Western Neighborhoods Project is dedicated to the history of San Francisco's Richmond, Sunset, OMI and West of Twin Peaks districts.   read more ...

WNP Past Events

Here are some of our recent events. Did you attend? Do you wish you had? Click the title of any event and send us a message about what you thought or a request for a re do.

We're happy to appear at street fairs, festivals, and other community events to show old photos of the neighborhood, give out free booklets, and chat with people about west SF history.

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    SOLD OUT Guided Tour of The Museum at The Cliff(WNP Event)

    Jan 15, 2022 10:00am-11:00am (Saturday) at The Museum at The Cliff

    Join our Executive Director Nicole Meldahl as she takes you an an intimate tour of The Museum at The Cliff, located in the former Cliff House Gift Shop, on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 10:00am.

    With her noted enthusiasm, Nicole will walk you through the stories behind the Cliff House, Sutro Baths, and Sutro Heights on this one hour tour. See souvenirs, one of Adolph Sutro's taxidermy monkeys, a collection of 4,000 year-old Egyptian artifacts, and more as she highlights her favorite pieces on display and provides context that will help you better appreciate the special history of this area known as Lands End. Plus, you can't beat the view...

    This tour is free for WNP Members and $20 for non-members. It is limited to 12 people and will take place before the museum opens. Please arrive 5 minutes early and be prepared to wear a pandemic-appropriate mask while touring the exhibition.


    map to: The Museum at The Cliff 1090 Point Lobos Avenue
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
    more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/curators-tour-of-the-museum-at-the-cliff-tickets-210185509517

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    EVENT CANCELLED Projection Premiere at The Museum at The Cliff(WNP Event)

    Jan 8, 2022 5:30pm-6:30pm (Saturday) at The Museum at The Cliff

    EVENT CANCELLED due to an abundance of caution in light of the Omicron surge

    HOWEVER, the new projection is currently on view! While we can't convene together we do encourage you to individually visit the secluded deck bechind The Museum at The Cliff in the evenings from 5:00pm to 10:00pm. The Cliff Moving Picture Gallery #2 features rarely seen motion pictures of the Cliff House, Lands End shipwrecks, and other incredible views of the area--including footage from the Prelinger Archive. And if you missed last month's sequence, worry not: you can now see them both and we look forward to hopefully seeing you at next month's Premiere.

    With support from the Prelinger Archives, we are thrilled to premiere the second of four projected video artworks by Ben Wood animating local history The Museum at The Cliff, located in the former Cliff House Gift Shop at 1090 Point Lobs Avenue, on Saturday, January 8, 2022.

    This installation, naturally secluded from Point Lobos Avenue for an intimate viewing experience, will illuminate three northerly-facing windows with diverse scenes of the Cliff House and connected sites. Imagery shows change over time at the Cliff House through the sequenced montage of commercial photography and studio portraits, amateur snapshots, found footage and B-roll that also show the Sutro Baths, Sutro Heights Park, and Playland at the Beach. This creates silent yet enthralling historic context for the Sutro District and also supports artifacts from the WNP, PARC, and Global Museum collections on display inside The Museum at The Cliff and nearby at The Lands End Lookout.

    Join us at 5:30pm on Saturday, January 8, 2022 and be the first to see this special installation. The Museum at The Cliff will be open late for viewing, and there will be drinks to keep us warm.

    Speaking of staying warm, please bring layers as the projected video will be experienced outside. Pandemic-appropriate masks will be required to visit The Museum. This event is free but donations are appreciated to keep our nonprofit going. Registration in advance is not mandatory but appreciated.


    map to: The Museum at The Cliff 1090 Point Lobos Avenue
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
    more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/projection-premiere-at-the-museum-at-the-cliff-tickets-215337599557

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    Guided Tour of The Museum at The Cliff(WNP Event)

    Dec 18, 2021 10:00am-11:00am (Saturday) at The Museum at The Cliff

    Join our Executive Director Nicole Meldahl as she takes you an an intimate tour of The Museum at The Cliff, located in the former Cliff House Gift Shop, on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 10:00am.

    With her noted enthusiasm, Nicole will walk you through the stories behind the Cliff House, Sutro Baths, and Sutro Heights on this one hour tour. See souvenirs, one of Adolph Sutro's taxidermy monkeys, a collection of 4,000 year-old Egyptian artifacts, and more as she highlights her favorite pieces on display and provides context that will help you better appreciate the special history of this area known as Lands End. Plus, you can't beat the view...

    This tour is free for WNP Members and $20 for non-members. It is limited to 12 people and will take place before the museum opens. Please arrive 5 minutes early and be prepared to wear a pandemic-appropriate mask while touring the exhibition.


    map to: The Museum at The Cliff 1090 Point Lobos Avenue
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
    more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/curators-tour-of-the-museum-at-the-cliff-tickets-210176382217

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    Holiday Open House(WNP Event)

    Dec 11, 2021 1:00pm-5:00pm (Saturday) at Home for History

    Join us to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with a Holiday Open House at our office and gallery in the Richmond District!

    We'll have festive decor, gifts to purchase for your seasonal shopping needs, and, back by popular demand, a grilled cheese station. Grab a snack, view our exhibition of art and artifacts from the Cliff House, and enjoy a beverage of your choice while we commune around local history.

    They say you can't go home again, but you're always welcome at our Home for History. Reservations are not required but RSVPs are appreciated so we can estimate our catering needs.

    Please note that we will be following pandemic protocols as outlined by the City of San Francisco at the time of our event. Since we'll be enjoying food and drinks inside, please be prepared to show your proof of COVID-19 vaccination at the door.
    map to: Home for History 1617 Balboa Street, San Francisco, CA, 94121
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
    more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wnp-holiday-open-house-tickets-207675652467

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    History Happy Hour with Shaping San Francisco(WNP Event)

    Dec 9, 2021 5:30pm-6:30pm (Thursday) at The Interwebs

    Nicole Meldahl and Chelsea Sellin in conversation with local historians, artists, longtime west side residents, and other surprise guests, chatting about a variety of historical subjects in a very relaxed atmosphere. Audience members are encouraged to participate and, of course, bring their beverage of choice.

    For the final History Happy Hour of 2021, we're going out strong with Chris Carlsson and LisaRuth Elliott of Shaping San Francisco. It's no exaggeration to say their history talks and tours are legendary, and somehow they also find the time to make art, write books, manage an incredible online archive of history articles called FoundSF.org, and so much more. But most importantly, they are delightful human beings. We can't wait to chat with them about their history and some of their favorite western neighborhood haunts.

    This event is free but donations are appreciated and pre-registration is required through Eventbrite. A Zoom link will be emailed to you with the confirmation email. Please let us know if you have any trouble finding it.


    map to: The Interwebs San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
    more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wnp-history-happy-hour-with-shaping-san-francisco-tickets-205307469167

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    Projection Premiere at The Museum at The Cliff(WNP Event)

    Dec 4, 2021 5:30pm-6:30pm (Saturday) at The Museum at The Cliff

    With support from the Prelinger Archives, we are thrilled to premiere the first of four projected video artworks by Ben Wood animating local history The Museum at The Cliff, located in the former Cliff House Gift Shop at 1090 Point Lobs Avenue, on December 4, 2021.

    This installation, naturally secluded from Point Lobos Avenue for an intimate viewing experience, will illuminate three northerly-facing windows with diverse scenes of the Cliff House and connected sites. Imagery will show change over time at the Cliff House through the sequenced montage of commercial photography and studio portraits, amateur snapshots, found footage and B-roll that also show the Sutro Baths, Sutro Heights Park, and Playland at the Beach. This creates silent yet enthralling historic context for the Sutro District and also supports artifacts from the WNP, PARC, and Global Museum collections on display inside The Museum at The Cliff and nearby at The Lands End Lookout.

