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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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    Podcast Live Audience - Willie Mays (WNP Event)

    Sep 25, 2020 6:00pm-7:00pm (Friday) at Virtual Online Event
    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. Tickets are normally $7.50 but this recording is free for San Francisco History Days 2020

    This week we'll be talking about Willie Mays and his experiences living on the west side.

    See registration link in the "More Info" line below.
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
    more info: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4lWOlfcCQs6gKvqKCDeQbg
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    History Happy Hour(WNP Event)

    Sep 24, 2020 5:30pm-6:30pm (Thursday) at Virtual Online 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 via chat and, of course, bring their beverage of choice.

    This week we sit down with local artist Thomas Beutel, who has used our OpenSFHistory archive in ways we never could have imagined! Thomas, a longtime resident of the Sunset District, tinkers with urban art which are kinetic miniatures and automata that incorporate movement and sound. He takes his inspiration from his neighborhood, local history and the natural fauna of the 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.

    Sponsored by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development via the Invest in Neighborhoods Program courtesy of District 1 Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer.


    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    Podcast Live Audience - Little Sisters(WNP Event)

    Sep 18, 2020 6:00pm-7:00pm (Friday) at Virtual Online Event
    Be a part of our Live Audience for our weekly podcast recording! Join our podcast crew Nicole, David, and Woody for this warts and all sneak peek behind-the-scenes recording session with added visual content, out-takes, and live only material. Tickets: $7.50 for this live event helps pay our recording costs.

    This week we'll be talking about a Richmond District institution, The Little Sisters of the Poor on Lake Street.
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    Sydney Stein: First Woman Gardener in Golden Gate Park

    Sep 17, 2020 6:00pm-7:00pm (Thursday) at Virtual Online Event
    With our friends at San Francisco Heritage, we will explore the accomplishments of Sydney Stein, who in 1929 became the first woman hired as a gardener by the City of San Francisco.

    2020 marks the 150th anniversary of Golden Gate Park, and our lecture will explore a beloved unsung hero: Sydney Stein, who in 1929 became the first woman hired as a gardener by the City of San Francisco. Nicole Meldahl will recount some of the specific initiatives she accomplished, such as saving tulips from Europe immediately before World War II, her ascendance to chief nurseryman (or should we say, nurseryWOman?), and eventually manager of the Conservatory of Flowers.

    This FREE program is hosted by San Francisco Heritage. Pre-registration is required through their Eventbrite listing below and is limited to 100 participants on Zoom. They will also be live streaming the program on SF Heritage's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SFHeritage.

    Use the link below to register at Eventbrite.
    Contact: Kerri Young kyoung@sfheritage.org
    more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sydney-stein-golden-gate-parks-first-woman-gardener-registration-117578972873
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    VIRTUAL Lincoln Manor & Sutro Heights Residence Park History Walk(WNP Event)

    Sep 12, 2020 10:00am-12:00pm (Saturday) at Virtual Online Event
    COVID-19 UPDATE: This event has been changed from in-person to virtual due to an abundance of caution.

    San Francisco is not known for its picturesque suburban streets, landscaping, detached houses, and setbacks that convey the feeling of living in a park. But between 1905 and 1924, thirty-six such neighborhoods called "residence parks" were proposed or built in the city. Some of the better-known ones are St Francis Wood, Forest Hill and Sea Cliff but there were many others.

    WNP Board member Richard Brandi wrote THE book about them (due the end of the year by McFarland Publishing.), and he will lead you through Lincoln Manor and Sutro Heights Residence Park for a physically distanced and refreshing tour.

    Sponsored by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development via the Invest in Neighborhoods Project courtesy of District 1 Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer. This event is free but pre-registration is required. You will receive the Zoom link in an email after registration.
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    Podcast Live Audience - Forest Knolls(WNP Event)

    Sep 11, 2020 6:00pm-7:00pm (Friday) at Virtual Online Event
    Be a part of our Live Audience for our weekly podcast recording! Join our podcast crew Nicole, David, and Woody for this warts and all sneak peek behind-the-scenes recording session with added visual content, out-takes, and live only material. Tickets: $7.50 for this live event helps pay our recording costs.

    This week we'll be talking about a little-known neighborhood nestled into a valley near Twin Peaks
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    History Happy Hour(WNP Event)

    Sep 10, 2020 5:30pm-6:30pm (Thursday) at Virtual Online Event
    Nicole Meldahl, Chelsea Sellin, and David Gallagher in conversation with local historians, artists, long-time 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.

    This week we sit down with friends from the Chinese Historical Society of America (CHSA), Steve Haines and Palma You. Palma joined the CHSA Museum in 2016 as Gallery Coordinator to manage the gallery and exhibits, and to research, write and curate exhibition content. She and partner Steve, a deep history research volunteer for CHSA, were two of the driving forces behind "Chinese in the Sunset" and they're now continuing that story with "Chinese in the Richmond," a collaborative project with WNP. Join us to hear about our personal connections to this community history work, and perhaps some mischievous tales about growing up in the Richmond District.

