserved the day of by calling (530) 895-6144. The Visitor Center and the General’s Store are also currently closed due to the restoration. More Info at the State Park website. |
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