Sutter’s Fort SHP offers several educational programs to help connect youth to the history of our park. Most of these programs are aimed at elementary school classes, but we are excited to work with all K-12 and university groups to find appropriate programming. Most take place in-person at our park, though we also offer remote virtual programs. While a few of our programs are free, most require an additional fee.
PORTS: Virtual Programs
Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students (PORTS) Programs are free interactive virtual field trips available to all K-12 classrooms. For more information about PORTS throughout California State Parks or to reserve a presentation for your school, click here: https://ports.parks.ca.gov/
Classes (grades 3-5) may sign up for our On-Demand Program, “Sutter’s Fort Through Time.” In this one hour program, students get the opportunity to learn about the history of Sutter’s Fort while directly interacting with State Parks Staff through live, 2-way video from the Fort.
We also offer PORTScast, where State Parks Staff present 1-way broadcasts to the public, no reservation required. Please review the PORTScast calendar for any upcoming broadcasts from Sutter’s Fort.
Student Tour Program
The Sutter’s Fort Student Tour Program is a 45-minute staff-guided tour for school groups, grades 3-6. During this tour, State Parks Staff and Volunteers lead students through a series of interactive stations where they learn about the major trades that supported Sutter’s Fort during the 1840s. The stations explore the lasting impacts that these trades had on California’s environment as well as on the Native Peoples of the Sacramento Valley whose labor was central to the history of the Fort. Additionally, students are introduced to some of the significant events and themes in California history that are connected to this place.
The fee for the program is $5 per participant including students, teachers and chaperones. This fee covers both program participation and site admission. Group size is limited to a minimum of 15 third through sixth grade students. The maximum number of participants is 40 per tour including students, teachers and chaperones. Groups are required to have a minimum of 1 adult chaperone for every 10 students. Groups can explore the Fort on their own following their staff guided tour.
To book a Staff guided tour online go to Reserve California or call (866) 240-4655. Reservations for staff guided tours must be made at least 14 days in advance. Call 916-445-4422 for more information.
ESP and ELP: Immersive Day-Long and Overnight Programs
Sutter’s Fort SHP offers two closely related immersive educational programs: the Environmental Studies Program (ESP) and the Environmental Living Program (ELP). ESP is an 9-hour program that runs from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. ELP is a 25-hour program that runs from 8:00 am to 9:00 am the next morning and includes an overnight stay at the Fort.
Both ESP and ELP provide classes with the opportunity to learn about California and the Sacramento Valley in the 1840s through hands-on activities rooted in the Fort’s history. Both programs provide educational experiences led by State Parks Staff and Volunteers; however, both programs require substantial volunteer commitments from adult chaperones to lead key activities supported with State Parks provided curriculum.
Both ELP and ESP are available to all elementary school groups: public, private, and home school. ESP is also available for middle and high school groups. Both programs are limited to a maximum number of 100 student participants.
For more information on the application process, cost, and available dates, or for any other questions, please contact Theresa Havelka at theresa.havelka@parks.ca.gov or (916) 764-8654.