A unique antique shop, Petaluma Collective specializes in antique military collectibles and paraphernalia. Petaluma…More Collective is also a military museum. It holds such items as a serving dish from the 18th century and a corporal lantern from from the American Revolution. </p> <p> </p>

This former library now housing The Petaluma Historical Museum was designed by local architect Brainerd Jones and…More built from locally quarried stone. It features the largest free-standing leaded glass dome in Northern California. The cornerstone was set in 1904. </p> <p>It houses a research library, poultry, dairy and Miwok Indian history exhibits from the 1850s and offers weekend tours of historic Petaluma led by costumed docents. Throughout the year, the museum features a public lecture series, guided museum tours, an outreach program for schools, an annual Victorian tea, assisted research, internships and special exhibits like the recent Vietnam Experience.   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Located just 45 minutes north of San Francisco, the Military Antiques and Museum is the largest private military…More museum in the country.</p> <p>The museum was named after Sgt. Richard A. Perry, Petaluma's only native-born Medal of Honor recipient, and is dedicated to the memory of all veterans who served their country. Inside the museum you'll find memorabilia from the Civil War, the Spanish American War and World Wars I and II, including the remains of a World War II German fighter plane shot down over Portsmouth Docks, England. At this museum there is literally something for every military history buff.</p>

Before it was a park frequented by tourists and school groups, Petaluma Adobe was a working ranch owned by…More Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, a Mexican general sent to oversee Mexico's holdings in Alta California. The ranch made its money by selling cow hides and tallow, used for candles, as well as wheat and other crops.</p> <p>But in 1846, Vallejo was arrested during the Bear Flag Revolt and the ranch fell into disrepair, especially when squaters, who had arrived for the Gold Rush, began settling on the property. Vallejo sold the ranch in 1857. It became a California Historical Landmark in 1932, and today is overseen by the state Department of Parks.</p> <p>Petaluma Adobe is open daily, and has an informative museum on its premises. It also offers volunteer opportunities such as, guiding tours, gardening, taking care of animals, and conducting bike patrol of the 41 acre property.</p>