Petaluma Historical Library and Museum

The Petaluma Museum welcomes would-be time travelers to the 100-year-old former Carnegie Library building at 20 Fourth St. in Historic Downtown to see exhibits that hark back to other eras from the 1850s to the 1970s.

The building,is a piece of local history. The cornerstone was laid in 1904 and it was designed by local architect Brainerd Jones and built from locally quarried stone. It is in the neo-classical style, featuring an exquisite freestanding stained-glass dome, original fan-glass windows, round leaded-glass windows, original interior wood paneling and columns. It also houses a fine research library and a great gift shop.

Permanent exhibits at the Museum include historical poultry and dairy items, Miwok Indian artifacts and Petaluma River history. Visiting exhibits throughout the year have told national history stories. Museum hours are Thursday through Saturday from 10 a. m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. Admission is free, with donations appreciated.

Weekend history walks led costumed docents begin at 10:30 a.m. on most Saturdays from May through October. Group tours are offered by reservation. The Museum is a good source of visitor information, and a 'must' for heritage hounds. For more information, call 778-4398 or visit the website.