Events

Opening the Midwinter Fair(WNP Event)

Jan 24, 2019 7:00pm-8:00pm (Thursday) at Western Neighborhoods Project 1617 Balboa Street
SOLD OUT!
One hundred twenty-five years ago, on January 27, 1894, the California Midwinter International Exposition opened in Golden Gate Park. Over the next several months the fair was the site of parades, concerts, and nightly electric light shows, all amid moorish palaces, German beer gardens, mock volcanoes, and Eskimo villages. The fair reflected the imperialist desires, mercantile ideals, societal anxieties, and racist philosophies of the time, and left legacies to the park and surrounding neighborhoods that survive today.

Join us for a night of amazing historical images and stories.
map to: Western Neighborhoods Project 1617 Balboa Street
Contact: Woody LaBounty woody@outsidelands.org

SF Model of 1938 and Merced Neighborhoods

Jan 30, 2019 7:00pm-8:00pm (Wednesday) at Merced Branch of SF Public Library 155 Winston Drive
Woody LaBounty will give a presentation on the massive, 3-D scale model of San Francisco created by the Works Progress Administration in the late 1930s. Described by someone recently as 'a pre-Internet Google Street View,' the mostly-wood 37' x 40' model depicts every structure standing in the city at the time. Parks, lakes, theatres, schools, and even the color schemes of individual houses are accurately represented. Today, the model provides a fascinating historical viewpoint of a San Francisco both familiar and alien at the same time. Woody will explain the purpose and creation of the model as well as point out highlights, changes, and the development of the Lake Merced neighborhoods using sections of the model on display in the branch. Free to the public.
map to: Merced Branch of SF Public Library 155 Winston Drive

SF Model of 1938 and the Richmond District

Feb 2, 2019 2:00pm-3:00pm (Saturday) at Richmond Branch of SF Public Library 351 9th Avenue
Woody LaBounty will give a presentation on the massive, 3-D scale model of San Francisco created by the Works Progress Administration in the late 1930s. Described by someone recently as "a pre-Internet Google Street View," the mostly-wood 37' x 40' model depicts every structure standing in the city at the time. Parks, lakes, theatres, schools, and even the color schemes of individual houses are accurately represented. Today, the model provides a fascinating historical viewpoint of a San Francisco both familiar and alien at the same time. Woody will explain the purpose and creation of the model as well as point out highlights, changes, and the development of the Richmond District using sections of the model on display in the branch. Free to the public.
map to: Richmond Branch of SF Public Library 351 9th Avenue

SF Model of 1938 and the Ocean View

Feb 13, 2019 6:00pm-7:00pm (Wednesday) at Ocean View Branch of SF Public Library 345 Randolph Street
Woody LaBounty will give a presentation on the massive, 3-D scale model of San Francisco created by the Works Progress Administration in the late 1930s. Described by someone recently as "a pre-Internet Google Street View," the mostly-wood 37' x 40' model depicts every structure standing in the city at the time. Parks, lakes, theatres, schools, and even the color schemes of individual houses are accurately represented. Today, the model provides a fascinating historical viewpoint of a San Francisco both familiar and alien at the same time. Woody will explain the purpose and creation of the model as well as point out highlights, changes, and the development of the Ocean View neighborhood using a section of the model on display in the branch. Free and open to the public.
map to: Ocean View Branch of SF Public Library 345 Randolph Street

Midwinter Fair WNP Member History Walk(WNP Event)

Feb 16, 2019 11:00am-12:30pm (Saturday) at Golden Gate Park
Join John Martini on a special history walk exclusively for WNP members and explore the history and legacy of the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition in Golden Gate Park. One hundred twenty-five years ago the Music Concourse was the center of activity with an Electric Tower, the Firth Wheel (a knock-off of the first Ferris Wheel), industrial and art pavilions, statues, and fountains. John will talk about fair legacies in the origins of the Japanese Tea Garden and de Young Museum, and uncover surprising pieces of the fair still to be found in the Music Concourse.

