Vroom: Toys on the Go

“Vroom: Toys on the Go” features items from the extensive collection of the late Steve Castelli. Over the years Steve amassed an extraordinary collection that ranges from bikes, tricycles, pedal cars, models, remote-controlled boats, farm machinery, fire engines, tether cars and hot rods, to toy wagons, airplanes and trains. His collection still includes his own childhood toy trucks from the 1940’s and 50’s in pristine condition. It is curated by Steve's daughter, Tina Castelli.

This year, the Castelli exhibition is enhanced by a model train display by another collector friend of the Museum. Model Train enthusiast Wayne Padd has set up a festive vintage model Lionel Train set and village, including a scale model of the Healdsburg railroad depot. The O-scale train will be running to delight visitors of all ages.

New Dynamic Public Art Project at the Healdsburg Museum

The Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society is excited to announce the completion of a dynamic public art project at the Healdsburg Museum, located at 221 Matheson Street. This project, featuring colorful graphic banners and exterior lighting, energizes the building’s facade with placemaking elements visible during both day and night. The Healdsburg Museum occupies the former Carnegie Library, a Neo-Classical Revival building incorporating imposing columns, stairs, and a large pediment typical of civic buildings of the era. The structure housed the city’s library from 1911–1990 and is a cherished landmark in the center of town. A series of community listening sessions in Spring 2022 highlighted a need to increase visibility of the Museum and to expand its purpose as a resource for research and education beyond the traditional four walls of the building. to its exterior where it could engage residents and visitors alike. This feedback inspired a proposal to engage residents and visitors with artwork on the exterior of the building.

In May 2023, the Healdsburg Museum was selected as one of eight recipients of the City of Healdsburg’s inaugural Public Art Grant. The Museum commissioned JeppsonEGD, a local experiential design firm, to develop and implement this public art project. This project includes two public art components:

1. Colorful graphics for daytime placemaking: Four banners—two of which serve as double-ended art experiences—bring local storytelling to the exterior of the museum. Two banners flanking the staircase affirm the Museum’s community presence, while the other two banners showcase patterns inspired by Healdsburg’s natural and agricultural heritage. These banners celebrate hops, prunes, wine grapes—historical mainstays of Healdsburg’s agriculture—and the Russian River, which nourishes them all.

2. Illumination for nighttime experiences: Programmable LED lights wash the building’s Matheson and Fitch Street facades in a spectrum of colors, highlighting the architecture while reflecting current exhibits and special events. This nighttime display brings energy and excitement to the Museum after hours.

The Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society extends heartfelt thanks to the City of Healdsburg for the $5,000 Public Art Grant and to the Museum’s supporters, including Pamela Sher’s generous donation, which made this project possible. “We have reimagined this historic building in a fun and unexpected way, infusing new life and energy into its exterior,” said Holly Hoods, Executive Director and Curator of the Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society. “The art elements created by Noah Jeppson of JeppsonEGD respond directly to community feedback, establishing the Museum as Healdsburg's cultural heart.” Noah Jeppson, Principal of JeppsonEGD, added, “This project was a creative challenge to think of the building’s facade as a canvas for storytelling which can evolve and transform with the community. The day and night experiences complement the exhibits inside, encouraging visitation and exploration.” The public art installation is visible around the clock, with the exterior lighting frequently updated to offer fresh experiences for visitors and passersby. As May is National Preservation Month, residents and visitors are encouraged to begin their free, self-guided Historic Downtown Healdsburg Walking Tour at the Museum, now available on the Clio mobile app.

Modeling Healdsburg: Creations of a Master Woodworker

Modeling Healdsburg: Creations of a Master Woodworker

December 14, 2023 - June 2, 2024

Visitors of all ages will marvel at miniature scale models of historic Healdsburg street scenes along with full size high wheel bicycles and the first automobile in town, all handcrafted by talented woodworker Jon Lacaillade.  

Special features in the exhibition include the Healdsburg Plaza 130 years ago; Healdsburg Avenue with “tourist parking” in 1935 and a model of Fitch’s Castle, Sotoyome Rancho. Cycling enthusiasts will especially enjoy seeing four types of antique bicycles made completely of recycled wood. 

