Healdsburg Museum Closed
Healdsburg Museum is closed for the installation of our new exhibition. We reopen on August 8th, 2024.
Healdsburg Museum is closed for the installation of our new exhibition. We reopen on August 8th, 2024.
Each summer, the Healdsburg Museum’s docents present History Talks in the Plaza on Saturday mornings at the gazebo. In 2024, programs run from June 1st to August 31st. Each Saturday there will be two presentations:
10:00 – 10:30
The Healdsburg Story
This quick overview of the town’s past is perfect for newcomers and visitors. You’ll learn the town’s history from Pomo Village to Destination Healdsburg.
10:30 – 11:30
The Healdsburg Home Front during World War II
Jerry Haag and Meredith Dreisback.
Life on the home front during WWII included dealing with labor shortages, women stepping up to support the war effort, treatment of Japanese citizens and many stories of sacrifice by solders from our hometown. Jerry Haag and Meredith Dreisback will talk about everything from the German POWs in Windsor working on our farms to Healdsburg’s own P-47. Jim Dreisback will be in full WWII army regalia and driving his WWII era Jeep.
Each summer, the Healdsburg Museum’s docents present History Talks in the Plaza on Saturday mornings at the gazebo. In 2024, programs run from June 1st to August 31st. Each Saturday there will be two presentations:
10:00 – 10:30
The Healdsburg Story
This quick overview of the town’s past is perfect for newcomers and visitors. You’ll learn the town’s history from Pomo Village to Destination Healdsburg.
10:30 – 11:30
Lost and Found Buildings
Eric Drew and Fran Schierenbeck
Eric Drew will discuss the lost buildings of Healdsburg – the old city hall, high school and many others. Then Architectural Historian Frances Schierenbeck will lead a walk around the Plaza to tell the stories of the historic buildings that remain.
Each summer, the Healdsburg Museum’s docents present History Talks in the Plaza on Saturday mornings at the gazebo. In 2024, programs run from June 1st to August 31st. Each Saturday there will be two presentations:
10:00 – 10:30
The Healdsburg Story
This quick overview of the town’s past is perfect for newcomers and visitors. You’ll learn the town’s history from Pomo Village to Destination Healdsburg.
10:30 – 11:30
Healdsburg Matriarchs: Josefa Carrillo Fitch and Isabelle Simi Haigh
Claire O’Neill and Tina Ius
Josefa Carrillo Fitch and Isabelle Simi Haigh were both young women forced to take responsibility for their family’s business interests after the deaths of the men in the family -- Josefa in the years right after the Gold Rush and Isabelle at the dawn of the 20th century. Josefa inherited the Sotoyome Land Grant and arrived in Healdsburg to find that squatters had taken over large swaths of her land. Isabelle found herself going from Queen of Healdsburg Rose Carnival to running Simi winery in a matter of a few months in 1904. She managed the winery until the early 1970s, through many ups and downs, not the least of which was the prohibition years. Hear all about the lives of these two strong women who were matriarchs of Healdsburg families.
Each summer, the Healdsburg Museum’s docents present History Talks in the Plaza on Saturday mornings at the gazebo. In 2024, programs run from June 1st to August 31st. Each Saturday there will be two presentations:
10:00 – 10:30
The Healdsburg Story
This quick overview of the town’s past is perfect for newcomers and visitors. You’ll learn the town’s history from Pomo Village to Destination Healdsburg.
10:30 – 11:30
Early Transportation: Pomo Paths to Autos
Kay Robinson and Don Anderson
Kay Robinson and Don Anderson will explore the history of transportation technology in Healdsburg, from the days of horse and buggy to how streets were laid out to the introduction of autos and finally the building of the 101 freeway. Don will focus on the time around the turn of the 20th century, when the railroad was still important but was soon overshadowed by the new-fangled automobile.
