Historic Petaluma River Cruise
2026-05-08 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

Celebrating Petaluma Adobe Living History Day
2026-05-09 10:00 - 16:00 | Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park, 3325 Adobe Road, Petaluma, CA, 94954, United States
Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park – Photo ©2015, California State Parks.
Date: Saturday May 9, 10:00-4:00 PM
Venue: Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park
3325 Adobe Road, Petaluma
Admission to the park includes all activities.
View the Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park website
Step Back in Time at the Petaluma Adobe! California State Parks invites you to celebrate Petaluma Adobe Living History Day. This family friendly event brings 1840’s Mexican California to life inside and outside the two-story adobe walls of General Vallejo’s rancho headquarters.

090-P89773 Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park – ©2015, Ca. State Parks. Photo by Brian Baer
Meet the vaqueros, traders, cooks, and craftspeople who lived in Mexican California. Walk among living history volunteers, adorned in beautiful, authentic clothing, and watch entertaining historical skits that reveal stories of the past. Learn basket weaving and candle-making techniques. Make a piece of rope and play games. Observe the intricate process of making lace.

090-P89886 Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park – ©2015, Ca. State Parks. Photo by Brian Baer

Discover the Petaluma Danish Soldiers Club
2026-05-09 11:00 - 14:00 | Petaluma Danish Soldiers Club, 4560 Kastania Rd, Petaluma, California, 94952, United States
Date: Saturday May 9, 11:00-2:00 PM
Venue: Danish Soldier’s Club of Northern California
4560 Kastania Rd
Petaluma, CA 94952
Lunch will be served at 12:30 pm, if interested.
(Please register for lunch 7 days in advance, served at 12:30 pm)
Register for Lunch
To RSVP click here and select the Danish Soldiers Club Visit on Saturday May 9th
Founded 88 years ago, the Petaluma Danish Soldiers Club has quietly been part of Petaluma’s cultural and civic life for nearly a century. Located on Kastania Road, the club has long served as a gathering place for people of Danish and Scandinavian heritage, and for the wider community. You’re invited to visit us from 11:00 am to 2 pm. At 11:30 am, Club President Tim Knudsen will give a short presentation on the club’s history.

Come visit this largely hidden in plain sight building and institution in Petaluma. The Club President, Tim Knudsen, will offer a short presentation on the club’s history and its role in the community at 11:30 am. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p, if interested. If you plan to stay for lunch, and we truly hope you can, please purchase your meal seven days in advance. There is no option to purchase lunch tickets on the day of the event, and no outside food is permitted.

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!

Petaluma's past: How to search newspapers.com
2026-05-13 18:00 - 19:30 | Petaluma Regional Library, 100 Fairgrounds Dr, Petaluma, CA, 94952
Celebrate National Historic Preservation Month by learning to search Newspapers.com for stories about your family, your house, and Petaluma’s colorful past. Discover tips for finding hidden treasures in our historical Argus-Courier and other local newspapers. Bring your own laptop or borrow one of ours and you must register.
Date: Wednesday May 13, 6:00-7:30 PM
Venue: Petaluma Regional Library
100 Fairgrounds Drive
Petaluma, CA 94952
Please Register Here: Petaluma’s Past: How to search newspapers.com
(Please register at the bottom of the page)
Only 20 seats. You must register.

Connie Williams from the Petaluma Public Library will guide participants through the Newspapers.com application, available as part of a Sonoma County Library subscription. Attendees will learn how to access the library’s resources and develop skills for searching local historical newspapers. The event will take place in the newly renovated Petaluma History Room at the Petaluma Regional Library.

For questions, contact Connie Williams at cwilliams@sonomalibrary.org

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.

Preserving National History Locally: Tour of the Petaluma Woman’s Club
2026-05-27 17:00 - 18:30 | Petaluma Woman’s Club, 518 B Street, Petaluma, CA, 94952, United States
Celebrate the Petaluma Woman’s Club’s recent addition to the National Register of Historic Places.
Date: Wednesday May 27, 5:00-6:30 PM
Venue: Petaluma Woman’s Club
518 B Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
Cost: Free
Please RSVP Here

As a part of National Historic Preservation Month festivities, the Petaluma Woman’s Club invites you to a special event in celebration of its recent designation on the National Register of Historic Places. The program will feature a presentation by local historians and current Club members on the history of the Petaluma Woman’s Club, including its role in the broader Women’s Club movement. The presentation will be followed by a guided tour of the historic 1913 Craftsman-style building, designed by notable local architect Brainerd Jones.

