Current Exhibit - Time and Tide
2026-04-09 10:00 - 2026-06-07 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Time and Tide: An Artful Exploration of Petaluma’s Wetlands

A uniquely Petaluma story shaped by history, art, and community.
April 9 – June 7
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
Hours: Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Admission Free, Donations Appreciated

Time & Tide: An Artful Exploration of Petaluma’s Wetlands tells a uniquely Petaluma story—where water, history, and community converge. Featuring more than 90 artworks by local artists and students, the exhibition weaves together history, art, science, and storytelling to explore how the Petaluma River and its wetlands have evolved over time—from expansive tidal marshes to a highly altered landscape now undergoing restoration. Through themes of interconnection, stewardship, and climate resilience, Time & Tide invites visitors to see the wetlands not as the backdrop to the city, but as a living system that sustains it—and a shared responsibility for the future.
Opening Reception
Join us for the opening of Time & Tide: An Artful Exploration of Petaluma’s Wetlands.

This is a free event. RSVPs are appreciated.
Many thanks to our partners, including Petaluma Wetlands Alliance and artist/author Alan Butler, and our sponsor, the Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation.

Time and Tide Exhibit Opening Reception
2026-04-09 17:00 - 19:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Time and Tide: An Artful Exploration of Petaluma’s Wetlands

A uniquely Petaluma story shaped by history, art, and community.
Thursday, Apr 9 from 5 pm to 7 pm
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
Admission Free, Donations Appreciated

Time and Tide Exhibit Opening Reception
Join us for the opening of Time & Tide: An Artful Exploration of Petaluma’s Wetlands. The exhibit brings together more than 90 artworks by local artists and students to explore the past, present, and future of the Petaluma River and its wetlands. Blending art, science, and history, the exhibition highlights the importance of wetlands for wildlife, community, and climate resilience. Discover the uniquely local story of our wetlands, and ponder our shared role in their future.
This is a free event. RSVPs are appreciated.
Many thanks to our partners, including Petaluma Wetlands Alliance and artist/author Alan Butler, and our sponsor, the Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation.

Historic Petaluma River Cruise
2026-05-08 16:00 - 18:00 | Petaluma River
A scenic, narrated journey exploring the Petaluma River’s history, wetlands, and wildlife.

Friday, May 8 4:00-6:00 PM
Purchase Tickets Here

The Petaluma Museum and Dolphin Charters invite you to step aboard for a relaxing and enriching cruise along the Petaluma River—where history, ecology, and community come together.
In connection with Time & Tide: An Artful Exploration of Petaluma’s Wetlands, this special outing offers a unique opportunity to experience the landscapes featured in the exhibition from the water itself. As you travel through the heart of the Petaluma watershed, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how the river and its wetlands have shaped the region over time—and how they continue to support wildlife, agriculture, and climate resilience today.
Expert guides will share insights into the river’s past and present, from its role in early settlement and industry to ongoing restoration efforts that are helping rebuild vital wetland habitats. Along the way, keep an eye out for birds and other wildlife that depend on this rich and dynamic ecosystem.
Your ticket includes drinks, appetizers, and engaging narration in a beautiful, open-air setting.
Whether you’ve visited the exhibit or are simply curious about the river, this cruise offers a memorable way to connect with Petaluma’s natural and cultural history.
18 and over please. Departure location and details will be shared separately.

Petaluma Watershed Demonstrations
2026-05-09 12:00 - 2026-06-06 15:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Discover how water connects our landscape with Petaluma Wetlands Alliance docents.

Recurring:
Demonstrations on Saturday, May 9 from 12:00 – 3:00 pm
Demonstrations on Saturday, June 6 from 12:00 – 3:00 pm
Please Make Your Reservations Here

On select Saturdays, a docent from the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance will be at the Petaluma Museum to lead family-friendly, drop-in demonstrations exploring the flow of water through the Petaluma River watershed—and how it shapes the wetlands featured in the exhibit Time & Tide: An Artful Exploration of Petaluma’s Wetlands.

Visitors will learn how water moves from hills to river to bay, and how these connections influence habitat, water quality, and climate resilience.
Admission to the Museum is a suggested $5 donation per person. Watershed demonstrations are free. RSVPs appreciated!

Insect Discovery Lab
2026-05-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Shollenberger Park, 1400 Cader Lane, Petaluma, 94954, United States
Explore the small but mighty creatures of the wetlands and other ecosystems!

Saturday, May 16 10:00am – 11:00 am
Please Make Your Reservations Here

In connection with Time & Tide: An Artful Exploration of Petaluma’s Wetlands, the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance invites families to a special hands-on program exploring the small but mighty creatures of the wetlands and other ecosystems.
Join educators from SaveNature.org for a free Insect Discovery Lab on Saturday, May 16, from 10–11 AM at the Shollenberger Park Gathering Circle.
San Francisco–based SaveNature is dedicated to inspiring awareness and participation in the preservation of fragile ecosystems through direct engagement with the natural world.
Young explorers will discover the fascinating world of arthropods while meeting beetles, millipedes, hissing cockroaches, walking sticks, and more. This interactive experience introduces budding scientists to the incredible diversity of insects in our wetlands—and their essential role in the web of life.
Space limited to 25 children with parents. Grades K–12. RSVP required.