Each summer, the Healdsburg Museum’s docents present History Talks in the Plaza on Saturday mornings at the gazebo. In 2024, programs run from June 1st to August 31st. Each Saturday there will be two presentations:
10:00 – 10:30
The Healdsburg Story
This quick overview of the town’s past is perfect for newcomers and visitors. You’ll learn the town’s history from Pomo Village to Destination Healdsburg.
10:30 – 11:30
Two Views of Early-Days Healdsburg Life
Don Anderson and Claire O’Neill
Here are two views of life in Healdsburg in the years between its founding and the first World War. Don Anderson will talk about what was happening here in 1908, based on observations from the diary by his great-grandmother. Claire O’Neill will tell the story of Polly Keeler, who lived in a house on Fitch Street that Claire later inhabited. Polly’s story captured Claire’s imagination and it’s sure to pique your interest too.
Each summer, the Healdsburg Museum’s docents present History Talks in the Plaza on Saturday mornings at the gazebo. In 2024, programs run from June 1st to August 31st. Each Saturday there will be two presentations:
10:00 – 10:30
The Healdsburg Story
This quick overview of the town’s past is perfect for newcomers and visitors. You’ll learn the town’s history from Pomo Village to Destination Healdsburg.
10:30 – 11:30
Healdsburg’s Great Outdoors
Ted Calvert
Learn about Healdsburg’s Forever Wild Preserves: Fitch Mountain Park and Preserve, Healdsburg Ridge Preserve, and Riddell Preserve. Ted Calvert will share information about their trails, their plants and wildlife, and how to forage their bounty. You'll also learn about land stewardship and why we want to preserve our agricultural roots. Plus, of course, he'll remind you of all the health benefits you get from hanging out in our great outdoors.
Each summer, the Healdsburg Museum’s docents present History Talks in the Plaza on Saturday mornings at the gazebo. In 2024, programs run from June 1st to August 31st. Each Saturday there will be two presentations:
10:00 – 10:30
The Healdsburg Story
This quick overview of the town’s past is perfect for newcomers and visitors. You’ll learn the town’s history from Pomo Village to Destination Healdsburg.
10:30 – 11:30
Hops, Prunes, Grapes & Early Wineries
Don Mitchell and Dennis Hill
Healdsburg life has always revolved around agriculture, although the crops have evolved over time. You’ll learn about the arc of that history – hops, prunes, grapes and more -- from Don Mitchell. Then Dennis Hill will talk about wineries, vineyards and the family ownerships that were important in pre-prohibition and prohibition times.
Each summer, the Healdsburg Museum’s docents present History Talks in the Plaza on Saturday mornings at the gazebo. In 2024, programs run from June 1st to August 31st. Each Saturday there will be two presentations:
10:00 – 10:30
The Healdsburg Story
This quick overview of the town’s past is perfect for newcomers and visitors. You’ll learn the town’s history from Pomo Village to Destination Healdsburg.
10:30 – 11:30
For the Common Good: Medicine and One-Room School Houses
Kay Robinson and Steve Deas
Two critical aspects of the social net are medicine and education. Steve Deas will talk about the history of Healdsburg medicine, from Traditional Healers to Modern Doctors. Kay Robinson will talk about how children were educated in a plethora of small country school houses that dotted the Dry Creek Valley in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Each summer, the Healdsburg Museum’s docents present History Talks in the Plaza on Saturday mornings at the gazebo. In 2024, programs run from June 1st to August 31st. Each Saturday there will be two presentations:
10:00 – 10:30
The Healdsburg Story
This quick overview of the town’s past is perfect for newcomers and visitors. You’ll learn the town’s history from Pomo Village to Destination Healdsburg.
10:30 – 11:30
From Mayberry to Beverly Healdsburg
Joanne Taeuffer
Joanne Taeuffer will talk about the downtown area when she was young, the deterioration of the area with the coming of the freeway, the city’s decision to become a destination wine resort area in the early 1980s, and the subsequent redevelopment agency’s quest to bring an upscale hotel to the plaza area. She’ll finish with a walk around the Plaza to look at what has taken the place of her childhood Plaza memories.
