May is National Historic Preservation Month, and Petaluma has much to celebrate! With 15 local historic landmarks and another 8 on the National Register of Historic Places, a vibrant local history museum, a State Historic Park, a Petaluma History room at the local library and a community supportive of historic preservation, it is no wonder Petaluma is on the map for California history and culture.
In the words of Petaluma and Sonoma County historian Katherine Rinehart: “An essential part of what gives Petaluma its unique character and a sense of community is its history. One way in which that history is conveyed to visitors and residents is through its rich and varied collection of architectural treasures. These treasures reflect the character and aspirations of the people responsible for their construction and design and provide a visual timeline of Petaluma’s history.”
CELEBRATION DATES
May 2022 (May 1 - May 31, 2025)
KICK-OFF EVENT
May 1 at 10:30am at the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum. Mayor Theresa Barrett will proclaim May as Petaluma’s celebration of National Historic Preservation Month.
“Petaluma has long recognized the importance of our built environment," says the Mayor. "We value our history as a transshipment hub on the Petaluma Slough—now, River—which made Petaluma a vibrant town in its own right. Today we are also tasked with preserving the architectural legacy we have inherited which not only reflects an energetic and vigorous past, but provides continuing shelter to our residents, and homes to many businesses: retail, commercial and industrial. Our historic downtown and our historic neighborhoods also provide the greenest buildings for the future. As we move toward carbon neutrality, preserving what we have and adapting with environmentally favorable technology, we can transform our history into our future.”
BACKGROUND
Every year, local preservation groups, state historical societies, and business and civic organizations across the country celebrate Preservation Month through events that promote local history, historic places, and heritage tourism.
This year, many local organizations are collaborating to provide a month’s worth of events and activities to celebrate Petaluma’s history and to underscore the importance of historic preservation. Collaborating groups include:
- Petaluma Museum Association/Petaluma Historical Library and Museum
- City of Petaluma/Historic and Cultural Preservation Committee
- Sonoma County Public Library /Petaluma History Room
- Heritage Homes of Petaluma
- Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park
- Heritage Network of Sonoma County
“The Petaluma Museum Association is delighted to be collaborating with the City of Petaluma, the Library, and our own local State Historic Park to present a diverse menu of activities to celebrate National Historic Preservation Month," says President, Petaluma Museum Association, Debbie Countouriotis. "This strong collective effort underscores Petaluma's commitment to preserve our past while we live in the present. We expect this celebration of preservation and our local history to become an annual event, celebrated every May to coincide with other similar activities nationwide.”
Scheduled events include a Heritage Homes tour, a pop-up history booth with children’s activities in downtown Petaluma, twice weekly historic downtown walking tours, and special guided tours and craft demonstrations at the Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park during Memorial Day weekend.
The City of Petaluma’s Preservation Specialist, Isabel Castellano and California State Historian, Amy Crain will provide an overview and discussion of federal, state, and local historic preservation programs. Local author and historian Katherine Rinehart will present on “Petaluma’s Historic Commercial District: A History in Preservation.”
About the Organizations
The Petaluma Historical Library and Museum (PHL&M) is a local history museum housed in a historic Carnegie Library building built in 1904. The museum building and artifacts are owned by the City of Petaluma and managed by the Petaluma Museum Association (PMA), a private nonprofit organization. Founded in 1978, the PMA undertakes activities which increase the educational and cultural services of the PHL&M to the membership and to the public; preserves the history of Petaluma and the surrounding area; focuses public attention on the needs of the PHL&M and stimulates participation in its activities; provides services and funds to improve, extend and exhibit the various collections and PHL&M facilities.
The Historic and Cultural Preservation Committee is a five-member body appointed by City Council to promote and preserve the city’s historical, architectural and cultural resources. The Petaluma Museum Association/Heritage Homes and Landmarks Committee recommends appointment of one member and two members shall be appointed from among professionals in the disciplines of history, architecture, archeology, or related professions.
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