A close look at history on Heritage Day

The main attraction is the stone house Marsh built for his wife, Abby, and their daughter, Alice, in 1856. Ground-floor windows in the structure will be opened, and the public will be able to walk right up to the building and look at some of the 7,000 square feet of space inside.

“It won’t be possible to enter the building because the stabilization work is still going on, but the windows are six feet tall and provide a good view of the rooms inside,” said Trust Executive Director Rick Lemyre.

Heritage Day will also include music by the Brentwood Concert Band under the direction of Carey Hurst and Sue Stuart. Reminiscent of days when community bands performed in public places including the Stone House, the band will play period pieces like those performed in the late 19th and early- to mid-20th centuries.

Another first for this year’s event will be an exploration of parts of the park usually only visited by cattle. A guided hike will allow visitors to enjoy more of the landscape, wildlife and views in the park, which is planned to eventually include 70 miles of trails.

“There’s so much about the history and the nature of the park we’d like to share, and we’re really only scratching the surface with a six-hour event,” Lemyre said. “We want people to know about the possibilities and hopefully build the support needed to get the park open year-round.”

Like last year, admission to Heritage Day will be free, although donations to help support the Trust and the park will be welcomed. A $5 suggested donation for the hike will help cover costs, and root beer floats and hot dogs will be available for purchase.

The event is cohosted by California State Parks.

Marsh Creek State Park is located at 21789 Marsh Creek Road, in Brentwood.

For more information, call 925-286-4591 or email ricklemyre@gmail.com.