Our Story
The mission of the Novato Historical Guild is to collect, preserve and make reasonably available to the public exhibits and information related to the historical and social development of the Novato area.
History gives us a common heritage and connects us as a community.
Founded in 1976, the Novato Historical Guild is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of the greater Novato area. Our mission is to collect, safeguard, and make accessible historical exhibits and information to the public, focusing on the time period from the early 1800s land grant days to the present.
The ultimate purpose of the Guild is to benefit the community today and to give a legacy to the future. Knowing our history gives Novato an identity and character and fosters a sense of community for residents.
The Guild is proud to support two local history museums: the Novato History Museum and the Hamilton Field History Museum. In partnership with the City of Novato—who owns the museum buildings and collections—we provide volunteer staffing, exhibits, research support, educational tours, and presentations to ensure that the public can engage with and learn about our unique history. The Guild receives no funds from the city and admission is free.
We invite you to become a member and join us in our mission. The Guild hosts quarterly membership meetings with engaging guest speakers. Our members receive the Historian newsletter which shares stories of Novato's vibrant past.
