Columbia State Historic Park; a portal back in time
Do you ever crave a break from the modern hustle and bustle, longing for a taste of history and adventure? If you share a fasciation for the days when prospectors roamed the hills in search of glittering gold, then let me take you on a journey to Columbia State Historic Park—a town that time forgot but history remembers.
Discovering the Diggins 1852
When I was in public school, the only history I ever learned about was the California Gold Rush… Little did I know that one day, I would find myself immersed in the very heart of that historic era. On May 21, 2023, my family and I went to the Diggins event at Columbia State Historic Park, expecting a typical glimpse into the past. What awaited me was beyond my wildest expectations.
So much more than I thought
Columbia wasn’t just a collection of preserved buildings and dusty artifacts; it was a living, breathing testament to the 1850s. As I wandered through the town, I passed by many individuals dressed in authentic 1850s attire, their speech and actions transporting me back in time. It wasn’t merely a reenactment; it was a full-blown immersion into the Gold Rush era.
Up close demonstration of the tools of the era
One striking scene involved a lady wielding an ollldd iron from the 1800s. Crafted entirely from iron, she explained how it functioned—placed over an open flame to heat up, much like our modern irons. Witnessing this live demonstration amidst a crowd, I couldn’t help but marvel at the resilience and resourcefulness of those who lived during the Gold Rush.
Becoming a park helper
Enchanted by the experience, a question lingered in my mind: Could I be a part of this living history? Seeking an answer, I turned to my mother, who shared the possibility of becoming a docent—a volunteer role within state parks. The concept of donning period clothing and immersing myself in the Gold Rush lifestyle instantly captivated me.
For months, the idea of becoming a docent lingered in the back of my mind. It wasn’t until one unexpected morning that my mom enthusiastically revealed, “SO YEA I SIGNED YOU UP FOR THAT DOCENT THINGY :-)” My initial hesitation melted away when I learned that both my sister and mom would join me on this adventure. Suddenly, the prospect of volunteering as a docent in Columbia seemed like a family affair.
As the days unfolded, excitement bubbled within me, anticipating the events and activities that awaited me as a member, not just a visitor. In my next post, I’ll share the details of my docent training process, recounting the steps that led me to earn the coveted title of a Columbia docent.
Stay tuned for my adventures as a docent!
Join me on this journey through time, and who knows, you might be inspired to embark on your own adventure to Columbia State Historic Park, where history comes to life in the most enchanting way possible. Don’t miss out—it’s a trip you won’t regret.
Resources
- Friends of Columbia State Historic Park Website
- California Department of Parks and Recreation
- Columbia State Historic Park Events
- How to Become a Volunteer For CSHP
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4 responses to “Visiting the incredible Columbia State Historic Park”
This is so awesome! What an interesting & informative article! It is so cool when history comes to life. I’m happy you get to experience it in such a fun & immersive way, while learning so many other things from volunteering. What a great mom you have for signing y’all up!
Yes! I agree! History is one of my very favorite subjects. It’s so awesome to be able to experience it all up close. And yess!! My mom is amazing!!! =D
I often think about how life would be better for everyone if we all just slowed down and lived a simpler life. Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m looking forward to learning more about what life was like back then!
Yeah. The simpler the calmer. My next post will be about my sister and I in the Sonora Christmas Parade! Hopefully next year I’ll be able to participate in the Diggins myself!