Each summer, the Healdsburg Museum’s docents present History Talks in the Plaza on Saturday mornings at the gazebo. In 2024, programs run from June 1st to August 31st. Each Saturday there will be two presentations:
10:00 – 10:30
The Healdsburg Story
This quick overview of the town’s past is perfect for newcomers and visitors. You’ll learn the town’s history from Pomo Village to Destination Healdsburg.
10:30 – 11:30
Healdsburg Life In the 1950s and 60s
Jim Dreisback and Ted Calvert
This look back to an earlier version of Healdsburg will include Jim Dreisback’s tales of our small agricultural town and Ted Calvert’s recounting of the story of Smith Robinson, who led the city to adopt an army battalion of solders during the Korean War and put us on the map as an honoree of “This Is Your Life.”
Each summer, the Healdsburg Museum’s docents present History Talks in the Plaza on Saturday mornings at the gazebo. In 2024, programs run from June 1st to August 31st. Each Saturday there will be two presentations:
10:00 – 10:30
The Healdsburg Story
This quick overview of the town’s past is perfect for newcomers and visitors. You’ll learn the town’s history from Pomo Village to Destination Healdsburg.
10:30 – 11:30
A Stroll Around the Plaza
Steve Deas and Fred Leoni
In this stroll, Steve Deas will introduce visitors to the Plaza’s history, its trees and the war memorial. Fred Leoni will tell the stories of our athlete heroes who are commemorated in monuments here.
Each summer, the Healdsburg Museum’s docents present History Talks in the Plaza on Saturday mornings at the gazebo. In 2024, programs run from June 1st to August 31st. Each Saturday there will be two presentations:
10:00 – 10:30
The Healdsburg Story
This quick overview of the town’s past is perfect for newcomers and visitors. You’ll learn the town’s history from Pomo Village to Destination Healdsburg.
10:30 – 11:30
Stories Behind the Buildings: Our Architectural Gems
Don Anderson and Joanne Taeuffer
Don Anderson and Joanne Taeuffer will tell the stories of some of the historic buildings in town and share self-guided walking tours you can take to see even more. Don will focus on older institutional and commercial buildings that have been adapted to new uses while retaining their architectural beauty. Joanne will talk about some of her favorite Healdsburg houses that represent local styles popular between 1850 and 1935.
Each summer, the Healdsburg Museum’s docents present History Talks in the Plaza on Saturday mornings at the gazebo. In 2024, programs run from June 1st to August 31st. Each Saturday there will be two presentations:
10:00 – 10:30
The Healdsburg Story
This quick overview of the town’s past is perfect for newcomers and visitors. You’ll learn the town’s history from Pomo Village to Destination Healdsburg.
10:30 – 11:30
2024 Family History Essay Winners (Organized by Phyllis Chiosso Liu)
The winners of the Museum’s annual Family History Essay contest will read their essays about their interviews with a family member.
The Museum will be closed May 23rd for the FFA Twilight Parade.
Join us on Saturday , May 11th from 9:30am - 12:00pm for a clean-up day at Oak Mound Cemetery.
Bring your mask, gloves, rake, broom, portable leaf blower, weedwhacker, etc.
Contact: Susan Sheehy (707) 326-2712 or susansheehy@mac.com
All ages are invited to Barbie's Birthday Bash on Saturday March 9th from 11:00am- 12:30pm at the Healdsburg Museum.
Enjoy an afternoon with raffle prizes, a photo box, Barbie bingo and refreshments. Feel free to bring your Barbie and dress in pink!
Event is free; donations are appreciated.
All ages are invited to Barbie's Birthday Bash on Saturday March 9th from 11:00am- 12:30pm at the Healdsburg Museum.
Enjoy an afternoon with raffle prizes, a photo box, Barbie bingo and refreshments. Feel free to bring your Barbie and dress in pink!
Event is free; donations are appreciated.