    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.

    Sponsored by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development via the Invest in Neighborhoods Program courtesy of District 1 Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer.
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    Podcast Live - Catholic Sunset(WNP Event)

    Sep 4, 2020 6:00pm-7:00pm (Friday) at Virtual Online Event
    Be a part of our Live Audience for our weekly podcast recording! Join our podcast crew Nicole, David, and Woody for this warts and all sneak peek behind-the-scenes recording session with added visual content, out-takes, and live only material. Tickets: $7.50 for this live event helps pay our recording costs.

    This week we'll be talking about Catholic Churches of the Sunset District
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    WNP Story Time!(WNP Event)

    Sep 2, 2020 4:30pm-5:30pm (Wednesday) at Virtual Online Event
    Nicole Meldahl will read classic and history-themed children’s stories live the first Wednesday of every month. We began this series on Facebook Live in May and, after a month off, are shifting to Zoom! Fun for kids of all ages, even if you’re just a kid at heart. This month we’re reading “Levi Strauss Gets A Bright Idea” written by Tony Johnston and illustrated by Stacy Innerst, recommended for ages 4-8.

    What’s a California miner to do when gold dust sifts right out of his holey pockets? With such a raggedly wardrobe, he may as well be mining in the vanilla (that is, his birthday suit)! Good thing Levi Strauss is out west, ready with his needle and a head full of bright ideas. With some quick thinking, quicker stitching, and handy arithmetic, Levi keeps all the gold rushers clothed—and becomes a modern American hero. A Wild West tale, "Levi Strauss Gets a Bright Idea" celebrates creativity, innovation, and the ubiquitous item that fills the closets of grateful jean wearers worldwide.

    Sponsored by the Sunset Heights Association of Responsible People (SHARP) as part of our Education Initiative. All books were purchased at our favorite independent bookseller in the Richmond District, Green Apple Books. This event is free (but donations are appreciated) and pre-registration is required. A Zoom link will be emailed to you after registration.
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    VIRTUAL West Clay Park & Sea Cliff History Walk(WNP Event)

    Aug 29, 2020 2:00pm-4:00pm (Saturday) at Virtual Online Event
    COVID-19 UPDATE: This event has been changed from in-person to virtual due to an abundance of caution.

    San Francisco is not known for having picturesque suburban streets, landscaping, detached houses, and setbacks that convey the feeling of living in a park. But between 1905 and 1924, thirty-six such neighborhoods called residence parks were proposed or built in the city. Some of the better-known ones are St Francis Wood, Forest Hill and Sea Cliff but there were many others.

    WNP Board member Richard Brandi wrote THE book about them (due the end of the year by McFarland Publishing), and he will lead you through West Clay Park and Sea Cliff for a safe armchair tour.

    Sponsored by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development via the Invest in Neighborhoods Project courtesy of District 1 Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer. This event is free but pre-registration is required. You will receive the Zoom link in an email after registration.
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    Presidio Main Post History Walk(WNP Event)

    Aug 29, 2020 10:00am-12:00pm (Saturday)
    Join local historian John Martini on an easy stroll (in real life!) amid the stately architecture of the Main Post. On this one-mile walk you will pass the Presidio Officers Club and Heritage Center, the Inn at the Presidio, the San Francisco Film Institute, the new Park Service Visitor Center, and the future site of the New Presidio Parklands Project---while learning about the area's intriguing history from Spanish colonial settlers to 1906 earthquake refugees to Cold War jitters.

    Sponsored by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development via the Invest in Neighborhoods Project courtesy of District 1 Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer. Pre-registration is required and space is limited to 10 people to keep us COVID-19 safe, so reserve your space today for just $5. You will receive the secret meet-up location in an email.
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    Podcast Live Recording(WNP Event)

    Aug 28, 2020 6:00pm-7:00pm (Friday) at Virtual Online Event
    Be a part of our Live Audience for our weekly podcast recording! Join our podcast crew Nicole, David, and Woody for this warts and all sneak peek behind-the-scenes recording session with added visual content, out-takes, and live only material. Tickets: $7.50 for this live event helps pay our recording costs.

    This week we'll be talking about Golden Gate Park's AIDS Memorial Grove and of this little valley near the tennis courts.
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    History Happy Hour(WNP Event)

    Aug 27, 2020 5:30pm-6:30pm (Thursday) at Virtual Online Event
    Nicole Meldahl, Chelsea Sellin, David Gallagher in conversation with local historians, artists, long-time 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.

    This week we sit down with the inimitable Judi Leff, a San Francisco native who has spent countless hours volunteering with our OpenSFHistory program and is also on the board of the San Francisco History Association. Judi began working in local radio at KNBR and K-101 and then shifted her career to the SF Jewish Community Federation. She eventually landed at Temple Emanu-El in the Richmond District, where she was director of operations for 16 years. She now teaches current events and writing to older adults and lectures on San Francisco Jewish history. As a humorist and performing stand-up comedian, she promises to bring us an entertaining evening!

