The Fort Ross Interpretive Association

An Introduction

The Fort Ross Interpretive Association (FRIA) is a California State Park Cooperating Association whose mission is to support California State Parks. It was formed to promote the educational and interpretive activities at Fort Ross State Historic Park.

FRIA operates a museum bookstore in the Visitor Center at Fort Ross State Park which specializes in a wide selection of books, interpretive materials and gifts relating to the natural and cultural history of Fort Ross, California, the Pacific Rim and Russian America. FRIA has published a number of books and brochures about the cultural and natural history of Fort Ross, and the association publishes a bi-monthly Fort Ross newsletter. The association maintains and adds to the library and archives at Fort Ross, and develops revolving exhibits and displays for the Visitor Center. Occasional seminars and classes are offered relating to the cultural and natural history of the area. The FRIA Ranch Committee is currently restoring the Call Ranch House and Gardens at Fort Ross with the goal of opening it as a house museum within the next few years. The Russian Committee is focusing efforts on restoration projects relating to the historic Russian built structure, The Rotchev House. The Indian Committee is working on further defining the interpretive theme regarding the Native American presence at Fort Ross.

There are over 400 members of the Fort Ross Interpretive Association. Your membership entitles you to use the Fort Ross Library, receive a 10% discount in the Museum Bookstore, receive a semi-monthly newsletter filled with articles by local and international historians and experts, plus up-to-date information on upcoming events. Members vote to select the Board of Directors. The FRIA Board of Directors meets six times a year at Fort Ross on the second Saturday of February, April, June, August, October and December. Members are welcome to attend the meetings. People interested in Fort Ross are encouraged to join the Fort Ross Interpretive Association. Your interest, expertise and volunteer energy are encouraged. Join us!

Mission Statement

The mission of the Fort Ross Interpretive Association, Incorporated, is to promote for the benefit of the public the interpretive and educational activities of the California Park Service and Fort Ross State Historic Park.

                                      Goals and Objective

To enhance and conserve the interpretive and educational resources of   Fort Ross State Historic Park, as well as those of the State Park Service.

To sponsor, publish, distribute, and sell appropriate items which increase visitor understanding and appreciation of Fort Ross State Historic Park.

To acquire materials and equipment for use in the educational and interpretive programs of Fort Ross State Historic Park.

To develop and maintain a library.

To preserve historical material associated with Fort Ross State Historic Park, and to provide and maintain adequate and secure storage facilities in an archival sound environment.

To sponsor, support, and assist scientific research and investigations relating to Fort Ross and presentation of these studies to the public.

To promote interpretation that reflects current research.

To plan, organize, and implement fund raising programs to support the interpretive and educational activities of Fort Ross State Historic Park and of the State Park Service.