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

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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

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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

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“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.