    This event is free (but donations are appreciated) and pre-registration is required.
    Sponsored by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development via the Invest in Neighborhoods Program courtesy of District 1 Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer.
    A Zoom link will be emailed to you after registration. (if you don't receive it immediately let us know.)
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    OpenSFHistory Top 5!(WNP Event)

    Aug 21, 2020 6:30pm-8:00pm (Friday) at Virtual Online Event
    Nicole Meldahl and special guests LisaRuth Elliott of Shaping San Francisco, architectural historian Katherine Petrin, Gabrielle Silva of the University of San Francisco's Museum Studies Graduate Program, and Kerri Young of San Francisco Heritage give you a rundown of their most recent absolute favorite photographs from our ever-expanding OpenSFHistory archive. Come for the stories, stay for the fun, share your own memories, and leave with a little history. This week features an all-lady lineup in celebration of the 100th anniversary of women earning the right to vote with ratification of the 19th Amendment on August 18, 2020.

    Sponsored by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development via the Invest in Neighborhoods Program courtesy of District 1 Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer, this event is free (but donations are appreciated) and pre-registration is required. A Zoom link will be emailed to you after registration.
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    Podcast Live Recording - Rousseau Brothers(WNP Event)

    Aug 20, 2020 6:00pm-7:00pm (Thursday) at Virtual Online Event
    Be a part of our Live Audience for our weekly podcast recording! Join our podcast crew Nicole, David, and Special Guest Michael Lange for this warts and all sneak peek behind-the-scenes recording session with added visual content, out-takes, and live only material. Tickets: $7.50 for this live event helps pay our recording costs.

    This week we'll be talking about the fanciful Sunset (and elsewhere) builders, The Rousseau Brothers.
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    SOLD OUT Portola Drive History Walk SOLD OUT(WNP Event)

    Aug 15, 2020 10:00am-12:00pm (Saturday)
    SOLD OUT.

    Join us for a guided walking tour along Portola Drive led by long-time WNP Board Member Richard Brandi.

    Portola Drive was part of the original Corbet Road that traversed the slopes of Twin Peaks from Castro Street to Sloat Boulevard. Portola was widened successively over the years but the current street is the result of the efforts taken during the 1950s. To squeeze in four traffic lanes, a parking strip, and a center median, the city bought all the houses with one exception on the northwest side of Portola from Waitham to Dorchester Way. Houses in St Francis Wood were pushed back or turned on their lots or vanished without trace.

    Richard Brandi has been fascinated with house moving and has traced the whereabouts of houses that were scattered across San Francisco, Daly City and Colma. On this tour, we will see how houses in St Francis Wood were changed, see the vacant land north of St. Francis Wood where houses once stood and then hike to seven houses that were relocated over the objections of the Miraloma Park Association (they didn't want "old” houses plunked down in their mid-century paradise).

    Warning: This walk is uphill its entire length, including some fairly steep streets.

    Sponsored by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development via the Invest in Neighborhoods Project courtesy of District 1 Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer. Pre-registration is required and space is limited to 10 people to keep us COVID-19 safe, so reserve your space today for just $5. You will receive the secret meet-up location in a follow-up email.
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    Podcast Live - Emma Sutro(WNP Event)

    Aug 14, 2020 6:00pm-7:00pm (Friday) at Virtual Online Event
    Be a part of our Live Audience for our weekly podcast recording! Join our podcast crew Nicole, David, and Woody for this warts and all sneak peek behind-the-scenes recording session with added visual content, out-takes, and live only material. Tickets: $7.50 for this live event helps pay our recording costs.

    This week we'll be joined by WNP Board President, Historian Chelsea Sellin talking about Adolph Sutro's Accoomplished daughter, Dr. Emmma Sutro Merritt .
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    History Happy Hour(WNP Event)

    Aug 13, 2020 5:30pm-6:30pm (Thursday) at Virtual Online Event
    Nicole Meldahl, Chelsea Sellin, David Gallagher in conversation with local historians, artists, long-time 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.

    This week we sit down with west side historian, author, and former WNP board member Lorri Ungaretti, a San Francisco native who has written five books about San Francisco's Sunset and Richmond Districts. She continues to write articles and give presentations on the city's history, and leads walking tours through the Inner Sunset, the Parkside and Sigmund Stern Grove as a San Francisco City Guide. In 2010, Lorri received a Women's History Month Commendation by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Who knows where the evening will take us!

