Western Neighborhoods Project

Mission

Western Neighborhoods Project (WNP) was founded in 1999 to preserve and share the history and culture of San Francisco’s western districts. Through walks, talks, videos, podcasts, public events, community involvement, and an extensive web site, WNP tells the story of the Richmond, Sunset, Ingleside, and West of Twin Peaks neighborhoods.

In 2015, WNP launched Open SF History, an online archive of historical images that covers the entire city of San Francisco from the 1850s to 1980s.

Featured Fun

WNP History Moment by Joey Yee

Western Neighborhoods Project has partnered with Richmond District filmmaker Joey Yee to relaunch their History Minute videos in 2020. Now with an expanded format to bring you even more west side history with every viewing, these 10-minute videos are light and breezy historical fun. You can find other episodes on their YouTube Channel. 

Join host Nicole Meldahl, Executive Director of WNP, as she and Captain Gardner Steven Pitsenbarger give you a behind-the-scenes tour of the Japanese Tea Garden in celebration of Golden Gate Park’s 150th Anniversary this year.

Outside Lands San Francisco Podcast

Hosts Nicole Meldahl, David Gallagher, and Woody LaBounty explore overlooked topics on the west side of the City while occasionally sharing tales of their youthful shenanigans.

With over 1.5 million downloads and nearly 400 episodes, they’re told this 30-40 minute podcast is the perfect accompaniment for doing chores around the house and working out. Which means learning about local history is both productive AND good for your health!

You can find and download additional episodes on iTunes Stitcher, Spotify, or their Website.

Saturday, September 26, 2020 at 10:00AM – (Virtual) West Portal, Claremont Court & Merritt Terrace History Walk

San Francisco is not known for its picturesque suburban streets, landscaping, detached houses, and setbacks that convey the feeling of living in a park. But between 1905 and 1924, thirty-six such neighborhoods called “residence parks” were proposed or built in the City. Some of the better-known ones are St. Francis Wood, Forest Hill and Sea Cliff but there were many others.

WNP Board Member Richard Brandi wrote THE book about these developments (due the end of the year via McFarland Publishing), and he will lead you through West Portal Park, Claremont Court and Merritt Terrace on a fun and entertaining virtual walk.

Sponsored by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development via the Invest in Neighborhoods Program, courtesy of District 1 Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer.

This virtual online event is free but pre-registration is required.