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 2

The Winter 2026 issue of Sonoma Historian highlights Sonoma County’s tradition of innovation, creativity, and social change.

Inside, readers will find coverage of the 2026 Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon, updates from the Heritage Network and local history community, and news briefs on preservation efforts, including the Santa Rosa Origins Alliance and the restoration of Petaluma’s “Neon Chick” sign. Feature articles explore the life of textile designer Dorothy Wright Liebes, the rise of Petaluma’s Lachman & Jacobi Winery as a hub of innovation, the career of pioneering cartoonist Dale Messick, and the impact of disability rights advocate Anthony Tusler. The issue also examines efforts to write women back into history, a movement that helped lay the foundation for Women’s History Month.

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.
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Sonoma Historian and The Journal Index: 1962-2025

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

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