Posts by Elizabeth Groom

Who are we? Where did we come from? How did we get here? In 1980, the CDF produced a 20 minute training and orientation slide sync program describing the basic functions and responsibilities of the California Department of Forestry. Prior to the creation of the State’s JAC apprenticeship program, most Department training was hands-on, individually…

Unearthed at the museum today: from the October Activities section, 1956 State newsletter mentioning “recent” developments in the State’s air program:   “Following intensive use of seven “aerial tankers” (converted agricultural crop-dusting aircraft) on fires during this season, a three-day conference was held at Willows airport for evaluation purposes. This is a joint project with…

Updated Nov 2020 For the freshest news on this topic and more links, see our Nov 2020 post here The Museum collection of motion picture film includes about 850 reels (and counting) of Department produced or related 16mm films for training or public display. PLUS we recently received over 100 reels of film and film…

UPDATED list Mar 2020 This is an introductory list of the books and documents that have been cataloged so far at the CDF/Cal Fire Museum. So many generous donations of this historical reference material has come in from a variety of donors over the years, we have not been able to inventory and assemble them…

Memorial Wall Update: We received new plaques to update our memorial wall, and online listings. Wish we never had to add another name. That’s a lot of History! Working to inventory and organize our collection of Departmental annual reports and statistics, over the years, from a variety of donors going back to 1887. We hope…

A downloadable Document from the CDF Museum… written and distributed by State Forester, Merritt B. Pratt dated April 1924 describes his expectations for the duties of a State Forest Ranger. Topics range from dealing with the public (“District Rangers should always bear in mind that they are serving the public and that co-operation is the…

In the last few weeks, we have been working with staff at the Mulberry street offices to help clean out their attic of historical documents and other items in preparation for their big move to the new South Ops site. (Hopefully later this Spring). Many thanks to Shane Porter, Jan Newman, and Shayne Canady for…