    Join us at 5:30pm on Saturday, December 4, 2021 and be the first to see this special installation. The Museum at The Cliff will be open late for viewing, and there will be drinks to keep us warm.

    Speaking of staying warm, please bring layers as the projected video will be experienced outside. Pandemic-appropriate masks will be required to visit The Museum. This event is free but donations are appreciated to keep our nonprofit going. Registration in advance is not mandatory but appreciated.


    map to: The Museum at The Cliff 1090 Point Lobos Avenue
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
    more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/projection-premiere-at-the-museum-at-the-cliff-tickets-215294400347

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    History Happy Hour with Monica Poletti(WNP Event)

    Nov 11, 2021 5:30pm-6:30pm (Thursday) at The Interwebs

    Nicole Meldahl and Chelsea Sellin in conversation with local historians, artists, longtime west side residents, and other surprise guests, chatting about a variety of historical subjects in a very relaxed atmosphere. Audience members are encouraged to participate and, of course, bring their beverage of choice.

    You never know who you'll meet at the Outside Lands Music Festival, and that sure turned out to be true this year. The festival (maybe fate?) introduced us to Monica Poletti, who recently purchased a Sunset District beach cottage that predates the 1906 earthquake and fire. We toured this gem when it went up for sale at the beginning of 2021 and feared greatly for its future so we are thrilled she's taking good care it. Join us as we chat with Monica about her experience while giving you a sneak peak inside her home and an OpenSFHistory overview of the neighborhood over time.

    This event is free but donations are appreciated and pre-registration is required through Eventbrite. A Zoom link will be emailed to you with the confirmation email. Please let us know if you have any trouble finding it.


    map to: The Interwebs San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
    more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wnp-history-happy-hour-with-monica-poletti-tickets-204800532907

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    WNP at Outside Lands Music + Art Festival(WNP Event)

    Oct 29, 2021 11:00am-8:00pm (Friday)
    Oct 31, 2021 11:00am-8:00pm (Sunday) at Polo Field, Golden Gate Park

    Despite the fact that our website is www.outsidelands.org, we have nothing to do with the Outside Lands Music + Art Festival. EXCEPT, we will have a booth showcasing local history during the festival this year on October 29-31, 2021.

    If you're going, stop by our booth in Eco Lands to take a break from festival shenanigans and chat with friendly local history buffs, peruse historic photos of the neighborhoods, and pick up a surprise souvenir. Because who loves history, music, and art more that we do?!


    map to: Polo Field, Golden Gate Park San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org

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    The Life and Library of Adolph Sutro(WNP Event)

    Oct 28, 2021 6:00pm-7:00pm (Thursday) at Online Event

    Join us on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 6pm as Diana Kohnke of the Sutro Library speaks about the life and library of San Francisco mayor, engineer, businessman, and philanthropist Adolph Sutro via Zoom.

    Sutro, who came to San Francisco in 1850, is omnipresent throughout the city. Whether it be the ruins of his baths at Land’s End, the educational legacy he left in the form of a land grant of UCSF Parnassas, his introducing of Arbor Day, his stewardship of the Cliff House, and his gardens which he opened to the public every week, his mark is felt throughout San Francisco. Little known is his amazing library, which not only was Sutro’s gift to the city, but its story reflects the ever-changing culture and environs of this beautiful city by the bay.

    This program presented by WNP and the Sutro Library is free but pre-registration through Eventbrite is required and donations are always appreciated. The Zoom link will be included in the ticket attached to your confirmation email.

    Diana Kohnke has been with the Sutro Library since 2011. Before that, she had the opportunity to work at several archives and special collections in the San Francisco Bay Area such as the Martha Heasley Cox Center for Steinbeck Studies and Stanford’s Green Library. Her graduate research focused on the Black experience in American History 1865-Present, as well as on archives and special collections.


    map to: Online Event San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
    more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-life-and-library-of-adolph-sutro-tickets-169354378505

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    Lost Cemetery of Lincoln Park History Walk(WNP Event)

    Oct 24, 2021 5:00pm-7:00pm (Sunday) at Lincoln Park Golf Course

    Few people realize that today’s Lincoln Park Golf Course was once “City Cemetery,” the final resting place for tens of thousands of San Francisco's dead, including a Chinese burial ground and the municipal paupers’ graveyard called Potter’s Field.

    Join historian and retired ranger John Martini on this twilight exploration and discover forgotten funerary monuments along the golf course fairways. The walk starts at a super-secret location and proceeds along uphill paved paths and across some stretches of lawn before ending at the Palace of the Legion of Honor. Gradeis moderate with some uphill sections and lawn

    Tour begins at 5:00pm and is expected to take about 1.5 hours. The super-secret meeting location will be emailed when tickets are purchased: $10 for members and $20 for non-members. Please register through Eventbrite, which you can access by clicking in the link in the More Info field below this description, or by copying and pasting the following url into your browser: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wnp-lost-cemetery-of-lincoln-park-history-walk-tickets-157691428307

    The walk is limited to 30 people and we will follow whatever San Francisco Department of Health regulations are in place at the time.


    map to: Lincoln Park Golf Course San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
    more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wnp-lost-cemetery-of-lincoln-park-history-walk-tickets-157691428307
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    The Museum at The Cliff(WNP Event)

    Oct 23, 2021 11:00am-12:00am (Saturday)
    Apr 10, 2022 11:00am-12:00am (Sunday) at The Museum at The Cliff

    We're opening a temporary museum in the former Cliff House Gift Shop, in partnership with ACT Art Conservation and The Great Highway gallery, and with support from the Golden Gate National Recreation Area’s Park Archives and Records Center (PARC) and the Global Museum at SF State.

    This temporary exhibition showcases a selection of art and artifacts WNP recently saved from an auction that liquidated historical holdings of the Hountalas family--longtime proprietors of the iconic Cliff House restaurant, which closed in December 2020--and will support an exhibition currently on display at the WNP Office + Gallery at 1617 Balboa Street in the Richmond District. Both are free to the public.

    The Museum opened to the general public on Saturday, October 23, 2021 and will welcome visitors to the western edge of San Francisco until April 10th. Historic photographs of the area, bathing suits from the Sutro Baths, charming vintage Cliff House souvenirs, and more from WNP will be displayed alongside archaeological remnants of Sutro Heights statuary, a taxidermied monkey from the Sutro Baths Museum, and other pieces rarely seen from the PARC collection.

    Selections from the Egyptian collection amassed by Adolph Sutro, stewarded by the Global Museum, will also be on display in addition to works from local artists. Rounding out the exhibition will be kid-friendly interactives and friendly volunteers to welcome you.

    Museum hours are Thursdays through Sundays, 11:00am until 4:00pm.

    Special thanks to so many people, but especially to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Grants for the Arts, and District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan for their support of this exhibition.


    map to: The Museum at The Cliff 1090 Point Lobos Ave, SF, CA, 94121
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org

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    The Museum at The Cliff: Friends + Family Preview(WNP Event)

    Oct 17, 2021 11:00am-4:00pm (Sunday) at The Museum at The Cliff

    We're opening a temporary museum in the former Cliff House Gift Shop in partnership with ACT Art Conservation and The Great Highway gallery with support from the Golden Gate National Recreation Area’s Park Archives and Records Center (PARC) and the Global Museum at SF State.