Free to WNP members, but limited to 30 people. Reserve your spot by using the contact button at right, or phone (415-661-1000), and we will respond with the starting location.
map to: Golden Gate Park San Francisco
Contact: Woody LaBounty woody@outsidelands.org

SF Model of 1938 and the Outer Richmond

Feb 19, 2019 7:00pm-8:00pm (Tuesday) at Anza Branch of SF Public Library 550 37th Avenue
Woody LaBounty will give a presentation on the massive, 3-D scale model of San Francisco created by the Works Progress Administration in the late 1930s. Described by someone recently as "a pre-Internet Google Street View," the mostly-wood 37' x 40' model depicts every structure standing in the city at the time. Parks, lakes, theatres, schools, and even the color schemes of individual houses are accurately represented. Today, the model provides a fascinating historical viewpoint of a San Francisco both familiar and alien at the same time. Woody will explain the purpose and creation of the model as well as point out highlights, changes, and the development of the Outer Richmond neighborhood using a section of the model on display in the branch. Free and open to the public.
map to: Anza Branch of SF Public Library 550 37th Avenue

SF Model of 1938 and the Parkside District

Feb 20, 2019 7:00pm-8:00pm (Wednesday) at Parkside Branch of SF Public Library 1200 Taraval Street
Neighborhood historians and authors Woody LaBounty and Lorri Ungaretti will give a presentation on the massive, 3-D scale model of San Francisco created by the Works Progress Administration in the late 1930s. Described by someone recently as "a pre-Internet Google Street View," the mostly-wood 37' x 40' model depicts every structure standing in the city at the time. Parks, lakes, theatres, schools, and even the color schemes of individual houses are accurately represented. Today, the model provides a fascinating historical viewpoint of a San Francisco both familiar and alien at the same time. Woody and Lorri will explain the purpose and creation of the model as well as point out highlights, changes, and the development of the Parkside neighborhood using sections of the model on display in the branch. Free and open to the public.

Woody LaBounty is Executive Director of the Western Neighborhoods Project and Lorri Ungaretti has written five books about the Richmond and Sunset Districts and leads City Guides walking tours of the Inner Sunset, the Parkside, and Sigmund Stern Grove.
map to: Parkside Branch of SF Public Library 1200 Taraval Street

A New Look at Old City Cemetery(WNP Event)

Feb 21, 2019 7:00pm-8:00pm (Thursday) at Western Neighborhoods Project 1617 Balboa Street
Lincoln Park was once "City Cemetery," the final resting place for thousands of the city's poorer classes, including a Chinese burial ground and sprawling "potters field" for paupers. But the 1906 earthquake and fire destroyed most records of the cemetery. Not even a complete map survived. Then, in the 1990s, over 750 burials were uncovered during rehabilitation of the Palace of the Legion of Honor. In this program, historians John Martini and Alex Ryder will describe their research into the cemetery, sharing clues they've uncovered in old newspapers and city records, and showing seldom seem photos and historic maps.

Alex gave a sold out presentation on the Odd Fellows Cemetery for us in May 2018, and we expect this evening to be just as popular. Admission is $20 for the general public, and $10 for WNP members.

map to: Western Neighborhoods Project 1617 Balboa Street
Contact: Woody LaBounty woody@outsidelands.org

West Side Murals: WNP Member Event(WNP Event)

Feb 23, 2019 10:00am-11:00am (Saturday) at Western Neighborhoods Project 1617 Balboa Street
WNP Member Richard Rothman will give a presentation on west side murals, including the endangered Noah's Ark piece at the San Francisco Zoo's Mothers Building and the controversial section at George Washington High School depicting a subjected Native American. Free to WNP members and their guests. Reserve your spot by using the contact button at right.
map to: Western Neighborhoods Project 1617 Balboa Street
Contact: Woody LaBounty woody@outsidelands.org

San Francisco History Days

Mar 2, 2019 11:00am-4:00pm (Saturday) at Old Mint 5th and Mission Streets
On the weekend of March 2 and 3, 2019, the Old Mint will become a pop-up museum of San Francisco history. Join community historians, archivists, genealogists, archaeologists, researchers, educators, reenactors, and other history enthusiasts for a free Community Open House at this historic site. Previous history weekends at the Old Mint have attracted several thousand participants.

