In the early 1900’s, Andrew Carnegie realized the importance of public libraries. He donated funds for many to be built and Healdsburg, California, was one of the recipients.
Andrew Carnegie and the Libraries
Andrew Carnegie was born in Dunfermline, Scotland, on November 25, 1835. The family immigrated to the United States in 1848 and settled in the area around Allegheny, Pennsylvania where Andrew, at age 13, went to work in a cotton factory. His “education” was advanced due to the generosity of an Allegheny citizen who made his library available to young workingmen. This act of kindness would be repaid in abundance throughout Carnegie’s life.
As an adult, Carnegie began work for the Pennsylvania Railroad, moving up through various positions and eventually investing in the manufacture of railroad sleeping cars. This led to his entering the steel business, where he made his fortune.
But Carnegie never forgot the impact of libraries on his life and training. Thus in 1881, he first library gift went to Dunfermline, his boyhood hometown in Scotland. From that donation he continued to provide similar charitable offerings to communities throughout the English-speaking world.
What It Took to Become a Carnegie Library
The first Carnegie Library in the United States was built in 1889 in one of his steel mill towns, Braddock, Pennsylvania. Carnegie believed that the working person deserved to have access to learning through the written word. He believed in assisting those who wanted to improve their lives
From that time on, a “Carnegie Formula” was developed that required matching funds from a town requesting a grant for a library. Between 1889 and 1929, 1,689 Carnegie Libraries were built in the United States. In order to receive funds, a community needed to demonstrate the need for a public library; provide the building site and raise ten percent of the construction costs plus annual support; and offer the services free to all. There was never a lack of towns desiring to be considered.
Healdsburg, California, and Its Carnegie Library
In 1911, Healdsburg, California, was an enterprising town in the hills about seventy miles north of San Francisco. Founded in 1857 by one Harmon Heald, a former gold miner, the town flourished when the railroad came through in 1871. Stylish homes, a steady economy based on farming and support services, and civic pride were the earmarks of Healdsburg at the turn of the century.
The town applied for a Carnegie Library grant and was among the 142 places in California that received one. The impressive granite structure, built in the classical style, became a well-utilized public building. It served as the town library until the 1980’s when it became part of the County library system and a new library was built.
The Carnegie Library building then became the Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society in 1989. It contains many donations of historical significance to the region including information on early settlers, photographic records, and research materials. As the Healdsburg area developed into a wine region, the Museum gathered data documenting this industry as well.
A Visit to the Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society
Permanent displays highlight the early life and history of the Healdsburg area. Of particular note is the collection of baskets made by the native people living in the area before the Mexican and then American peoples settled it.
Many school groups visit the museum on field trips throughout the year. Researchers use the extensive historical record collection for projects and history buffs enjoy the engaging exhibits of life in the past.
Seasonal exhibits bring focus on particular areas of significance to the Healdsburg area. For example, during the Holiday Season of 2011-2012, the main focus was “Mother Goose” and the rhymes known from childhood. Local residents provided antique toys, clothing and artifacts to augment the museum’s collection. Headsets were provided for visitors to listen to recorded background information on many of the rhymes which were tinged with political rhetoric from the English realm.
The museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays and is free to all, in keeping with Andrew Carnegie’s vision.
Source: Brochure from Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society
Ethel Brodie - Intrigued by the world, encouraged to write my observations, published in newspapers and magazines, and sharing special places.
Join the Conversation