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)

Downtown Petaluma Walking Tours in June 2026
2026-06-01 10:30 - 2026-06-30 12:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Learn about Petaluma’s fascinating history, filled with unique characters and surprising stories.
Please meet on the steps of the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum
10:30 am to 12:00 pm
Free, Donations Appreciated.
Downtown Petaluma Walking Tours in June
(Please register for ticket)

Our docents guide you through Petaluma’s downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Meet us on the steps of the Petaluma Historical Museum.
We still offer free tour tickets with the option to add a donation. This month we’re introducing paid tickets. Pick the ticket that works for you and show your love for these history walking tours!
Want to schedule a private tour for friends and family? Sounds great, please contact us at poyevents2026@gmail.com

Opening Reception: The Fabric of Democracy
2026-06-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Explore how quilts have served as powerful tools for civic expression for more than two centuries.

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.
About the Exhibition
As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, The Fabric of Democracy invites visitors to explore how quilts have served as powerful tools for civic expression for more than two centuries. Featuring works by artists, collectors, and community partners, the exhibition examines the intersections of art, history, identity, and democracy through the lens of quiltmaking. The Exhibit will run through Sunday, August 2.
Special thanks to the City of Petaluma for supporting this exhibition and its related public programs.

Downtown Petaluma Walking Tours in July 2026
2026-07-01 10:30 - 2026-07-31 12:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Learn about Petaluma’s fascinating history, filled with unique characters and surprising stories.
Please meet on the steps of the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum
10:30 am to 12:00 pm
Free, Donations Appreciated.
Downtown Petaluma Walking Tours in July
(Please register for ticket)

Our docents guide you through Petaluma’s downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Meet us on the steps of the Petaluma Historical Museum.
Want to schedule a private tour for friends and family? Sounds great, please contact us at poyevents2026@gmail.com

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.)
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.

Mark My Words: Textiles and Text
2026-07-18 17:00 - 19:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
A lecture by collector and world renowned quilt expert Julie Silber

Saturday, July 18, 5-7 PM
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
Admission Free, Reserve A Spot
Throughout history, quiltmakers have found creative ways to incorporate words into their work—recording names, commemorating milestones, expressing faith, sharing humor, preserving family histories, and advocating for causes they believed in.
Join renowned quilt historian, author, and collector Julie Silber for an engaging illustrated lecture exploring the fascinating relationship between textiles and text. Using remarkable nineteenth- and twentieth-century quilts from her extensive research and collections, Silber reveals the ingenious ways quiltmakers have stitched messages, memories, and meaning into fabric.
Julie Silber is one of America’s foremost quilt experts. She is the former curator of the legendary Esprit Quilt Collection, has spent more than five decades buying, selling, researching, and interpreting historic quilts, and is the co-author of the acclaimed books Hearts and Hands: Women, Quilts and American Society and Amish: The Art of the Quilt.
Presented in conjunction with the Petaluma Museum’s exhibition, The Fabric of Democracy: Quilts and the Power of the People, this program offers a deeper look at how quilts have served as powerful tools for storytelling, communication, and community across generations.
Whether you’re a quilter, history enthusiast, or simply curious about the stories hidden in cloth, you’ll leave with a new appreciation for the remarkable language of quilts.

Downtown Petaluma Walking Tours in August 2026
2026-08-08 10:30 - 2026-08-29 12:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Learn about Petaluma’s fascinating history, filled with unique characters and surprising stories.
Please meet on the steps of the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum
10:30 am to 12:00 pm
Free, Donations Appreciated.
Downtown Petaluma Walking Tours in August
(Please register for ticket)
Please Note: There are no Saturday morning walks on August 1 and August 22.

Our docents guide you through Petaluma’s downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Meet us on the steps of the Petaluma Historical Museum.
Want to schedule a private tour for friends and family? Sounds great, please contact us at poyevents2026@gmail.com

Trans Magic! Exhibit Opening Party
2026-08-08 14:00 - 16:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Saturday, August 8, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
Exhibit Hours: Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sliding scale donations support our Exhibit!

