Sharpsteen Museum of Calistoga History

The Museum was established in 1978 to collect, preserve, study, and exhibit materials relating to the unique heritage of Calistoga and the upper Napa Valley, and provide related educational activities to enhance the knowledge and appreciation of residents and visitors. The local community and visitors to Calistoga, in the broadest sense, all ages and backgrounds, are welcome to attend our free public events. These include lectures, author discussions, special exhibits, tours, and film screenings. In keeping with Ben Sharpsteen’s vision that cost would not be a barrier to anyone, admission is free or with a voluntary donation. We offer history orientations for resort/winery staff.

Our educational impact is multi-faceted: dozens of local students from kindergarten through high school tour the Museum each year, and the Museum’s scholarship program supports higher education for Calistoga High School graduates. Outreach to the Latino community is ongoing through bilingual museum guides and special exhibits focusing on this rich heritage.

As an all-volunteer organization receiving no county, state, or federal grants, the Museum relies on donations, memberships, retail sales, and internal fundraising to cover operating costs. The City of Calistoga owns and maintains the facility; all operations are funded by the Museum Association.