    If you're a part of the extended WNP family, you're invited to attend our Friends + Family Preview on Saturday, October 17, 2021 between 11:00am and 4:00pm. The first 50 people to visit on this day will receive a limited-edition poster of the Victorian-era Cliff House that was once sold in Marilyn Blaisdell's store, San Francisciana. RSVP not required but but you'll have to know the Secret Password to enter. We'll email it to all WNP insiders the week of October 11th. Wanna be in the know? Sign up for our newsletter!

    This pop-up exhibition will showcase a selection of art and artifacts WNP recently saved from an auction that liquidated historical holdings of the Hountalas family--longtime proprietors of the iconic Cliff House restaurant, which closed in December 2020--and will support an exhibition currently on display at the WNP Office + Gallery at 1617 Balboa Street in the Richmond District. Both are free to the public.

    The Museum opens to the general public on Saturday, October 23, 2021 and will welcome visitors to the western edge of San Francisco until mid-April 2022. Historic photographs of the area, bathing suits from the Sutro Baths, charming vintage Cliff House souvenirs and more from WNP will be displayed alongside archaeological remnants of Sutro Heights statuary, a taxidermied monkey from the Sutro Baths Museum, and other pieces rarely seen from the PARC collection.

    Selections from the Egyptian collection amassed by Adolph Sutro, stewarded by the Global Museum, will also be on display in addition to works from local artists. Rounding out the exhibition will be kid-friendly interactives, a team member from Artifact to record your memories of The Cliff House, and friendly volunteers to welcome you.

    Special thanks to so many people, but especially to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the Global Museum at SF State, Grants for the Arts and District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan for their support of this exhibition.


    map to: The Museum at The Cliff 1090 Point Lobos Avenue, SF, CA, 94121
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org

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    History Happy Hour with Gary Stark + Cliffhouseproject.com Friends(WNP Event)

    Oct 14, 2021 5:30pm-6:30pm (Thursday) at Online

    Nicole Meldahl and (usually) Chelsea Sellin in conversation with local historians, artists, longtime west side residents, and other surprise guests, chatting about a variety of historical subjects in a very relaxed atmosphere. Audience members are encouraged to participate and, of course, bring their beverage of choice.

    In celebration of Gary Stark allowing WNP to safeguard his incredible creation, www.cliffhouseproject.com, for decades to come, we sit down with him and others who helped make this website so special. Join us as Gary, former NPS ranger and local historian John Martini, and perhaps other special guests share how they've built this incredible west side resource and chat all things Cliff House. It will be delightfully nerdy, you won't want to miss it!

    This event is free but donations are appreciated and pre-registration is required through Eventbrite. A Zoom link will be emailed to you with the confirmation email. Please let us know if you have any trouble finding it.


    map to: Online San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
    more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wnp-history-happy-hour-gary-stark-cliffhouseprojectcom-friends-tickets-170035447601

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    Cliff House and Sutro Baths History Walk

    Sep 30, 2021 11:30am-1:30pm (Thursday)

    Join historian John Martini and explore the fabled Cliff House and the ruins of Sutro Baths for an in-person history walk as WNP closes out the 18th Annual Architecture and The City Festival!

    We will venture around the Cliff House to learn about the history of San Francisco’s most incendiary landmark. The Baths visit will include a steep walk downhill into the ruins to visit the mysterious tunnels through Point Lobos, followed by an uphill climb to the old Sky Tram overlook where we’ll see the wave catch basin constructed by Adolph Sutro that trapped Pacific waves and sent roiling seawater to the Baths.

    This two-hour Western Neighborhoods Project tour begins at 11:30 AM and please note that the grade is strenuous with steep downhill sections, unpaved trails, stairs, and walking across sandy areas. The super-secret meeting location will be emailed when tickets are purchased at least 2 business days before the walk. Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for AIA SF Members and $15 for Non-Members. Please register using the Eventbrite link in the More Info field below, and contact AIA SF if you have any problems.

    Note: This tour is limited to 30 attendees; wear comfortable shoes and dress accordingly to the ever-changing San Francisco weather! Please visit San Francisco's COVID-19 resources for current guidelines at https://sf.gov/topics/coronavirus-covid-19.


    Contact: Annabelle Udo-O’Malley auomalley@aiasf.org
    more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2021-ac-fest-cliff-house-sutro-baths-walking-tour-tickets-173241980427
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    SF Richmond District Autumn Moon Festival(WNP Event)

    Sep 18, 2021 11:00am-3:00pm (Saturday)
    Historically, the mid-Autumn festival pays tribute to the moon goddess, Chang-O, and is thought of as Chinese Thanksgiving because it celebrates the bounty of the summer harvest. And, for the last five years, the Richmond District Neighborhood Center has honored this tradition on Clement Street.

    Visit our booth at the SF Richmond District Autumn Moon Festival on September 18, 2021 to see historic photos of the neighborhood and learn about current WNP projects like the Cliff House Collection and our collaboration with the Chinese Historical Society of America, "Chinese in the Richmond." The festival is located on Clement Street between 6th Avenue and 9th Avenue, starting at 11:00am and ending at 3:00pm. In addition to your favorite friendly neighborhood history group, this annual event will include live performances as well as traditional Arts and Crafts.

    This event is free and open to the public, no registration is necessary. Come chat with WNPers, enjoy some moon cake, and celebrate our shared community.


    map to: Clement Street between 6th and 9th Aves
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    Batteries, Bluffs & Bridge History Walk(WNP Event)

    Sep 18, 2021 10:00am-12:00pm (Saturday) at Fort Winfield Scott

    Join us for an in-person history walk led by historian John Martini.

    On this easy walk, we’ll explore the Bay Trail and Coastal Trails skirting the bluff tops of Fort Winfield Scott. We’ll enjoy gorgeous views, walk beneath the girders of the Golden Gate Bridge, see fortifications that guarded the bay from the 1860s through World War II, and a peek at the expansive, waiting-to-be-renovated parade ground and barracks at Fort Winfield Scott.

    Tour begins at 10:00am and is expected to take about 2 hours with a moderate grade and some uphill areas. The super-secret meeting location will be emailed when tickets are purchased: $10 for members and $20 for non-members. Please register through Eventbrite, which you can access by clicking the link in the More Info field below this description or by copying and pasting the following URL into your browser: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wnp-batteries-bluffs-bridge-history-walk-tickets-157688736255

    The walk is limited to 30 people and we will follow whatever San Francisco Department of Health regulations are in place at the time.


    map to: Fort Winfield Scott San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
    more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wnp-batteries-bluffs-bridge-history-walk-tickets-157688736255
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    VIRTUAL TOUR: Richmond SF Neon

    Sep 11, 2021 5:00pm-6:15pm (Saturday) at Online Event
    Our own Nicole Meldahl will join friends Randall Ann Homan and Al Barna of SF Neon to present a virtual tour of Richmond SF Neon as part of the Neon Speaks symposium.

    From bamboo bars to the Pacific ocean, take a virtual walk with us through the historic corridors of this neighborhood in the outer avenues of the Richmond District in San Francisco. This historic district is populated with vintage signs that light up the night and create a sense of time travel. Tour features historic photos, film clips, and ephemera with architectural and graphic design insights to San Francisco’s unique legacy of surviving neon signs.

    Neon Speaks is an annual festival & symposium that celebrates Neon art, design, and vintage neon signs. This not-for-profit is hosted and produced by Al and Randall in proud partnership with the Tenderloin Museum, SF Heritage, the American Sign Museum, and the Museum of Neon Art.

