Current Projects
The Rotchev House, Preservation & Furnishing
The Rotchev House, built circa 1836, is the only original Russian-built structure at Fort Ross and is the most important structure in the recreated Fort Ross compound. Find out more
Research in the Russian State Naval Archives
The Fort Ross Interpretive Association is working with the Russian State Naval Archives (RSNA) to research documents produced on early 19th century voyages to California. Find out more
The Call House Museum
This building is the only one surviving from the "ranch era" after the Russians left Fort Ross in 1841. Find out more
Additional Projects
Cultural Heritage Trail
The initial planning phase of the Cultural Heritage Trail is now complete. This project is under the direction of Professor Kent Lightfoot of the University of California, Berkeley. He is working closely with the Kashaya Pomo community to develop a trail which will interpret the historical aspect of the park before the Russian-American Company arrived in 1812. Dr. Lightfoot is working with State Parks to design the interpretive trail in conjunction with the California Coastal Trail being developed in the park.
The Russian Windmill
Early drawings of Fort Ross clearly show a posttype mill (stolbovka), the first such windmill built in California. The windmill symbolizes the peaceful and agricultural nature of the Fort Ross colony, and it also provides a powerful reminder of the numerous industrial advancements that the Russian people brought to California. A model of a stolbovka is now on display in the Fort Ross Visitor Center.
FRIA supports the reconstruction of a full-scale replica of the windmill constructed at Fort Ross in time for the 2012 anniversary.
Russian Cemetery
Across the gulch to the east of the fort compound, a large Russian Orthodox cross marks the site of the settlement’s cemetery. In 1990 the University of Wisconsin and California State Parks conducted an archaeological investigation of the historic Russian cemetery. One hundred thirty-one Orthodox burials were identified, including a large number of women and children. The graves are marked with simple temporary Orthodox wooden crosses.
DEATH IN THE DAILY LIFE OF THE ROSS COLO[...]
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