History & Culture
Discover how California’s past events, people, and places influence today and beyond.
Celebrating Cultural Diversity
California State Parks contains the largest and most diverse recreational, natural and cultural heritage holdings of any state agency in the nation.
Reexamining our Past
State Parks is taking stock of and critically reexamining its past, looking specifically at contested place names, monuments, and interpretation in California’s State Park System as part of a Reexamining Our Past Initiative.
Featured Historic Parks
Sue Meg State Park
Native American and Indigenous Studies - Yurok people have lived in and around Sue-meg State Park for generations. The temperate climate and abundant wildlife of the North Coast promoted a culturally rich way of life that continues today. Yurok people built villages of redwood planks along the coast and major…
Fort Ross State Historic Park
Military History and Forts - Fort Ross State Historic Park brings attention to the varied stories that have occurred here through the centuries, including the long formation of the coastal natural history, the centuries past and present of resident Kashia Pomo people, the Russian colonization periods (1812-1842), the Ranch era…
Pío Pico State Historic Park
Latino Heritage - Pío de Jesus Pico is one of California’s most remarkable historical figures. He was the governor of California in 1832 and again in 1846 before and during the Mexican American War. His adobe home at “El Ranchito” has been completely restored to how it appeared in the…
California State Capitol Museum
California Government - The California State Capitol is the seat of the California government, located in Sacramento, the capital of California. The Capitol building serves as both a museum and the state’s working seat of government. The building houses the chambers of the California State Legislature, made up of the…
Columbia State Historic Park
Gold Rush - The California Gold Rush drew prospectors to Columbia from around the world. Columbia was once known as the "Gem of the Southern Mines," and by 1853, was one of the largest cities in California. Unlike many other Gold Rush settlements that disappeared due to fire, vandalism and…
La Purísima Mission State Historic Park
California Missions - Misión la Purísima Concepción de María Santísima (Mission of the Immaculate Conception of Most Holy Mary) was founded by Father Presidente Fermin de Lasuén on December 8, 1787. The Native Americans who built and worked at the mission were from the Chumash tribe.
Angel Island State Park
Asian American and Pacific Islander History - From 1910 to 1940, the U.S. Immigration Station processed hundreds of thousands of immigrants, the majority from China due to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1883. During WWII, Japanese and German prisoners of war (POWs) were detained at the Station before being sent…
Hearst Castle
Art and Architecture - La Cuesta Encantada, "The Enchanted Hill" high above the ocean at San Simeon, was conceived by two extraordinary individuals, William Randolph Hearst and architect Julia Morgan. Their collaboration, which began in 1919 and continued for nearly 30 years, transformed an informal hilltop campsite into the world-famous…
California Citrus State Historic Park
Agriculture - The California Citrus State Historic Park interprets the industry's role in the history and development of California through the stories of the diverse groups of people who made it all possible. The park recaptures the complexities of the time when "Citrus was King," exploring the significance of the…
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
African American History - In 1908, Colonel Allen Allensworth and four other settlers established a town in California’s Central Valley. Their dream of developing an abundant and thriving community stemmed directly from a strong belief in programs that allowed Black people to help themselves create better lives. Colonel Allen Allensworth…
Explore History & Culture Resources
Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks in Sacramento
Learn about Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks
Shasta State Historic Park Online Educational Resources (Padlet.com)
Explore posts, questions, and resources on Shasta State Historic Park’s Padlet page.
The Boggs Collection | Smithsonian Learning Lab
View paintings by Mae Helene Bacon Boggs
California Citrus State Historic Park
Agriculture – The California Citrus State Historic Park interprets the industry’s role in the history and development of California through the stories of the diverse...
California Indian Baskets
View and learn about items from the State Parks Indian Basket Collection.
Columbia State Historic Park – YouTube Channel
View YouTube videos about Columbia State Historic Park
Living History Programs
Living history programs are an opportunity for families, individuals, and school groups to explore an interpretation of our shared past and interact with the people...
Virtual Tour of the Litsch General Store at Shasta State Historic Park
Take a virtual tour through the Litsch Store at Shasta State Historic Park. The Litsch family operated this grocery store, later a general merchandise store,...
![Local citizens and the Allensworth Advisory Committee entered the prize-winning “Spirit of Allensworth” float in Tulare’s annual Dairy Fiesta Parade, California Department of Parks and Recreation, News & Views, March 1971. [Fresno Bee]](https://learning.parks.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AAHE_Home_Allensworth.png)
Black History in State Parks
African Americans have touched every topographic region of the state: redwood groves, rolling foothills, bustling cities, rural farmland, desert communities, and the Pacific Coast. Today,...
Locke Guided Tours
Visitors are welcome to Locke and there are no fees for visiting. The entire town is a historical site, but also a living community; therefore,...
Virtual Tour of Cloud Forest Temple at Weaverville Joss House SHP
Virtually explore the oldest operating Taoist temple in North America. Within these sacred grounds, you’ll find there are no limits to the wonders of the...
Bodie Foundation Public and Private Tours
Free history talks, stamp mill tours, or private tours by the Bodie Foundation.
