History

An NPS ranger holds a sign that says "Gay and Lesbian Employees of the National Park Service" in the San Francisco Pride Parade.
Stories
On a Sunday in June 1972, spectators gathered in celebration to watch “gay horseback riders, marching bands, and drag queens throwing kisses” during the first ever “official” San Francisco Pride Parade. Twenty years later, when the Gay and Lesbian Alliance (GALA) was established in the National Park Service, members were...
A photo of Amy Meyer
Stories
"The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them." - Ida B. Wells The Nineteenth Amendment to the US Constitution barred states from excluding women from the ballot based solely on the basis of their sex. Signed into law on August 26, 1920, its passage...
A reenactment actor telling stories from the Civil War
Events
Fort Point Entrance
Fort Point Living History Weekend is FREE to the public.
A park ranger leads a program at Alcatraz Island
Gateways Article
Ranger Oliver Goodman was raised in a family where "nobody hiked, nobody camped," but attending protests and participating in community events were a part of everyday family life. Alcatraz immediately struck him.
The view from the Alcatraz Cruises boat to Alcatraz Island.
Parks
Get a sneak peek at new things to find on the island as we celebrate 50 years of Alcatraz being open to the public as a national park site.
Seal Rocks seen in the Pacific Ocean near San Francisco's Lands End.
Parks
A sign at Lands End states: "Terrains that have been shaped by human activity in response to nature have a name—cultural landscapes." Here's a sampling of what you can learn on one of our member tours of the area.
The Golden Gate Bridge as seen from China Beach.
Parks
China Beach, the small, sandy cove nestled between Baker Beach and Lands End, isn’t just a hidden gem, it’s a prized jewel.
A sunset photo of the rainbow pride flag flying in the parks.
Gateways Article
Time travel is a walk in the park in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). For Pride Month and beyond, let’s make our way through some of the queer history in the parks. In more recent history, our park sites existed as military bases and fortifications—see the batteries and...
A historical photo of an incarcerated gardener watering plants in the gardens of Alcatraz.
Parks
Learn about the stories of Alcatraz Island's incarcerated gardeners.
An Alcatraz incarcerated gardener stands in Officers' Row
Our Work
Discover the fascinating history of the Gardens of Alcatraz.