BIDWELL MANSION ASSOCIATION
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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

Following the devastating fire at Bidwell Mansion, 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 will 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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​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

Charred remains of the mansion from the front north side
Most of the debris has been removed from the north and front faces of Bidwell Mansion
Most of the debris on the front of the house and on the north side has been removed. Progress has been made on the south side, facing Big Chico Creek, but there’s still quite a mess to be cleaned up there.

We’ll focus on the north side today, the side facing the visitor center. It’s an area with some history, because it once included what some have called “the bulge.”

That consisted of two additions to the original footprint of the 1868 mansion. In 1908, Annie Bidwell had a new kitchen added north of the original mansion kitchen. In 1927, Chico State added a dining hall to the building, which was then being used as a women’s dormitory. 
When State Parks took over the mansion in 1964, that space became the park visitor center. It served as the visitor center until 1993, when the new center was built just a bit north.

Both additions were torn down in 1997, although there had been some debate about whether Annie’s kitchen should be saved. The final decision was to restore the mansion to its appearance in 1868.

The removal and reconstruction of “the bulge” was done by Chico master builder
Tim Simonds. He gave a talk about the process recently at the Chico History Museum. Laura Urseny has written an article based on that talk and additional interviews, and it should appear in the Enterprise Record in the next few days.
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The debris is still piled tall at the southwest corner of Bidwell Mansion
Bidwell Mansion in 1997, showing
Photo by Ron Sanford shows ‘the bulge’ before it was torn down in 1997. It consisted of a new kitchen Annie Bidwell had built in 1908, and a dining hall Chico State added in 1927 when the building was being used as a women’s dormitory
For more information about the fire and past updates, please visit our Bidwell Fire page. ​

Summer highlights: 
Celebrating Community, History, and Partnership

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Over the past few months, we’ve been fortunate to join forces with our sister organizations for some truly memorable events. From honoring the legacy of the mansion at Bidwell Mansion: The Stories We Share exhibition at the Chico History Museum, to enjoying sweet treats and sunshine at the Stansbury Ice Cream Social, and proudly walking in the 4th of July Parade—this summer has been filled with connection, reflection, and community spirit.
We’re so grateful to everyone who participated and supported these events. Want to see the highlights? Head over to our Event Photos page to check out pictures from these special gatherings.

Thank you for being part of the Bidwell Mansion Association community—your continued involvement helps keep history alive.

Bidwell Fire Information

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(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. 

BMA HAPPENINGS

MRS. BIDWELL INVITES YOU TO BECOME A BMA MEMBER

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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 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!
FACEBOOK
CONTACT US
BECOME A MEMBER
BIDWELL BLOG

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MAKE A GIFT


Consider making a gift to continue education, preservation, and interpretation at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park
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John and Annie Bidwell
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Bidwell Mansion Association
PO Box 1303
Chico, California 95927
[email protected]
530-588-0476
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