Join us at The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco for the launch of our new "Making History Fun Again" speaker series — featuring historians, authors, and cultural voices who bring San Francisco’s colorful past to life. Topics will range from the city’s cocktail culture and LGBTQ+ history to its political legends and rock ’n’ roll icons. These conversations offer guests a spirited way to connect with the stories that shaped San Francisco.

The launch of this historically-inspired speaker series is on Friday, November 14 at 6pm and Saturday, November 15 at 5pm, with the following storytellers:

Bill Baker, last living ex-con from Alcatraz and author of Alcatraz #1259;
Ruth Carlson, travel journalist and contributor to SFGate, KCBX (NPR affiliate), and The Cheese Professor. Books: Secret San Francisco;
Maria Lenhart, Award-winning travel writer and contributor to Skift, AAA Traveler, Meetings Media and 100+ others. Books: Secret Cape Cod and the Islands (Reedy Press) and upcoming Lost Treasures of San Francisco; and
Alec Scott, contributor to The New York Times, the Bold Italic, Guardian, Sunset, SF Chronicle, Sierra, Globe & Mail, Daily Beast, LA Times, San Francisco, and Wine Enthusiast. Books: Oldest San Francisco (Reedy Press)

Join us before or after the event to browse works and goods from local artists and retailers at our Sip & Shop, taking place in the hotel Lobby.

Sip & Shop Hours:

Friday, November 14: 3:30-8:00 pm
Saturday, November 15: 10:00am-8:00pm

"Making History Fun Again" Speaker Series at The Clift