    Register now using the link in the "more info" section below. Early Bird Passports are free until August 30, and passport holders gain access to all online events hosted over two weekends: September 11-12 and September 18-19.


    map to: Online Event San Francisco
    Contact: Al and Randall Ann neonspeaks@gmail.com
    more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/neon-speaks-2021-early-bird-passport-registration-157148345933
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    Architecture + the City Festival: Golden Gate Park Music Concourse History Walk

    Sep 10, 2021 12:00pm-1:30pm (Friday) at Music Concourse, Golden Gate Park

    Join historian John Martini and Western Neighborhoods Project (WNP) Executive Director Nicole Meldahl for a guided tour of the Music Concourse in Golden Gate Park on Friday, September 10, 2021 from Noon to 1:30pm.

    WNP is partnering with AIA San Francisco for the 18th Annual Architecture + the City Festival. There will be tours, discussions, lectures, films, author talks, and exhibitions throughout the city September 10-30, and it all starts at the Music Concourse with this walk!

    Few people know that Golden Gate Park once hosted a World's Fair: the nearly forgotten "1894 California Mid-Winter Exposition.” On this walking tour around the park’s Music Concourse we visit many of the locations of the exotic but short-lived Fair, including scattered surviving remnants of the Exposition from 125 years ago. See things you've never seen before and then enjoy an entire day of festivities to celebrate the Festival.

    RSVP is required through the festival website. This free history walk begins promptly at Noon and the route is mostly flat. Please be prepared to follow COVID-19 protocols required by the San Francisco Department of Public Health when we're walking. For more information, please visit the festival's website: https://www.archandcity.org/festival-opening-day


    map to: Music Concourse, Golden Gate Park San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
    more info: https://www.archandcity.org/festival-opening-day

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    History Happy Hour with Kerri Young(WNP Event)

    Sep 9, 2021 5:30pm-6:30pm (Thursday) at Online

    Nicole Meldahl and Chelsea Sellin in conversation with local historians, artists, longtime west side residents, and other surprise guests, chatting about a variety of historical subjects in a very relaxed atmosphere. Audience members are encouraged to participate and, of course, bring their beverage of choice.

    This month we sit down with a totally badass Bay Area history nerd: Kerri Young. Although she currently works with our friends at SF Heritage as Communications + Programs Manager, her resume is stacked with the names of other incredible organizations such as the California Historical Society and Historypin (to name a couple). We'll talk about her history path, some of Heritage's current west side landmarking efforts in Stern Grove and Lincoln Park, and who knows what else! You never know where happy hour will take you.

    This event is free but donations are appreciated and pre-registration is required through Eventbrite. A Zoom link will be emailed to you with the confirmation email. Please let us know if you have any trouble finding it.


    map to: Online San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
    more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wnp-history-happy-hour-with-kerri-young-tickets-169524459221

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    Lost Identities: A Forest Hill Extension History Walk(WNP Event)

    Sep 4, 2021 10:00am-12:00pm (Saturday) at Forest Hill Extension

    Join us for this in-person walking tour led by former Western Neighborhoods Project board member and historic preservation consultant Richard Brandi through Forest Hill Extension this Labor Day weekend on September 4, 2021 at 10:00 am.

    The area called Forest Hill Extension on the San Francisco Realtors map includes four other residential developments: Claremont Court, Laguna Honda Park, Rockridge Terrace, and Edgehill. Some of these developments are not well-known or have lost their identities. Brandi, who wrote the book “Garden Neighborhoods of San Francisco,” will explain how they came into being and what makes them unique.

    Our two-hour tour begins at 10:00am and is generally level, except for Edgehill Way. The super-secret meeting location will be emailed when tickets are purchased: $10 for members and $20 for non-members.Please register through Eventbrite, which you can access by clicking the link in the More Info field below this description or by copying and pasting the following URL into your browser: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wnp-forest-hill-extension-history-walk-tickets-157878608167

    The walk is limited to 30 people and we will follow whatever San Francisco Department of Health regulations are in place at the time.


    map to: Forest Hill Extension San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
    more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wnp-forest-hill-extension-history-walk-tickets-157878608167
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    Sutro Heights History Walk (WNP Event)

    Aug 14, 2021 10:00am-12:00pm (Saturday) at Sutro Heights

    Join us for this in-person scenic and historic walk led by our pal John Martini through his old stomping grounds at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

    John’s tour brings Sutro’s “Pleasure Grounds” alive and recreates the area San Franciscans long considered their very own seaside wonderland. The walk, which features an easy grade with one uphill section and one area of unpaved paths, will include an overview of the Cliff House and ruins of Sutro Baths, Sutro’s midway of Merrie Way, and a loop walk through Sutro Heights, the faded formal estate of San Francisco mayor and Comstock millionaire Adolph Sutro.

    Tour begins at 10:00am and is expected to take about 1.5 to2 hours. The super-secret meeting location will be emailed when tickets are purchased: $10 for members and $20 for non-members. Please register through Eventbrite, which you can access by clicking the link in the More Info field below this description of copying and pasting the following URL into your browser: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wnp-sutro-heights-history-walk-tickets-157687015107

    The walk is limited to 30 people and we will follow whatever San Francisco Department of Health regulations are in place at the time.


    map to: Sutro Heights San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
    more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wnp-sutro-heights-history-walk-tickets-157687015107
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    History Happy Hour with Jamie O'Keefe(WNP Event)

    Aug 12, 2021 5:30pm-6:30pm (Thursday) at Online Event

    Nicole Meldahl and Chelsea Sellin in conversation with local historians, artists, longtime west side residents, and other surprise guests, chatting about a variety of historical subjects in a very relaxed atmosphere. Audience members are encouraged to participate and, of course, bring their beverage of choice.

    This month Nicole is on her own as she sits down with WNP pal and Richmond District native, Jamie O\'Keefe. When not working as Registrar for The Walt Disney Family Museum, she\'s busy protecting the collection at Guardians of the City and helping with the San Francisco Old Car Picnic, which was founded by her Dad, that will be held in Golden Gate Park on August 14, 2021. We'll talk about her deep roots on the west side and cool things she\'s tripped across while working in San Francisco museums for most of her adult life.

    This event is free but donations are appreciated and pre-registration is required. Please register through Eventbrite, which you can access by clicking big orange button below.

    A Zoom link will be emailed to you with the confirmation email. Please let us know if you have any trouble finding it.


    map to: Online Event San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
    more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wnp-history-happy-hour-with-jamie-okeefe-tickets-165332809885
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    Presidio Main Post History Walk (WNP Event)

    Jul 10, 2021 10:00am-12:00pm (Saturday) at Presidio of San Francisco

    Join us for this in-person history walk led by our pal John Martini through his old stomping grounds at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

    The Main Post of the Presidio of San Francisco encompasses more history than any other site within the GGNRA: Ohlone people, Spanish colonists, Buffalo Soldiers, Japanese Internment. Highlights of this mile-long walk include the newly renovated Presidio Officers Club and Heritage Center, the Inn at the Presidio, the San Francisco Film Institute, and the new Presidio Parkway project.

    Our journey begins at 10:00am and is expected the to take about 2 hours. The super secret meeting location will be emailed when tickets are purchased: $10 for members and $20 for non-members. Please register through Eventbrite, which you can access by clicking the link in the More Info field below this description or by copying and pasting the following URL into your browser: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wnp-presidio-main-post-history-walk-tickets-157682702207

    The walk is limited to 30 people and we will follow whatever San Francisco Department of Health regulations are in place at the time.


    map to: Presidio of San Francisco San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
    more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wnp-presidio-main-post-history-walk-tickets-157682702207
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    History Happy Hour with Katherine Petrin(WNP Event)

    Jul 8, 2021 5:30pm-6:30pm (Thursday) at Online Event

    Nicole Meldahl and Chelsea Sellin in conversation with local historians, artists, longtime west side residents, and other surprise guests, chatting about a variety of historical subjects in a very relaxed atmosphere. Audience members are encouraged to participate and, of course, bring their beverage of choice.

