Over the past year, members of our community have shared memories, photographs, and archival material. Some sat for oral history interviews, some scanned scrapbooks, and some listened to the stories of others. Together, we’ve documented and preserved the unique way the Russian River’s LGBTQ+ community and allies responded to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and 1990s.

Now we’d love for you to join us to mark the completion of this project. 

Surviving and Living Fully: The River’s Response to AIDS

Saturday, December 5, 2026

Dawn Ranch (the original Fife’s), 16467 River Road, Guerneville

Register for walking tours and program on Eventbrite >>

Timed to World AIDS Day, the day will honor those we lost, those who came together when it mattered most, and the way our community continues to celebrate the lives we carry forward. 

Morning: Walking Tours of Historic Gay Guerneville

Free guided tours at 11:00, 12:00 and 1:00 leaving from the Safeway parking lot by the Taco Truck. Each limited to 15 people, registration required. Dawn Ranch has also graciously opened its grounds for self-guided walks of historic areas from the Fife’s era.

2:00 PM: Main Program

We’ll share what this project uncovered and why the River’s response was so unique, with stories, photos and voices from the people who lived it. There will be time to share your own memories, and we’ll close with reflections about what they’re carrying forward.

Following the Program: Reception & Dance

Food and drinks, and a dance party inspired by the disco of the ’80s and ’90s to help get us ready for the Guerneville Parade of Lights. 

Throughout the day, you’ll find exhibits from community partners like Face to Face, Food for Thought, West County Health Centers, Positive Images, Gilead, Sonoma County Library, and the Russian River Historical Society along with a remembrance table where you can write a name or memory of someone you’ve lost. 

This community event is free thanks to our generous sponsors and partners, with particular thanks to CA Libraries for supporting this project.

Register for walking tours and program on Eventbrite >>

We know this history holds deep grief alongside joy. However you choose to take part, whether for the whole day or just a moment at the remembrance table, we would be honored to have you with us. Please feel free to share this invitation with anyone who should be there.

Contact the AIDS History project team at lgbtq@russianriverhistory.org 

Learn more at russianriverhistory.org