Virtual Exhibit: Community Voices: Japanese Experiences at Crystal Cove (1927-1942)
Emiko Sakamoto Sugiura, Don Miyada, Takashi “Tak” Yamashita, Tom Honda, and Joe Naruishi contributed their oral histories and photographs from their childhood spent in the...
Tours and Programs at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Do you like history? Have you always wanted to learn all about the past and the people who came before you? Well now, Old Town...
House Tour Information at Monterey State Historic Park
Learn about tours of Stevenson House at Monterey State Historic Park
Virtual Adventurer
Virtual Adventurer, an official mobile app of California State Parks, offers a diverse range of educational and exploratory experiences suitable for all ages and abilities
Allensworth Collection | Smithsonian Learning Lab
View information and photos associated with Col. Allensworth State Historic Park
Ya’i Heki’ Regional Indian Museum at Lake Perris State Recreation Area
The Ya’i Heki’ Regional Indian Museum is a museum dedicated to showcasing and preserving the history, culture, and traditions of the Native American tribes of...
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park Cultural Resources and Virtual Events
Learn about virtual events offered at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
California State Railroad Museum – Rail Innovation in Action
Open to 9th-12th grade students, this online program explores real-world, human-centered issues that shape the community’s relationship with the railroad industry, both today and in...
Sutters Fort Timeline Activity – Teacher-Chaperone Guide, Student Activity Sheet
View a fort timeline activity teachers guide for Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
Castro Adobe Open House
Schedule an appointment at Rancho San Andrés Castro Adobe Pk Prop
California History and Nature on the Homestead
A small park that memorializes important California figure William Brown Ide and his contribution to the state’s history!
Virtual Walking Tour of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Take a virtual walking tour of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Guide for Educators – State Indian Museum
View a pdf guide for educators about the State Indian Museum State Historic Park
Allensworth: A Piece of the World
Read a teachers guide with student lessons and resources associated with Col. Allensworth State Historic Park
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area School Programs
We will discuss the history of the park, covering Natives, Europeans, and the park since it was founded in 1972. Along the way, we will...
State Parks and Museums Interpreting California Indian Culture and Heritage
Learn about the diverse natural and cultural heritage holdings managed by State Parks
Orange Coast District State Parks – YouTube Channel
Explore our educational and informational videos related to the beautiful beaches, tidepools, and wilderness areas in the Orange Coast District of California State Parks. We...
Junior Ranger Activity Book – Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Download a junior ranger activity book connected with Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
La Purísima Mission State Historic Park
California Missions – Misión la Purísima Concepción de María Santísima (Mission of the Immaculate Conception of Most Holy Mary) was founded by Father Presidente Fermin...
Japanese Renewal at Gilroy Hot Springs
Flower Growers Association tree planting at GYHS, 1939. Courtesy, Tom Oishi As a young lady and the eldest of 10 children, Aiko Kato was sent...
Youth Educational Resources for San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park
A place for students to access digital educational content and learn more about historical, cultural, and natural topics related to San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic...
Reserve Activities for Santa Cruz District State Parks
Schedule a guided walk at Big Basin
Cave Paintings of the Chumash People
Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park is one of the few protected places visitors can experience some of the beautiful cave paintings of the Chumash...
Living History at San Juan Bautista State Historic Park
First Saturday, Living History Days! Step into an Old West town for a fun-filled day. Meet the characters of early San Juan Bautista as our...
Virtual Exhibit of Japanese American WWII Confinement on Angel Island
Follow the stories of Japanese Americans confined on Angel Island during World War II
Virtual Exhibit: Japanese American Pioneering Community at Crystal Cove State Park
Explore this interactive virtual exhibit of the pioneering Japanese American community at Crystal Cove State Park.
Shasta State Historic Park Educational FAQ (Padlet.com)
Whether you have a question about the ports program, our park, or a recently watched webinar, ask your questions here and we will get back...
Columbia State Historic Park
Gold Rush – The California Gold Rush drew prospectors to Columbia from around the world. Columbia was once known as the “Gem of the Southern...
Relevancy & History
The Relevancy and History program works to elevate community histories, expand park historical narratives, engage communities, and create career pathways to parks.
Self-Guided Tour at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Learn about self guided tours at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Capitol Museum and Park
Learn about the history of the Capitol and State Park by visiting the California State Capitol Museum website.
Diversity at California State Parks
Read about diversity through the history of State Parks
Virtual Tour Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park
In this virtual experience, hear from Chumash elder Ernestine Ygnacio de Soto as she shares stories of her family who have lived in California since...
Colonel Allensworth – YouTube
This channel is about Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, the people, homes and history of this one of a kind historic park! It is maintained...
Tour Information at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Learn how to take a tour of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
PORTS Program – YouTube Channel
View recordings of live PORTScasts on the PORTS: Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students YouTube channel.
Virtual Bell Exhibit at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
View the virtual bell exhibit at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
California Citrus State Historic Park – YouTube
Watch videos about the wildlife, fruits, and cultural history of the California Citrus State Historic Park.