Sonoma League for Historic Preservation celebrates 45 years

The Sonoma League for Historic Preservation is celebrating 45 years of service in preserving Sonoma’s historic structures with a Sapphire Anniversary fundraiser from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, in the gardens of the Maysonnave House, 291 First St. E.

The evening will include Sonoma Valley wines, tapas, finger foods and live music by The Carrtunes. There will be a presentation about the history of the League, the history of the Maysonnave House, and the personal history of the man who bequeathed the house to the City of Sonoma, Henri Maysonnave. Sonoma Mayor Tom Rouse will present a proclamation.

League president, Barbara Wimmer, said, “The purpose of this fundraiser is to both celebrate the League’s accomplishments and to honor those who’ve been integral to making it all happen.”

The League is an all-volunteer organization established in 1969 with the mission to educate, promote interest in, and advocate for the preservation of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and landscapes in the City of Sonoma and Sonoma Valley. It maintains and staffs two historic properties in Sonoma – the Heritage Center at the Maysonnave House, and the Gen. Joseph Hooker House, located in the back of the El Paseo on First Street East. The League also maintains an archive of documents and photos pertaining to the historical structures in the City of Sonoma and the surrounding area, and keeps a list of all structures in Sonoma Valley 50 years of age and older, which is referenced by local officials when making development decisions.

To mark 45 years, tickets to the Sapphire Anniversary fundraiser are $45. They can be reserved in advance online at eventbrite.com/e/the-league-sapphire-anniversary-party-45-years-tickets-12375819409, or checks can be mailed to the Sonoma League for Historic Preservation, P.O. Box 766, Sonoma, CA 95476. Tickets will be held at the door.

Money raised will support the work of the League including preservation of its archives and Maysonnave House maintenance. For more information, visit sonomaleague.org, or call 938-0169.