Valley Chats

Join us for a series of informal presentations and conversations with valley locals. Come gather with us in the Rose Room on the museum grounds on the following dates. Admission is free. Drinks and snacks provided.

  • Sunday, May 5, 2024 “The History of the Hanes Ranch”. John Hanes, another long time member of our beloved Anderson Valley will share the history of the family and ranch that bears his family name, including the famous Hanes/Crispin Shootout. Stories begin at 2:15pm Arrive at 2:00pm for drinks. Refreshments follow story time

  • 2-3 more Chats are in the works for 2024…stay tuned

Museum 2024 Membership Gathering

The AVHS board will be hosting a festive Membership gathering at the Little Red School House Museum on Sunday, JULY 14, 2024 1:00 to 4:00 pm. This event features something fun (a special speaker, music or other activities) door prizes and museum tours. As details unfold, they will be posted here…check back.

All buildings on the museum grounds will be open for your wandering pleasure. Non-members who are interested in learning more about the museum are welcome. So tell your friends this is their chance to get fed and feted while supporting the AV Historical Society.

Holiday Fun

  • Sunday November 24th, 2024 1-4p: Welcome the Holiday Season with Candle Making festivities. Bring your family and create a festive candle for your holidays. Cookies and Cider will add to the fun on this winter afternoon.

Board Meetings

The Anderson Valley Historical Society Board meets on Thursday mornings at 9:30, every two months. AVHS members and interested guests are welcome to attend. For specific dates, please contact Sheri Hansen, at (707) 272-7248 or by email. You’ll find us in the Rose Room of the Barn Building on the Museum grounds, 12340 Highway 128, Boonville.

Featured Books

Then and Now: An Anderson Valley Journey

Anderson Valley has certainly changed significantly over its long history. Yet Then and Now: An Anderson Valley Journey, by Wes Smoot and Stephen Sparks, shows us that in some ways the Valley has altered very little. This fascinating book presents old and new photographs of selected buildings and homes, accompanied by brief “biographies” of each building and locale, thereby providing a journey through history. The reader is encouraged to literally take an excursion along the length of beautiful Anderson Valley and observe the sixty locations that are featured alongside or near to Highway 128, the 2-lane road that winds through Anderson Valley. Through the descriptions and photos, you’ll see how some places have changed and some stayed surprisingly constant. A delight to read as you drive through the Valley or relax in your armchair at home, Then and Now offers a vibrant trip through this unique region and its history for local folks and visitors alike. To order, call (707) 895-3207 or email the Anderson Valley Historical Society.

Anderson Valley—Images of America

Authored by the Historical Society and using pictures from the museum and many private collections, this book uses pictures to share the history of Anderson Valley and the fun of Boontling. To order, call (707) 895-3207 or email the Anderson Valley Historical Society.

For a full list of available books and gifts related to Anderson Valley history please go to Books.

Events