SF History Night: Alcatraz Island | Pacific Heights

Submitted by the Event Organizer

SF History Night | Pacific Heights

The San Francisco History Association hosts monthly talks which explore our city’s enchanting history in depth.

Each month, a local history expert hosts a themed talk usually accompanied by a slide show with light refreshments.

Tuesday, August 27, 2019
SF History Night | Pacific Heights

Former National Park Ranger John A. Martini presents an illustrated history of Alcatraz Island from its discovery by Spanish explorers through today’s status as a world-renowned National Park site. The presentation focuses on the infamous 1934-1963 era when The Rock was a federal penitentiary, including its infamous residents, escape attempts, and final closure. John will also discuss the island’s little-known history as a Civil War fort and military prison, and the “Indian Occupation” of 1969-1971 that focused national attention on Native American causes.

John is a native San Franciscan and a lifelong researcher of San Francisco history  He worked as a National Park Ranger for more than twenty-five years at parks around the country, including Fort Point, Alcatraz, the National Maritime Museum, Pearl Harbor, the Presidio, and Teddy Roosevelt’s estate at Sagamore Hill on Long Island. He is an author and historian who appears frequently on the History Channel, A&E Network, The Discovery Channel, and PBS history specials. His books include Fort Point National Historic Site, Sutro’s Glass Palace: The Story of Sutro Baths, and Fortress Alcatraz.

Doors open at 7 p.m. with refreshments and a historical book sale; presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. sharp. There is a $10 admission for nonmembers. Paid parking at CPMC on Webster, one block away, plus a limited amount of street parking. Muni: 1, 2, 3, 10, 22, 24.

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.