The San Francisco Museum and Historical Society fulfills its mission of preserving and disseminating Bay Area history through a broad spectrum of programs, history walks, and special events such as Standing Ovations, its annual celebration of San Francisco culture.

  • Monthly Programs

    Monthly programs are generally held on the second Tuesday evening of each month except for August and December. Programs are free to SFMHS members. Admission for non-members is $5 per person, which may be applied to membership dues within 30 days.

    Unless otherwise noted, it is not necessary to RSVP for a monthly program.

    Most programs take place at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco (JCC), located at 3200 California Street at Presidio Avenue. The JCC is served by MUNI Lines 1-California, 2-Clement; 3-Jackson and 43-Masonic. Parking is available in the JCC garage just west of the main entrance on California Street for $7.

    Please join us at 7 PM for a reception before each program.

  • Walking Tours

    All SFMHS Walking Tours are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. There is no need to RSVP for a walking tour unless otherwise noted.

    Tours last an average of two hours and may involve some hills. Please be considerate of your fellow guests and leave pets and younger children at home.

  • Old Mint Tours

    Now the general public can have the unique opportunity to get a look inside the Old Mint. SFMHS guides will discuss the history of the building, the plans for the facility, and show you the progress we have made so far.

    Tours will begin on the northeast side of the Mint Building at Mint Plaza (closer to Market Street).

    Mint Tours are free to SFMHS members. Non-members may join the tour for $10, payable at the time of the tour. Tours are are limited to 50 participants, and reservations are required. To reserve a space, send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or call 415-537-1105 ext. 100.

  • Special Events

    Special Events include gala fundraisers, special excursions, and other activities relating to the history of San Francisco.

  • Exhibitions

    The San Francisco Museum and Historical Society is working to create a permanent home at the Old Mint. Until that project is complete, the SFMHS produces temporary exhibits either at the Old Mint or in other venues.

Cancellation Policy for Special Events and Tours

For events and tours requiring advance payment, only cancellations received at least five (5) business days prior to the event receive a full refund. Cancellations received with less than five (5) business days notice may be credited towards future SFMHS events (within six months).

No refunds are made for no-shows or early departures.

Tour cancellation due to inclement weather is at the discretion of the tour leader, on the day of the event.

 

Events

golden gate bridge anniversary logo

SFMHS is proud to be a community partner for the Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary Celebration

SFMHS events are sponsored in part by a grant from Grants for the Arts/San Francisco Hotel Tax Fund.