History

Amy Meyer at National Trails Day, 2014
Our Q&A with Amy Meyer, the ‘Mother of the GGNRA’

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
'The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States'

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. 

Mission blue butterfly seen landing on a yellow flower.
40 for 40: Parks Conservancy celebrates 40 years of connecting parks and people

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 the GGNRA over our 40 years. 

Image of ticket from Golden Gate Bridge opening day in 1937.
Our newest member crossed the Golden Gate Bridge on its opening day

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.

Golden Gate Bridge at Night from Marin looking towards San Francisco.
A family history in the light of the Golden Gate Bridge

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.
Meet the Ranger: Lara Volski on climate resilience and history in the Marin Headlands

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.

Ranger Benny Batom at Alcatraz
Ranger Benny expands the conversation around Alcatraz

For nearly 30 years, Ranger Benny Batom has uncovered Alcatraz Island’s lesser-known history to bring untold stories to visiting students. He works to facilitate dialogue addressing contemporary issues around incarceration and justice. We sat down with Ranger Benny to ask him about his history and this moment.

The main entrance to Muir Woods National Monument.
Sierra Club denounces John Muir's racist beliefs: The complicated history of Muir Woods

“We share the history of racism in national parklands as tools and reminders for change,” said Chris Lehnertz, President & CEO of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. “We are on the strong side of advocating for a more just world.”

Aerial photo of Fort Mason, the San Francisco Bay, and the city.
How the military fomented San Francisco's queer community

Discover the history of how the military shaped San Francisco's LGBTQ community.

Historic image of dignitaries at Muir Woods to remember FDR.
At FDR Memorial 75 years ago, Muir Woods showed its healing power

May 19 marks three quarters of a century since diplomats from across the globe ventured into Muir Woods to honor the memory of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

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