The John Marsh Historic Trust, in partnership with Cruise One of Brentwood and Princess Cruises, recently raised more than $2,200 to help restore the John Marsh House. Friends of John Marsh cruised to Alaska on the Sea Princess this summer and each stateroom earned a donation for the Trust.

Thirty-two people ranging in age from 6 to 80-plus, were treated to presentations on the life of John Marsh, the history of the Miwok people who lived on the Marsh property, and the future plans for the state historic park – all while cruising the beautiful inside passage of Alaska and enjoying the shipboard amenities.

“It seems only fitting to visit Alaska, the place in the United States known as ‘the last frontier,’ in order to support rehabilitation efforts of one of the most historically significant structures built on the western frontier during the formation of the United States in the 1800s,” said Nancy Jameson, retired architect and local history buff. Jameson found the cruise through www.johnmarshhouse.com and has since become active with the Trust.

The John Marsh Historic Trust, in partnership with California State Parks and the City of Brentwood, with grants funded by California Cultural and Historic Endowment, is working to stabilize and restore the 1856 stone house built by pioneer Dr. John Marsh. The house will eventually be the centerpiece of a 3,900-acre historic state park. Work is currently underway to stabilize the structure and support the deteriorating exterior stone walls.

For those who were not able to sail, but would like to learn more about Marsh and the house, the Trust is planning a gala on Oct. 17 at noon at the brand-new Club Los Meganos in Brentwood. For ticket information, call Becky Bloomfield at 925-634-9463. For more information on the cruise, call Alexandra Ghiozzi 925-240-0932 or e-mailaghiozzi@cruiseone.com. For more information on John Marsh and his legacy, visit www.johnmarshhouse.com.