As always, Western Neighborhoods Project will be there and this year we will have an exhibit focused on the 125th Anniversary of the Midwinter Fair in Golden Gate Park. Free and open to the public.
map to: Old Mint 5th and Mission Streets
more info: https://sfhistorydays.org

San Francisco History Days

Mar 3, 2019 11:00am-4:00pm (Sunday) at Old Mint 5th and Mission Streets
On the weekend of March 2 and 3, 2019, the Old Mint will become a pop-up museum of San Francisco history. Join community historians, archivists, genealogists, archaeologists, researchers, educators, reenactors, and other history enthusiasts for a free Community Open House at this historic site. Previous history weekends at the Old Mint have attracted several thousand participants.

As always, Western Neighborhoods Project will be there and this year we will have an exhibit focused on the 125th Anniversary of the Midwinter Fair in Golden Gate Park. Free and open to the public.
map to: Old Mint 5th and Mission Streets
more info: https://sfhistorydays.org

140 Years of the Conservatory of Flowers(WNP Event)

Mar 21, 2019 7:00pm-8:00pm (Thursday) at Western Neighborhoods Project 1617 Balboa Street
2019 marks the 140th anniversary of the opening of the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park, a building that draws locals and tourists alike to view plants from around the world. Come hear stories from throughout the Conservatory's history, including its mysterious origins, interesting characters, and how it has overcome several disasters. Nicole Meldahl and Chelsea Sellin will share images of the building and surrounding landscape over time for an entertaining and informative evening on one of San Francisco's most recognizable landmarks. Admission is $20 for the general public and $10 for WNP members.

map to: Western Neighborhoods Project 1617 Balboa Street
Contact: Woody LaBounty woody@outsidelands.org

SF Model of 1938 and the Haight

Mar 23, 2019 3:00pm-4:30pm (Saturday) at Park Branch, SFPL 1833 Page Street
Woody LaBounty will give a presentation on the massive, 3-D scale model of San Francisco created by the Works Progress Administration in the late 1930s. Described by someone recently as "a pre-Internet Google Street View," the mostly-wood 37' x 40' model depicts every structure standing in the city at the time. Parks, lakes, theatres, schools, and even the color schemes of individual houses are accurately represented. Today, the model provides a fascinating historical viewpoint of a San Francisco both familiar and alien at the same time. Woody will explain the purpose and creation of the model as well as point out highlights, changes, and the development of the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood using sections of the model on display in the branch.
map to: Park Branch, SFPL 1833 Page Street
Contact: parmgr@sfpl.org
more info: https://sfpl.org/index.php?pg=1037136401

Play Ball! Baseball in the City(WNP Event)

Apr 4, 2019 7:00pm-8:00pm (Thursday) at Western Neighborhoods Project 1617 Balboa Street
On the eve of the Giants' opener, we will highlight rare and historical baseball images from OpenSFHistory. See the minor league San Francisco Seals playing at 16th Street and Potrero, Candlestick Park under construction, and Willie Mays, Juan Marichal, and other Giant favorites in their prime. Bring your memories and prepare for a whirlwind illustrated tour of America's pastime as played in the city.

map to: Western Neighborhoods Project 1617 Balboa Street
Contact: David Gallagher david@outsidelands.org

WNP 20th Anniversary Gala(WNP Event)

May 19, 2019 6:00pm-10:00pm (Sunday) at The Clubhouse at Presidio Golf Course 300 Finley Road
Western Neighborhoods Project will celebrate its twentieth anniversary with a gala benefit of history and friendship at The Clubhouse at the Presidio Golf Course from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Special Guest of Honor will be Peter Hartlaub, reporter, writer, critic, and lover of local history from the San Francisco Chronicle.

With a theme of "Back to the Neighborhood," the evening will focus on the inspiration for Western Neighborhood Project's creation in 1999---preserving and sharing the history of San Francisco's west side.

Get more information and purchase tickets at http://outsidelands.org/gala/
map to: The Clubhouse at Presidio Golf Course 300 Finley Road
Contact: Woody LaBounty woody@outsidelands.org