The Museum of Sonoma County will be closed this Thursday (November 25) and Friday (November 26) in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!
Artist Spotlight: Mabel McKay
Mabel McKay with one of her baskets, circa 1985
Coiled, sedge and bulrush basket, circa 1980s
Mabel McKay (1907–1993), a Long Valley Cache Creek Pomo woman from Northern California is celebrated as a master basket weaver, traditional healer, and advocate for her community who shared her knowledge of Pomo traditions worldwide.

In Sonoma County, Mabel McKay was one of a number of activists who opposed the building of the Warm Springs Dam because it would flood traditional plant gathering areas. Later she was part of the Native American Advisory Council that worked to document the cultural impact of the dam. The area was not only the ancestral village site of the Mihilakawna, or Dry Creek Pomo, but also home to sedge beds that had been tended for generations. As part of the project, the weavers transplanted thousands of sedge beds in an attempt to save the plants.

The baskets pictured are just two from our collection that includes many fine examples of Native American basketry. To learn more about the Museum's permanent collection of over 18,000 objects, visit museumsc.org/collections
Essie Parrish was the spiritual leader of Sonoma County’s Kashaya Pomo who preserved the language and culture of her people. She raised 13 children, managed an apple cannery, was an accomplished basket weaver and, for many decades, provided spiritual focus for her people.
On November 30, 2021, the Museum of Sonoma County (MSC) is proud to participate in #GivingTuesday. This global day of giving invites individuals to celebrate the holiday season by giving back and creating change in communities and our world. Together we can make a difference

Your support on #GivingTuesday and everyday allows us to fulfill our mission.

The Museum of Sonoma County is currently hiring:

  • Communications Manager
  • Teaching Artist (Art4Kids)

Sonoma County is working to minimize the impacts and spread of coronavirus, decrease severe illness, and prevent deaths within the entire community.

Current Exhibitions

November 13, 2021- January 9, 2022
 
Artistry in Wood is an annual exhibition presented by the Sonoma County Woodworkers Association (SCWA) in partnership with the Museum of Sonoma County. Staged every year since 1988, it is recognized as one of the premier fine woodworking shows in North America and has become a favorite among museum visitors.
May 1, 2021 - Ongoing
 
Does size matter? When you are making history it does! From agriculture, to transportation, to architecture, big stuff has big things to say about history. From giant tools, to a massive winery door, to a long Russian River canoe, to a surrey with a fringe on top- take a journey through the world of BIG THINGS and the stories they have to tell about Sonoma County.
Virtual experience generously provided by Vargas XR, "Mind Over Matter."

August 20, 2021 - Ongoing

Light, Clay, and Copper features three important collections from the Museum of Sonoma County: The photographs of Hansel Mieth and Otto Hagel, the pottery of Marguerite Wildenhain, and the metalwork of Harry Dixon. Each was a master of their artform and all were contemporaries that shared ideals and influences. Light, Clay, and Copper explores the connections and shared experiences of these four remarkable artists. 

Virtual experience generously provided by Vargas XR, "Mind Over Matter."
May 1, 2021 - Ongoing
 
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jessica Rasmussen, Anna Wiziarde, and Julian Billotte opened the first known Portal in Courthouse Square, a gilded mailbox, for letters to the past or future. A cosmic response was issued to all participants, and to those who provided a return address, the "United States Portal Service" mailed responses. From letters, to masks, to the cease and desist letter from the USPS, view the 2020 submissions and leave your own in this new exhibition.
 
Following the 2020 Glass Fire, artist Nathan Gomez created the "Phoenix Rising" mural for Perch & Plow in Downtown Santa Rosa. The mural, dedicated to the first responders, is now on view in the Museum of Sonoma County's window gallery.
The mezzanine gallery is currently closed for installation.
CURRENT HOURS!
Wednesday-Sunday, 11:00-5:00pm 

Admission
Members Free!
General $10
Seniors (62+), Students, Disabled $7
Children 12 & Under Free
How you can help make the Museum safer:
 
  • Properly worn face coverings are required for all visitors over the age of 2 (vaccinated or unvaccinated) in all indoor Museum spaces, in compliance with Sonoma County COVID guidelines.
  • Please do not visit if you feel sick, have a temperature above 100°F, or have recently been in contact with someone who is sick.
  • Have membership card(s) present. Tickets are not timed and can be purchased at the front desk.
 
Protocols subject to change to comply with evolving health and safety guidelines.
We are passionately committed to continuing to serve our community. These past two years have had a significant financial impact on our organization. We know that there are many economic challenges affecting everyone. But if at all possible, please consider becoming a member or making a donation to help the Museum at this time. Thank you!
Questions or Concerns? We're Here to Help!
(707) 579-1500 (press 0 for assistance)
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Funding has been provided by California Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

Thank You to our Local Business Members!