Our Mission
The mission of the Historical Society and Museum of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is to identify, collect, preserve, document, exhibit, and interpret material evidence and information of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The purpose of the organization is to promote pride and loyalty in its employees, maintain its traditions of service, and preserving the organization's history for the benefit and education of CDFFP employees and the people of the State of California.
Our History:
In 2001, a group of retired California Department of Forestry employees formed the Historical Society and Museum and became the first Board of Directors.
In 2005, we opened our first display room and organizational offices at the San Bernardino Cal Fire Headquarters. Today we own a "working fleet" of 7 fully restored vintage CDF fire engines which are available around the State for use in parades and at Department events. We also manage displays at multiple locations including Clark Training Center, Fresno/Kings Unit, and the Cal Fire Academy.
We are an all-volunteer, non-profit 501(c)3 organization, and rely solely on donations to sustain our operations. Our Board now consists of eleven retired employees safeguarding our history and heritage:
- Jan Newman, Museum Manager
- Lee Delap, Assistant Manager
- Ray Snodgrass, Treasurer
- Stephanie Regis, Secretary
- Michael Bowman, Director
- Frank Clark, Director
- Jarrel B. Glover, Director
- Elizabeth Groom, Director
- Kim Pennington, Director
- Jessie Torres, Director
- Tom Wilson, Director