Doing Research

In Sonoma County

Genealogical & Historical Societies

In Sonoma County

Genealogical Societies

Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness (Sonoma) . . . Link . . . Link to Main Page.   

Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness (RAOGK) is a global volunteer organization. The purpose of this site is to help others obtain copies of documents, pictures of tombstones, etc., that can not be obtained easily by those who do not live in the area of their ancestors.

Sonoma County, California Genealogy Trails . . . Link

They started out way back in March 2000 by providing data for the state of Illinois and expanded to cover the other states in March of 2006. Since then, they've been very pleased to welcome the many new hosts who have joined our original Illinois volunteers, and to continue to bring free transcribed data to our websites. Each "State & County" gets their own Host, and each volunteer Host chooses what data to display on their sites.

Sonoma County Genealogical Society . . . Link

The purpose of this Society is to educate the general public and members of the Society in genealogical research, and, to preserve, collect, compile, publish and disseminate genealogical data and family history.

Sonoma County History and Genealogy Library . . . Link

On their Facebook page there are frequent posts of interest to local historians, and links to their Location page, Research Page and their Newsletters and Blog posts - all good stuff!

Historical Societies

I will try to note if they are open to the public, and if they have historical archives that can be viewed.

Advocates for the Sonoma County Archives . . . Link

The Sonoma County Archives at Los Guilicos house some of Sonoma County’s most important and irreplaceable historical records and have been threatened by wildfires in the past years. Our advocacy group is made up of local history enthusiasts who seek to save and preserve Sonoma County’s heritage by advocating for the relocation and improved management and access to the Sonoma County Archives.

No searchable Databases  *  Video tours of the Archives

Allen County Public Library (ALPC) Genealogy Center. The Genealogy Center » Free Databases » PERSI . . . Link

The ACPL Genealogy Center is a unique and valuable resource for the Northeastern Indiana community and the entire genealogical community at large. We have one of the largest research collections available, incorporating records from around the world. Our staff specializes in genealogy and is always available to help.

Free Databases  *  On-Site Databases 

Anderson Valley Historical Society . . . Link

The museum is located just a half-mile northwest of Boonville, at 12340 Highway 128, and is easily viewable from the road. Our four historic museum buildings are packed with fascinating artifacts and exhibits. The museum also features displays highlighting the lives of the early settlers to the Valley, our extensive farming, ranching and fruit-growing heritage, dating back to the 1880s, and our region’s rich Native American culture. 

No searchable Databases  *  Wonderful interviews of its Residents  *  

California Historical Society . . . Link

Since 1871, the California Historical Society has been telling the stories of individuals and communities through exhibitions and educational programs, and by providing free access to our expansive and remarkable collections. We steward one of the most important holdings of primary and secondary resources documenting California’s social, cultural, economic, and political history and development. With stunning art works on canvas, maps, ephemera, posters, broadsides, periodicals, and newspapers relating to the history of California and the West from the early explorations to the present time, the CHS collection is an essential resource to anyone seeking to better understand California.

Searchable Databases  *  Live Event Calendar  * 

Cloverdale California Family History Center . . . Link

A family History center, so this website is purely informational about the in-person Location. Located at 1011 S Cloverdale Blvd Cloverdale CA 95425 United States.

Cloverdale History Center & Museum . . . Link

Today the Cloverdale Historical Society is a hub of activity, as volunteers greet visitors, maintain the building itself, evaluate and catalogue accessions for historic significance and produce exhibits, programs and other resources. The History Center exists to celebrate Cloverdale’s unique history.

No Searchable Databases * On-Site Collections * Live Event Calendar

Col. Elmer Ellsworth Camp No. 23, Santa Rosa. The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War . . . Link

The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War is a patriotic and educational organization, similar to the Grand Army of the Republic. It was founded on November 12, 1881 and incorporated by Act of Congress August 20, 1954. The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War is the legal heir to and representative of the Grand Army of the Republic.

No Searchable Databases  *  External links to Military Resources  *  Live Event Calendar

Cotati Historical Society . . . Link

Drake's Bay National Historic Landmark . . . Link

Filipino American National Historical Society Sonoma County Chapter . . . Link

Fort Ross Conservancy . . . Link

Fort Ross Conservancy connects people to the history and beauty of Fort Ross and Salt Point parks. Learn about our accomplishments, projects, and future goals. The mission of Fort Ross Conservancy, Incorporated, is to promote for the benefit of the public the interpretive and educational activities of the Russian River Sector of California State Parks at Fort Ross State Historic Park and Salt Point State Park.