    This event is free (but donations are appreciated) and pre-registration is required.
    Sponsored by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development via the Invest in Neighborhoods Program courtesy of District 1 Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer.
    A Zoom link will be emailed to you after registration. (if you don't receive it immediately let us know.)
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    Podcast Live - Parkside Library(WNP Event)

    Aug 7, 2020 6:00pm-7:00pm (Friday) at Virtual Online Event
    Be a part of our Live Audience for our weekly podcast recording! Join our podcast crew Nicole, David, and Woody for this warts and all sneak peek behind-the-scenes recording session with added visual content, out-takes, and live only material. Tickets: $7.50 for this live event helps pay our recording costs.

    This week we'll be talking about the innovative advances built into San Francisco's Parkside Branch Library.
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    WNP Story Time!(WNP Event)

    Aug 5, 2020 4:30pm-5:30pm (Wednesday) at Virtual Online Event
    Nicole Meldahl will read classic and history-themed children’s stories live the first Wednesday of every month. We began this series on Facebook Live in May and, after a month off, are shifting to Zoom! Fun for kids of all ages, even if you’re just a kid at heart. This month we’ll feature Herb Caen’s classic “The Cable Car and the Dragon,” recommended for ages 4-8 years.

    This is the rollicking tale of the adventures of Charlie, the youngest cable car. Only sixty years old, he is tired of the same old rut. One night as he’s puffing himself up Nob Hill, he hears a lot of excitement down below: Chinese New Year! Suddenly, Charlie takes a right turn on Jackson Street, rather than the left he has taken for sixty years, and he finds himself in the middle of the parade. There he meets a friendly dragon named Chu Chin Chow, who is bored with his job. Charlie treats Chu to a cable car ride that looks as if it will end in a disastrous plunge into the San Francisco Bay—unless a miracle occurs.

    Sponsored by the Sunset Heights Association of Responsible People (SHARP) as part of our Education Initiative. All books were purchased at our favorite independent bookseller in the Richmond District, Green Apple Books. This event is free (but donations are appreciated) and pre-registration is required. A Zoom link will be emailed to you after registration.
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    Podcast Live - UCSF's Zakheim Murals(WNP Event)

    Jul 31, 2020 6:00pm-7:00pm (Friday) at Virtual Online Event
    Be a part of our Live Audience for our weekly podcast recording! Join our podcast crew Nicole, David, and Woody for this warts and all sneak peek behind-the-scenes recording session with added visual content, out-takes, and live only material. Tickets: $7.50 for this live event helps pay our recording costs.

    This week we'll be talking about the endangered Bernard Zakheim WPA-era Murals at UCSF.
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    Resilient West Portal Trivia Night

    Jul 30, 2020 7:00pm-8:00pm (Thursday) at Virtual Online Event
    WNP brings the neighborhood history to a Virtual Trivia Night hosted by Resilient West Portal (RWP). As part of the city’s Neighborhood Empowerment Network, RWP is a local team that supports the West Portal community in times of crises. Join us for a night that brings us closer together as we stay safely socially distanced. And yes, there will be prizes!

    This event is free but pre-registration is required. You can sign up through the RWP form below in the More Info field.
    Contact: Phil Lehman lehman.p@gmail.com
    more info: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1lzd2bEtHdIb8E_78LuhZ4Lb1D6zqjTo8DLUSYBAUI6M/viewform?edit_requested=true
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    Outside Lands Podcast Recording

    Jul 24, 2020 6:00pm-7:00pm (Friday) at Virtual Online Event
    Zoom Event: Join the WNP Podcast Crew (Nicole, Woody, and David) for a behind-the-scenes live recording of this week's Outside Lands San Francisco Podcast via Zoom. It's early access and a sneak peek at how we do it in these virtual times. We'll take your live questions during Q & A and hopefully have some visual aids. Your $5 ticket helps us pay recording and hosting fees. (Zoom event info will be sent after confirmation)
    Contact: David Gallagher david@outsidelands.org
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    History Happy Hour(WNP Event)

    Jul 23, 2020 5:30pm-6:30pm (Thursday) at Virtual Online Event
    Nicole Meldahl (and maybe sometimes David Gallagher) in conversation with local historians, artists, long-time 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.

    This week we sit down with John Martini, a native San Franciscan and a life-long researcher into the history of California and the American West. John worked as a National Park Ranger for more than twenty-five years at parks around the country including Golden Gate Recreation Area, USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor and Teddy Roosevelt’s country estate at Sagamore Hill in New York. He appears regularly on The History Channel, A&E Network, The Discovery Channel and PBS specials. Now retired, he continues to volunteer for the National Park Service, notably on Alcatraz Island and at Fort Cronkite in Marin County. Who knows where the evening will take us!

    Sponsored by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development via the Invest in Neighborhoods Program courtesy of District 1 Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer, this event is free (but donations are appreciated) and pre-registration is required. A Zoom link will be emailed to you after registration.
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    POSTPONED Monumental Golden Gate Park(WNP Event)

    Jun 1, 2020 5:00pm-8:00pm (Monday) at WNP Home for History
    IMPORTANT Please note that this event has been rescheduled, first from March 28, 2020 to April 25, 2020 and now until a TBD date pending instructions from state and local officials related to the spread of COVID-19.