    This week we sit down with Katherine Petrin, an Architectural Historian and Preservation Planner who is also a native of the west side! She’s a writer, speaker, and Vice President of the San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation, keeping an eye on our favorite historic movie houses since 2000. We’ll talk about old projects, new projects, and our favorite spots in the western neighborhoods.

    This event is free but donations are appreciated and pre-registration is required. Please register through Eventbrite, which you can access by clicking big orange button below.

    A Zoom link will be emailed to you with the confirmation email. Please let us know if you have any trouble finding it.


    map to: Online Event
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
    more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wnp-history-happy-hour-with-katherine-petrin-tickets-161930766281
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    Monuments, Murals and Memorials(WNP Event)

    Jun 24, 2021 6:00pm-8:00pm (Thursday) at Virtual Event

    What is the purpose of public art? How can we rethink existing cultural landscapes by adding context, challenging preconceptions, and bridging the gap between art and history?

    Join us as Executive Director Nicole Meldahl moderates a panel discussion with local artists Cheyenne Concepcion, Ben Davis, Anna Lisa Escobedo, Dana King and Ben Wood, each of whom are finding innovative ways to dialog with public art and history. We’ll talk about current projects and the bigger picture of why their work is important, what it means to San Francisco, and where we can go from here.

    Pre-registration is required to attend this Zoom webinar. Please register through Eventbrite, which you can access by clicking the link in the More Info field below this description or by copying and pasting the following url into your browser: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/monuments-murals-and-memorials-tickets-158303202139.

    This event is free but donations are appreciated and will be split evenly between the panelists and moderator. Please email nicole@outsidelands.org if you have any issues with registration, or if you do not receive the Zoom link.


    map to: Virtual Event San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsideland.org
    more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/monuments-murals-and-memorials-tickets-158303202139
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    SOLD OUT Cliff House & Sutro Baths History Walk SOLD OUT(WNP Event)

    Jun 19, 2021 10:00am-12:00pm (Saturday) at Cliff House

    Join historian John Martini and explore the fabled Cliff House and the ruins of Sutro Baths for an in-person history walk.

    We’ll venture around the Cliff House to learn about the history of San Francisco’s most incendiary landmark. The Baths visit will include a steep walk downhill into the ruins to visit the mysterious tunnels through Point Lobos, followed by an uphill climb to the old Sky Tram overlook where we’ll see the wave catch basin constructed by Adolph Sutro that trapped Pacific waves and sent roiling seawater to the Baths.

    Our two-hour tour begins at 10:00am and please note that the grade is strenuous with steep downhill sections, unpaved trails, stairs, and walking across sandy areas. The super-secret meeting location will be emailed when tickets are purchased: $10 for members and $20 for non-members. Please register through Eventbrite, which you can access by clicking the link in the More Info field below this description or by copying and pasting the following url into your browser: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wnp-cliff-house-sutro-baths-history-walk-tickets-157674283025

    The walk is limited to 30 people and we will follow whatever pandemic guidelines are outlined by the San Francisco Department of Public Health at the time of the walk.


    map to: Cliff House San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
    more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wnp-cliff-house-sutro-baths-history-walk-tickets-157674283025
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    History Happy Hour with the San Francisco Cable Car Museum(WNP Event)

    Jun 10, 2021 5:30pm-6:30pm (Thursday) at Virtual Event

    Nicole Meldahl and Chelsea Sellin in conversation with local historians, artists, longtime west side residents, and other surprise guests, chatting about a variety of historical subjects. Audience members are encouraged to participate and, of course, bring their beverage of choice.

    This week we sit down with our friends from the San Francisco Cable Car Museum to nerd out about all things transit, covering ground from cemeteries to world's fairs and who knows where else these rails will take us!

    This event is free but donations are appreciated and pre-registration is required.

    A Zoom link will be emailed to you after registration. If you don't receive it immediately, please let us know.


    map to: Virtual Event San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org

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    Residence Parks That Never Were(WNP Event)

    Jun 5, 2021 10:00am-11:00am (Saturday) at Virtual Event

    The Outside Lands are home to many residence parks, developments with detached houses, picturesque streets, and landscaping that convey the feeling of living in a park. Luckily for us, this type of development seen in St. Francis Wood, Forest Hill and Sea Cliff is the specialty of former Western Neighborhoods Project board member and historic preservation consultant Richard Brandi, who has written the forthcoming book “Garden Neighborhoods of San Francisco: The Development of Residence Parks, 1905-1924.

    Join Brandi on June 5, 2021 at 10:00 am for a Zoom walking talk that covers four ambitious projects never built: Lake Merced, Visitation Valley, Bayshore, and Presidio Gardens (the Marina).

    This event is free but donations are appreciated and you must register in advance to receive a Zoom link. Please let us know if you don’t receive a confirmation email after you’ve completed registration.


    map to: Virtual Event San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole MEldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    Live Podcast Recording #432: Watkins and Taber(WNP Event)

    May 28, 2021 6:00pm-7:00pm (Friday) at Virtual Event

    Be part of the live "studio" audience at our weekly podcast recording! Join the Outside Lands San Francisco Podcast crew for this exclusive behind-the-scenes session with added visual content, outtakes, and access to the after party.

    This week, Michael and Nicole nerd out about two prolific photographers whose work can be found in our OpenSFHistory archive as well as archives all over the Bay Area and beyond: Carleton Watkins and Isaiah West Taber.

    This event is an exclusive benefit for WNP Members. Not a member yet? Join at the link and claim your spot backstage!


    map to: Virtual Event San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    Podcast Live Audience - Lake Merced(WNP Event)

    May 21, 2021 6:00pm-7:00pm (Friday) at Virtual Event

    Be part of the live "studio" audience at our weekly podcast recording! Join the Outside Lands San Francisco Podcast crew for this exclusive behind-the-scenes session with added visual content, outtakes, and access to the after party.

    This week, Arnold and Nicole are on their own to share the long view of Lake Merced history.

    This event is an exclusive benefit for WNP Members. Not a member yet? Join at the link and claim your spot backstage!


    map to: Virtual Event San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    Cliff House Collection Community Listening Session(WNP Event)

    May 20, 2021 6:00pm-7:00pm (Thursday) at Virtual Event

    Over 400 of you donated to help us save art and artifacts from the Cliff House auction on March 11-12 and we did it! Just over 100 items were purchased, ranging from a small lot of 1870s photographs depicting the Sutro Baths area to the iconic Whitney family Totem Pole, and will be part of the Western Neighborhoods Project collection now.

    Since you helped us save them, you'll have a voice in our short-term and long-term plans to make them accessible to the public once again. Join us on Thursday, May 20th at 6:00pm for the second Community Listening Session that will inform how and where we are able to share the Cliff House experience for generations to come. Hear what the Dream Team of Alexandra Mitchell, ACT Art Conservation, John Lindsey, The Great Highway gallery, and our own Nicole Meldahl have been working on since the auction closed, learn how you can support Phase 2 of this endeavor, and bring your own ideas to share!

    This free event will be hosted via Zoom and pre-registration is required. If you do not receive a confirmation email when you register, please contact us.


    map to: Virtual Event
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    Podcast Live Audience - Jesse Cook Collection Revisited(WNP Event)

    May 14, 2021 6:00pm-7:00pm (Friday) at Virtual Event

    Be part of the live "studio" audience at our weekly podcast recording! Join the Outside Lands San Francisco Podcast crew for this exclusive behind-the-scenes session with added visual content, outtakes, and access to the after party.

