One of Folsom’s most iconic historic landmarks is inviting community members to step inside history and help bring a nationally significant story to life. Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park is currently seeking new volunteer docents to assist with visitor engagement and education at the historic site.
Built in the late 19th century, the Folsom Powerhouse was hailed in its time as one of the great engineering achievements of the Industrial Age. In 1895, the powerhouse began transmitting electricity more than 20 miles to Sacramento, marking one of the world’s earliest and most successful examples of long-distance electrical transmission. The groundbreaking project helped place Folsom at the center of California’s early electrical innovation and continues to draw visitors interested in engineering, history, and local heritage.
Today, the park relies on volunteer docents to help interpret that history for the public. Docents serve as ambassadors for the site, welcoming visitors, guiding tours through the powerhouse and surrounding grounds, and sharing stories about the facility’s role in shaping modern power systems and the region’s development. Park staff say the opportunity is well suited for residents with an interest in history, engineering, education, or community engagement, though no prior experience is required.
Volunteers receive training and ongoing support from park staff, with flexible scheduling options designed to accommodate a range of availability. In addition to learning more about the site’s history, docents have the opportunity to meet visitors from around the world and play a role in preserving one of Folsom’s most important historic resources.
Those interested in becoming a volunteer docent are encouraged to contact Interpreter Zakary Adams by email atZakary.Adams@parks.ca.govor by phone at (916) 336-5182. Additional information and applications are available online athttps://bit.ly/PowerhouseVolunteering.
Park officials say community involvement is vital to keeping the story of the Folsom Powerhouse alive for future generations, and they hope residents will consider lending their time and enthusiasm to the effort.
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