The Sonoma Valley Woman’s Club Foundation
Protecting the legacy of the founders, the importance of the club’s history, and its impact on Sonoma Valley.
The Sonoma Valley Woman’s Club Foundation is the fundraising engine behind the Club’s century-old civic mission. It blends historic preservation with cultural outreach - supporting environmental beautification, arts, education, and seasonal community events - all dedicated to uplifting women and families across the Sonoma Valley.
The Sonoma Woman’s Club, founded in 1901 in Sonoma, California, is one of the earliest women’s clubs in the region. It was established during a time when women across the United States were forming clubs to promote civic engagement, education, and cultural enrichment - especially before women had the right to vote nationally.
The Club began with a small group of civic-minded women who aimed to improve their community through service, advocacy, and social initiatives. Their early work focused on beautification projects, education, and charitable efforts, consistent with the Progressive Era goals of uplifting communities through volunteerism.
In 1913, the Club started construction on the Clubhouse, a distinctive building in the Craftsman style. The clubhouse was funded and maintained by members and served as a hub for both Club activities and community events. Famed Petaluma architect Bainard Jones was selected to design the Clubhouse - located at 574 First Street East in Sonoma - which has since become a local landmark.
Throughout the 20th century, the Sonoma Woman’s Club has continued to play a vital role in civic and philanthropic efforts in the area, supporting schools, health services, and local charities. The organization also offered a space for women to connect, educate themselves, and engage in leadership long before such opportunities were widely available.
Today, the Club remains active, preserving its historic legacy while adapting to the evolving needs of women and the broader community.
Community Beautification & Plaza Projects
2025 marks the reinstatement of the “Plaza Beautification Fund,” echoing the Club’s first civic effort from 1901 with a focus on restoring the Italian Fountain and adjacent gardens in the Sonoma Plaza.
2025 Cultural Events & Concerts
Hosted Chinese New Year Reception - “Going Back to our Roots” - for Club members, selected individuals and potential partner organizations aligned with the Plaza Beautification effort. This was a kick-off for the Club’s 125th Anniversary in 2026, in honor of the Club's rich history and its founders, whose first order of business was to establish a Plaza Beautification Fund in 1901 - the very beginning of what our Plaza is today, and the heart of our Sonoma community.
Celebrated Women's History Month at the Sonoma Barracks, hosted by the California State Parks
Hosted the Woman’s Club Tea at the Historical Clubhouse for Club members, their families and friends.
Fundraised for Los Angeles Fire Relief: Basket raffle proceeds & gift cards were collected and sent to the Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club to help support them after the devastating LA fires.
Italian Garden Concert - May 3, 2025 was the first major fundraiser for Plaza Beautification: A classical music concert honoring Italian women composers, with violinist Gloria Justen and cellist Krisanthy Desby. The event featured an Italian-themed garden reception and spotlighted fundraising for the fountain restoration.