Hand Fan Museum

Yes, you really can visit a museum dedicated exclusively to the display and description of hand fans. The tiny Hand Fan Museum of Healdsburg

(327A Healdsburg Ave. at the Healdsburg Hotel, 707/431-2500, www.handfanmuseum.com [1], Wed.–Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m.) seeks to tell the cultural histories of Europe, America, and Asia through the creation, decoration, and use of fans. It doesn’t take long to view and enjoy both the permanent collection and seasonal exhibits at this fun little museum.

You might be surprised to discover the level of artistry put into some of the fans here, be they paper or lace, antique or modern. And you’ll learn a little bit about how fans were and are used in various societies (the 17th–19th-century courting practices and sexual invitations in some European countries included intricate movements of a lady’s fan, directed at the gentleman of the hour).