Tomales Regional History Center

10/11/2026

When history meets musical talent! 🎶✨

We had a wonderful visit at the Tomales Regional History Center from a clever and talented guest visiting from San Francisco, who stepped up to bring our historical Estey reed organ back to life!

This incredible instrument served the Tomales Presbyterian Church from 1927 until 1960, but its story started a bit earlier. In 1923, the church's new pastor, Rev. George Haerle—a true music lover—decided it was time to overhaul the church’s music program. He famously complained that their existing "wheezy old organ even had a mouse's nest in it!" His blunt feedback likely inspired the congregation to invest in the new model we have on display today.

Manufactured by the Estey Organ Company in Brattleboro, Vermont, this organ works through a suction bellows system. Pumping the pedals draws air through the instrument's action, vibrating internal brass reeds when keys are pressed to create its unique, resonant tone.

Seeing a visitor with the skill and curiosity to play a century-old piece of our local heritage made for an unforgettable afternoon. Stop by the Center on your next trip to Tomales—you never know what history you'll hear brought back to life!

📍 Tomales Regional History Center
🏛️ Open Weekends 1pm to 4pm | Free Admission

10/10/2026

☕️📜 TODAY IS THE DAY! 📜☕️

​History is better shared! If you’ve been looking for a cozy, inspiring way to spend your late morning, head on over to the Tomales Regional History Center for our Bring a Friend, Share the Past: TRHC Docent Coffee & Conversation!

​Here’s what’s in store:
☕ Fresh coffee & tasty treats

📜 Inspiring stories & insider tips from long-time docent Kip Spragens

🔍 A fun walkthrough of our latest exhibits

🤝 A welcoming space to meet local history fans and explore ways to get involved

​When: TODAY, Saturday, Oct 10 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
​Where: Tomales Regional History Center

​Grab a buddy who loves local lore, come enjoy a warm cup, and stay for the stories!
​👇 Tag the friend you’re bringing in the comments below! See you all at 11! ✨

09/24/2026

Unleashing Local History! 🐶🌾

​The "Dog Days" of fall may be rolling in, but at the Tomales Regional History Center, every day is a good day for dogs! We love welcoming well-behaved, leashed pups alongside their human companions as they explore the rich stories of our region.

​Dogs have been a essential part of West Marin’s coast, ranches, and town life for generations—and we’re proud to keep that tradition going.

​Swipe to see a few iconic throwback photos of local historical pups and some of the paws-itively delightful visitors who’ve stopped by to sniff out history lately! 📸🐾

​Bring your four-legged best friend by for a visit next time you’re strolling through town. We always have fresh water, friendly smiles, and plenty of local history to share! 🐕💛

Share a pic of your favorite pup in the comments! 👇🏼






📸 Historical photos from the Tomales Regional History Center Archives

09/20/2026

Tomales Regional History Center lecture welcomes Lynn Downey speaking on the history of Levi's

09/20/2026

Good morning History Fans! Join us this afternoon for a lovely talk by historian and archivist, Lynn Downey!

👖 Who was the man behind the world’s most famous name in denim?

Everyone knows the name Levi Strauss, but few know the real story of the legendary merchant who helped shape California history.

Join us at the Tomales Regional History Center for an illustrated lecture and Q&A with historian and author Lynn Downey as she presents:

“Levi Strauss: The Man Who Gave Blue Jeans to the World”

Having spent 25 years as the official Historian for Levi Strauss & Co., Lynn will clear up the enduring myths surrounding Levi the man, share the true history of the invention of jeans, and uncover fascinating, lesser-known links between his story and West Marin.

📅 When: Sunday, September 20, 2026 at 2:00 PM

📍 Where: Tomales Regional History Center (26701 Highway One, Tomales, CA)

🎟️ Admission: FREE & open to all

🎙️ Lecture Series Curated by: Carin Jacobs, founder of Place Matters Sonoma

Arrive early to grab a seat and explore the museum before the talk!

09/19/2026

TOMORROW AT 2 PM | Levi Strauss: The Man Who Gave Blue Jeans to the World 👖

​Don't miss author and historian Lynn Downey as she clears up common myths, shares the true story of Levi Strauss, and reveals fascinating connections to West Marin.
​• When: Sunday, Sept 20 @ 2:00 PM
• Where: TRHC — 26701 Highway One, Tomales, CA
• Cost: FREE!

Lecture series curated by: Carin Jacobs, Place Matters

Need blue jean inspiration? Check out these 1950s Tomales High School students sporting theirs!

📸 1950 Tomales High School yearbook, Tide. Tomales Regional History Center archives.

09/16/2026

Happening this Sunday! Wear your Levi's and join us for a fabulous talk!

📝Have you marked your calendar yet?

Join us on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Tomales Regional History Center for a fascinating afternoon with former Levi Strauss & Co. historian Lynn Downey.

She’ll be presenting "Levi Strauss: The Man Who Gave Blue Jeans to the World," exploring the true story behind the icon, busting common myths, and revealing some surprising local historical links right here to West Marin!

📍 Where: TRHC, 26701 Highway One, Tomales, CA

🎟️ Admission: Free and open to the public!

Wear your blue jeans! 👖

09/16/2026

History is better shared! ☕️📜✨

Calling all local history fans, curious minds, and friends of the Tomales Regional History Center! We’re hosting our Bring a Friend, Share the Past: TRHC Docent Coffee & Conversation on Saturday October 10 from 11 am to 1pm, and we want you to be there.

Join our current volunteers for a morning of coffee, treats, and great conversation. Long-time docent Kip Spragens will be sharing insider tips and stories on what makes being a TRHC docent so special, followed by a fun look at our latest exhibits.

🤝 Bring a Friend! Got a buddy who loves local lore? Bring them along to see what we do and how they can get involved.

📍 Where: Tomales Regional History Center

🕒 When: Saturday October 10, 2026 11am to 1pm

Come for the coffee, stay for the stories! Drop a comment to tag someone you will be bringing! 👇

09/10/2026

📝Have you marked your calendar yet?

Join us on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Tomales Regional History Center for a fascinating afternoon with former Levi Strauss & Co. historian Lynn Downey.

She’ll be presenting "Levi Strauss: The Man Who Gave Blue Jeans to the World," exploring the true story behind the icon, busting common myths, and revealing some surprising local historical links right here to West Marin!

📍 Where: TRHC, 26701 Highway One, Tomales, CA

🎟️ Admission: Free and open to the public!

Wear your blue jeans! 👖

09/07/2026

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Tomales Regional History Center table at Tomales Fest! 🌾✨

We had a fantastic time chatting with neighbors, sharing local history, and handing out free seeds courtesy of Friedman's!

A extra huge thank you to our wonderful Town Hall volunteers (Lisa, David, and Addison and the whole crew); and TRHC board members—Lynn, Marisa, and Janis—for staffing the table and making the day so special!

We love being part of this community. If you missed us, drop by the History Center during our regular hours ( Weekends 1pm to 4pm) to keep the conversation going! 🏛️💛

📸 Photo 1: Some of our younger history fans stopping by the table to grab some fun swag!

📸 Photo 2: Our wonderful docents sharing an incredible historic panoramic view of downtown Tomales.

📸 Photo 3: A special moment when a Tomales neighbor recognized her own house in one of our historical display photos—we were thrilled to gift it to her!

📸 Photo 4: Visitors picking out their favorite seeds to take home, thanks to the generous donation from Friedman's! 🌿🌱