Featuring Exhibit Tours, Music with DJ EM BASS, Community, Dancing!
A community-curated exhibit celebrating the creativity, organizing, and history of trans and gender-expansive people in the North Bay and greater Bay Area. The exhibit traces a direct line from the gender-bending creativity of early 20th-century Vaudeville, to the radical resistance of the groundbreaking 1966 Compton’s Cafeteria Riot, and finally to the modern triumphs of community groups bringing joyful connection today.

Ensamble Folclórico Colibrí Performance
2026-08-29 11:00 - 12:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Saturday, August 29, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
Free Performance!
Reserve Your Spot

Celebrating culture, identity, and pride through traditional Mexican dance.

Join us at the Petaluma Museum for a vibrant free performance by Ensamble Folclórico Colibrí, an LGBTQ+ Mexican folklórico dance company celebrating culture, identity, and pride through traditional Mexican dance.
Under the direction of Maestros Arturo Magaña and Juan Serrano, Folclórico Colibrí brings Mexican folklórico traditions to life while creating an inclusive space for LGBTQ+ Latinx expression. Come experience the color, music, movement, and joy of this special performance presented in conjunction with the exhibit Trans Magic: Owning Our Stories of Strength and Resilience.
Free and open to all!

Belongings: What We Bring, What We Leave Behind Opening Celebration
2026-09-04 18:00 - 20:30 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Friday, September 4, 6 – 8:30 pm
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
Admission is free and open to the public.
RSVP is recommended.

Donations to help offset the cost of food are appreciated but not required.

Enjoy music, dance, storytelling, and food to honor the many cultures, traditions, and journeys that have shaped our community.

Join us for the opening celebration of Belongings: What We Bring, What We Leave Behind, a community exhibition exploring migration, memory, and belonging through the treasured objects and personal stories that connect us across generations.
This joyful evening brings together music, dance, storytelling, and food to honor the many cultures, traditions, and journeys that have shaped our community. Meet exhibition participants, explore the galleries, and celebrate the opening of this community-created exhibition.
The evening will feature:

A welcome and song by Joe Salinas, founder of the Pomo Dancers
A vibrant Lion Dance presented by the Sonoma County Vietnamese Association
A powerful performance by Danza Azteca
A special proclamation presented by the Mayor of Petaluma
Palestinian food and refreshments

Everyone is invited to wear clothing that reflects their cultural heritage—or simply come as you are. This celebration is about honoring the stories, traditions, and communities that make Petaluma home.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
ABOUT THE EXHIBIT
Belongings: What We Bring, What We Leave Behind is on view September 4–October 4, 2026, at the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum. Through meaningful objects, photographs, oral histories, and personal narratives, the exhibition shares the stories of immigrants, refugees, migrants, adoptees, and others who have journeyed to new homes, revealing migration as an enduring human experience that connects us across cultures and generations.
Belongings is made possible through the generous support of California Humanities through its Connecting California grant program. We are also deeply grateful to our community partners and sponsors, including the North Bay Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition, Sonoma County Japanese American Citizens League, Petaluma Arts Center, Life on Art, Zimbabwe Cultural Exchange Project of California, El Día de los Muertos Petaluma, Bolca Avia, Chelsea Antiques, Café Puente, Rustic Bakery, Quality Inn Petaluma, and all of the organizations, volunteers, artists, and community members whose collaboration has brought this exhibition to life.

Downtown Petaluma Walking Tours-September
2026-09-05 10:30 - 2026-09-26 12:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Learn about Petaluma’s fascinating history, filled with unique characters and surprising stories.
Please meet on the steps of the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum
10:30 am to 12:00 pm
Free, Donations Appreciated.
Downtown Petaluma Walking Tours in September
(Please register for ticket)

Our docents guide you through Petaluma’s downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Meet us on the steps of the Petaluma Historical Museum.
Want to schedule a private tour for friends and family? Sounds great, please contact us at poyevents2026@gmail.com

BELONGINGS: Bringing Memories to Life
2026-09-05 15:00 - 18:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
A Creative Workshop on Memory, Grief & Storytelling Facilitated by Filmmaker Danièle Wilmouth

Saturday, September 5, 3-6 pm
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
Registration: $30 per person
• Limited to 12 participants
• Light snacks will be provided.

What do we do with the things our loved ones leave behind?

