Western Neighborhoods Project is a 501(c)3 California nonprofit organization, formed in 1999, that preserves and shares the history and culture of the neighborhoods in western San Francisco.
EIN: 94-3339377
We give history walks and talks, publish a quarterly member magazine, produce a weekly podcast, occasional videos, and host this website full of articles, columns, images, and memories on west side history.
We are well known for successfully creating and executing projects on San Francisco history, from rehabilitating and displaying an original refugee cottage for the 100th anniversary of the 1906 earthquake and fire, to conceiving and co-organizing the free San Francisco History Days weekend at the Old Mint, which draws 6,000–7,000 people each year. In 2015, we launched the OpenSFHistory program to conserve, digitize, and share with the public more than 100,000 historical images of San Francisco.
What are the Outside Lands?
We use that name for our publications, website, and podcast because the west side of San Francisco (and a little bit of the southeast) was called that in the 1850s and 1860s. City limits ended at Larkin Street and then later at Divisadero Street. The Outside Lands were officially added to San Francisco in 1866.
Do you have something to do with the big music festival in Golden Gate Park?
We are always at the festival sharing history, but no. The producers just liked the name.
Why are you focused on western San Francisco history?
Read Woody LaBounty's account of the inspiration for the organization.
Who is the Western Neighborhoods Project?
Take a look at our Board of Directors. We have many more volunteers who make us what we are!
How can I be involved?
Join as a Western Neighborhoods Project member. You will be notified about all our events, receive the quarterly magazine, and get invited to special member walks and symposiums. You will be supporting our work and, because we are a nonprofit organization, your donation is likely tax-deductible.