Healdsburg Museum Seeks Mexican-American Stories

Holly Hoods, Curator of the Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society, states that there is a rich and vibrant Mexican-American community in the Healdsburg area, yet there is little in the way of historical information recorded. The Healdsburg Historical Society wants to expand the museum’s collection to include more information about Healdsburg’s Mexican-American community. But assistance from the community is needed.

At no charge to any participating families, museum volunteers will help record family histories, and scan photos in this ongoing project and if available, borrow artifacts to display at the museum.

The Ancestors of Mexico Exhibit will run from August 1 through November 1 at the Healdsburg Museum, located at the corner of Fitch and Matheson Streets. The Ancestors of Mexico festival will be held on September 16, Mexican Independence Day, at the Healdsburg Plaza.

Festival Co-Chairs are Healdsburg residents, Jeanne Leal Hartlaub and Gabriel Fraire. Hartlaub describes the committee’s goal: “To have a family friendly afternoon at the Healdsburg Plaza with food and entertainment and encourage people to visit the museum’s Ancestor’s of Mexico exhibit.” Hartlaub added, “We also would like to partner with local businesses as sponsors or volunteers.”  Interested parties may contact Hartlaug at jlhrn@att.net.

Fraire added, “It’s great the Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society is reaching out to the Latino community. I gave them my grandmother’s story, however, we want more people to come forward with their family stories. It’s not too late to get involved.”

Watch for more information in the coming weeks about the exhibit and the festival.