Petaluma Adobe Educational Programs

Environmental Studies Program

Where You Add the Ingredients that Makes History Come Alive!


Experience Rancho California from 1836 – 1848! Californios and Native Americans both experienced huge changes in their lives during this turbulent period of California history. Now your students can bring history to life through working, eating, and recreating this time-period in order to gain a deeper understanding of California history.


Students first develop their historical understanding of the site through a virtual tour of the Petaluma Adobe SHP with experienced park staff via PORTS. Then when students come to park, they will find themselves immersed in the life, production practices, and recreation of one of the largest remaining Ranchos of the period: Mariano Vallejo’s Petaluma Adobe.


Cooking traditional foods of early California, basket making, candle making, wool spinning and weaving, carpentry, and leatherwork are samples of the activities children will experience. They will work in the Adobe’s production areas and live the adventure of this historic period. Your students will leave this encounter at the Petaluma Adobe with a deeper historical understanding of the site in spirit, mind, and body.


The program is one of the least expensive in California – only $250.00 for all your program materials (except your food and wood for your carpentry project). We offer a generous scholarship program and yearly teacher trainings to help you prepare.


We invite you to time-travel with us back to a time where vaqueros wore spurs and brightly colored silk sashes, women were known for their horsemanship and expertise, and children’s work was necessary for survival.

Essential Program Information

ESP Teacher Application

Scholarship Application

PORTS

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School Tours

Visit the largest privately owned Mexican Rancho in California!

Are you looking to book your next field trip? The Petaluma Adobe SHP is ready to guide your classroom through the halls of history!

The School Tour program at the Petaluma Adobe SHP is a great way for students to explore California history. Our tours are compliant with 4th grade social studies curriculum and are approximately 45 minutes long. Knowledgeable park staff are eager to bring your students through a curated, engaging, and educational experience that can only be found at the Petaluma Adobe SHP.

We hope to see your classroom here soon!

Essential Program Information

To make a reservation, please call Reserve California at 1-866-240-4655

Learn More about School Tours