Coming Events--- Details to be posted soon
Saturday, May 13- Garden Tour/Wine Tasting Fundraiser- Canard Vineyards. 1-4 pm.
Saturday, May 20- Meet the Author, Mark Gudgel, The Rise of Napa Valley Wineries. 12-1:30 pm.
May- New Special Exhibit Reason P. Tucker, Calistoga Pioneer.
May- Tickets go on sale for the 35th Annual Instant Wine Cellar. Drawings to be held Aug. 26.
Released in January 2023
Chinese in Napa Valley
The Forgotten Community
That Built Wine Country
by John McCormick
Hot of the presses January 2023, the newest title released by the History Press, “Chinese in Napa Valley- the Forgotten Community that Built Wine Country” by author John McCormick, Foreword by Connie Young Yu.
Is it possible to unearth the origins our Valley’s prosperity? Look back to the mid-late 1800’s as Chinese men, women and families were immigrating to this area. They became laborers, worked the grape fields, silver mines, leather tanneries, laundries, built scores of stone bridges that survive to this day as well as carving our wine caves that remain.
Their contributions were enormous yet little appreciated. This new title is a must read for anyone wanting to learn and respect the valley’s origins.
From Calistoga to Napa, 175 pages of history & pictures including bibliography and index. Currently available in our bookstore, priced at $23.99 (less 10% for museum members), plus tax and $4.00 shipping. If you prefer to order through the mail simply click here to send us a note, we’ll do the rest.
Here’s to the Year of the Rabbit. Xinnan kuaile.
Current Special Exhibit
The Force of Fandom
An exuberant celebration of creativity, anchored in the Star Wars universe
Exhibit runs through May 5, 2023
Star Wars spans multiple generations as a cultural phenomenon, and its iconography resonates with movie fans, enthusiasts, kids and parents alike. This exhibit, created in joyful partnership with Rancho Obi-Wan, the largest Star Wars collection in the galaxy, includes curated collections of Star Wars memorabilia that serves as a starting point of inspiration for creative expression and a sense of community. Our obsessive collectors Steve Sansweet, Dwayne Smith, and Marc Morita generously share their treasured objects with us, as they encourage us to dream up our own ideal universe of heroes, villains and those in between.
This exhibit will run through May 5.
Click here for full page pdf of this poster
For the Newsletter Archives- Click HERE
PRESERVING THE HISTORY OF CALISTOGA
AND UPPER NAPA VALLEY
The Sharpsteen Museum is a must-see destination created by Walt Disney animator and producer, Ben Sharpsteen. This award-winning museum features dioramas, artifacts, antiques and exhibits designed by Ben and his team of highly creative artists dedicated to making history fun and educational for adults and children alike.
Just In:
The Sharpsteen Museum was voted 2023 Readers' Choice, North Bay Bohemian's
"Best Museum for Napa County"!!!
Please note that the hours shown in this video are NOT the correct/current hours.
MEET SAM BRANNAN
In 1859 Sam Brannan began purchasing his eventual 2000 acres in Hot Springs Township. He founded the town of Calistoga and built the original Calistoga Hot Springs Resort.
SAM BRANNAN COTTAGE
Relive the days of yesteryear as you walk into an one of the original Sam Brannan Cottages restored to its 1860s splendor complete with vintage furnishings.
1860 CALISTOGA DIORAMA
Highlights include an extensive, highly detailed 30-foot diorama which offers a glimpse of 1860s Calistoga and its Hot Springs Resort developed by Sam Brannan.
BEN SHARPSTEEN'S VISION
Explore Ben's creative artistry, talent, and vision as put forth throughout the museum. See one of 11 actual ‘Oscars’ awarded to Ben during his 30-years with Disney.
SIGN UP FOR OUR EMAIL NEWSLETTER
Be the first to find out about new events, special exhibits, and other unique happenings at the Sharpsteen Museum by signing up for our email newsletter. You don’t want to miss out!
WHAT OUR VISITORS ARE SAYING...
Google Reviews, June 2017
What a cool place for kids and adults! We loved that it has ties to the original Disney gang. Mr. Sharpsteen sure was a talented and fascinating man. My personal museum favorite was the walk through attached cottage from the 1800's. It is rare to get that close to great quality antiques. My children loved the exhibit where you can watch the train go around the town. We're very glad we stopped in and also took time to shop in their reasonably priced gift shop and chat with the friendly and informative staff. Highly recommended!
—Angelina A.