In Memoriam: Ann Howard

Ann Howard, one of the Healdsburg Museum’s most “dedicated” volunteers, passed away earlier this month at age 79, museum officials say. “We are saddened to announce the passing of our dearest friend and supporter, Ann Howard, on March 11, 2024,” they posted on Facebook last week. “She will be forever remembered and appreciated in northern Sonoma County. … We love you, Annie.” Ann Howard reportedly grew up in a small town in Iowa and moved to San Francisco in 1967, where she worked in “archaeology and historic preservation” for the National Park Service and as a librarian in her son’s elementary school. Then, in the year 2000, she moved to Geyserville. Within a few years, Annie was “involved with everything from collections management to publications and exhibitions” at the Healdsburg Museum, her former colleagues say. “She served as the Museum’s second Volunteer Coordinator and on the Healdsburg Museum Board of Directors for 7 years. Ann was a passionate local history researcher, skilled genealogist and history detective. She authored many articles and research publications.” In her time here, Annie also became a “treasured member and historian for Dry Creek Neighbors Club” and “helped found and sustain the new Geyserville Museum at the Bosworth Store,” according to the folks from the Healdsburg Museum. (Source: Healdsburg Museum via Facebook)