Join award-winning filmmaker Danièle Wilmouth for an intimate, three-hour workshop exploring how meaningful objects can become powerful vessels for memory, healing, and creative expression.
Drawing from her own artistic practice, Danièle will share how she uses photographs, letters, family documents, music, treasured objects, and stop-motion animation to honor loved ones and transform personal stories into lasting works of art.
Participants are invited to bring one to three meaningful objects that hold a special memory or story. Through film excerpts, guided conversation, and creative brainstorming, you’ll explore ways to preserve family history through storytelling, writing, journaling, archival materials, and simple stop-motion animation techniques. No filmmaking or artistic experience is necessary—just curiosity and a willingness to reflect.
Whether you’re looking to preserve family memories, process grief, or discover new creative ways to tell your story, this workshop offers a welcoming space for reflection, connection, and inspiration.
This workshop is presented in conjunction with Belongings: What We Bring, What We Leave Behind, on view September 4–October 4, 2026, at the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum. The exhibition explores migration, memory, and belonging through the treasured objects and personal stories that connect us across generations.
Belongings: What We Bring, What We Leave Behind is made possible through the generous support of California Humanities through its Connecting California grant program. We are also deeply grateful to our community partners and sponsors, including the North Bay Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition, Sonoma County Japanese American Citizens League, Petaluma Arts Center, Life on Art, Zimbabwe Cultural Exchange Project of California, El Día de los Muertos Petaluma, Bolca Avia, Chelsea Antiques, Café Puente, Rustic Bakery, Quality Inn Petaluma, and all of the organizations, volunteers, artists, and community members whose collaboration has brought this exhibition to life.

Stories We Carry
2026-09-12 18:00 - 2026-09-19 20:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Every object has a story. Meet the people behind them.

Multiple Dates: September 12 & 19, 6-8 pm
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
Free Admission, Light refreshments will be served.
RSVP is recommended.

Join us for two special evenings with the community storytellers featured in Belongings: What We Bring, What We Leave Behind. Through family heirlooms, treasured keepsakes, photographs, letters, and everyday belongings, participants will share the deeply personal stories that bring the exhibition to life.
Hear firsthand reflections on migration, identity, resilience, family, and the meaning of home. These intimate conversations offer a rare opportunity to connect directly with the individuals whose voices and objects are featured throughout the exhibition, creating space for dialogue, empathy, and shared understanding.
Following the storytelling program, continue the conversation while exploring the exhibition and enjoying light refreshments.
Stories We Carry is presented as part of Belongings: What We Bring, What We Leave Behind, on view September 4–October 4, 2026, at the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum. The exhibition explores migration, memory, and belonging through the meaningful objects and personal stories that connect us across generations and cultures.
Belongings: What We Bring, What We Leave Behind is made possible through the generous support of California Humanities through its Connecting California grant program. We are also deeply grateful to our community partners and sponsors, including the North Bay Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition, Sonoma County Japanese American Citizens League, Petaluma Arts Center, Life on Art, Zimbabwe Cultural Exchange Project of California, El Día de los Muertos Petaluma, Bolca Avia, Chelsea Antiques, Café Puente, Rustic Bakery, Quality Inn Petaluma, and all of the organizations, volunteers, artists, and community members whose collaboration has brought this exhibition to life.

A Conversation with Reverend Deborah Lee
2026-09-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
An evening of film, conversation, and community dialogue exploring displacement, immigrant justice, and what genuine security can look like.

Friday, September 18, 6-8 pm
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
Event Details

Free admission
Donations are encouraged. Proceeds benefit the Petaluma Museum and the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity.
Light refreshments will be served.
Seating is limited. RSVP is recommended.

How do we create communities where everyone feels safe, welcome, and able to belong?

