LOCAL HISTORY IN WEST SONOMA COUNTY

West Sonoma County Museum
The history of the rural west county is featured in a former electric railway depot with photographic archive of 8000 images. Sat-Sun, 11:00am-2:00pm.
261 South Main St., Sebastopol, CA
www.wschs.org/museum/

Luther Burbank Experiment Farm
World-renowned botanist developed many of his trees and plants at this 17-acre farm. Three acres have been preserved and are open to the public during daylight hours. Check the website for events. Self-serve plant sales. Free.
7777 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol, CA
www.wschs.org/farm/

Enmanji Buddhist Temple
Built for the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, the main worship space was donated to the Buddhist Mission of North America. Visitors are welcome to services and special events.
1200 Gravenstein Hwy. South, Sebastopol, CA
www.enmanjitemple.com

Sturgeon’s Mill
This old steam-driven saw mill’s blades turn and wood is milled on four weekends each year. Check website for current schedule. Free.
2150 Greenhill Road, Sebastopol, CA
www.sturgeonsmill.com

Laguna de Santa Rosa Environmental Center
Pathways with interpretive signs about natural and human history, native plants, children’s playscape, observation deck for bird watching, photography or contemplation. Mon-Fri, 9:00am-5:00pm, by appointment.
900 Sanford Rd, Santa Rosa, CA
www.lagunafoundation.org

Pond Farm Pottery
Marguerite Wildenhain, master Bauhaus ceramist and last member of a bohemian arts colony, taught summer-long classes from 1949 to 1952 and continued to work here until her death in 1985. National Historic Landmark features her workshop and home. Tours third Saturdays, Apr-Oct. Reservations required. Fee.
17010 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville, CA
www.pondfarm.org

LOCAL HISTORY IN SOUTH SONOMA COUNTY

Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
Housed in the great Carnegie Library that served Petaluma to 1976, permanent exhibit upstairs focuses on the history of the city, including its key role in the poultry industry. Changing exhibits downstairs. Thurs-Sun, 10:00am-4:00pm. Free.
20 4th St., Petaluma, CA
www.petalumamuseum.com

Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park
Mariano Vallejo constructed this large two-story adobe ranch house in 1836, now a National Historic Landmark. Explore curated buildings and grounds. Open most days, 10:00am-5:00pm. Small fee.
3295 Old Adobe Road, Petaluma, CA
www.sonomaparks.org/location/petaluma-adobe/

Northwestern Pacific Railroad Historical Society
An extensive archive of Northern California railroad history plus rebuilt historic railroad cars. Thursdays, 10:00am-3:00pm.
75 Magnolia Ave., Petaluma, CA
www.nwprrhs.org

Penngrove Power & Implement Museum
Discover the world of machinery: a piston aircraft engine, large static diesel engine, train, agricultural equipment, vehicles and antique campers. First and third Saturdays, 10:00am-2:00pm. On Power Up Day all running equipment is operated. Check the website. Free.
200 Phillips Dr., Penngrove, CA
www.facebook.com/penngrovepower/

Cotati Historical Museum
The history of the Cotati area is illustrated in collections and exhibits in this museum located inside Cotati City Hall, formerly a 1920s school building. Saturdays, 1:00pm-4:00pm. Free.
201 West Sierra Ave., Cotati, CA
https://cotatimuseum.org

Cotati Plaza
Noted hexagonal city center is a California Historic Landmark; park and gardens feature permanent art installations, festivals, and music events.
www.cotaticity.gov

LOCAL HISTORY IN EAST COUNTY/SONOMA VALLEY

Depot Park Museum
Operated by the Sonoma Valley Historical Society, this reconstructed train depot features Native life and 19th century settlement, the Bear Flag Revolt, art and culture. Reopening Spring 2025. Free.
270 First Street West, Sonoma, CA
www.sonomavalleyhistory.org

Sonoma Plaza
This National Historic Landmark is one of the largest in the west. The park is the site of the Bear Flag Revolt during which local Americans overthrew Mexican rule, creating the California Republic for 35 days in 1846.
75 East Spain St., Sonoma, CA
www.sonomacity.org/the-plaza/

