Sonoma County Stories
Open Permanently
Sonoma County Stories is a permanent Sonoma County history exhibition that will allow visitors to engage with the past in a brand-new way: through the power of storytelling. The exhibition, scheduled to open in 2023, will capture Sonoma County’s rich history, defined by a confluence of cultures and people, and a powerful connection to the land. Featuring stories representing the many diverse histories and cultures of the county, this ambitious and innovative permanent exhibition will have at its core the Oral Histories of Gaye LeBaron.
A groundbreaking storyteller and historical writer, Gaye entered the male-dominated field of journalism in the 1950s and devoted herself to telling Sonoma County’s stories in a unique way, spending her entire career with The Press Democrat. The Museum’s exhibition will feature selections from her video Oral History Collection, amassed over three decades. Combining the Oral Histories with other sources, the exhibition presents stories from a variety of perspectives. Spanning time and geography, the array of voices featured in the exhibition tell the stories of individuals, families, and communities representing the many cultures present in the county over the last two centuries, including Latino, Native American, Asian, African American, European, and more.
More than just a static display, Sonoma County Stories will continue the legacy of recognizing the ongoing history around us, and the notion that everyone has a story to tell. A critical aspect of the Sonoma County Stories project will be the invitation to visitors to share their stories, thereby continuing to collect and present our community’s stories into the future.
This exhibition will be made possible with support from the community. Generous contributors will be creatively acknowledged in the permanent exhibition, honoring their support and investment in the creation of this lasting testament to the work of Gaye LeBaron and the importance of preserving the vibrant history of Sonoma County. A full list of donors can be seen here.
By donating today, your name will become a piece of our permanent exhibit! Your contribution, no matter the amount, entitles you to have your name included on our Donor Wall.
Levels of Support: Founder $50,000, Historian $25,000, Guardian $10,000, Narrator $5,000, Storyteller Up to $4,999
For exhibition sponsorship inquiries, please contact development@museumsc.org
Museum of Sonoma County
425 Seventh Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
(707) 579-1500
The mission of the Museum of Sonoma County is to engage and inspire our diverse community with art and history exhibitions, collections, and public programs that are inclusive, educational, and relevant.
© Museum of Sonoma County | 425 Seventh Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 | (707) 579-1500
