The Parks Conservancy and Chronicle Books are delighted to invite you to the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center on Sunday, Oct. 13, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., for a book signing and launch with acclaimed author Elizabeth Partridge for her latest release, "Golden Gate: Building the Mighty Bridge."

About the Book

Across a treacherous strait where deep ocean waters rip back and forth with the tides, and during the depths of the Great Depression, daring teams of engineers and builders set out to make something many thought impossible.

Begun in 1933 and officially opened on May 27, 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge and its awe-inspiring and groundbreaking construction are a testament to the power of hope and perseverance. Told from the point of view of the lighthouse keeper’s kids, who watch in fascination as the trucks and crews arrive and steel towers coated in heavy red paint begin to rise above the turbulent water, "Golden Gate" shares a thrilling visual perspective on each stage of the breathtaking project.

Young readers (5-8) and readers of all ages can look and learn as each page reveals dazzling, color-soaked artwork (by illustrator Ellen Heck) paired with text that blends factual details into the narrator’s keen observations. By the final spread, where fireworks explode in celebration over the mighty bridge, the tale is complete—not only of an astonishing feat of engineering but of the potential of human ingenuity to defy the odds and make the impossible possible.

This stunning children’s book makes a perfect keepsake and tribute to California’s most recognizable landmark for visitors to the foggy City by the Bay and those who live close to the scenic Golden Gate.

About the Author

Elizabeth Partridge is the celebrated author of many books for young and young adult readers, including "Seen and Unseen," which the Parks Conservancy currently carries, "Parks for the People," "Marching for Freedom," and biographies of Dorothea Lange, Woody Guthrie, and John Lennon. Her books have received multiple honors, including the Robert F. Sibert Medal, National Book Award finalist, Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, Los Angeles Times Book Prize, a Michael L. Printz Honor, and the Jane Addams Children's Book Award.

Please stop by the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center to say hello and to have your copy of this gorgeous, large-format, hardcover picture book signed by the author.

Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center

Guests at the book signing can also enjoy an incredibly inspiring and enthralling time in the Presidio that coincides with the Indigenous Peoples’ Day 3-day weekend, and Fleet Week events along the waterfront and in the Bay including numerous airshows headlined by the Blue Angels. Presidio Tunnel Tops, Crissy Field, and the overlooks near the Golden Gate Bridge will be prime areas to view the festivities, so there will be very limited parking options as well as some parking lots closed to reduce congestion. Consequently, visitors are strongly encouraged to arrive early and use public transportation wherever possible.

The MUNI #28 bus, traveling either Inbound from the Sunset and Richmond Districts to Fisherman’s Wharf or Outbound to Daly City BART, stops directly in front of the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center. In addition, the Welcome Center can be reached via the Coastal Trail, Presidio Promenade, and the Golden Gate Promenade to Battery East Trail.

Parks Conservancy members get a 15% discount (with proof of membership) on all product, food, and beverage purchases made at our park stores and online. Learn how to become a member.