Continuing a popular series of interactive and fun “Hands on History” activities, Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park will present a special “Hands on History: How Did John Sutter Expect to Make Money?” event on Saturday, May 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fort visitors will learn how John Sutter engaged in a number of business ventures in an effort to achieve financial success.  In fact, Sutter even gave away land and a start in the ranching business to any family that could make it to California!  On this special day, Fort guests will receive replica pages of original Fort ledgers -- including the famous John Bidwell ledger -- that show what items were for sale and at what price in the early days at Sutter’s Fort.  Similar to the writing on the ledgers, Fort visitors will have the hands-on opportunity to try their hands at early writing techniques using a quill pen. They will also see replicas and demonstrations of gold scales used in the 1800s and replica coins that served as California’s early money -- minted on-site by John Sutter himself -- for payment to early Native American laborers.  In addition, Fort guests can learn from and ask questions of a “Connoisseur of Coins” who will be on-site as a special guest for this “Hands on History” event.  Interested children will be invited to weave on the Fort looms, hammer nails and participate in a fun History Hunt that includes a complimentary coloring book provided by Friends of Sutter’s Fort.

For more information about this special “Hands on History” event, or other events and activities at Sutter’s Fort SHP, call 916-445-4422 or visit www.suttersfort.org