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

Sonoma Historian 2026, Vol. 64, No 3

The Summer 2026 issue of Sonoma Historian explores Sonoma County’s place in the nation’s 250th anniversary through stories of local history, preservation, and community.

Inside, readers will find updates from the Heritage Network, news briefs on local preservation efforts and historical achievements, and an examination of the endangered Carrillo Adobe site. Feature articles explore the role of slavery and coerced labor in Sonoma County’s early development, Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo’s 1876 Centennial speech, and the life of Bob Thompson, the county’s first historian. The issue also reflects on past Independence Day celebrations, Juneteenth in Sonoma County, and the meaning of America’s 250th anniversary through a local historical perspective.

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