BIDWELL MANSION ASSOCIATION

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.

Upcoming events

Call for Memories, Art, and Artifacts—Join Us in Remembering a Chico Landmark

The Chico History Museum and the Bidwell Mansion Association invite you to participate in a special exhibition in June 2025, paying tribute to the rich history and legacy of Bidwell Mansion and General John and Annie Bidwell.

The opening event will be held at the Chico History Museum on Saturday, June 7, from 5–7 p.m., and the exhibit will remain on display throughout June 2025.

But we need you to make this exhibition happen!

Your Contribution Matters
We are seeking artwork, photographs, artifacts, and personal memorabilia that capture the history and significance of Bidwell Mansion. If you have any of the following, we invite you to contribute them to the exhibition:

Wedding, quinceañera, or prom photos taken at the Mansion
Family pictures from visits or tours of the site
Paintings, sketches, or photographs of the Mansion over the years
Memorabilia from school field trips or special events held at the Mansion
Artifacts related to John and Annie Bidwell, such as letters, books, or period items
Historic souvenirs, postcards, brochures, or newspaper clippings
Poetry, essays, or personal reflections inspired by the Bidwells or their home
And more….

How to Submit Your Piece

Deadline to Register: May 2, 2025
Submission Process: Complete the application and email your submission with a photo of your entry to [email protected]
Selection Notification: You will be contacted by or after May 14, 2025, to let you know whether or not your entry has been selected.
Suggested Donation: $5 per submission to help support this commemorative exhibit.

A Community Effort in Preservation
This exhibition is made possible through our valued partners in historic preservation: Bidwell Mansion Association, Chico Heritage Association, Chico History Museum, Beautiful & Historic Chico Coalition, and the Stansbury Home Preservation Association.

Let’s ensure the legacy of Bidwell Mansion lives on through art, memory, and community. Be a part of this heartfelt tribute—submit your piece today.

For questions or additional information, please contact [email protected]

Thank You for your Victim–Impact Statements

We sincerely appreciate everyone who wrote a victim-impact statement on behalf of Bidwell Mansion. Your words helped to ensure that the devastating loss of this historic site was truly understood and that the impact on our community was recognized.

With our collective voices, the Court took the full weight of this crime into account. The arsonist was sentenced to 11 years in prison, the maximum sentence allowable under the law.

Thank you for standing with us during this difficult time and for helping to uphold the importance of preserving our shared history.

Bidwell Fire Information

(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 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.

General announcement

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.

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!

Festive gathering at the Stansbury House

Dr. Stansbury hosted his celebrated annual holiday gathering at his home, an event of warmth and tradition eagerly anticipated each year. Among the distinguished guests were General and Mrs. Bidwell, Mrs. Bidwell's sister, Mrs. Alexander, and their dear family friend, Mrs. Blake. Adding to the evening’s prestige was the presence of the renowned General Sherman, a close associate of General Bidwell. Society whispers declared it an occasion of unparalleled merriment and refinement!

Past events

What's Happening at the Bidwell Mansion Event – Recap

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.

Celebrate the holidays with the bidwells—2021 Virtual Event

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.

BMA HAPPENINGS

MRS. BIDWELL INVITES YOU TO BECOME A BMA MEMBER

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

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bidwell mansion historic state park hours

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.

Take a Video tour of bidwell mansion

Join Bidwell Mansion SHP's own with Noel Lopez 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!

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