Napa County Historical Society
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Napa County Historical Society


The Napa County Historical Society is a research, archival and educational organization dedicated to the discovery, preservation and presentation of the people and history of Napa County, and its place in California History. Our purpose is to keep history alive through historical research, publications and educational activities. The Society is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization supported by membership dues, donations and volunteers.


The Napa County Historical Society is proud to announce the launch of an online database of our collections. This is a multi-year project (partially funded by the County of Napa and the Giles and Elise Mead Foundation). Due to the size of our collection, only some of our holdings are available for on-line searches at this time. Items will be added on a regular basis. Follow the link below to browse our collection:

Napa County Historical Society Online Database

Old Bale MillConceived on May 8, 1948, at a pioneer picnic at the Old Bale Mill, the Napa County Historical Society was incorporated on May 14th of the same year. The picturesque mill, built in 1846 by the English settler of the Rancho Carne Humana, Dr. E. Bale, was an appropriate setting for the inauguration of the Society.

The Napa County Historical Society invites you to share in the excitement and nostalgia of the Napa Valley and its rich history by visiting the County's first public library. The Goodman Library in downtown Napa currently houses the Society's Research Library, Museum and administrative offices. The extensive Research Library has photographs, books, city directories, original unpublished manuscripts, maps, architectural plans, yearbooks and documents pertaining to the history of Napa County and its residents. The Research Library is staffed by a team of volunteers who are available to answer questions and conduct research. The first floor of the Goodman Library houses the Society's changing exhibition gallery and Victorian Tea Room. Victorian Teas are available for groups by appointment.