Business Details
Your Gateway to Solano County's History & Culture
The Vacaville Museum serves as a dedicated center for preserving Solano County's history and culture. Through curated exhibits, educational programs, and community events, we foster connections by celebrating shared heritage. Our mission emphasizes cultural preservation, offering free public access to exhibitions that explore local history, art, and science. With a team of experienced professionals, we create engaging programs that inspire curiosity about the past while supporting future community leaders. Our partnerships with local organizations and volunteers ensure we remain a dynamic hub for historical education and cultural exchange in Solano County. 
Services
Historical Exhibits
Educational Programs
Event Rentals
Research Library
Community Partnerships
Highlights and features
- We specialize in Solano County's unique cultural heritage
- Our team includes accredited museum professionals with decades of combined experience
- We offer free public access to historical exhibitions and research resources
- Our educational programs connect community members with local history
- We host diverse cultural events in our historic downtown venue
Services
Historical Exhibits
Our rotating exhibits showcase Solano County's rich history through artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays. Visitors explore local heritage themes including aviation history, cultural traditions, and community development. Each exhibition combines educational content with engaging storytelling to create meaningful connections with our region's past.
Educational Programs
We offer curriculum-based field trips, workshops, and lectures that bring local history to life for students of all ages. Our programs align with state educational standards while providing hands-on learning experiences. From school groups to senior citizens, our educational initiatives foster lifelong learning about our shared cultural heritage.
Event Rentals
Our historic courtyard accommodates weddings, business mixers, and community events with a unique cultural backdrop. The space features flexible seating for up to 150 guests with access to museum amenities. Rental includes coordination with museum staff to ensure memorable experiences that respect our historic setting.
Research Library
Our collection includes over 10,000 historical artifacts, photographs, and documents chronicling Solano County's development. Researchers access primary sources through our archives and special collections. The library supports academic research, genealogy projects, and community history initiatives with professional staff assistance.
Community Partnerships
We collaborate with local organizations to create innovative programs that address community needs. Partnerships include cultural festivals, historical preservation projects, and joint educational initiatives. These collaborations expand our impact while ensuring diverse representation of Solano County's multifaceted heritage.
People
Clara Dawson
Executive Director
Clara Dawson leads the museum with 8 years of experience in museum programming. She holds MA in Museum Studies from University of Washington and BA in Archaeology from UC San Diego. Her career spans art, children's, and natural history museums.
Shelby Sorensen
Curator
Shelby Sorensen curates collections with expertise in archival studies and museum management. She earned dual master's degrees from University of Oklahoma and previously managed Folsom History Museum. Her focus includes underrepresented historical narratives.
Whit Germano-Heller
Office Manager
Whit Germano-Heller oversees operations with 15 years of nonprofit administration experience. A University of the Pacific graduate, he previously worked at botanical gardens and science centers. As Native Hawaiian, he values historical preservation efforts.
Questions
What are the museum's regular hours?
Gallery hours: Thursday-Friday 1-4:30 PM, Saturday 10 AM-4:30 PM. Office hours: Tuesday-Friday 9 AM-5 PM.
Is admission free?
Yes, general admission is free. We suggest $5 donations to support exhibits and programs.
Can I rent the courtyard for events?
Yes, our courtyard hosts weddings, business events, and memorials. Contact us at 707-447-4513 for availability.
What educational programs do you offer?
We provide school field trips, workshops, lectures, and hands-on history activities for all age groups.