Visit-able Site Living History  *  Live Events  *  Digital Library

Glen Ellen Historical Society . . . Link 

Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society . . . Link . . . Online Collections

The H.S. & Museum collect, protect, preserve and interpret the artifacts, documents and photographs that trace the rich history of Healdsburg and surrounding area through exhibitions, educational programs and historical research.

Visit-able Museum * Live Events  *  Virtual Exhibits  *  Online Collections

History Day in California . . . Link

Historical Society of Santa Rosa . . . Link

Jack London Stewardship Projects . . . Link

Jack London State Historic Park . . . Link

Luther Burbank Home and Gardens . . . Link

Mission San Francisco de Solano . . . Link

Northwest Pacific Railroad Historical Society . . . Link

The Northwestern Pacific Railroad Historical Society (NWPRRHS) was founded over thirty years ago. It is dedicated to preserving the rich and colorful heritage of Redwood Empire railroading. We accomplish this through acquisition, preservation and display efforts as well as through gathering oral histories of people who have contributed to our regional history.

Visit-able Museum  *  Library & Archives  *  Live Events  *  Purchasable Publications

Pacific Coast Air Museum . . . Link

Founded in 1989 Pacific Coast Air Museum is a unique collection of authentic, well-cared-for aircraft, and a non-profit organization with a dedicated base of aviation experts who are giving back to the Sonoma Community through education and preservation.

Visit-able Museum  *  Museum Collections  *  Live Events  *  Oral History Program 

Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park . . . Link

Petaluma Trolley Living History Railway Museum . . . Link

“Petaluma Trolley” is a non-profit Living History Railway Museum, and an organization of volunteers who celebrate Petaluma & Santa Rosa Railroad history. Built in 1904 the Petaluma & Santa Rosa Railroad, The P&SR was Petaluma’s own electric trolley. It provided inter-urban passenger and freight transportation by connecting river, mill, and rail. The P&SR owned and operated their own stern-wheel steamers, creating a direct link between the booming agricultural and commercial interests of Sonoma County and the San Francisco all thru Petaluma.

Visit-able Museum  *  History on-line  *

Russian River Historical Society . . . Link

Founded in 1983 as a non-profit membership organization, the Russian River Historical Society collects and preserves oral and visual histories, biographies and autobiographies of and about the local citizens and towns. Through the Russian River Historical Society, many local citizens, young and old, are able to learn about the history at the quarterly workshops and gatherings produced by the Board.

 Article Archives  *  Live Events  *  Photo Gallery  *  Purchasable Items  *   

Sacred Sonoma [Book] . . . Link

Santa Rosa California Family History Center . . . Link

Sonoma County Family History Research Page . . . Link

Sonoma County History and Genealogy Library . . . Link

Sonoma County Historical Society . . . Link

The Sonoma County Historical Society (SCHS) promotes our diverse heritage through education, preservation, and community engagement. Since 1962, the Sonoma County Historical Society has been collecting, preserving and retelling Sonoma County's stories. From the quirky, clever, and downright scandalous personalities who shaped our county to the places and events that bore witness to spectacular milestones in our past, the SCHS celebrates our heritage -- while enriching our future.

 Live Events  *  Purchasable Books  *  Research *  

Sonoma County Library: Local History & Culture Collections . . . Link

Sonoma League for Historic Preservation (Town of Sonoma) . . . Link  

We are a private, not-for-profit corporation devoted to protecting Sonoma and Sonoma Valley’s historic buildings and cultural heritage. We offer preservation related events and advocacy programs. Our Mission, to educate, promote interest in, and advocate for the preservation of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and landscapes in the City of Sonoma and Sonoma Valley.

 Calendar  *  Photo Gallery  *  Resources  

Sonoma State Historic Park . . . Link

Sonoma Valley Historical Society . . . Link  Or  Link

Western Sonoma County Historical Society . . . Link

The Western Sonoma County Historical Society is a non-profit organization founded in 1974, and incorporated in 1978 to save the three-acre remnant of Luther Burbank’s Experiment Farm at Gold Ridge in Sebastopol. Later, the Society founded the West County Museum in the Railroad Depot building of the Petaluma & Santa Rosa Railroad on Main Street. Both sites are owned by the City of Sebastopol.

Visit-able Museum  *  History on-line  *  Calendar  *  Purchasable Goods  *  In Person Reference Room

Windsor Historical Society & Museum . . . Link