Transparency
RED BLUFF, Calif. — Michael Oliver never imagined his passion for history and education would make him a trailblazer in California’s State Park system. As the first person with a disability to secure an internship within the state’s parks, Oliver is gaining valuable experience and paving the way for others.
Oliver, an intern at Ide Adobe State Historic Park in Red Bluff, enthusiastically embraced his role. “I was interested more in the educational aspect,” Oliver said. “My degree covers social studies, and I would love to teach one day. I thought this would be a good experience to show that I can educate children and provide customer service to visitors who want to learn about California’s history.”
A typical day for Oliver includes inspecting park grounds, rehearsing notes for homestead tours, and engaging with visitors. He also assists with school field trips, where he teaches children about woodworking and other historical skills. “Today, we had candle making, the schoolhouse, and the woodshop,” he shared. “We taught kids how to make an actual puzzle in the woodshop, and it was really fun for them.”
Oliver’s commitment to his work is evident in the way he stays motivated. “The whole environment is motivational in itself,” he said. “Teaching people about their own history is amazing. There are so many things I didn’t even know about this area. It makes Red Bluff feel as significant as any place in the world.”
Senior Park Aide Veronica Lamoureaux praised Oliver’s contributions to the team. “He’s been a great addition, not only because of his love for history but also his willingness to do any task we ask, whether it’s picking up trash or leading kids in woodworking,” she said. “He does both with a smile on his face.”
One of Oliver’s most cherished experiences came when a visitor recalled a fond memory from three decades ago. “He told me he had one of the best experiences here 30 years ago,” Oliver recalled. “That showed me how important it is to have passionate educators. People remember those moments.”
The road to his internship wasn’t easy. “This was the first time California State Parks joined with a vendor like Mains’l,” said Kimberly Walley, a key figure in establishing the partnership. “It took months of back-and-forth with legal departments and planning, but Michael is pioneering a path for others with disabilities to have similar opportunities.”
Oliver hopes his presence in the parks will lead to more inclusive hiring practices. “I believe everyone has potential,” he said. “People shouldn’t be held back just because of a disability. I want to push as high as I can, and if that helps open doors for others, then I’m all for it.”
Looking ahead, Oliver has ideas for expanding park programs, including lessons on the region’s biodiversity and forgotten occupations. “There are so many untold stories in this area,” he said. “I’d love to bring more themes and educational opportunities to highlight what California once had before industrialization.”
For those considering a state park internship, Oliver’s advice is simple: “Keep an open mind and don’t be too hard on yourself. You will fail sometimes, but failure leads to success. Stay humble, keep practicing, and most importantly, have fun.”
As Oliver continues his journey, his impact is already being felt—not just in the history he teaches, but in the history he’s making.