The Sonoma Historian

The Sonoma Historian is the quarterly journal of the Sonoma County Historical Society, publishing original research, local histories, book reviews, and notes on historic sites, collections, and events throughout the county. Each issue highlights people, places, and themes from across Sonoma County, along with news and updates about the Historical Society’s programs and partnerships.

Latest Issue

2026 Sonoma Historian no. 1.indd

The Winter 2026 issue of Sonoma Historian explores Sonoma County’s past through the lens of disability history while highlighting the work of local historians and cultural organizations.

Inside, readers will find coverage of Finding History Day 2025, news and updates from the Heritage Network and local history community, and features examining Petaluma’s long-overlooked Chinatown, the role of lore in shaping early Sonoma County histories, and new approaches to interpretation in museums. The issue also includes a look at the Sonoma Developmental Center’s past and home cemetery, preservation efforts tied to the site, and brief reports on current projects and initiatives across the county.

History of the Sonoma Historian

First published in December 1962 as The Journal of the Sonoma County Historical Society, the publication began as a simple, stapled newsletter. Over time it grew into a themed historical journal, and in 2002 it was renamed the Sonoma Historian. Today it is produced by an editorial team led by Marie Thomas McNaughton and Kyle Torr, with art direction by Jared Height.

The Sonoma Historian welcomes submissions from Society and community members. If you have local research to share, an article in progress, or a review of a recent history book, we invite you to get in touch. The journal is published four times a year, with submission deadlines on March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1. Queries and proposals may be sent to editor Marie McNaughton at info@sonomacountyhistory.org.

Sonoma Historian Index

The cumulative index to the Sonoma County Historical Society’s Sonoma Historian (2002-present), and its predecessor, The Journal (1962-2001). This index incorporates an index maintained by the Sonoma State University Library Special Collections department for the Historical Society supplemented by entries in the Library’s Local History Index.
View the Index

Sonoma Historian and The Journal Index: 1962-2025

Click on a link below to explore past volumes of the Sonoma Historian and The Journal.

View the Full Index