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Petaluma Historical Library and Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th and B Street)
Hours: Thursday – Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Free, Donations appreciated

2025 Exhibition Schedule

THE PETALUMA RIVER: LOOKING FORWARD
January 9-February 9
The first of two installations inspired by the book “The Petaluma River: A Sketch Journal and Brief Historical Overview” by Alan Butler and Katherine J. Rinehart, this exhibit explores the more recent history of the Petaluma River and takes a look at the organizations working to protect and enhance access to the River.

BLACKS IN THE LABOR FORCE: BREAKING BARRIERS, BUILDING LEGACIES
February 13-March 30
Brought to colonial America on slave ships in the 1600’s, African American slaves became a keystone of labor in the newly-formed United States. The labor of Black workers has been crucial to the economic development of the United States. Yet because of racism and segregation, their contribution remain largely unknown. Presented by Petaluma Blacks for Community Development, this exhibit will focus on the various ways that work of all kinds – free and involuntary, skilled, and unskilled, vocational and professional intersect with the collective experiences of Black people. We will honor Black labor leaders past and present and put together an exciting and educational exhibit that you don’t want to miss.

PETALUMA CHINATOWN UNEARTHED: REMEMBERING THE PAST FOR A BETTER FUTURE/CHINESE PIONEERS: POWER AND POLITICS IN EXCLUSION ERA PHOTOGRAPHS
April 17-June 8
These companion exhibitions present a visual history of the social, political, and judicial disenfranchisement of Chinese Californians—as well as moments of Chinese agency and resilience—in the decades before and after the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act. Chinese Pioneers is drawn from the California Historical Society’s collections and consists of 11 free-standing pop-up banners. Petaluma Chinatown Unearthed uses artifacts, maps, and historical records to explore the years between the 1860s and 1890s, when Petaluma was home to a thriving community of Chinese laborers. By the 1900s, most residents of Chinese descent were driven out by racist scapegoating and wide-spread Anti-Chinese movement. This exhibit will also highlight what Petaluma’s contemporary AAPI community is doing to shed light on stories that are hidden in plain sight in.

I DO: PETALUMA WEDDING FASHIONS & TRADITIONS
July 4-September 21
Back by popular demand, the third iteration of this popular textile exhibit showcases historic Petaluma bridal fashions. New this year are photographs of historic wedding venues, as well as artifacts that help place textile trends within the context of significant historical events that have driven change in traditions and fashion, including wartime fabric shortages and the marriage equality movement.

THE PETALUMA RIVER: LOOKING BACK
July 4-September 21
The second of two installations inspired by the book “The Petaluma River: A Sketch Journal and Brief Historical Overview” by Alan Butler and Katherine J. Rinehart, this exhibit traces the historical context of the River’s evolution from twisting tidal waterway to commercial artery to beloved icon of Petaluma.

EL DIA DE LOS MUERTOS PETALUMA: CELEBRATING 25 YEARS
October 2-November 2
The Museum will once again partner with El Dia De Los Muertos Petaluma to host an exhibition of ofrendas and artworks in celebration of Dia de Los Muertos, the annual holiday in honor of the deceased that is traditionally observed in parts of Mexico and in other Latin America communities. 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of this now-iconic Petaluma tradition!

RENAISSANCE SCIENCE, MAGIC, AND MEDICINE IN HARRY POTTER’S WORLD
October 23-November 30
The Harry Potter book series features magic that is based partially on Renaissance traditions that played an important role in the development of Western science, including alchemy, astrology, and natural philosophy. Incorporating the work of several 15th- and 16th-century thinkers, the series examines ethical topics such as the desire for knowledge, the effects of prejudice, and the responsibility that comes with power. Informative panels use the collections of the National Library of Medicine to explore Harry Potter’s world and its roots in Renaissance magic, science, and medicine. The Museum will add to the exhibition from our own collection of medical artifacts, botanical journals, and other objects that would fit right in at Hogwarts!

VINTAGE TOYS
November 13-January 4
To celebrate the holiday season, the Museum will display a selection of vintage and antique toys curated from our collections and on loan to the Museum.

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