Sonoma State Historic Park
Open nearly every day, 10:00am-5:00pm. One fee for all locations, plus Petaluma Adobe.
www.sonomaparks.org

Mission San Francisco Solano
The last of the 21 Spanish missions built in California, established in 1823. The adobe chapel was built in 1841.
110 East Spain St., Sonoma, CA

Sonoma Barracks and Toscano Hotel
1840s housing for Mexican troops, 1850s workers hotel, bar and restaurant.
70 East Spain St., Sonoma, CA

General Vallejo Home
The house and grounds of Californio Mariano Vallejo offer the opportunity to visit an authentic California-style Victorian home. Be sure to find the turtle pond in the back.
300 West Spain St., Sonoma, CA

Buena Vista Winery
Established in 1857 by Hungarian Agoston Haraszthy, the California State Landmark is ideal for exploring the state’s wine history. Interactive Wine Tool Museum. Picnicking is free. Events, tours, tastings for a fee.
1800 Old Winery Road, Sonoma, CA
www.buenavistawinery.com

Jack London State Historic Park
1565-acre memorial to the writer and adventurer includes London’s cottage and grave, Wolf House ruins, House of Happy Walls Museum, ranch buildings, extensive hiking and riding trails, lake, ancient redwoods. Daily (except Christmas), park 9-5, museum 10:00am-5, cottage 12:00pm-4:00pm. Day use fee.
2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, CA
www.jacklondonpark.com

CENTRAL SONOMA COUNTY SANTA ROSA

Museum of Sonoma County
The MSC offers both history and art. From traditional Native life to current events, the permanent and rotating exhibits provide insights to local history. A separate building houses changing art exhibitions. Wed-Sun, 11:00am-5:00pm. Fee.
425 Seventh St., Santa Rosa, CA
www.museumsc.org

Luther Burbank Home & Gardens
The prolific plant developer lived here from 1878 to his death in 1926. The National Historic Landmark grounds are open during daylight hours for free. The gift shop, museum, with tours, are usually open Tues-Sun, Apr-Oct, 10:00am-4:00pm (last tour 3:30:00pm).
204 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, CA
www.lutherburbank.org

Santa Rosa Jr. College Multicultural Museum
Featuring highly acclaimed local Indian baskets, the museum celebrates the diverse cultural achievements of human expression in material form. Check website for hours, campus directions and parking information. Fee.
Bussman Hall, 1501 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, CA
https://museum.santarosa.edu

Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery
The Rural Cemetery is the city’s oldest. Brochures and information are available from kiosks at each entrance. Open daylight hours. Volunteers lead free scheduled walks. Popular Lamplight Tours are ticketed.
1600 Franklin Ave., Santa Rosa, CA
www.srcity.org/1044/Santa-Rosa-Rural-Cemetery

Charles M. Schulz Museum & Research Center
The museum highlights the work of the world-famous cartoonist and Sonoma County resident (from 1958 to his death in 2000). The museum features original strips, rotating exhibits, Schulz’s life story, and a children’s art room. Check for seasonal hours. Fee. Gift shop, gallery and ice arena nearby.
2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa, CA
www.schulzmuseum.org

Redwood Empire Live Steamers
Experience the history of old-time railroading on this riding scale-model railroad. First full weekend of each month May-October, 12:00am-4:00am. Donation.
1701 Fulton Road, Santa Rosa, CA
www.redwoodempirels.org

Pacific Coast Air Museum
PCAM offers a fleet of historic aircraft, extensively interpreted. Includes one of the first F-15A Eagle fighters to arrive in New York on 9/11/2001 and the historic hangar through which an airplane flew in It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad World. Wed-Sun, 10:00am-4:00pm. Fee. Flight simulator is extra.
One Air Museum Way, Santa Rosa, CA
www.pacificcoastairmuseum.org