Join Rev. Deborah Lee, Co-Executive Director of the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, and Petaluma filmmaker Lina Hoshino for an evening of film, conversation, and community dialogue exploring displacement, immigrant justice, and what genuine security can look like.
The evening begins with a screening of selected excerpts from the award-winning 2011 documentary Living Along the Fenceline, a film created in collaboration with Rev. Lee and Hoshino that examines the human impact of militarized borders and the communities living alongside them. Following the screening, the filmmakers will reflect on the film’s enduring relevance and invite audience members into a thoughtful conversation and Q&A.
Together, we’ll explore how communities can respond to displacement with compassion, strengthen connections across differences, and imagine new possibilities for belonging and collective care.
About Rev. Deborah Lee
Rev. Deborah Lee is the Co-Executive Director of Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, a California-based multifaith organization working for the dignity and full inclusion of immigrants and people impacted by incarceration. Her work brings together faith, immigrant justice, racial justice, anti-militarism, and community organizing. As a leader with Women for Genuine Security, she has worked with communities across borders to reimagine what genuine security means for people, families, and the places they call home.
This program is presented in conjunction with Belongings: What We Bring, What We Leave Behind, on view September 4–October 4, 2026, at the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum. Through meaningful objects and personal stories, the exhibition explores migration, memory, and belonging, inviting our community to reflect on the experiences that connect us across generations and cultures.
Belongings: What We Bring, What We Leave Behind is made possible through the generous support of California Humanities through its Connecting California grant program. We are also deeply grateful to our community partners and sponsors, including the North Bay Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition, Sonoma County Japanese American Citizens League, Petaluma Arts Center, Life on Art, Zimbabwe Cultural Exchange Project of California, El Día de los Muertos Petaluma, Bolca Avia, Chelsea Antiques, Café Puente, Rustic Bakery, Quality Inn Petaluma, and all of the organizations, volunteers, artists, and community members whose collaboration has brought this exhibition to life.

Petaluma Poetry Walk 2026 - 3-4 PM Readings At The Museum-Translator Poets
2026-09-20 15:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Left: Our 2026 annual poetry magazine The Walk is available for preorder and will be available for sale at the event on Sunday, September 20 and includes poetry from all 24 poets. Cover art is by Ellen Kombiyil, co-winner of the Raleigh Review‘s 2025 Geri Digiorno Prize. Right: Cassandra Dallett reads at the Big Easy during the 2025 Petaluma Poetry Walk. Photo by Debbie Wilson.
The Petaluma Poetry Walk
Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 11am-7pm
petalumapoetrywalk.org

The 29th annual Petaluma Poetry Walk is FREE, day-long celebration of live readings in the spaces of downtown Petaluma. The event features 24 poets sharing their work across eight local, walkable venues. Come for one or more readings, or stay for them all. Plan your day with the 2026 Event Schedule here.
Our 2026 annual poetry magazine The Walk will be available at the event and includes poetry from all 24 poets. Cover art is by Ellen Kombiyil, co-winner of the Raleigh Review‘s 2025 Geri Digiorno Prize. Preorder here.

Readings At The Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
Translator Poets
Sunday, September 20, 2026
3:00 – 4:00 PM
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th and B Street)
Free
Pat Nolan

Pat Nolan is the author of over a dozen books of poetry and four novels. His poetry, prose, and translations have appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies, including The Paris Review, Rolling Stone, and Poems For The Millennium. His most recent book, Ode To Sunset, a fiction, was published in 2025. He lives in Monte Rio.
Photo by Brian Howlett
Adrián Arias

Adrián Arias is a poet and visual artist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has published five poetry books in Peru and co-created the tarot deck Tarot en Pandemia y Revolución. His practice spans murals, installations, performance, rooted in Moche heritage and social justice. He is currently translating Mar de palabras para amar. adrianarias.com
Photo by Joma
Francesca Bell

Francesca Bell is the author of Bright Stain and What Small Sound. She translated Whoever Drowned Here: New and Selected Poems by Max Sessner and co-translated Palestinian poet Shatha Abu Hnaish’s A Love That Hovers Like a Bedeviling Mosquito. Her poems have been translated into Italian, Hungarian, and Czech. She teaches poetry and embroidery at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. francescabellpoet.com
Photo by Emily Petrie

Ink & Rhythm
2026-09-26 16:00 - 18:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
A Live Performance Celebrating Creativity, Memory & Cultural Connection

Saturday, September 26, 4-6 pm
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)

Suggested $20 Donation

Experience an extraordinary collaboration between acclaimed Chinese American artist Jun Jun and internationally celebrated Zimbabwean musician Piwai, as painting and music unfold together in a live performance exploring creativity, memory, and cultural connection.

