Welcome to the SFHS monthly history program. Tonight local historian Gloria Lenhart tells the story of San Francisco’s first amusement park—Woodward’s Gardens—an extraordinary example of state-of-the-art entertainment in the Victorian Age.

Three generations of San Franciscans enjoyed its expansive gardens, museum galleries filled with art, and exotic creatures from around the world. A wind-driven boat pond, daily performances by pole-climbing bears, and camel rides were just some of the amusements offered there.
Gloria’s presentation features rare photos of Woodward’s Gardens by famed photographer Eadward Muybridge. Enjoy this journey back in time.