The Editors of OurSausalito.com believe that the work of the Sausalito Historical Society is vital to our identity as a town with its own unique culture. They help us anchor Sausalito as a community with roots, not just a place that people visit for a few hours and adore for its merits in the right-now.
Why do we care so much? Our families helped build houses and stores here over 100 years ago, worked among the legions in the Sausalito shipyards during World War II and were here for the Summer of Love, and for many other unique moments. Thanks to our Historical Society, none of them will be lost.
Keeping Sausalito History Alive
At left: Looking down Bulkley to the top of Princess St., one block up the hill from Bridgeway, about 1905. The gates at the lower left still guard the area.
The Sausalito Historical Society is a volunteer, non-profit organization with a Board of Directors made up of a diverse group of Sausalito residents. Today, with the help of memberships and an active docent program, the Society maintains the Phil Frank Research Room and Exhibit Room at Sausalito City Hall, located at 420 Litho Street. It also operates a downtown historical exhibit and visitor center in the Ice Houseat 780 Bridgeway, across from Poggio Restaurant. The Ice House is open to the public every day except Monday from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
The mission of the Sausalito Historical Society is to “collect and preserve art, artifacts, photographs and printed materials that document Sausalito’s history; to provide access to the collections for public and academic research; and to present outreach programs to inspire local interest in Sausalito’s history and to educate the visiting public and enrich the community.” The Society does this through its many programs, exhibits, special events and projects throughout the year.
In addition to providing important historical archives for independent researchers and for SHS affiliated writers who compose the Society Newsletter and, in 2006, the Images of America book, Sausalito, the Society hosts a variety of community outreach programs including:
•History Talks by notable local historians, writers, and business leaders on subjects of interest to our community;
•Exhibit openings for our members and the public that feature outstanding material from our collections highlighting historic periods, personalities and events in Sausalito’s lively history;
•Special Events like the upcoming historic district tour
•Fundraising Galas to entertain and inform our generous supporters as well as to recognize the accomplishments of our Board, docents and members in enriching the cultural life of our community;
The Society’s Docent program is one of the many ways that local residents can participate in preserving, sharing and inspiring local interest in Sausalito’s history. Docents receive training about the collection and about procedures for making the collection available to the public, intern with an experienced docent, and manage the Phil Frank Research Room during open hours.
To find out more about how to become a member or about the many programs of the Sausalito Historical Society, contact:
P.O. Box 352
Sausalito, CA 94966
415/289-4117 – Research Library Telephone (answered Wed. and Sat. during open hours)
info@sausalitohistoricalsociety.org
We look forward to seeing you at the Society!
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In this photo from the “Freebox” exhibit, the Fat Rat Players present a musical in front of the ferry San Rafael. Photo © Bruce Forrester.
Sausalito Historical Society Articles
The Sausalito Historical Society’s Ice House
“Keeping Sausalito History Alive” Copyright © Sausalito Historical Society, reprinted by permission of the SHS. Photo © Bruce Forrester, reprinted by permission of the SHS.