From Past to Future: Stewarding Our Wetlands Together
2026-05-28 18:00 - 19:30 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Join us for an engaging panel discussion with conservation leaders and community partners working across the Petaluma River watershed.
Date: Thursday May 28 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Venue: Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B St.)
Petaluma, CA 94952
Free! Reservations Appreciated
How have our relationships with Petaluma’s wetlands changed over time—and what does stewardship look like in a changing climate?
Join us for an engaging panel discussion connected to Time & Tide: An Artful Exploration of Petaluma’s Wetlands, bringing together conservation leaders and community partners working across the Petaluma River watershed.
Together, we’ll explore how this landscape has been shaped by both human activity and natural processes, and how today’s efforts—grounded in restoration science, Indigenous knowledge, and community action—are helping to build a more resilient future.
Panelists will share insights on:

The historical transformation of the watershed
Current restoration and conservation efforts
The role of collaboration and community stewardship
How wetlands support climate resilience—reducing flood risk, supporting biodiversity, and helping our region adapt to rising seas

This conversation invites us to reflect on what it means to learn from the past, act in the present, and steward the wetlands we all depend on for the future.
Free! RSVPS appreciated.

Plein Air Paint Out
2026-05-31 08:00 - 12:00 | Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility, 3890 Cypress Drive, Petaluma, PA, 19454, United States
A relaxed and inspiring morning of outdoor painting at one of Petaluma’s most beautiful wetland landscapes.

Sunday, May 31 8:00am – 12:00 pm

Please Make Your Reservations Here

Held in connection with the Petaluma Museum’s exhibitTime & Tide: An Artful Exploration of Petaluma’s Wetlands, this community paint out invites artists of all levels—from beginners to experienced plein air painters—to gather, observe, and create in the open air.
Painting outdoors—en plein air—offers a unique way to connect with the landscape. At Ellis Creek, you’ll experience shifting light, birdlife, and the quiet movement of water while capturing the wetlands through your own creative lens.
Whether you’re trying plein air painting for the first time or are a seasoned artist, this is a welcoming, low-pressure opportunity to slow down, observe, and create in community.
Good to Know:
Morning light is ideal, and we recommend arriving between 8:00–9:00 AM, with painting continuing through noon.
Ellis Creek offers free parking, restrooms, scenic views right from the lot, and easy access to painting spots near the ponds and along the trails.
The parking lot for the Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility is close to 3882 Cypress Dr. Petaluma, CA 94954. GPS Coordinates: The main parking lot is at 38 13 35N, 122 35 08W approximately.
Guided instruction is not provided, but there will be opportunities for informal guidance, tips, and shared learning from fellow painters throughout the morning.
What to Bring:
A simple plein air kit might include:

Portable easel (French easel or pochade box)
Painting surface (8×10″ or 9×12″ panels or watercolor block)
Paint (oils, acrylics, or watercolor)
Brushes and/or palette knife
Water or solvent container (with lid)
Pencil for sketching
Paper towels or rags
Folding chair or stool
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, umbrella)
Drinking water

Optional:

Wet panel carrier or wax paper for transport
Spray bottle (acrylics) or masking tape (watercolor)

Upcoming Exhibit - The Fabric of Democracy: Quilts and the Power of the People
2026-06-25 10:00 - 2026-08-09 16:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
The Fabric of Democracy: Quilts and the Power of the People

Explore how quilts have served as powerful tools for civic expression for more than two centuries.
June 25 – August 2, 2026
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
Hours: Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Admission Free, Donations Appreciated

As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, join the Petaluma Museum for a powerful exhibition exploring how quilts have helped shape, reflect, and challenge American democracy for more than 200 years.
Featuring historic and contemporary quilts, The Fabric of Democracy examines themes of freedom, justice, identity, community, environmental stewardship, and civic participation. These extraordinary works reveal how ordinary people have used needle and thread to express their hopes, values, and visions for the future of our nation.
The exhibition will also feature Common Threads: A Community Quilt Project, inviting local residents to contribute their own stories and aspirations as part of a collaborative quilt inspired by our annual July 4 Wish Wall.
Join us as we reflect on our shared history, celebrate community voices, and imagine what comes next.
Exhibit Opening: Thursday, June 25, 6-8 PM
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
Admission Free, Reservations Requested
Join the Petaluma Museum for the opening celebration of The Fabric of Democracy: Quilts and the Power of the People, a landmark exhibition exploring how quilts have expressed civic ideals, personal stories, and social change throughout American history.
Presented as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary, the exhibition features historic and contemporary quilts that illuminate the ways individuals and communities have used textile art to advocate for justice, build community, preserve memory, and imagine a better future.
The evening will include:

First look at the exhibition
Remarks from the curators
Meet-and-greet with participating artists and lenders
Light refreshments
An opportunity to participate in Common Threads: A Community Quilt Project, a collaborative quilt inspired by the Museum’s annual July 4 Wish Wall