    This week, Michael joins us to revisit one of our favorite collections at The Bancroft Library, compiled by prolific photographer Jesse B. Cook.

    This event is an exclusive benefit for WNP Members. Not a member yet? Join at the link and claim your spot backstage!


    map to: Virtual Event San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    History Happy Hour with Greg Gaar(WNP Event)

    May 13, 2021 5:30pm-6:30pm (Thursday) at Virtual Event

    Nicole Meldahl and David Gallagher in conversation with local historians, artists, longtime west side residents, and other surprise guests, chatting about a variety of historical subjects. Audience members are encouraged to participate and, of course, bring their beverage of choice.

    This week we sit down with Greg Gaar, a native San Franciscan who has dedicated his life to documenting the built environment and restoring San Francisco's natural landscapes. He's also a prolific photojournalist who captured the local music scene in the 1970s and 1980s. We'll chat with Greg as he shares his favorite music photos from the over 1,000 curated selections recently made available on OpenSFHistory.org. Don't miss your chance to reminisce about old shows and ask him what it was like to be there then.

    This event is free but donations are appreciated and pre-registration is required.

    A Zoom link will be emailed to you after registration. If you don't receive it immediately, please let us know.


    map to: Virtual Event San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org

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    Podcast Live Audience - Prayerbook Cross(WNP Event)

    May 7, 2021 6:00pm-7:00pm (Friday) at Virtual Event

    Be part of the live "studio" audience at our weekly podcast recording! Join the Outside Lands San Francisco Podcast crew for this exclusive behind-the-scenes session with added visual content, outtakes, and access to the after party.

    This week, Arnold Woods joins us as we climb great heights in Golden Gate Park to get to the bottom of the story behind a monument to Sir Francis Drake: Prayerbook Cross. And while we're at it, we'll tell you all about nearby Rainbow Falls.

    This event is an exclusive benefit for WNP Members. Not a member yet? Join at the link and claim your spot backstage!


    map to: Virtual Event San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    Podcast Live Audience - FunTier Town(WNP Event)

    Apr 30, 2021 6:00pm-7:00pm (Friday) at Virtual Event

    Be part of the live "studio" audience at our weekly podcast recording! Join the Outside Lands San Francisco Podcast crew for this exclusive behind-the-scenes session with added visual content, outtakes, and access to the after party.

    This week we'll be talking about FunTier Town from Playland-at-the-Beach, former home of Sheriff C.U. Soon (aka The Cowboy) that lived at The Cliff House for years and was recently acquired by WNP at auction.

    This event is an exclusive benefit for WNP Members. Not a member yet? Join at the link and claim your spot backstage!


    map to: Virtual Event San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    WNP Story Time!(WNP Event)

    Apr 25, 2021 11:00am-12:00pm (Sunday) at Virtual Event

    Nicole Meldahl reads classic and history-theme children’s stories live on weekend mornings. Fun for kids of all ages, even if you’re just a kid at heart. This month we’re reading a a book by one of our favorite local authors: “Golden Gate Park: An A to Z Adventure,” by Marta Lindsey, illustrated by Michael Wertz. It’s the perfect story to celebrate Spring!

    This event is free but pre-registration is required to be “in the room” with Miss Nicole. Never fear if you can’t decide before the event is live, however, because it will also be live-streamed via Zoom through the WNP Facebook page.


    map to: Virtual Event
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org

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    Chinese in the Richmond Community Open House(WNP Event)

    Apr 24, 2021 11:00am-3:00pm (Saturday) at WNP Office + Gallery

    We're hosting the first of two Community Open Houses to celebrate "Chinese in the Richmond," a collaborative project between Western Neighborhoods Project (WNP) and the Chinese Historical Society of America (CHSA) that seeks to illuminate the lives of Chinese Americans on the west side.

    Join us from 11:00am to 3:00pm on Saturday, April 24th in real life at the WNP office at 1617 Balboa Street near 17th avenue in the Richmond District to learn about "Chinese in the Richmond,", see a pop-up sidewalk exhibition of CHSA's prior project, "Chinese in the Sunset," and chat with project staff. Most importantly, we want to capture and preserve your history at this Open House. Bring photographs, mementos, and other ephemera to share and WNP will scan them within 60 days, returning your family treasures with a copy of the scans. We can't wait to hear your stories!

    We are not able to welcome visitors inside the WNP office at this time, and all Open House attendees are required to wear a mask and practice social distancing with people from other households.

    This event is made possible by California Humanities through a "Humanities for All" Project grant. The event is free but RSVP is appreciated so we know how many of you we'll see on Saturday.


    map to: WNP Office + Gallery 1617 Balboa Street, SF, CA, 94121
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
    more info: https://outsidelands.org/ChineseInTheRichmond/index.php
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    Podcast Live Audience - McCoppin Square

    Apr 23, 2021 6:00pm-7:00pm (Friday) at Virtual Event

    Be part of our live "studio" audience at our weekly podcast recording! Join the podcast crew, Nicole Meldahl and the rest for this exclusive behind-the-scenes session with added visual content, outtakes, and access to the after party.

    This week we'll be talking about one of the west side's oldest parks, McCoppin Square. Large parts of Golden Gate Park were given over to tents, barracks, hospitals, and food distribution centers.

    This event is an exclusive benefit for WNP Members. Not a member yet? Join at the link and claim your spot backstage!


    map to: Virtual Event San Francisco
    Contact: NIcole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    House Detective: Tricks for Researching Your Home(WNP Event)

    Apr 22, 2021 6:00pm-7:00pm (Thursday) at Online Event

    Curious about your house? Join former Western Neighborhoods Project Board Member and historic preservation consultant Richard Brandi on Thursday, April 22 at 6:00pm for a how-to tutorial where you'll learn the tricks to searching records that may shed light on the history of your house.

    How old is your home, who built it, did someone famous live there? These questions can be answered and Richard will show you how. This is a technical presentation highlighting various databases and archives sources accessible to the public. Searching the history of your house is a lot like being a detective, you follow leads and never know exactly what you'll find.

    This Zoom event is free but pre-registration is required.

    A Zoom link will be emailed to you after registration. If you don't receive it immediately, please let us know.


    map to: Online Event
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org

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    Podcast Live Audience - Golden Gate Park Refugees

    Apr 16, 2021 6:00pm-7:00pm (Friday) at Virtual Event

    Be part of our live "studio" audience at our weekly podcast recording! Join the podcast crew, Nicole Meldahl, John Martini , and David Gallagher for this exclusive behind-the-scenes session with added visual content, outtakes, and access to the after party.

    This week we'll be talking about The 1906 Relief effort in Golden Gate Park with Richmond District Historian (and WNP Member) John Freeman. Large parts of Golden Gate Park were given over to tents, barracks, hospitals, and food distribution centers.

    This event is an exclusive benefit for WNP Members. Not a member yet? Join at the link and claim your spot backstage!


    map to: Virtual Event San Francisco
    Contact: NIcole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    Cliff House Collection Community Listening Session(WNP Event)

    Apr 15, 2021 6:00pm-7:00pm (Thursday) at Virtual Event

    Over 400 of you donated to help us save art and artifacts from the Cliff House auction on March 11-12 and we did it! Just shy of 60 items were purchased, ranging from a small lot of 1870s photographs depicting the Sutro Baths area to the iconic Whitney family Totem Pole, and will be part of the Western Neighborhoods Project collection now.

