Continuing a popular series of interactive and fun “Hands on History” activities, Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park (SHP) will present a special “Hands on History: Three Flags, One Fort” event on Saturday, June 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Marked by passionate public debate and a charged atmosphere with a feeling of danger looming in the air, Sutter’s Fort SHP will use three distinctive flags to visually demonstrate the heated struggle for power before statehood in 1850. The special event will explore the politics, similarities and differences between the Mexican, American and independent rule during this unsettled period of change and uncertainty in California’s history. With cannon firings and musket demonstrations to set the mood, Fort visitors will have the chance to listen to or engage in lively mock public debates, examine period weaponry and even have their pictures taken with 19th century arms.  In addition, children will re-create colorful period flags of their own and participate in a “History Hunt” that includes viewing exhibits, engaging docents with history questions and a complimentary coloring book provided by Friends of Sutter’s Fort. 

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