Jon studied historic photos from the Museum’s collection to construct the models and recreate the street scenes. His vintage bikes and cars reflect additional meticulous research and attention to detail. A longtime believer in the axiom, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose,” Jon’s work is even more impressive since it is predominately created with salvaged and repurposed materials. 

Healdsburg Volunteers & Visionaries

Healdsburg Volunteers & Visionaries

Highlighting the spirit of community volunteerism that has characterized and built Healdsburg. Featured highlights include: achievements of the Women’s Improvement Club, Smith Robinson and Healdsburg’s Adopted Battalion, the founding of the Healdsburg Historical Society and Museum, Healdsburg Shared Ministries, the 100th anniversary of Kiwanis, the Future Farmers of America and 4-H club, the creation of the Pomo Weavers Society and the beneficial impacts of Corazón.

Stories Behind the Structures: Preserving Healdsburg's Hidden History

Historic buildings are more than just a style of architecture. They embody the stories of the people who helped shape Healdsburg. Understanding and preserving these structures gives us a sense of place, which can inspire us to further invest in our community. The Healdsburg Museum’s annual Historic Preservation Awards recognize the efforts of those individuals whose dedication and hard work preserve these historic structures. Visit our new exhibition and our new self-guided tour to experience the Stories behind the Structures and enjoy history beyond the Museum walls.

On exhibit, Thursday July 21, 2022- Sunday January 8, 2023

Open hours: Wednesday- Sunday, 11am– 4pm. Activities for all ages.

Free admission; donation appreciated.

From Diggers Bend to River Rock: People and History of Dry Creek Rancheria

September 30, 2021- May 29, 2022

Dry Creek Rancheria is a place, a California Native people, and a wealth of stories about both. The place is located in inland northern Sonoma County. The Native people are both Dry Creek Pomo and Western Wappo. The stories begin in the long ago time when Animals were People and continue up to today. They are narratives of beauty, tragedy, family, creativity, resistance, and survival: the mundane and the remarkable. We invite you to this exhibit, curated by Dry Creek Pomo historian, Sherrie Smith-Ferri, to hear our stories for yourselves.

A joint project of the Healdsburg Museum & Historical Society and Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians, this exhibit includes baskets and other materials from the collections of Dry Creek Rancheria; the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley; Healdsburg Museum & Historical Society; members of Dry Creek Rancheria; tribal members; and many other private lenders.

This exhibit was made possible in part by the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through grant award MN-246021-OMS-20, Sonoma County Vintners Foundation, Healdsburg Tourism Improvement District, Merritt & Pamela Sher Family, Community Foundation Sonoma County, and members of the Healdsburg Museum & Historical Society.

Picturing Healdsburg

Picturing Healdsburg for webpage.jpg

February 13, 2020 -August 8, 2021

Images of iconic Healdsburg places as seen through the lens of local photographers; past and present. On display are historic and contemporary photos of the Healdsburg Plaza, Russian River, Fitch Mountain, and more, captured by professional as well as amateur photographers. Antique cameras and photographic equipment from the exceptional collections of Joseph Downing in the 1870s, Mervyn Silberstein in the early 1900s, and Al Loebel in early to mid-century, are also prominently featured.

Pomo & Pioneers: Early Healdsburg History

pomo baskets.jpg

This exhibit highlights examples of local Native American Pomo basketry in the Museum's collection. Pomo basket weavers of the Sonoma County region are recognized as being some of the finest basket makers in the world.

This exhibit also showcases photos and artifacts associated with pioneer Healdsburg settlers, including Henry and Josefa Fitch, Cyrus and Rufina Alexander, Harmon Heald and Col. Lewis Norton.

Healdsburg's Architectural Heritage

2018-1903 Queen Anne Cottage.jpg

“Healdsburg’s Architectural Heritage” 5/3 – 11/11

Watch the video.

Exhibition Description:  The history and character of an area are reflected in its architecture.  Founded in 1857, Healdsburg’s residential development included Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, Craftsman, and Neoclassic homes. The Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society has honored many local buildings with Historic Preservation Awards since 1996.  This exhibition highlights these historic treasures of Healdsburg architecture and the character-defining elements that exemplify these styles.