FOLSOM — Tucked into a quiet Folsom neighborhood, the Murer House and Gardens stands as both a treasured historic landmark and a vibrant community resource. Since 1997, the Murer House Foundation (MHF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has preserved and operated the site on behalf of the City of Folsom—ensuring its legacy continues to serve current and future generations.
Built in 1925 by Italian immigrant Giuseppe “Joe” Murer, the property reflects the rich Italian heritage that helped shape Folsom’s early identity and continues today through its Sister City relationship with Pieve del Grappa, Italy. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places in 2022, the site holds both local and national significance.
Today, the Murer House is far more than a preserved home—it is a dynamic center for cultural education and community engagement. Through Italian language and cooking classes, bocce tournaments, seasonal celebrations, and hands-on garden programs, the Foundation offers meaningful opportunities for residents to connect with history, culture, and one another.
However, as community interest continues to grow, so do the demands on the site. The current Learning Center—long the hub of classes and programming—can no longer adequately support the expanding needs of the community. At the same time, the Foundation faces increasing operational and maintenance costs associated with preserving a historic property while delivering high-quality educational experiences.
To meet these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability, the Murer House Foundation is launching a major capital campaign to build a new, state-of-the-art Learning Center. Architectural plans are already in place for a modern facility that will include expanded classroom space, a commercial kitchen for culinary instruction, and improved accommodations for staff and volunteers.
This new facility represents a critical investment—not only in infrastructure, but in the future of cultural preservation, education, and community life in Folsom. With enhanced space and resources, the Foundation will be able to grow its programs, serve more participants, and deepen its role as a regional destination for Italian culture and heritage.
The Murer House experience extends beyond its classrooms. The surrounding gardens—home to century-old walnut, hazelnut, chestnut, and fruit trees—reflect Murer’s love of the land and continue to supply ingredients for cooking classes today. Seasonal plantings of Italian vegetables, herbs, and flowers create a living connection between past and present, while annual events such as Lavender Day, Camellia Day, bocce tournaments, and cultural celebrations invite the public to engage with the site year-round.
Volunteers play an essential role in sustaining this environment, contributing their time and expertise to maintain the gardens and support programming. Open to the public on the first Saturday of each month, the Murer House, museum, and grounds offer an accessible and enriching experience for visitors of all ages.
Now, the Foundation is calling on the community to help carry this legacy forward. The success of the new Learning Center depends on broad community support—from individual donors and local businesses to participants who value the unique experiences the Murer House provides.
Supporting this effort is more than a donation—it is an investment in preserving history, expanding educational opportunities, and strengthening community connections for generations to come.
The Murer House Foundation is inviting the community to be part of its future with a Festa & Learning Center Fundraising Dinner set for Thursday, June 25 at the Bacchus House in Folsom.
The special evening will celebrate Italian culture while raising funds to support the construction of a new Learning Center, featuring dinner, raffles, and a silent auction, with all proceeds benefiting the project. Tickets and additional event information are available at murerhousefoundation.org. Those unable to attend can still support the campaign through tax-deductible donations made online or by mail to the Murer House Foundation, 1125 Joe Murer Court, Folsom, CA 95630. For more information, contact 916-413-9231 or emailinfomurerhouse@gmail.com.
Festa & Learning Center Fundraising Dinner
Thursday, June 25
Bacchus House, FolsomJoin the Murer House Foundation for a special evening celebrating Italian culture while supporting the construction of a new Learning Center. The event will feature dinner, raffles, and a silent auction, with all proceeds benefiting this important community project.
Tickets & Event Information: murerhousefoundation.org
Make a tax-deductible donation: Support the Learning Center campaign online or by mail.
Mail donations to:
Murer House Foundation
1125 Joe Murer Court
Folsom, CA 95630Contact:
916-413-9231
infomurerhouse@gmail.com
Giuseppe “Joe” Murer, the man behind the legacy
Giuseppe “Joe” Murer’s story is one of craftsmanship, ambition, and lasting impact on the city of Folsom.
Born in 1885 in Crespano del Grappa, Italy, Murer trained as a skilled carpenter before immigrating to California in the wake of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, when demand for builders was high. Just 21 years old, he arrived with determination and quickly became part of Folsom’s growing community.
Over the years, Murer helped shape the town both physically and socially. He built and operated businesses along Sutter Street, including the Folsom Hotel, and contributed to important civic structures such as the firehouse and post office. He also served as Chief of the Folsom Volunteer Fire Department and was active in local organizations.
In 1925, Murer began construction on his own home along Folsom Boulevard—the house that now anchors the Murer House and Gardens. Designed in the Italianate style of his homeland, the home reflected both traditional European influence and forward-thinking innovation, with features like thick concrete walls for natural cooling and finely crafted built-in cabinetry.
More than a residence, the home symbolized Murer’s identity: a blend of Italian heritage and American opportunity. Today, it stands as a testament to the immigrant experience and the role individuals like Murer played in shaping Folsom’s character.
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