Events announcement
Following the devastating fire at Bidwell Mansion, both the park and the Visitor Center remain closed. Unfortunately, we do not have a timeline for when the Visitor Center will reopen.
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!
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!
2025–2026
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Visitor Center Open
December 11, 12, & 13 | Visitor Center, Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park The Visitor Center at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park will be open throughout all three days:
The General’s Store will be open for holiday shopping, and the historical gallery will be available for visitors to explore the Bidwell story—but only during this special three-day opening. This is a great opportunity to pick up unique gifts, enjoy the exhibits, and share the experience with friends and family. We encourage you to stop by, browse, and bring someone along who appreciates local history. This will be the only time the Visitor Center will be open until next spring. |
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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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Daughters of the American Revolution Marker Dedication
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 small event to place a marker at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park, honoring Revolutionary War patriots as part of their America 250 initiative, celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary. Annie Bidwell was a member of the first California DAR chapter in San Francisco—both her great-grandfathers, Andrew Ellicott and Samuel Kennedy, fought in the Revolutionary War. |
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An Afternoon With the Bidwells
Friday, 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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2026–2027
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Bidwell Mansion Association Annual Members Meeting
Saturday, January 26 | 6–8 p.m. | Chico Library 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 this free event. Following a brief business meeting, we will have a guest speaker (TBA) to present on their historical research. Thank you for your membership and support—we truly appreciate it and hope to see you there! |