    Join us at the opening reception of our new exhibition co-curated by San Francisco Recreation and Parks Historian in Residence, Christopher Pollock.

    Golden Gate Park, known for its natural beauty, is also home to a remarkable collection of cultural landscape features and memorials. Monumental Golden Gate Park explores the history of cultural landscape features by showcasing artifacts from the Park's past never before displayed in public and selections from our OpenSFHistory archive, as well as illustrations and watercolors from Richmond District resident Patrick Mahar.

    This event is free thanks to District 1 Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development's Invest in Neighborhoods program (but RSVP to let us know you're coming). Light refreshments provided.


    map to: WNP Home for History 1617 Balboa
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    Film Screening: 5 Blocks by Dan Goldes and Robert Cortlandt(WNP Event)

    Apr 21, 2020 6:30pm-8:30pm (Tuesday) at Western Neighborhoods Project
    Market Street was once the grandest boulevard in America. No stranger to civic celebrations since the 1900s and just minutes from City Hall, the area fell into decline and became home to the poorest population in San Francisco. The neighborhood is currently undergoing its most dramatic change in 50 years as tech companies, their employees, and the restaurants and stores that cater to them confront the realities of a neighborhood that still houses some of our most marginalized residents.

    WNP will host a screening of 5 Blocks, a film by Dan Goldes and Robert Cortlandt who used our OpenSFHistory archive as a research tool to explore the complex questions of income disparity, changing demographics, and the very nature of place as they look at contemporary Market Street.

    Join us to see how the past contextualizes the present, meet filmmaker Dan Goldes, and enjoy curated historical images of Market Street from OpenSFHistory. Tickets are $20 for non-members, $10 for members. Light snacks and refreshments provided.
    map to: Western Neighborhoods Project 1617 Balboa Street
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
    more info: https://www.5blocksproject.com
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    VIRTUAL Golden Gate Park 150 Community Day

    Apr 4, 2020 10:00am-5:00pm (Saturday) at Golden Gate Park
    In 2020, Golden Gate Park is celebrating its 150th anniversary, and Western Neighborhoods Project is a community partner of the San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department for a year of commemorative events.

    This was originally set to kick-off with a free park-wide community celebration on April 4th, exactly 150 years after the California Legislature created Golden Gate Park,that will include special activities like a much-anticipated 150-foot observation wheel, entertainment, food offerings, and more.

    Due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19 and San Francisco Mayor London Breed's recommendation, this event has been made virtual! See link below for details.
    map to: Golden Gate Park
    more info: https://www.goldengatepark150.com/virtual
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    OpenSFHistory All-Stars!(WNP Event)

    Feb 28, 2020 7:00pm-8:30pm (Friday) at Western Neighborhoods Project
    David Gallagher, Nicole Meldahl, and special guests John Freeman, Lorri Ungaretti, and Peter Linenthal from the San Francisco History Community will give a rundown of their recent favorite pictures and stories from our ever-expanding OpenSFHistory archive. Tickets are $20 for non-members, $10 for members. Light snacks and drinks provided.
    map to: Western Neighborhoods Project 1617 Balboa
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    Mountain Lake Walk(WNP Event)

    Feb 15, 2020 10:00am-12:00pm (Saturday)
    John Martini will lead a Presidio walk along the edge of the Richmond District. Join us to learn about lake and creek natural history, a Spanish colonialist campground, a little-known cemetery and hospital, and a balloon-launch site. Nearby MUNI routes include the 1-California and 28-19th Avenue buses. $5 fee to attend and there is a maximum capacity of 30 people.

    Our thanks to the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development for its support of this event!
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    OpenSFHistory Top Ten!(WNP Event)

    Jan 16, 2020 7:00pm-8:30pm (Thursday) at Western Neighborhoods Project
    David Gallagher, Nicole Meldahl, and special guests John Martini and Woody LaBounty will give a rundown of their most recent absolute favorites from our ever-expanding OpenSFHistory archive. Like this spectacular view of the Japanese Tea House on a terrace behind the Cliff House, c. 1920s. Tickets are $20 for non-members, $10 for members. Light snacks and drinks provided.
    map to: Western Neighborhoods Project 1617 Balboa Street
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    49 Mile Scenic Hike

    Jan 11, 2020 9:00am-11:30am (Saturday) at Angelo Rossi Playground

    map to: Angelo Rossi Playground 600 Arguello Boulevard
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
    more info: https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/event/chronicle-event/totalsf-walking-tour-inner-richmond
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    Holiday Open House(WNP Event)

    Dec 7, 2019 11:00am-2:00pm (Saturday) at Western Neighborhoods Project
    Kick off the holiday season at our Home for History! There will be festive decor, gifts to purchase for your seasonal shopping needs, and a crowd of fun-loving history folks in attendance. And back by popular demand, we'll have a grilled cheese station as well as other snacks and beverages. This event is free as a thank you to our WNP community, so stop by and say hello. RSVP not required but appreciated.
    map to: Western Neighborhoods Project 1617 Balboa Street
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    Exhibition: SF Ice Arena, 1990(WNP Event)

