History

NPS Park Ranger gives a presentation to visitors at the Presidio Campfire Circle
Events
Presidio Visitor Center
This half-mile, level walk shows the historical changes to the Presidio, from the Spanish fort all the way to the new Tunnel Tops. Who benefitted from these changes, and who did not?
the green outline of Mt. Tamalpais is viewed against a blue sky. The photo is taken at an oblique angle, a trail leads from the bottom right among some white patches of fog.
Parks
Think you know the Golden Gate National Recreation Area ? Watch this video to test your knowledge and see where these parks are headed in the next 50 years and beyond. We need your support to make it there: Donate today . Find out more about the history of the...
Park ranger with children in Marin Headlands
Gateways Article
Here's where you can get started to learn more about the history of the GGNRA: The spots that were critical to the formation of the parks and a timeline of how we got here.
Amy Meyer speaks at an event.
Article
Read inspiring words from Amy Meyer, who was crucial to the formation of the GGNRA 50 years ago.
'The Big Lockup' exhibit at Alcatraz Island
Our Work
A permanent exhibit on Alcatraz Island tells the story of the United States prison system through the voices and experiences of those formerly incarcerated, scholars, and criminal justice advocates.
Amy Meyer at National Trails Day, 2014
Our Work
The “Mother of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area,” Amy Meyer is a Bay Area conservationist who helped forge local and national support to preserve the land at the Golden Gate as a national park in the 1970s.
Mission blue butterfly seen landing on yellow flower.
Article
Wow, 40! It's eye-popping to think of all we've accomplished together since the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy was formed on Aug. 11, 1981. We wanted to look back at some of the people, park sites, and memorable moments that have made the biggest impact on the Parks Conservancy and...
Image of ticket from Golden Gate Bridge opening day in 1937.
Park E-Ventures Article
We want to wish a happy birthday to our newest Parks Conservancy member, Dorothy "Dotty" Gardner! Dotty turned 106 on July 19, and to celebrate, her family purchased a Parks Conservancy membership for her. Dotty has a special association with the parks and our great park connector, the Golden Gate Bridge.
The Golden Gate Bridge lit up at night.
Park E-Ventures Article
Fong Bing Wah, or Wallace B. Fong, was a San Franciscan and Chinese-American engineer with a unique link to the lights of the Golden Gate Bridge. He was also the grandfather of Katherine Toy, our Executive Vice President of Partnerships and Programs.
Park Ranger Lara Volski helps visitors.
Article
Park Ranger Lara Volski is relatively new to the National Park Service (NPS), but she’s already made a big impact for Marin Headlands visitors. Working at Point Bonita Lighthouse, the Nike Missile Site, and other locations, Ranger Lara talks about climate resilience and history in unique ways.