Paris of the West: French Gold Rush Stories + Wine for Bastille Day (SF)
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Museum of San Francisco | 608 Commercial St., San Francisco
Event Details
Submitted by the Event Organizer
About the Event
From architecture to fine cuisine to art and fashion, the French have influenced San Francisco since the Gold Rush. About 30,000 French immigrants arrived in San Francisco between 1849 and 1856, some searching for gold and others escaping a violent revolution in France. Most did not get rich in the gold fields, but the French excelled at other endeavors. French bakeries, restaurants, gambling saloons, and laundries thrived. A growing entrepreneurial class imported cognac, chocolate, champagne, and fine fashions to satisfy a growing appetite for luxury.
Come celebrate Bastille Day with us as historian Claudine Chalmers shares the story of the French community’s lasting influence on San Francisco. Sparkling wine will be served.
About the Presenter
Claudine Chalmers moved from her native Cannes, France, to California after post-graduate studies at the University of Nice. Curious about the numerous French place names encountered while travelling across California, she followed the trail of the early French pioneers. There was no stopping Claudine’s passion for the history of her adoptive Golden State, in particular the adventures of the colorful French nationals who came to California in the 19th century. This passion led her to publish seven books on the subject.
Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.
Cost: FREE*
