NEW: FREE DOCENT TOURS OF THE SFHS MUSEUM!

The San Francisco Historical Society begins a new docent tour program for the Museum in conjunction with the opening of our new exhibition, Ferlinghetti: An Exhibition in 6 Vignettes.

Join us for an engaging docent-led tour at the San Francisco Historical Society Museum at 608 Commercial Street in San Francisco. Hear fascinating stories and learn things you didn’t know about San Francisco, and the exhibits on view. Enjoy getting unique insights as our knowledgeable guides bring our exhibits to life. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a history buff, this tour will deepen your appreciation and understanding of San Francisco’s history.

Docent tours are free and are held at 11:30 am, and 1:30 pm on Saturdays.

The San Francisco Historical Society Museum is free and open to the public Thursdays-Saturdays from 10 am – 4 pm



Watch the Re-broadcast
SF History Live!
“Queer San Francisco: A Century Before Stonewall.”
Presented by Jim Van Buskirk

This visual chronology highlights the surprising stories of pioneering Bay Area queer individuals, organizations, publications and events from 1869 to 1969. Explore 100 years of cultural, artistic and political anecdotes. Encounter fascinating characters like poets Elsa Gidlow, Robert Duncan, and Rod McKuen, lesbian icons Gertrude Stein & Alice B. Toklas, and entertainer/activist José Sarria as well as transgender pioneers Babe Bean and Jenny O. Learn about arrests and raids and visit early bars, bookstores and bathhouses. Meet visitors like sexologist Magnus Hirschfeld and Oscar Wilde. Join pioneering organizations the Daughters of Bilitis, the Society for Individual Rights, and the Council on Religion and the Homosexual. Prepare to hear fascinating, little-known stories about  the “gay capital of the world”.

About Jim Van Buskirk

Jim Van Buskirk is the co-author of Gay by the Bay: A History of Queer Culture in the San Francisco Bay Area.
He was the founding Program Manager of the James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center at the San Francisco Public Library from 1992-2007.

For more info, visit jimvanbuskirk.com

Watch the broadcast: www.SFHistory.org/QueerSF


Next SF History Live!
“The History of Ferryboats in the  San Francisco Bay Area”
Presented by Charlie Walther
Tue. Nov. 12th @ 6:30PM

Charlie Walther will present pictures, stories, and explanations chronicling the history of ferry boats—both the vessels themselves and their operations—on San Francisco Bay starting in 1847 to the present. Historic photos will be shown to illustrate the scope of the ferry services over the past 175 years. Changes in scale and technology will be also be discussed.

About Charlie Walther

Charlie Walther started his marine career working on tugs in San Francisco bay while attending the California Maritime Academy. Following graduation as an engineer, he worked for Crowley Maritime for over 20 years, becoming a USCG licensed chief engineer and the director of engineering. In this position he oversaw the mechanical aspects and the engineers of a fleet of about 200 tugboats, 200 barges, 20 ships, and 20 ferry boats. He then started his own consulting company, which focused on tugboat repowers, diesel engine training, oil tankers, and high speed ferry boat design and construction management. He has played a major role in the design and construction of many of the ferries currently plying the waters of San Francisco Bay.

Register for Tickets here: www.SFHistory.org/Ferryboats



The History of the French Hospital of San Francisco, created by the French Mutual Benevolent Society in the 2nd half of the 19th century.

Presented by Annick Foucrier

Thur. Oct. 24th
In-person cocktail reception @ 6:00PM PDT; Live broadcast at @7PM PDT

Hosted by:
The French Mutual Benevolent Society &
San Francisco Historical Soceity and Museum

Background:

Many French people participated in the California Gold Rush. They came from all over France and its colonies. Faced with the uncertainties of illness and death, and not speaking English, these immigrants found strength in their French speaking community. In 1851, they formed a mutual benefit membership society, along the lines of an HMO, that employed doctors and built a hospital. Over time, the number of members increased, as did the services provided by the hospital to the French community and the residents of San Francisco at large. This lecture will present the history of the French Hospital in the 19th century, placing it within the context of the French immigrant presence in California.