Led by Executive Director/Curator Holly Hoods
10:00 am -11:30 pm (Rain cancels)
201 Piper Street, Healdsburg
Tour begins and ends at Oak Mound Cemetery gate.
$20 suggested donation
Guests will be required to sign waiver to participate.
Led by Executive Director/Curator Holly Hoods
10:00 am-12:00pm (Rain cancels)
Tour begins and ends at Oak Mound Cemetery gate
FREE to Healdsburg Museum members or students/$20 for public
The Healdsburg Museum is CLOSED December 31, 2023.
The Healdsburg Museum is closed on December 24, 2023.
Modeling Healdsburg: Creations of a Master Worker is a showcase of amazing talent and creativity. 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.
Museum closed for the installation of our new exhibition, “Modeling Healdsburg: Creations of a Master Woodworker.”
Exhibition opening: December 14, 2023.
Join us for a presentation on our current exhibition, “We Are Not Strangers Here: African American Histories in Rural California" by Susan D. Anderson, History Curator, California African American Museum.
Healdsburg Museum members and Craftwork Members: $20. Non-members: $40.
Sunday, November 12, 1:00-2:30pm at CraftWork Healdsburg.
Susan D. Anderson, History Curator
California African American Museum
Join us at the Healdsburg Museum for a reception with the Curators; Susan D. Anderson, History Curator, California African American Museum, and Holly Hoods, Executive Director and Curator, Healdsburg Museum.
Free for Museum Members and invited guests.
Saturday November 11, 5:30-7:00pm.
221 Matheson Street, Healdsburg
Smith Robinson Day of Community Service
Smith and Elzora Robinson, 1953
November 6 is the first Monday of the Month- Please attend the City Council Meeting to support Wednesday November 8, 2023 being proclaimed “Smith Robinson Day of Community Service.”
Ruby Bridges Goes to School: My True Story. Elementary School Kids practice reading out loud to friendly Labrador "Biblio Bosco" with Greta Mesics.
Bosco reading with a young student.
Join us for our Healdsburg African American History Walk on Saturday October 7, 2023 from 10am-12pm. Meet at the Healdsburg Museum (221 Matheson Street, Healdsburg).
$20 per person. $10 for Museum members. Tickets are limited. RSVP to Holly at holly@healdsburgmuseum.org.
Members’ and Special Guests’ Evening Reception for “We Are Not Strangers Here” and “Healdsburg Untold Stories” hosted by Susan D. Anderson, History Curator of California African American Museum and Holly Hoods, ED/Curator of Healdsburg Museum Friday September 29, 5:30 -7:00 pm at Museum – Free to Members and Special Guests
Join us for our Healdsburg African American History Walk on Saturday September 16, 2023 from 10-11:30am. Meet at the Healdsburg Museum (221 Matheson Street, Healdsburg).
$20 per person. $10 for Museum members. Tickets are limited. RSVP to Holly at holly@healdsburgmuseum.org.
Join us for the History Lives Dinner and Auction at Robert Young Estate Winery on September 12, 2023. This year’s History Lives honoree is The Voice of Healdsburg, Richard Bugarske.
Tickets are sold out. Call the Museum (707) 431-3325 to get on the waiting list.
“We Are Not Strangers Here” Presentation of African American History in California, by Susan D. Anderson, History Curator of California African American Museum, Saturday, September 30th.
History Talks in the Healdsburg Plaza
Every Saturday from June 10 to August 26, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Chat with Healdsburg Museum Docents about history, architecture and more. We will answer questions and share the best stories from Healdsburg's history. Docents also will present short talks about some of Healdsburg's iconic commercial and residential buildings. We will provide self-guided walking tours for those who want to see the buildings in person.
Museum CLOSED for the installation of “We Are Not Strangers Here: African-American Histories in California and Healdsburg” exhibition.
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.
The Healdsburg Museum is closed for the installation of our new exhibition. Our new exhibition opens on February 23, 2023.
The Healdsburg Museum is closed January 1, 2023.