Mission and History

It is the mission of the Napa County Historical Society to discover, preserve, and present the history of Napa County through exhibits, lectures, and events, as well as research, publications, and educational activities, creating context and understanding of the rich and diverse heritage of the Valley.

Our History

The Napa County Historical Society was established on May 14, 1948 by local residents committed to preserving the county’s unique heritage. As the organization grew, so did its need for a dedicated space. In the late 1970s, then Executive Director Jess Doud secured the historic Goodman Library as the Society’s permanent home.

Since then, the Goodman Library has served as a hub for historical research, public exhibits, and educational programming. Today, the Society operates from this location with the support of an Executive Director, a Research Archivist, and a dedicated Board of Directors, team of volunteers and interns who assist with research, archiving, and publications. It remains a small nonprofit organization, sustained by community support through memberships and donations.