About the Author:

Professor Annick Foucrier is an agrégée in history and holds a doctorate from the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS). She obtained her doctorate in January 1991 with a thesis entitled “France, the French, and California before the Gold Rush, 1786-1848.” After serving as a professor of contemporary history at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne and director of the North American History Research Center, she is currently Professor Emeritus (North American History). She is a Knight in the Order of Academic Palms.

She is the author of, among others: “The Californian Dream: French Migrants on the Pacific Coast, 18th-20th Centuries” (Belin, American Cultures collection, 1999, 428 p.); “Across the North American West: “The Exploration Expedition Led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, 1803-1806” (Éditions la Lanterne magique, 2018, 240 p.); “Gangsters and American Society (1920-1960)” (Paris, ellipses, 2001, 128 p.); “France and the Civil War” (Clermont-Ferrand, LEMME éditions, 2011). She is the author of numerous articles on immigration to the United States, particularly the French presence, the history of the North American West, and the Pacific world.

Her research focuses on international migrations, the history of the French in North America, particularly in California and Chicago, Franco-American relations, the history of North America, and the relations, movements, and exchanges in the Pacific world (18th-21st centuries).

A free tickets is required to watch the live show or to attend in-person reception. All donations benefit the Historical Society! Thank You!

Register: http://www.sfhistory.org/Foucrier


In-person and Live Broadcast Event!
6th Annual Kevin Starr Lecture Featuring Rose Marie Beebe Ph.D. & Robert Senkewicz Ph.D.
Fri. Nov. 1st (5:30PM Reception, 6:30PM Lecture) @ USF

Reserve Your Tickets: www.SFHistory.org/KevinStarrLecture

Please note that the In-person reception and cocktail party starts at 5:30PM; Livestream starts at 6:30PM. Both tickets are available on the registration page.



Walking Tours

Our walking tours provide a first-hand experience of San Francisco’s history. Tours include historical themes that embrace San Francisco’s rich history with subject experts who led the tours. We know you’ll in joy learning about the City’s iconic history with tours that include the 1906 Earthquake and Fire, Fisherman’s Wharf, the gold rush, the Barbary Coast to name a few.

**** Additional Tour Information ***

General public admission, $20 per person (non-members) -Additional donations at checkout are always appreciated and keep the ticket price low.

Free for members with 100% off discount code. Check your SF History E-newsletter, which goes out the first week of every month, for the membership code. Apply at check-out.

Please note that Unspeakable Vice tour general admission tickets at $30 each and $10 for members. Attendees must be age 21.

Tour length: Approximately 90 minutes

Maximum attendees: 20 people on a first-come,first serve basis

In case of rain, tour will be rescheduled

historical SF harbor

*** SIGN UP FOR WALKING TOURS BELOW ***

If you need any assistance, please email Chris Griffith at [email protected]


NEW WALKING TOUR! The “Valley of the Queens”

Explore the vibrant and revolutionary queer history of San Francisco’s Tenderloin and Polk Street neighborhoods with local resident and professor Shawn Sprockett. This tour offers a deep dive into the emergence of LGBTQIA+ icons and movements that shaped the area from the 1960s to the 1990s. The “Valley of the Queens” tour highlights key events such as the Compton’s Cafeteria Riot, a landmark trans resistance that predates the Stonewall Riots, and the site of San Francisco’s first Pride parade.

Tours start at The Tenderloin Museum located at 398 Eddy St., San Francisco. 

Tours led by expert, Shawn Sprockett

Tour Dates & Times:

Saturday, October 26th @ 2PM

Saturday, November 23rd @2PM

Saturday, December 21st @ 2PM

General public admission, $35 per person (non-members); Members, $10 with discount code. Check your SF History E-newsletter, which goes out the first week of every month, for the membership code. Apply at check-out.

