John Marsh Historic Trust is a charitable non-profit organization that needs your support to keep the preservation of the remarkable history attributed to Dr. Marsh.
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Our Vision
Vision Statement For The John Marsh House And The New State Park
The great stone House, when restored, will be majestic in its beauty and provide a cultural resource for the region. The Park should be multifaceted and provide for a wide range of activities with the house serving as a center piece and constant reminder of the unique history of the site.
The House must be restored to its original 1856 character, especially the exterior, and be treated with museum dignity. However, carefully selected parts of it should be used for functions that respect its fascinating history. The surrounding verandah and rear entrance giving direct access to the stair and upper levels lend themselves to organized and controlled program use of an educational and historical nature. Interior spaces can provide support functions for activities that take place mostly outside.
Our vision is that the site will be proactive for youth groups, families, and for school field trips especially in the areas of history, the environment and cultural understanding. Some areas, including the House, may be reserved for special events, lectures, celebrations, weddings and receptions. Carefully selected parts of the House and site should display historic artifacts and present the House in a way that best reflects its character in the mid 1800s. This might be done using advanced presentation techniques that are not obtrusive to the use and spatial character of the House. Other areas, primarily on the upper levels, might be used for historical groups, archives and youth activity support. Medical utensils, tools and farm equipment of the type used by Marsh should be represented on site and within the House.
The stone House, the adobe and the los Meganos rancho as a whole can best represent the link between earlier historic sites such as Sutter's fort, gold rush sites and other significant houses built in the late 1800s and turn of the century. With the stone House as a focal point and as a symbol of early California history the entire park site must be brought to life to remind and teach us about the dynamics of California history.
The adobe should be rebuilt and the original gardens, orchards and vineyards should be replanted. A Miwok village must be resurrected to commemorate the past and help relate to the present Native American cultures. The village including a sweat house and ceremonial areas should be prominent on the site and parts of the House might be used to support current Indian activities such as arts and crafts. The juxtaposition of the stone House, adobe, and Indian dwellings and artifacts can lead to a better understanding of the relationship between the Marsh family and the Native Americans.
The recent discovery of prehistoric remains near the House dating back more than 8,000 years provides additional opportunities to honor, preserve, interpret and learn of past cultures. The work of the archeologists is not complete at this time, but we are committed to support the development of these significant discoveries as part of the new historic park’s overall goal of honoring the contribution of all Americans to the heritage of California.
Gene Metz, President, JMHT
