May is National Historic Preservation Month, when cities and towns throughout the nation host events that promote historic places and local history.
Petaluma has much to celebrate with a rich history and a treasure trove of historic structures and landmarks!
Although there are many opportunities year-round for connecting with Petaluma’s past, there are special events scheduled for May.
Throughout the year, there are many activities and ways to learn more about Petaluma’s History:
- Visit the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum: https://www.petalumamuseum.com/ (open Thursday – Sunday, 10am – 4:00 pm; free/donations appreciated)
- Visit our town’s own State Historic Park, the Petaluma Adobe (open daily 10-5; admission fees apply)
- Explore the wealth of information on the City of Petaluma’s Historic Preservation website, Preserving Petaluma’s Past
- Learn from the vast resources available at the Sonoma County Library’s Petaluma History Room
- Curious about the history of your house, or other historic property? View this beginner’s guide to Sonoma County Property Research provided by the History & Genealogy Library in Santa Rosa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cPvUyJySHo (available online on demand; free of charge) (For more specific information specific to Petaluma, contact the Petaluma History Room at the Petaluma Library, or the Petaluma Museum)
- Take an in-person tour of Historic Downtown Petaluma with a Petaluman of Yesteryear as your guide (Saturdays at 10:30, May through November 15)
- Take a virtual or self-guided walking tour of the History Spots in Petaluma: https://www.petalumamuseum.com/history-spots/ (online or self-guided with a smartphone; free of charge)
National Historic Preservation Month events in Petaluma are provided thanks to the support of many volunteers and the following organizations:
The Petaluma Museum, the City of Petaluma, the Sonoma County Library, Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park, Petaluma Arts Center and The Petalumans of Yesteryear.
