PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES

The Fort Ross Interpretive Association (FRIA) has been a State Park Cooperating Association since 1976. Important current projects include:

• Preservation and furnishing of the Rotchev House built circa 1836, the only remaining Russian-built structure at Fort Ross. This work is being accomplished with the help of local, state and federal granting sources. The preparation of exhibits for the house museum is now in progress.

• A collaborative research project with Russian archives to investigate documents and graphics produced on early nineteenth-century Russian voyages to the west coast of North America. The project is jointly funded by FRIA and the National Endowment for the Humanities. After the completion of research and translation, a book will be produced which will broaden knowledge about the early Russian contributions to Colonial California.

• The museum bookstore and the Fort Ross Visitor Center are kept open 365 days a year by volunteers and staff. A smaller bookstore in the Salt Point Visitor Center is staffed by volunteers on weekends during the summer months.

• Acquisition and organization of the Fort Ross library and archives. This library contains 30 albums of archivally preserved historic photographs and almost 3,000 titles in the reference and circulating library.

• Exhibits, displays, and wayside panels are produced for the park to incorporate updated research as it becomes available.

• Books and brochures about about the cultural and natural history Fort Ross and Salt Point are produced, as well as a bi-monthly historical newsletter distributed to over 400 paying members.

• A cooperative project with the Native Kashaya community, UC Berkeley, and State Parks is the development of a cultural trail in the park.

• Restoration and furnishing of the historic Call Ranch House built during the American ranch era in 1878.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Fort Ross Interpretive Association, Incorporated, is to promote for the benefit of the public the interpretive and educational activities of the Russian River Sector of California State Parks at Fort Ross State Historic Park and Salt Point State Park.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

• To enhance and conserve the cultural and natural historic, interpretive and educational resources of Fort Ross and Salt Point State Parks.

• To sponsor, publish, distribute, and sell appropriate items which increase visitor understanding and appreciation of this area.

• To acquire materials and equipment to assist in the educational and interpretive programs at Fort Ross and Salt Point State Parks.

• To develop and maintain a library.

• To preserve and archive historical material associated with Fort Ross and Salt Point State Parks, and to provide and maintain adequate and secure storage facilities.

• To sponsor, support, and assist scientific research and investigations relating to Fort Ross and Salt Point State Parks, and presentation of these studies to the public.

• To promote interpretation that reflects current research.

• To plan, organize, and implement fund raising programs to support interpretive and educational activities at Fort Ross and Salt Point.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A nine-member Board meets at Fort Ross on the second Saturday of February, April, June, August, October, and December.

Officers: Sarah Sweedler, President; Susan Rudy,Vice-President; Glenn Farris, Corresponding and Recording Secretary; Tom Wright, Treasurer; Directors:Manushan Azam; Ludmila Ershov;
Konstantin Kudryavtsev; Marion MacDonald; Otis Parrish; Directors Emeritus:Kent Lightfoot, John Sperry.
STAFF
Sarjan Holt, Administrator; Lake Perry,Administrative Assistant; Susanna Barlow,Membership Secretary.

SUPPORT FRIA

Membership Application pdf

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Spring 2010

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