Youth Education
Educational Objectives
The San Francisco Historical Society offers an array of educational experiences and activities for students of all ages. Our goals are to help students understand the people and events that shaped San Francisco’s history, land, and culture; to foster civic pride; and to illuminate the contributions of the many diverse groups that have contributed to the city’s growth over time.
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​Our primary educational offering directly supports the social studies standards for fourth grade, which focus on California history: Native Americans as the first stewards of the land; the impact of Spanish and Mexican rule; the founding of Yerba Buena; and the meteoric growth caused by the Gold Rush.
Overview of Education Offerings
The San Francisco Historical Society offers programs appropriate for a variety of ages:
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Elementary School: Museum tours and walking trips that address grade 4 social studies standards (also appropriate for students in grades 3-6)
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Middle School: Summer art workshop focused on the art and architecture of Victorians
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High School: The Fracchia Prize essay contest, open to all San Francisco high school students
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High School and College: Internship program offering students the opportunity to research and write about history, learn collections management, and participate in the work of a museum
For more information please contact Beth Roemer, Education Director (see below).
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Museum Field Trips and Tours
Field trips to the Museum of San Francisco are available for all student groups and must be scheduled in advance. Museum tours can be paired with a walking tour focused on the Gold Rush and Gold Rush ships buried beneath the Financial District. Private tours for adults are also available.
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OPENING IN SEPTEMBER 2025: The all-new City Lab for Kids will open on the Museum’s lower level, offering a visual tour through early San Francisco and hands-on activities that invite students to play, explore, and discover. (The City Lab for Kids will directly support grade 4 social science standards, but it will be appropriate for students age 8-13 and their families.)
Youth Walking Tours
Our Gold Rush walkling tour for fourth graders is also appropriate for students in grades 3, 5, and 6. Walking tours may be paired with a museum field trip. This walking tour explores the historic neighborhood surrounding the Museum of San Francisco. Students learn about the history of early San Francisco, the “instant city” brought about by the Gold Rush, and the stories behind San Francisco’s buried Gold Rush ships.
Fracchia Prize Essay
The San Francisco Historical Society is proud to offer the Fracchia Prize essay competition: It is open to any student attending a high school in San Francisco. Interested candidates are required to submit an essay consisting of between 1,200 and 1,600 words, or a five-to-seven-minute multimedia presentation, based on the prompt for the given year.
Charles A. Fracchia (pronounced FROCK-ee-ya) was founder and President Emeritus of the San Francisco Historical Society.
Summer Camps/Workshops
Periodically, we offer summer camps and workshops for youth. Prior camps include the popular workshop Art & Architecture of the Victorian which was taught by veteran art teacher Angela Baker. The workshop instructs students about the history of Victorian homes, the different styles of Victorians, and the names of architectural features. Participants learned basic drawing and painting techniques using a variety of materials. The culminating project guides students to select a style of Victorian to draw and a winning color scheme and create their own “painted lady.”
Education Director
Beth Roemer
Education Director
San Francisco Historical Society
Email: beth.roemer@sfhistory.org
Contact Us
For more information about our education offerings, please contact Beth Roemer, Education Director.