PETALUMA, Calif. — The Petaluma Historical Library and Museum preserves local history but also creates a place for community.
“This space has welcomed visitors from all backgrounds for more than 120 years,” executive director Stacey Atchley shares. “And we want to continue to be a dynamic civic hub for Petaluma, visitors from out of town, all people are welcome here.”
Originally the town’s library funded by industrialist Andrew Carnegie, the museum is housed in the impressive neoclassical building designed by architect Brainerd Jones.
“The columns, the pediment, the steps leading up to the building really create a sense of importance and convey that there’s something special inside,” Atchley explains. “But what I love is that it then opens up into this very warm interior.”
It served as a library for decades until the 1970s when the community outgrew the building.
“A group of community leaders stepped forward and thanks to them, we have …