Category Archives: Bidwell Mansion

Crews have been at work cleaning up the exterior debris from the fire at Bidwell Mansion. With the scaffolding gone and the collapsed veranda cleared away, you can get a better look at the ruined structure. It’s a heart-breaking sight. … Continue reading →

The Chico History Museum has a special exhibit featuring memorabilia from Bidwell Mansion. Gathered and saved by community members, the items in the exhibit reflect on what the Mansion has meant to Chico over the years. The exhibit will only … Continue reading →

John Bidwell wrote to his mother-in-law, Catherine Kennedy, on December 31, 1868, striking a humorous note on the weather: The other John here is Annie’s brother John Kennedy, who had come to California for his health. It looks like they … Continue reading →

Dec. 31, 1866 Miss Annie E. Kennedy Annie, with your assent I will ask permission of your parents to address you. I must go further or turn away and not see you at all, for you are constantly in my … Continue reading →

The renovation is complete, and Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park has a fabulous new exhibit in the Visitors’ Center. The old exhibits from the 1970s are gone, replaced by handsome new display cabinets, gleaming signage, and engaging audio-visual presentations. To … Continue reading →

The California State Library has several stereo views of Bidwell Mansion and Chico, designed to be viewed in a stereoscope. The photos depict right-eye and left-eye views of the same scene, and when viewed through the stereoscope appear three dimensional. … Continue reading →