From abolition and suffrage to civil rights, environmental advocacy, and contemporary community-based projects, The Fabric of Democracy highlights the enduring power of quilts to tell stories, inspire dialogue, and connect people across generations.
Celebrate the opening of this unique exhibition and join us in reflecting on the values, voices, and experiences that continue to shape our shared future.
Special thanks to the City of Petaluma for its support of this exhibition and related community programming as we commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Annual July 4th Celebration and Bell Ringing
2026-07-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
An uplifting morning of music, history, community, and the ringing of the historic Korbel Bell.
Saturday, July 4 • 10 AM – 12 PM
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th and B St.)
On sale Jun 14, 2026
Free – Reservations Requested

Join us for the Petaluma Museum’s annual July 4 community celebration featuring live music, local history, refreshments, and the ringing of the historic Korbel Bell.
This year, inspired by the US 250th anniversary and our exhibition The Fabric of Democracy: Quilts and the Power of the People, we invite the community to gather in a spirit of reflection, connection, and belonging. Just as individual pieces are stitched together to create a quilt, our community is strengthened by the many voices, stories, and traditions that unite us.
The morning program will include performances by local musicians and choirs, participation by Petaluma’s Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, and remarks from community leaders. The celebration culminates with the ringing of the historic Korbel Bell thirteen times in honor of the original colonies—a beloved Petaluma tradition since 1962.

After the ceremony, guests are invited to enjoy lemonade, cookies, mimosas courtesy of Korbel, and an opportunity to ring the bell themselves.
Whether you’re a longtime attendee or joining us for the first time, we welcome you to celebrate community, history, and the many threads that connect us.

Stitched Together: Quilts, Community, and the Stories That Connect Us
2026-07-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
A conversation about quilting, community, and the power of collaborative creativity.

Wednesday, July 15, 6-8 PM
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
Admission Free, Reservations Requested
Join quiltmakers from the Petaluma Museum’s exhibit The Fabric of Democracy: Quilts and the Power of the People for a discussion about quilting, community, and the power of collaborative creativity.
Whether you’re a quilter, artist, history enthusiast, or simply curious about the role of creativity in community life, this conversation offers a unique opportunity to hear from artists whose work demonstrates the enduring relevance of quilting as a form of expression, connection, and collective storytelling.
Panelists
Pamela Van Halsema (We the People Quilt Project): Pamela Van Halsema is a graphic designer, educator, and community organizer who works at the intersection of art, education, and civic engagement. She is the creator and organizer of the We the People Quilt Project, a collaborative effort that invites community members to express their hopes and aspirations for the future through quiltmaking.
Karen Bolan (Quilting Professional): Karen Bolan is a quilt teacher, lecturer, and community-builder based in Santa Rosa who grew up in Petaluma. After a career as a drinking water engineer, she transitioned to teaching quilting full time in 2021. Today, Karen travels nationally and internationally, inspiring quilters to strengthen their communities through creativity, collaboration, and mutual support. She is passionate about the power of quilting to bring people together and foster connections both within quilting groups and in the broader community.
Melanie Walas (Stopped in Motion: Pandemic Art Quilts): Melanie Walas is a multidisciplinary Bay Area artist working in fiber, painting, and ceramics. She earned a degree in Fine Art from Messiah College and began her career at the Philadelphia Museum of Art before moving to California. Her work has spanned costume design, stop-motion animation, visual effects, and fine art. While at Industrial Light & Magic, she contributed to films including the Star Wars prequels, Transformers, Pirates of the Caribbean, Rango, A.I., and many others. Her artwork has been exhibited throughout California, and she continues to work across multiple artistic disciplines.
Jessica Cadkin (Stopped in Motion: Pandemic Art Quilts): Jessica Cadkin grew up in Napa, California and earned a BA in Sculpture and Painting from San Francisco State University. Her work has appeared in exhibitions internationally and throughout California, including the Headlands Center for the Arts, Southern Exposure, di Rosa Preserve, and the Bedford Gallery. She became involved with The Process—fondly known as the Stitch & Bitchers—in 2015 and has been a member of Oakland’s Mercury Twenty Gallery since 2020.
Lauren Vogt (Stopped in Motion: Pandemic Art Quilts): Lauren Vogt moved to California after college in Illinois to begin her film career in San Rafael, working at various studios, including Industrial Light & Magic and Colossal Pictures. Her skills include sculpting, mold making, model painting, stop-motion puppet fabrication, and costume design and construction. Her work can be seen in films such as the Star Wars prequels, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Coraline, Howard the Duck, Spaceballs, and many others. Collaboration and teamwork have been the most valuable constants throughout her career, an ethos Lauren continues to carry into her work with The Process, a group of women who connected through the film industry.
Presented in conjunction with The Fabric of Democracy: Quilts and the Power of the People, on view at the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum June 18-August 2 as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary commemoration. With thanks to the City pf Petaluma for their support of the exhibit and programming.
