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. (Alexander Rotchev's Study is pictured.)

The Rotchev House preservation has received generous support from the Sonoma County Landmarks Commission which funded the initial conference of Russian wooden building and furnishing experts, the preparation of a furnishing plan, and the replacement of all of the decayed doors and windows with handcrafted, historically accurate reproductions. California State Parks Cultural Stewardship Grant funds were allocated for analysis of original wooden elements and finishes, conservation of original logs, upgrading the electrical system, and stabilization of the fireplace. The California Cultural and Historical Endowment ensured the crucial final phase of preservation so that the building could be furnished with exhibits. It has also funded the first steps of the exhibition – the installation of security and environmental measures, the construction of historic replica interior doors and security barriers, and the installation of historic painted sailcloth wall coverings in the two showcase rooms. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is now funding the architectural drawings for exhibits and Russian-English museum panels, website tour, and exhibit catalog. The National Endowment for the Humanities is funding research and construction of the Rotchev House exhibits. Staff: Sarjan Holt, grant administrator, and Lyn Kalani, project director. CONTACT US

Donated funds are supporting the purchase of exhibit objects and there is a display of those already acquired in the Fort Ross Visitor Center. Additional support for purchasing objects is being actively pursued. A brochure about the progress of the project, and the type of exhibit materials needed, is available. CONTACT US

Excerpt Rotchev House Museum Catalog Rotchev bio

Rotchev House Video

Excerpt Rotchev House Museum Catalog notes about the historic structure

Excerpt Rotchev House Museum Catalog Furnishing Resources

Excerpt Rotchev House Museum Catalog Acknowledgements

Selected images from the Rotchev House Album

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