Preston Castle Foundation stewards Preston Castle, the historic Preston School of Industry in Ione, California. The Foundation facilitates public access to the site through a variety of curated experiences that highlight the building’s architecture, history, and cultural significance.
Public Guided Tours present a docent-led, 1.5-hour exploration of the first and second floors and the basement, offering historical context and documented stories about the institution. Public Self Guided Tours allow visitors to move at their own pace through restored porches, the on-site museum, and notable architectural details of the Romanesque Revival structure while connecting with knowledgeable docents when available. Public Paranormal Investigations are organized as intensive, 7-hour events with limited participation (15 spots), offering a structured investigation of reported phenomena. Seasonal events include The Haunt, a themed haunted attraction run at Preston Castle, and Christmas at the Castle, a period holiday presentation featuring tours, photos with Santa, and seasonal gift shop items.
The Foundation works with trained docents and event staff to deliver consistent visitor experiences and clear pre-visit information, booking requirements, and participant limits. All programming centers on the building’s documented history, architectural preservation, and curated public events that provide educational and experiential access to this distinctive historic site.