Rotchev House Preservation

The Rotchev House Preservation and Restoration project preserves, interprets and enhances understanding and appreciation of one of the oldest remnants of early European contact in colonial California. 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. With the preservation of this building we address the ongoing need for Fort Ross history to be understood through the accurate preservation of a an authentic historic building. It is our aim to preserve this Fort Ross, California, National and Russian American treasure. Beginning with the Rotchev House Conference in February of 2003, FRIA has worked with the State of California, and national and international experts on the restoration of wooden buildings and Russian American history to formulate a furnishing plan and raise funds to preserve this unique structure.We will continue to raise funds to create the house museum which will showcase rare 19th century construction details, portray the importance of family life at Fort Ross, and highlight Russia's contributions to early California history.

As an original Russian-built structure restored and furnished to portray the life of the family who actually lived in it, the preserved and furnished Rotchev home will tell the story of one of the many families who gave the settlement life. Here visitors will be able to see the Russian settlement in California through the eyes of the last Fort Ross manager and his family. The life of the Rotchevs will give a glimpse of the settlement’s children, as well as the high level of culture, the scientific and artistic pursuits, and the technology that the Fort Ross officials brought to California in the first half of the 19th century.

Preservation and Furnishing Brochure

Furnishing Details

Rotchev House Preservation & Furnishing Report

Furnishing Plan - Excerpts on the History

Furnishing Plan - Excerpts Room by Room Checklist of Furnishings and Interior Features

Selected images from the Rotchev House Album

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