    Since you helped us save them, you'll have a voice in our short-term and long-term plans to make them accessible to the public once again. Join us on Thursday, April 15th at 6:00pm for the first Community Listening Session that will inform how and where we are able to share the Cliff House experience for generations to come. Hear what the Dream Team of Alexandra Mitchell, ACT Art Conservation, John Lindsey, The Great Highway gallery, and our own Nicole Meldahl have been working on since the auction closed, learn how you can support Phase 2 of this endeavor, and bring your own ideas to share!

    This free event will be hosted via Zoom and pre-registration is required. If you do not receive a confirmation email when you register, please contact us.


    map to: Virtual Event
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    Podcast Live Audience - Gaar Music Photography(WNP Event)

    Apr 9, 2021 6:00pm-7:00pm (Friday) at Virtual Event

    Be part of our live "studio" audience at our weekly podcast recording! Join the podcast crew, Nicole Meldahl, David Gallagher, and Arnold for this exclusive behind-the-scenes session with added visual content, outtakes, and access to the after party.

    This week we'll be talking about our newest OpenSFHistory update that added over 1,000 photographs taken by Greg Gaar at San Francisco Bay Area concerts from the 1970s through the 1980s. All your favorites are there: David Bowie, The Dead, Dead Kennedys, and more. PLUS, Greg will be with us to share some of his favorites.

    This event is an exclusive benefit for WNP Members. Not a member yet? Join at the link and claim your spot backstage!
    map to: Virtual Event San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org

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    History Happy Hour with Christine Huhn!(WNP Event)

    Apr 8, 2021 5:30pm-6:30pm (Thursday) at Virtual Event

    Nicole Meldahl and Chelsea Sellin in conversation with local historians, artists, longtime west side residents, and other surprise guests, chatting about a variety of historical subjects. Audience members are encouraged to participate and, of course, bring their beverage of choice.

    This week we sit down with Christine Huhn, a visual artist whose work is focused on preserving cultural landscapes through film photography and historic photographic processes. We're big fans of all her projects but particularly fond of "Can we see time?" which explores areas within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

    This event is free but donations are appreciated and pre-registration is required.

    A Zoom link will be emailed to you after registration. If you don't receive it immediately, please let us know.


    map to: Virtual Event San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
    more info: https://www.christinehuhn.com

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    Podcast Live Audience - Gary Warne

    Apr 2, 2021 6:00pm-7:00pm (Friday) at Virtual Event

    Be part of our live "studio" audience at our weekly podcast recording! Join the podcast crew, Nicole Meldahl, David Gallagher, and Michael Lange for this exclusive behind-the-scenes session with added visual content, outtakes, and access to the after party.

    This week we will talk John Law about a creative visionary named Gary Warne, founder of the Suicide Club, Communiversity, and Gorilla Grotto and whose shadow looms large over San Francisco's Culture today.

    Tickets: Free for WNP Members. Not a member yet? Join at the link!
    map to: Virtual Event San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org

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    Podcast Live Audience - Cliff House Collection

    Mar 26, 2021 6:00pm-7:00pm (Friday) at Virtual Event

    Be part of our live "studio" audience at our weekly podcast recording! Join the podcast crew, Nicole Meldahl, David Gallagher, and Arnold Woods for this exclusive behind-the-scenes session with added visual content, outtakes, and access to the after party.

    This week guests Alexandra Mitchell and John Lindsey will talk about the amazing acquisition of historic artifacts from the famed Cliff House

    Tickets: Free for WNP Members. Not a member yet? Join at the link!
    map to: Virtual Event San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org

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    Podcast Live Audience - Balboa Stroll

    Mar 19, 2021 6:00pm-7:00pm (Friday) at Virtual Event

    Be part of our live "studio" audience at our weekly podcast recording! Join the podcast crew, Nicole Meldahl, David Gallagher, and Arnold Woods, for this exclusive behind-the-scenes session with added visual content, outtakes, and access to the after party.

    This week Arnold is here to to take us for an historical walk along a few blocks of outer Balboa Street.

    Tickets: Free for WNP Members. Not a member yet? Join at the link!
    map to: Virtual Event San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org

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    Podcast Live Audience - Roy Graves

    Mar 12, 2021 6:00pm-7:00pm (Friday) at Virtual Event

    Be part of our live "studio" audience at our weekly podcast recording! Join the podcast crew, Nicole Meldahl, David Gallagher, and Michael Lange, for this exclusive behind-the-scenes session with added visual content, outtakes, and access to the after party.

    This week Michael is here to talk about legendary photo collector and Sunset resident Roy D. Graves, whose vast collection was spread to institutions across the Bay Area and is still used today.

    Tickets: Free for WNP Members. Not a member yet? Join at the link!
    map to: Virtual Event San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org

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    History Happy Hour with the California Academy of Sciences!(WNP Event)

    Mar 11, 2021 5:30pm-6:30pm (Thursday) at Virtual Event

    Nicole Meldahl and Chelsea Sellin in conversation with local historians, artists, longtime west side residents, and other surprise guests, chatting about a variety of historical subjects. Audience members are encouraged to participate and, of course, bring their beverage of choice.

    This week we sit down with two incredible women from the California Academy of Sciences, Head Librarian Rebekah Kim and Research Collections Registrar Lindsay Palaima. The Academy has a long history in San Francisco and has an equally long list of curious stories to match. Join us for a virtual romp behind-the-scenes of everyone's favorite science museum in our Outside Lands backyard.

    This event is free but donations are appreciated and pre-registration is required.

    A Zoom link will be emailed to you after registration. If you don't receive it immediately, please let us know.


    map to: Virtual Event San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org

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    Podcast Live - Forest Hill Microhoods

    Mar 5, 2021 6:00pm-7:00pm (Friday) at Virtual Online Event

    Be part of our live "studio" audience at our weekly podcast recording! Join the podcast crew, Nicole Meldahl, David Gallagher, and Richard Brandi, for this exclusive behind-the-scenes session with added visual content, outtakes, and access to the after party.

    This week Richard is here to talk about Forest Hill Microhoods.

    Tickets: Free for WNP Members. Not a member yet? Join at the link!
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org

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    Save The Cliff House Collection(WNP Event)

    Mar 4, 2021 6:00pm-7:00pm (Thursday) at Virtual Event

    Saving our shared history sure is no picnic, but, similarly, it's better when you don't do it alone.

    In that spirit, Western Neighborhoods Project is anchoring a collective of galleries, art conservators, and community historians to Save The Cliff House Collection from auction in ONE WEEK. Thanks to Alexandra Mitchell of A.C.T. Art Conservation and John Lindsey of Great Highway Gallery, we're working directly with the auction company to purchase historic art and artifacts from The Cliff House, Sutro Baths, and Playland at the Beach. But we need your donations to make this happen.

    Join us for the evening to see a short presentation on Cliff House history from our pal John Martini, and ask Alexandra, John, and our own Nicole Meldahl questions about our mission to keep this collection in tact and accessible to the public in the neighborhoods.

    Tickets are free but you must register in advance to attend this Zoom happening.


    map to: Virtual Event San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
    more info: https://savethecliffhousecollection.com/

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    Podcast Live Audience - Zero Thomas

    Feb 26, 2021 6:00pm-7:00pm (Friday) at Virtual Event

    Be part of our live "studio" audience at our weekly podcast recording! Join the podcast crew, Nicole Meldahl, David Gallagher, and John Martini, for this exclusive behind-the-scenes session with added visual content, outtakes, and access to the after party.

    This week John is here to talk about an African American soldier named Zero Thomas whose papers were miraculously saved from the trash.