California Indian Museum and Cultural Center
Permanent exhibit features the story of Ishi and rotating exhibits explore the history and culture of Northern California’s First Peoples. Mon-Fri, 12:00pm-4:00pm. Reservations requested. Fee.
5250 Aero Dr., Santa Rosa, CA
www.cimcc.org

LOCAL HISTORY ON THE SONOMA COAST

(And parts of Marin County)

Rancho Bodega Historical Society
The RBHS offers several exhibits in a small space and an archive of local historical items. RBHS is only open on occasion: contact the group for access.
Bodega Bay, CA
www.ranchobodega.org

Duncans Mills Historic District
The site of multiple saw mills and railroad operations, the area is now a series of galleries and shops. A few restored railroad cars and the depot are on the south side of River Road. Visit both sides of the main road.
Duncans Mills, CA
www.duncansmillsvillage.com

Metini/Fort Ross State Park
From 1812 to 1842, the furthest extent of the Russian Empire was marked by an impressive wood fort and buildings. The site of two National Historic Landmarks. Visitors can explore original and rebuilt buildings and grounds, the museum and gift shop. Open daily, 10:00am-4:30pm.
19005 Coast Highway 1, Jenner, CA
www.fortross.org

Sea Ranch Chapel and Archives
Sea Ranch Chapel is a tiny non-denominational sanctuary open to the public. Natural materials and unique design make this an unforgettable stop. Free. The private Sea Ranch Archives record the history of the area and the planned residential community. Appointments required: contact harrylindstrom@msn.com.
40033 Highway One, Sea Ranch, CA

Tomales Regional History Center
Located in a former high school gymnasium, the TRHC presents permanent and temporary exhibits about the history of the area. Lectures and events are frequently scheduled. Sat-Sun, 1:00pm-4:00pm.
26701 Highway One, Tomales, CA
www.tomaleshistory.com

Point Reyes National Seashore
The national park includes several important historical sites: the 1579 landing site of Francis Drake and the 1595 wreck of the San Agustin, California’s first shipwreck. Exhibits at the Bear Valley and Drake’s Beach Ken Patrick Visitor Centers. Park is open daily, 6:00am-midnight. Check website for visitor center hours and park fees.
www.nps.gov/pore/index.htm

LOCAL HISTORY IN NORTH SONOMA COUNTY

(And parts of Mendocino County)

Windsor Historical Museum
Housed in the historic Hembree House, WHS tells the story of the Town of Windsor, a Dust Bowl-era labor camp, WW II German POW camp, and the rise of the county’s main airport. Its first dwelling, the Cunningham House, is adjacent. Fri-Sun, 11:00am-2:00pm. Free.
9225 Foxwood Dr., Windsor, CA
www.windsorhistory.org

Healdsburg Museum
Rotating exhibits in the historic neoclassical Carnegie Library highlight Healdsburg’s past. Reopening Spring 2025. Check website for current exhibits and hours. Free.
221 Matheson St., Healdsburg, CA
www.healdsburgmuseum.org

Cloverdale History Center
Located in the Gothic Revival Victorian Gould-Shaw House, CHS features the history of the north county. A long-term exhibit highlights modern local Native American basketry. Fri-Sun, 11:00am-2:00pm. Free.
215 North Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale, CA
www.cloverdalehistoricalsociety.org

Grace Hudson Museum & Sun House
Grace Hudson (1865-1937) famously painted local Indigenous residents. Features Pomo baskets and includes bungalow-style Sun House studio. Wed-Sat, 10:00am-4:30pm, Sun 12:00pm-4:30pm. Fee.
431 South Main St., Ukiah, CA
www.gracehudsonmuseum.org

Mendocino County Museum
Located in central Mendocino County, this general interest museum offers permanent, rotating and free online exhibits. Current show features its third ImPRESSED exhibit showing large prints made by steamroller. Wed-Sat, 11:00am-5:00pm, Sun, 12:00pm-4:00pm. Fee.
400 East Commercial St., Willits, CA
www.mendocinocounty.gov/departments/museum