Women's History in the GGNRA

At every turn in GGNRA and national park history, there are women and non-binary people who have overcome adversity to make lasting impacts in and around these lands. Women like LaNada War Jack, who helped lead the Occupation of Alcatraz to advance Indigenous civil rights globally. There is Amy Meyer, who tirelessly fought to establish the GGNRA as a national park. Betty Reid Soskin helped establish our neighboring Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park and became the oldest ranger to work for the National Park Service. Tye Leung Schulze, who worked on Angel Island, became the first Chinese Women to cast a vote in the United States. There are countless other women, especially women of color, whose stories are not currently known or told, who have greatly shaped the parks that we know and love.

Today, women continue to blaze trails throughout the parks as rangers, biologists, visitors, and leaders. Join us in celebrating the lasting impacts women have had in the parks by learning about some of their stories below—if you know of a women’s history story in the parks that hasn’t been told, please let us know at zrqvn@cnexfpbafreinapl.betgro.ycnavresnocskrap@aidem !

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Amy Meyer at National Trails Day, 2014
Golden Gate Herstory: Famous Ladies of the Parklands

One of the earliest residents of Yerba Buena. A pioneering dairy rancher during the Gold Rush era. And a woman who, for U.S. servicemen in WWII, became synonymous with San Francisco. In honor of Women’s History Month, read their stories and more.

The 1974 uniform regulations brought forth the fourth uniform change for women in fourteen years.
Go-Go Boots and the Green and Gray

Take a fascinating look back at National Park Service uniforms for women—from the “Army corps” look to the “stewardess” outfit. As Women’s History Month draws to a close, we explore how the evolution of NPS uniforms reflects women’s long struggle for equality in the workforce.

View of Alcatraz Island from a ferry on a nice sunny day
Women’s History Month on Alcatraz | Living with the Rock: Families and Escapes

From laundresses working in the military fort, to female leaders of the Native American Occupation, to formerly incarcerated women sharing their stories on the island today, women’s history is everywhere on Alcatraz.

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Low clouds cloak the Marin Headlands
An Enduring Legacy: Martha Gerbode and the GGNRA

Learn about San Francisco philanthropist and civic leader Martha Gerbode, who used her wealth and influence to back bold conservation efforts—including the preservation of the Marin Headlands and Alcatraz Island. “Don’t bring me any projects that other people would fund. I just want the tough, controversial ones."

Graphic with photos of people in the parks
Film: Earth Stories Screening and Discussion with the Storytellers

Join us for an interactive screening and learn about ways you can craft your own personal Earth Story.

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Park Ranger Giessell Aguilar at Muir Woods.
Meet Ranger Giessell, who creates space for all at Muir Woods

Ranger Giessell is doing fascinating work uncovering untold stories at Muir Woods, and using her own history to connect with the wide range of visitors to the redwoods.

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