    Tickets: Free for WNP Members. Not a member yet? Join at the link!
    map to: Virtual Event San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org

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    Podcast Live Audience - Clement Street Businesses(WNP Event)

    Feb 19, 2021 6:00pm-7:00pm (Friday) at Virtual Event

    Be part of our live "studio" audience at our weekly podcast recording! Join the podcast crew, Nicole Meldahl, David Gallagher, and Michael Maire Lange, for this exclusive behind-the-scenes session with added visual content, outtakes, and access to the after party.

    This week we take you on a stroll down Clement Street, highlighting businesses we love and reminiscing about those we've lost.

    Tickets: Free for WNP Members. Not a member yet? Join at the link!
    map to: Virtual Event
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org

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    SF Landmarks Demystified with Fort Point Beer Co.

    Feb 18, 2021 6:00pm-7:30pm (Thursday) at Virtual Event

    Join us for a special California Craft Beer Week (formerly known as San Francisco Beer Week) event to uncover the deep history of six San Francisco landmarks that inspired Fort Point Beer Co. beers. The creative director for Fort Point Beer will talk packaging design, and a panel of local history all-stars convened by WNP will share the stories behind landmarks featured on different cans. This all-star lineup includes our own Nicole Meldahl and David Gallagher, our pal John Martini, and our friends from San Francisco Heritage, Shaping San Francisco, and Guardians of the City.

    All proceeds support WNP and friends. Cheers to that!

    This virtual event is hosted by Fort Point Beer Co. and tickets must be purchased through their shop using the link below.

    Each $25 ticket includes admission AND a mixed 6-pack of beers featured during the event that will be delivered to your door! You'll receive a link and your beer will be shipped at the time of purchase.


    map to: Virtual Event San Francisco
    Contact: Sarah Chorey sarahchorey@fortpointbeer.com
    more info: https://fortpointbeer.com/shop/sfbeerweek-landmark-history-talk
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    Grand Tour of Sutro’s Egyptian Collection(WNP Event)

    Feb 17, 2021 6:00pm-7:30pm (Wednesday) at Virtual Online Event

    Cocktails and history and mummies, oh my! Join us for a very special collaborative event with students from the Museum Studies Program at San Francisco State University and staff from the University's Global Museum, who will provide an exclusive tour of Adolph Sutro's Egyptian Collection. At SF State since 1972, the collection houses over 700 objects including two mummies that are approximately 3,500 years old.

    The event will begin at 6:00pm with a cocktail warm-up as our hosts teach you how to make Clara’s Punch (non-alcoholic) and Spirit of Nespaperennub (alcoholic), which was inspired by an artifact in the Museum collection. Then, sip your drinks as we give you an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of objects on display and in storage at the Global Museum. Play-by-play commentary will be provided by WNP's Nicole Meldahl and our good friend John Martini, and there will of course be a Q&A session to follow.

    This event will be hosted via Zoom. Tickets are free for San Francisco State University students and Western Neighborhoods Project members. To claim one of these tickets, please use the "Free Member Ticket" button when registering. Tickets for the general public are available at a sliding scale, starting at $10.

    Registration is required in advance to be "in the room" and receive the cocktail recipes, but the event will also be live-streamed via the WNP Facebook page.

    A Zoom link will be emailed to you after registration. If you don't receive it immediately, please let us know.


    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org

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    Podcast Live Audience - Sutro the Collector!(WNP Event)

    Feb 12, 2021 6:00pm-7:00pm (Friday) at Virtual Event

    Be part of our live "studio" audience at our weekly podcast recording! Join the podcast crew, Nicole Meldahl, David Gallagher, and John Martini, for this exclusive behind-the-scenes session with added visual content, outtakes, and access to the after party.

    This week we're joined by Dr. Lissette Jimenez, Egyptologist and Assistant Professor from the Museum Studies Program at San Francisco State University to talk about objects from Adolph Sutro's Egyptian Collection they help care for at the University's Global Museum.

    Tickets: Free for WNP Members and San Francisco State University students. Not a member? Join at the link!
    map to: Virtual Event San Francisco
    Contact: NIcole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org

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    History Happy Hour with Katy Guyon!(WNP Event)

    Feb 11, 2021 5:30pm-6:30pm (Thursday) at Virtual Event

    Nicole Meldahl, Chelsea Sellin and David Gallagher in conversation with local historians, artists, longtime west side residents, and other surprise guests, chatting about a variety of historical subjects. Audience members are encouraged to participate and, of course, bring their beverage of choice.

    If you like transit AND old photos, then gee whiz do we have the show for you. This week we sit down with Katy Guyon, photo archivist for the SFMTA Photo Archive. We'll nerd out over how awesome the SFMTA collection is while she shows off some west side highlights. And guess what? There's also an OpenSFHistory connection to be made.

    This event is free but donations are appreciated and pre-registration is required.

    A Zoom link will be emailed to you after registration. If you don't receive it immediately, please let us know.


    map to: Virtual Event San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org

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    WNP Story Time!(WNP Event)

    Feb 6, 2021 11:00am-12:00pm (Saturday) at Virtual Event

    RESCHEDULED due to illness.

    Nicole Meldahl reads classic and history-theme children’s stories live on Saturday mornings. Fun for kids of all ages, even if you’re just a kid at heart. This month we’re reading a very special donation from WNP member Norm Stahl: “Little Toot Through The Golden Gate” by Hardie Gramatky. Our 1975 copy was gifted to his mother-in-law when she retired from teaching Kindergarten at Sunnyside School, and we’re so excited to share it with you.

    This event is free but pre-registration is required to be “in the room” with Miss Nicole. Never fear if you can’t decide before the event is live, however, because it will also be live-streamed via Zoom through the WNP Facebook.


    map to: Virtual Event
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org

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    Podcast Live Audience - Levin Family Theatre Empire!(WNP Event)

    Feb 5, 2021 6:00pm-7:00pm (Friday) at Virtual Event

    Be part of our live "studio" audience at our weekly podcast recording! Join the podcast crew, Nicole Meldahl, David Gallagher, and Arnold Woods, for this exclusive behind-the-scenes session with added visual content, outtakes, and access to the after party.

    This week, we visit beloved neighborhood theatres throughout the Outside Lands as we introduce you to the family than ran so many of them.

    Tickets: Free for WNP Members. Not a member? Join at the link!
    map to: Virtual Event San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org

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    History Happy Hour with Christina Lalanne!(WNP Event)

    Jan 14, 2021 5:30pm-6:30pm (Thursday) at Virtual Online Event

    Nicole Meldahl and Chelsea Sellin in conversation with local historians, artists, longtime west side residents, and other surprise guests, chatting about a variety of historical subjects. Audience members are encouraged to participate via chat and, of course, bring their beverage of choice.

    We sit down with Christina Lalanne for the first Happy Hour of what we hope will be a happier 2021. Christina recently received some well-deserved global attention for an article published in The Atavist about finding a secret diary hidden in the basement of her west side home during renovations. This is literally our dream and we can’t wait to ask her a million questions about it.

    This event is free but pre-registration is required.

    A Zoom link will be emailed to you after registration. If you don't receive it immediately, please let us know.


    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
    more info: https://magazine.atavist.com/castles-in-the-sky-san-francisco-denmark-diary-love-mystery
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    Podcast Live Audience - Farewell to Woody

    Dec 26, 2020 6:00pm-7:00pm (Saturday) at Virtual Online Event
    Special Day! Be a part of our Live Audience for our weekly podcast recording! Join our podcast crew Nicole, David, and Woody for this exclusive behind-the-scenes recording session with added visual content, out-takes, and access to the after party. This week we'll be saying goodbye WNP founder and podcast host Woody LaBounty as he makes his final appearance on the podcast. A look back at 21 years of WNP, can we keep it to 20 minutes? Tickets: Free for WNP Members, not a member? Join at the link

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