Purchase Tickets Here: www.SFHistory.org/ValleyoftheQueens


NEW WALKING TOUR! “The History of North Beach”

North Beach is one of the oldest areas of San Francisco and has seen many changes over its long history. What began as a beachfront community and maritime port soon attracted immigrants from many countries, who over time, transformed the area into today’s vibrant mercantile and tourist area. Sailors, bankers, poets, performers, and others all made their imprint here, and their stories will be part of this walk through the neighborhood. Along the way we will sample some of the neighborhood’s delicacies (included). And for those who wish to stay after the tour, you can enjoy a pizza on your own at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, where the tour ends.

Tips to the guide are not required but are welcomed.

Tours start at 608 Commercial Street (SF Historical Society Museum) at 10AM and end at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana around 11:30AM.

Tours led by Stephen Johnson, a board member of the San Francisco Tour Guide Guild.

Tour Dates & Times:

Saturday, November 9th @ 10AM

**** Additional Tour Information ***

General public admission, $30 per person (non-members); Members, $10 with discount code. Check your SF History E-newsletter, which goes out the first week of every month, for the membership code. Apply at check-out.

Purchase Tickets Here: www.SFHistory.org/HistoryofNorthBeach


SPECIAL HALLOWEEN TOUR: Vampire Tour of San Francisco

Get into the Halloween spirit early by joining your Host, “Mina Harker”, as she takes you to 6 stops on Nob Hill: Grace Cathedral, the Nob Hill Cafe, Huntington Park, the Pacific-Union Club, the Fairmont Hotel, and the Mark Hopkins Hotel. With fun vampire lore and humor, Mina provides the history behind these San Francisco landmarks and shows how vampires played an important role in that history. You will also learn the secrets of other San Francisco treasures, such as Alcatraz, Civic Center, the Big Four, and the historical, hysterical Emperor Norton! It is not dark or gory; suitable for all ages. Flat, easy walk.

50% of proceeds go towards supporting the SF Historical Society.

Tours led by, Mina Harker

Tour Dates & Times:

Tuesday, October 29th @ 4:30PM – 6:30PM

Tickets are $40 and are reserved for SFHS Members only.

Purchase Tickets Here: www.SFHistory.org/SFVampire


Fisherman’s Wharf Tour

Join us for an exploration of Fisherman’s Wharf, the most popular free attraction in San Francisco, to discover how commercial fishing coexists with the modern tourist Mecca. Learn how Native Americans, Chinese, Italians, whaling sea captains, and sport fishermen all have harvested seafood from the waters of San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Starting at the Musée Mécanique at Pier 45, we will walk to the Maritime Museum at Aquatic Park, a flat, under-two-hour stroll. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about World War II ships, a San Francisco theatrical production called The Cable Car Nymphomaniac, and the crisis that “broke the mold” for Irish coffee glasses.

Saturday Tour Dates & Times

Saturday, July 13th @ 11AM

Saturday, July 20th @ 11AM

Saturday, August 3rd @ 11AM

Reserve Your Tickets!


1906 Earthquake and Fire: Chinatown’s Devastation and Renewal

Before dawn on April 18, 1906, the San Andreas Fault ruptured, sending shock waves racing across San Francisco. The city was abruptly wakened to witness a firestorm that would last three days and destroy almost everything within sight. Vibrant and densely populated Chinatown was swiftly engulfed by a raging fire on Day One, its inhabitants dispersed like embers in the wind. With Chinatown destroyed, city politicians and power brokers decided that this was an opportune time to relocate the Chinese community. Powered by an irrepressible resilience, the Chinese community re-imagined Chinatown and built it back better.

Tours led by Jack Grippi

Tour Dates & Times:

Saturday, September 21st @ 11AM

Saturday, November 2nd @ 11AM

Saturday, December 7th @ 11AM

Register at www.SFHistory.org/1906Tour


Gold Rush and Sunken Ships

Experience how San Francisco went from a trading village to a metropolis. You’ll learn about the hidden remains of sunken ships and artifacts from the Gold Rush.