    Dec 7, 2019 10:00am-4:00pm (Saturday)
    Apr 20, 2020 10:00am-4:00pm (Monday) at Western Neighborhoods Project
    In 1990, when news of the demolition of the Outer Sunset's venerable 48th Avenue Ice Arena became public, photographer Darcie Westerlund set out to document the west side landmark's last days. We are proud to inaugurate our new exhibition schedule at our Home for History with a curated set of Darcie's images from her trips to the Ice Arena. Hours 10am-4pm Thursday through Saturday (and by appointment).
    map to: Western Neighborhoods Project 1617 Balboa
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    Greetings from Camp Merritt(WNP Event)

    Nov 7, 2019 7:00pm-8:30pm (Thursday) at Western Neighborhoods Project
    Thousands of volunteers came from all over the country to train at the Presidio of San Francisco during the Spanish-American War in 1898. These troops spilled into the Richmond District on land owned by the Crocker Estate Company, which offered up the area between today's Geary Boulevard, Fulton Street, Arguello Street and Sixth Avenue for what came to be known as Camp Merritt.

    In honor of Veterans' Day, come see rare photographs as Amanda Williford, Curator at the Park Archives and Records Center in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), and Nicole Meldahl discuss the history of this Outside Lands Army encampment, as well as WNP's recent collaboration with the GGNRA on OpenSFHistory.

    Special thanks to the Office of Economic and Workforce Development for its support of this Richmond District program. Admission is $20 for the general public, and $10 for WNP members. Light snacks and drinks provided.
    map to: Western Neighborhoods Project 1617 Balboa Street
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    Lincoln Park Halloween Eve Walk(WNP Event)

    Oct 30, 2019 5:00pm-6:30pm (Wednesday) at Lincoln Park
    The fairways and greens of Lincoln Park were once the site of San Francisco's most remote and impoverished burial ground, City Cemetery. On this ghoulish guided walk led by historian and author John Martini, we'll learn about the rise and fall of the cemetery, explore a Chinese funerary temple, discover an iron memorial to forgotten sailors, and learn the surprises that lay beneath the Legion of Honor.
    $5 fee to attend and there is a maximum capacity of 30 people.
    Our thanks to the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development for its support of this event!
    map to: Lincoln Park San Francisco
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
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    Anderson Sisters Retrospective(WNP Event)

    Oct 27, 2019 2:00pm-5:00pm (Sunday) at Presidio Golf Concordia Club
    Join us for this free event of refreshments, music, history, and memories of the Anderson Sisters School of Dance. Irene Anderson founded the Inner Richmond District studio in 1935, and her daughters Jean and Lenore instructed thousands of children, adults, and seniors on 6th Avenue near Clement over the next 69 years. The Anderson Sisters and their students participated in innumerable May Day pageants, holiday shows, and performances on Treasure Island during the Golden Gate International Exposition in 1939-1940. The studio was the first racially integrated dance school in the city.

    With live performance, rare video, and archival images, we will celebrate the impact of one family on the culture and sociology of the Richmond.

    History buffs, school alumni, dance and performing arts aficionados and fans, please join us for this special one time event with Richmond District notables.

    Please RSVP for this free event on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/anderson-sisters-school-of-dance-retrospective-tickets-67711736627
    map to: Presidio Golf Concordia Club 8 Presidio Terrace
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    Ocean Beach Music & Art Festival(WNP Event)

    Oct 12, 2019 11:00am-5:00pm (Saturday)
    The Ocean Beach Music & Art Festival is sponsored by The Outer Noriega Merchants Association with the help of friends and neighbors. This is a free event with music from local bands, food trucks and beer gardens, a kids zone and a pumpkin patch.

    Western Neighborhoods Project will have a booth highlighting Sunset history, but this will also be the soft launch of our new Education Initiative courtesy of the Sunset Heights Association of Responsible People (SHARP)! Bring the kids and/or pets to Noreiga at 45th Avenue between 11:00am and 5:00pm on October 12th and be the first to test out our new kids activities celebrating the legacy of Adolph Sutro.
    map to: Noriega at 45th Avenue
    Contact: Nicole Meldahl nicole@outsidelands.org
    more info: http://obmusicfestival.com/index.html
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    Fort Miley & Lands End Walk(WNP Event)

    Sep 21, 2019 10:00am-12:00pm (Saturday)
    SOLD OUT
    John Martini will lead a two-hour exploration of little-visited East and West Fort Miley and the abandoned El Camino Del Mar highway. Highlights include 1890s fortifications at Fort Miley, a quick walk-through of the Veterans Administration hospital campus, the Octagon House (outside only, sorry) and visit to a forgotten pile of funerary monuments on El Camino Del Mar. A very economical $5 fee to attend and a maximum number of 30 attendees.