Throughout the evening, Jun Jun will create expressive paintings in real time while Piwai responds through song, mbira, and rhythm, weaving together two artistic traditions in an improvisational dialogue that transcends language. Together, they invite audiences to experience how art can carry memory, celebrate identity, and build bridges across cultures.
Following the performance, meet the artists, explore the exhibition, and enjoy authentic Zimbabwean cuisine provided by the Zimbabwe Cultural Exchange Project of California.
About the Artists
Jun Jun is a Chinese American artist whose work is shaped by a lifelong journey between cultures. Born and educated in China, she studied Zen calligraphy before moving to California in 1999, where she later earned a degree in painting from Sonoma State University. Her work has been exhibited throughout the Bay Area, including commissions for Levi’s Stadium and UCSF, and she currently serves as an Artist in Residence at UCSF, using expressive art to support cancer patients and their families. Her paintings reflect healing, resilience, and the beauty of our shared humanity.
Piwai is an internationally acclaimed Zimbabwean singer, songwriter, and mbira player whose performances blend traditional Zimbabwean music with contemporary sounds. A gifted gwenyambira (traditional mbira musician), she has captivated audiences around the world and collaborated on the Grammy Award-winning album Last Days of Oakland. Beyond the stage, Piwai works with grassroots organizations, youth groups, and nonprofits throughout California and Africa, using music to foster cultural exchange, community connection, and social change.
About the Exhibit
This performance is presented in conjunction with Belongings: What We Bring, What We Leave Behind, on view September 4–October 4, 2026, at the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum. Through meaningful objects, photographs, oral histories, and personal narratives, the exhibition explores migration, memory, and belonging while celebrating the many stories and traditions that shape our community.
Belongings: What We Bring, What We Leave Behind is made possible through the generous support of California Humanities through its Connecting California grant program. We are also deeply grateful to our community partners and sponsors, including the North Bay Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition, Sonoma County Japanese American Citizens League, Petaluma Arts Center, Life on Art, Zimbabwe Cultural Exchange Project of California, El Día de los Muertos Petaluma, Bolca Avia, Chelsea Antiques, Café Puente, Rustic Bakery, Quality Inn Petaluma, and all of the organizations, volunteers, artists, and community members whose collaboration has brought this exhibition to life.

Si Pudiera Quedarme / If I Could Stay
2026-09-27 16:30 - 18:30 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Film Screening & Conversation with Award-Winning Filmmaker Theo Rigby and a Special Guest
What does it mean to fight for the right to stay home with your family?

Sunday, September 27, 4:30 -6:30 pm
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
Suggested donation $5-$10. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Reserve Here

Join award-winning filmmaker Theo Rigby for a screening of Si Pudiera Quedarme / If I Could Stay, followed by a conversation with Rigby and a special guest.

Filmed over five years, Si Pudiera Quedarme is an intimate and moving portrait of Jeanette and Ingrid, two undocumented Latinx mothers who enter sanctuary in Bay Area churches rather than face deportation and separation from their families.
As the women navigate extraordinary uncertainty, they organize, advocate, and build relationships with faith communities standing alongside them. Their stories illuminate the courage of families confronting the immigration system while exploring questions of sanctuary, allyship, power, faith, and what it means to truly belong.
At the center of the film are Jeanette and Ingrid themselves—not simply as people facing deportation, but as leaders claiming their voices and mobilizing communities around them. Their journeys offer a powerful story of resilience, family, and the determination to create change.
Following the approximately one-hour film, stay for a conversation and audience Q&A with filmmaker Theo Rigby and a special guest.
About Theo Rigby

Theo Rigby is an award-winning San Francisco-based director, cinematographer, and interactive storyteller whose work has focused on the immigrant experience in the United States for more than a decade. He is the founder of iNation Media and the creator of projects including Waking Dream and Immigrant Nation. His films have been featured by The New York Times, broadcast nationally on PBS’s POV, and screened at Ellis Island, the New York Film Festival, and Cannes Film Festival. His film Sin País (Without Country) received a Student Academy Award. Rigby holds an MFA in Documentary Film from Stanford University and previously worked as an award-winning photojournalist.
This event is presented in conjunction with Belongings: What We Bring, What We Leave Behind, on view September 4–October 4, 2026, at the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum. The exhibition explores migration, memory, and belonging through the treasured objects and personal stories that connect us across generations.
Belongings: What We Bring, What We Leave Behind is made possible through the generous support of California Humanities through its Connecting California grant program. We are also deeply grateful to our community partners and sponsors, including the North Bay Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition, Sonoma County Japanese American Citizens League, Petaluma Arts Center, Life on Art, Zimbabwe Cultural Exchange Project of California, El Día de los Muertos Petaluma, Bolca Avia, Chelsea Antiques, Café Puente, Rustic Bakery, Quality Inn Petaluma, and all of the organizations, volunteers, artists, and community members whose collaboration has brought this exhibition to life.