Tours led by expert, Thom Jackson or Kelci

Tour Dates & Times:

Tour Dates & Times:

Saturday, September 14th @ 11AM (Kelci)

Saturday, October 12th @ 11AM (Kelci)

Saturday, November, 2nd @ 11AM (Lori)

Saturday, November, 16th @ 11AM (Lori)

Saturday, November, 23rd @ 11AM (Kelci)

Register at www.SFHistory.org/GoldRushSunkenShips


Secrets and Stories of San Francisco’s “Wall Street of the West”

Travel back in time to discover the stories and significance of the companies and people whose names adorn Financial District buildings. In addition to Silver Kings, the Big Four, and renowned bankers, this tour will introduce you to many others who “mined the miners” to create wealth beyond any normal imagination.

Tours led by Thom Jackson

Tour Dates & Times:

Friday, July 19th @ 11AM

Friday, August 16th @ 11AM

Friday, September 13th @ 11AM

Register at www.SFHistory.org/WallStreetOfTheWest


Barbary Coast and Jackson Square: Pleasure Seekers and Merry Makers

Explore the beginnings of the “anything goes” city through its culture, food, and vice. Is it so different today? Discover how the City by the Bay reflects its glorious past and continues as a trend-setting urban playground.

Tours led by historian experts, Corrie Conklin and Carolyn Moniz.

Tour Dates & Times:

Saturday, July 20th @ 11AM -CANCELLED

Saturday, August 17th @ 11AM

Saturday,  September 14th @ 11AM

Register at www.SFHistory.org/BarbaryCoast


Unspeakable Vice: Queer North Beach Before the Castro

Starting at the San Francisco Historical Society, we’ll zig zag our way by more than a dozen lost queer bars, concluding with a round of drinks at the site an infamous lesbian hook-up spot on Grant. Hear how the “unspeakable vice” of the Victorians found its place and, through the process, gained a voice. Starts at 608 Commercial St. and ends at Maggy McGary’s pub at 1353 Grant Ave in North Beach. This exciting new tour includes a free drink at Maggy McGary’s, included in the tour price.

Notes: 21+, Limit 1 free drink per guest, Maggy McGary’s end 1353 Grant Ave

Limit 1 free drink per guest.

Tours led by expert, Shawn Sprockett

Tour Dates & Times:

Saturday, October 26th @ 11AM

Saturday, November 23rd @ 11AM

Saturday, December 21st @ 11AM

Register at www.SFHistory.org/UnspeakableVice



Gold Rush Walks for KidsWalking-tour-san-francisco-historical-society-barbary-coast Gold Rush Walks for Kids

Our trained guides offer free walking tours for elementary school focused on the Gold Rush. This walk directly addresses grade 4 social studies standards, but students in grades 3–6 are welcome to attend. Please call 415-537-1105, Ext. 6, for more details.


Self-Guided Walking Tours

Tours of ‘Old Town’ SF
Not up for an in-person event yet? Give our self-guided walking tours a try. These walks also begin at 608 Commercial Street. You can download them for free on the App Store or Google Play. Search for “City Explorer San Francisco” and look for the walks with the SFHS logo. Or, scan the QR code with your smartphone or tablet (this will take you directly to the App store to download the City Explorer San Francisco app).

SFHS Virtual Walking Tours


Self-Guided Tours Led by SF High School Students

Walking Tours of Golden Gate Park!
Walking tours of Golden Gate Park led by San Francisco high school students, the winners of the 2020 Fracchia Prize, are now available as mobile apps. Download the walks for free and start exploring “Everyone’s Park,” with freshly minted historians as your guide. Choose from:

  • “Botany and Horticulture: Symbols of Flourishing Against the Odds” by Winnie Quock, George Washington High School (1st Place Winner)
  • “Horticultural History: Learning About San Francisco’s Past Through the Garden Gems of the City’s Favorite Park” by Indigo Mudbhary, Lick-Wilmerding High School (2nd Place Winner)

* COMING SOON * “It’s a Ringer! One Perfect Day in Golden Gate Park” by 3rd Place Winner Luke Zeponni, Abraham Lincoln High School

SFHS Virtual Walking Tour - Golden Gate Park

* Special thanks to SFHS Volunteer Gloria Lenhart for creating our mobile history apps. *