    Our thanks to the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development for its support of this event!
    Contact: Woody LaBounty woody@outsidelands.org
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    Richmond District Autumn Moon Festival

    Sep 14, 2019 11:00am-3:00pm (Saturday)
    WNP will be at the third annual Richmond District Autumn Moon Festival on Clement Street between 6th and 9th Avenues. Come visit our booth, see some old images of the neighborhood, and learn about our upcoming "Chinese in the Richmond" history project.



    Our thanks to the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development for its support of our presence at this event!
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    Chinese American History Day

    Sep 1, 2019 11:00am-4:00pm (Sunday) at Waverly Place
    Chinese American History Day
    hosted by the Chinese Historical Society of American
    as part of Chinatown Sunday Play Streets,

    an 8-week block party series on Waverly Place (between Sacramento and Washington Streets).

    There will be performances and several cultural organizations engaging the community with the power of history through activities and crafts.

    CHSA will showcase "Chinese in the Sunset," a traveling exhibition and collaboration between Western Neighborhoods Project and CHSA. At this year's event we will be the launching of a new collaborative project called "Chinese in the Richmond."

    Did you or your parents or grandparents move from Chinatown to the Richmond District? Come visit the Western Neighborhoods Project table, and add your story to this history project.


    map to: Waverly Place San Francisco
    more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sunday-play-streets-chinese-american-history-day-tickets-68183973099
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    Mountain Lake to Lobos Creek Walk(WNP Event)

    Aug 24, 2019 10:00am-12:00pm (Saturday)
    SOLD OUT
    John Martini will lead a Presidio walk along the edge of the Richmond District. Join us to learn about lake and creek natural history, a Spanish colonialist campground, a little-known cemetery and hospital, and a balloon-launch site. Nearby MUNI routes include the 1-California and 28-19th Avenue buses. $5 fee to attend and there is a maximum capacity of 30 people.

    Our thanks to the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development for its support of this event!
    Contact: Woody LaBounty woody@outsidelands.org
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    Botanicals & Brews

    Jul 19, 2019 6:30pm-10:00pm (Friday) at Conservatory of Flowers
    At this special Historic Gems edition of Botanicals & Brews we're celebrating 140 years of the Conservatory of Flowers. Join park staff as they highlight some of the oldest plants in our collection while we will share the mysteries and history of the Conservatory.

    Learn about favorite brews of the past from Seismic Brewing Company, Laughing Monk Brewing, and Ghost Town Brewing. The night will also feature old-time music by Fog Holler, a bluegrass trio, and delicious food offerings by food trucks Izzy Cheesesteaks and Taco San Buena. This is the perfect event to bring or buy your very own WNP beer coozie.

    Tickets begin at $29, and can be purchased at https://conservatoryofflowers.org/exhibits-events/botanicals-and-brews-beer-garden/
    map to: Conservatory of Flowers 100 John F. Kennedy Drive
    more info: https://conservatoryofflowers.org/exhibits-events/botanicals-and-brews-beer-garden/
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    1894 Midwinter Fair and the Sunset

    Jun 24, 2019 7:00pm-8:00pm (Monday) at SHARP
    Woody LaBounty will appear at the SHARP monthly meeting to share the connections of the 1894 Midwinter Fair and the Inner Sunset district. In an attempt to jump start the local economy during a depression, boost San Francisco's reputation, and take advantage of the popularity of the Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Michael de Young conceived of the California International Midwinter Exposition, better known as the Midwinter Fair. From January to July 1894, Golden Gate Park hosted daily parades and nightly electric light shows amid Moorish palaces, German beer gardens, mock volcanoes, and Eskimo villages. The "fabulous fair" reflected the imperialist desires, mercantile ideals, societal anxieties, and racist philosophies of the time, and left legacies to the park and the Inner Sunset district that survive today.
    map to: SHARP 1736 9th Avenue
    Contact: sharp@sharpsf.com
    more info: https://sharpsf.com/?meeting=june-s-h-a-r-p-meeting-woody-lebounty-recalls-the-midwinter-fair-of-1894
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    Villages and Concessions of the Midwinter Fair(WNP Event)

    Jun 20, 2019 7:00pm-8:00pm (Thursday) at Western Neighborhoods Project
    From plaster igloos to German castles to an indoor volcano, the concession exhibits at the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition offered a range of unusual entertainment to visitors. "Villages" of African, Hawaiian, and Inuit performers reinforced imperial ambitions and attitudes of superiority while meeting "interest in foreign humanity." California interpreted and mythologized its own past with the 49 Mining Camp, while people paid dimes and quarters across the fair grounds to ride camels, descend down a dragon's maw, and eat fortune cookies in what became the Japanese Tea Garden.

