Forgotten Tales of California: The Russian-American Company and Fort Ross
An online lecture by Robin Joy Wellman
Chartered under Emperor Paul I, the Russian-American Company was a state-sponsored fur trading venture that established colonies in Alaska and California. In 1812, a company outpost called Colony Ross was founded on the coast of California. The story of this settlement, unknown to many, is an intriguing narrative of a meeting and melding of cultures. As one of the most culturally diverse settlements along North America’s western shores at that time, Fort Ross helped shape early California.
Robin Joy Wellman, long-time educator at Fort Ross State Historic Park, will explore the story of the settlement and its historical context. She will discuss the diverse populations that came together at Fort Ross and their roles in relation to the Russian-American Company. The presentation will map the neighborhoods surrounding the fort and what they might have looked like; it will delve into stories of intermarriage and everyday life; and will detail the many “firsts” that took place at Fort Ross and their impact on California’s history (for example, the first windmill west of the Mississippi). Wellman will also examine settlement’s story in the broader context of international trade – the Spanish, Mexican, and Chinese trade, and commercial transactions with Boston, New York, and England. Lastly, the lecture will address Fort Ross’s legacy today, as an example of shared history between Russia and the United States, and its enduring significance within academic, diplomatic, and religious spheres.
Want to watch the lecture but can’t attend the live stream?
No problem! Fill out this form and we will send you a link to the recording.
About the Speaker
Robin Joy Wellman spent 30 years working at Fort Ross and continues to be actively involved in the telling and sharing of its story, including the natural and cultural details of the landscape, everyday colonial life, and the international commercial trade. In her work as the lead coordinator for natural and cultural history interpretation at Fort Ross, she worked closely with museums, universities, history institutes, and thousands of schools. Additionally, she has collaborated with members from various tribes (e.g. Kashaya, Coast Miwok, Dry Creek Pomo, Sakha) in projects relating Northwest Pacific history, and has hosted diplomats, international scholars, and other dignitaries at Fort Ross. In 2012, for the Fort Ross Bicentennial, Robin was Chair for the California State Parks, organizing over 38 events and was awarded the designation of “State Park Interpreter of the Year for California State Parks,” adding to the many other awards received in recognition of her work in historic interpretation. Robin has presented internationally at venues including the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Geographical Society, American Embassy in St. Petersburg and Moscow, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow, and UNESCO World Heritage Center in Paris. Her work on the collection of ethnographic objects from California was published by the Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (the Kunstkamera).
Connecting With Zoom
This virtual lecture is presented live via Zoom. Registered users will be emailed a link to join this Zoom program. To get started, please download Zoom on your chosen device and explore the Frequently Asked Questions.
This program will be recorded and posted to the museum’s YouTube channel.
Image source: https://kpravda.ru/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/fort-ros-1-768×573.jpg