SACRAMENTO — Continuing a popular series of interactive and fun “Hands on History” activities, Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park will present a special “Hands on History: The Role of Women on the Frontier” event on Saturday, March 17.

During the special event, Fort visitors will quickly realize that emigrant women were not well-to-do Victorian ladies with pretty clothes who lived a life of leisure. In contrast, simply getting enough hot water to wash their faces in the morning was an effort. And, pioneer women were vital economic partners in families and many even set up their own businesses selling eggs, milk, or baked goods to neighbors and travelers.

In Mexican California, women were also allowed to own property, which gave them increased economic and political leverage over the conditions they experienced in the States. Many interactive activities await “Hands on History” visitors, too. Fort guests will learn how to bake, churn butter, prepare large meals and cook with ironware. Interested children will have the opportunity to write on a slate, have penmanship lessons, read from a 19th century primer and participate in a fun “History Hunt” with a complimentary coloring book as a prize.

For more information about this special “Hands on History” event, or other events and activities at Sutter’s Fort SHP, call 916-445-4422 or visit www.suttersfort.org