    For this illustrated program, Woody LaBounty will be joined by Japanese Tea Garden gardener and historian Steven Pitsenbarger and Presidio Trust historian Barbara Berglund Sokolov, author of Making San Francisco American: Cultural Frontiers in the Urban West, 1846-1906. Midwinter Fair items and ephemera from the collection of Ed Herny will be on display as part of the evening. $20 for the general public and $10 for WNP members.
    map to: Western Neighborhoods Project 1617 Balboa Street
    Contact: Woody LaBounty woody@outsidelands.org
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    Sutro Baths/Sutro Heights Walk(WNP Event)

    Jun 8, 2019 10:00am-12:00pm (Saturday)
    John Martini will lead a tour of the Sutro Baths site and Adolph Sutro's former estate. Built in the 1890s, Sutro Baths was the largest indoor bathhouse in the world, featuring seven swimming pools, art works, promenades and museum exhibits, all covered by nearly three acres of glass. Today, only broken concrete ruins remain at Lands End. Even in ruins, the Sutro Baths still draws thousands of people daily who explore its mysterious foundations.

    Free to the public, but RSVP to attend.
    Contact: Woody LaBounty woody@outsidelands.org
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    WNP 20th Anniversary Gala(WNP Event)

    May 19, 2019 6:00pm-10:00pm (Sunday) at The Clubhouse at Presidio Golf Course
    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
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    West Portal History

    May 15, 2019 6:00pm-7:00pm (Wednesday) at BarbCo Real Estate
    Woody LaBounty will show early images of West Portal Avenue's creation and commemorate the first 100 years of an iconic San Francisco neighborhood. Q&A to follow with light bites and wine. Free of charge, but limited seating so RSVP on this page to reserve your spot.
    map to: BarbCo Real Estate 45 West Portal Avenue
    Contact: barbcoadmin@realestatesf.com
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    West Portal's First Century

    May 4, 2019 12:00pm-1:00pm (Saturday) at West Portal Branch Library
    In 1916, in anticipation of the opening of the Twin Peaks streetcar tunnel, developer Fernando Nelson built the first house in what he named "West Portal Park." A community of high-end houses, the new development also became the commercial hub for surrounding West of Twin Peaks neighborhoods, such as St. Francis Wood and Forest Hill. As part of the branch library's 80th anniversary open house, Woody LaBounty will show early images of West Portal Avenue's creation, highlight notable houses, residents, and merchants, and commemorate the first 100 years of an iconic San Francisco neighborhood.
    map to: West Portal Branch Library 190 Lenox Way
    Contact: angela.moffett@sfpl.org
    more info: https://sfpl.org/index.php?pg=1036860101
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    Sunset Branch Library Open House

    Apr 20, 2019 1:00pm-5:00pm (Saturday) at Sunset Branch Library
    Come visit us at the Sunset Branch library open house to see historical photos of the neighborhood, meet your favorite historians, and receive a free gift.
    map to: Sunset Branch Library 1305 18th Avenue
    Contact: sunmgr@sfpl.org
    more info: https://sfpl.org/index.php?pg=1037877601
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    Play Ball! Baseball in the City(WNP Event)

    Apr 4, 2019 7:00pm-8:00pm (Thursday) at Western Neighborhoods Project
    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
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    SF Model of 1938 and the Haight

    Mar 23, 2019 3:00pm-4:30pm (Saturday) at Park Branch, SFPL
    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
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    140 Years of the Conservatory of Flowers(WNP Event)

    Mar 21, 2019 7:00pm-8:00pm (Thursday) at Western Neighborhoods Project
    SOLD OUT!

    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
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    San Francisco History Days

    Mar 3, 2019 11:00am-4:00pm (Sunday) at Old Mint
    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
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    San Francisco History Days

    Mar 2, 2019 11:00am-4:00pm (Saturday) at Old Mint
    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
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    West Side Murals: WNP Member Event(WNP Event)

    Feb 23, 2019 10:00am-11:00am (Saturday) at Western Neighborhoods Project
    CANCELLED Sorry for the late notice to those that signed up, but we have to postpone this presentation. We will let you know when it is rescheduled!
    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
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    A New Look at Old City Cemetery(WNP Event)

    Feb 21, 2019 7:00pm-8:00pm (Thursday) at Western Neighborhoods Project
    SOLD OUT

    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.

    map to: Western Neighborhoods Project 1617 Balboa Street
    Contact: Woody LaBounty woody@outsidelands.org
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    SF Model of 1938 and the Parkside District

    Feb 20, 2019 7:00pm-8:00pm (Wednesday) at Parkside Branch of SF Public Library
    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
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    SF Model of 1938 and the Outer Richmond

    Feb 19, 2019 7:00pm-8:00pm (Tuesday) at Anza Branch of SF Public Library
    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
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    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
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    SF Model of 1938 and the Ocean View

    Feb 13, 2019 6:00pm-7:00pm (Wednesday) at Ocean View Branch of SF Public Library
    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

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