08/12/2026
From the Times-Herald: Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum set for annual fundraiser
By Aline Valiente
PUBLISHED: August 11, 2026
Community members are invited to experience the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum after hours during the annual fundraiser, “A Night at the Museum: After Dark.”
Although the theme references the 2006 film starring Ben Stiller, the Aug. 22 event is not directly affiliated with the movie. Instead, it will allow community members to experience the museum in a different light and get a behind-the-scenes look.
“Like most museums, what the public sees is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Executive Director Trevor Allen
Formally known as the museum’s annual fundraiser and gala, the Aug. 22 fundraiser will be different “altogether.”
“Most people don’t go to the museum at night, hence the after-dark theme,” says Allen. “A lot of people will be able to see the museum at a time where they normally wouldn’t, unless there’s a specific event. (Attendees) can stay up late at night and walk around the museum and really see how the staff and volunteers see it, behind the scenes.”
The event will include a silent auction featuring items donated by local artists, including pieces from the collection of 101-year-old Vallejo artist Dorothy Herger.
“We honor Dorothy’s legacy and the fact that she is very generous,” said Allen.
None of the auctioned items will be artifacts from the museum’s collection.
“These are not accessioned items. As an accredited museum, we would never sell off our artifacts. But (Herger) has given us some wonderful artwork. It is a piece of Vallejo’s history and the history of Vallejo itself,” said Allen.
For the seated portion of the event, hors d’oeuvres will be served as part of the “A Taste From Around the World” menu, featuring food donated by local Vallejo restaurants.
The decision not to serve heavy food was made so that attendees could move around the museum and around the tables.
Beer, wine, or food will not be allowed in other parts of the museum.
Museum Board of Directors President Jeriann Guzman said the menu was inspired by Vallejo’s own culturally diverse community.
Another feature of the event will be a flashlight tour, led by a docent through parts of the museum at night, with a few “surprises” along the way.
Guzman said that the proceeds of the fundraiser will go toward the renovation of the South Gallery.
So far, $125,000 has been committed to the renovation of the South Gallery. The fundraiser will provide opportunities for community members and businesses to support the project through sponsorships, with an official rollout to be announced at a later date.
Guzman added that the museum is also seeking additional donations to match the $125,000 already committed. She also hopes to add a children’s room to create a space where visitors of all ages can enjoy and engage with the museum.
“The founding was in 1974, and now it’s 2026,” said Guzman. “It’s time to make it beautiful again.”
Sharing the same sentiment, Allen said that the museum relies on fundraisers and additional donations to keep the museum open.
“A lot of improvement is on its way. Hopefully the magic will be people looking at this as it is and wondering what the museum will become, and how they can be part of that,” said Allen. “We’re not the Smithsonian. We’re a small museum. We get by with donations. We’re a non-profit community museum focused on Vallejo’s history.”
The “Night at the Museum” Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum Fundraiser and Auction will take place on Saturday, Aug. 22 from 6 to 10 p.m.
Tickets are $70 for members and $75 for nonmembers.
To purchase tickets, go to www.eventbrite.com/e/vallejo-museum-a-night-at-the-museum-tickets-1992263610088
Link to column in Vallejo Times-Herald: https://www.timesheraldonline.com/2026/08/11/a-e-source-vallejo-naval-and-historical-museum-set-for-annual-fundraiser/
Join us at the Vallejo Museum for our annual fundraising event with live and silent auctions!
