California Historical Society

John Hiebert

We went to see the Minor White photo exhibit and had high expectations met. The staff is friendly. The layout of the permanent exhibits were great. They cover topics like Asian history, 1906 earthquake, 1918 Spanish flu with old posters, paintings and photographs. All excellent as is the gift shop. It has a wide selection of CA and SF themed gifts, books, etc. Well worth the $10 admission. I hope to return.

Eddie Valadez

The California Historical Society has a great collection of reading material and souvenirs. The store also has a great selection of clothing items such as T-shirts, scarves, sweaters, umbrellas, and ball caps. This is a great place to spend time for reading and browsing. The printed materials are well covered and interesting. There is so much more to mention. This store is a must stop if you have time.

Cecily Burke

Excellent resource for California history and sociology. There's a small museum space with periodic exhibits of varying depth and breadth, and a bookstore.

Cyrilla Behrndt

Papinta. The Flame Dancer made her home in the San Francisco area with the purchase of a 160 acre ranch with her husband Billy to raise Thoroughbred race horses. Papinta was the most famous performer and the highest paid performer for fifteen years. Papinta was the first dancer to incorporate hundreds of yards of fine silk fabrics and suspend them in the air at the she time to create incredible forms that imitated forms in nature. Papinta The Flame Dancer is buried in Martinez, CA. Papinta made her debut at the 1893 cChicago Worlds Fair with her Modern Dance at the first electrified performance in history in front of the Chicago Ar Museum. Papinta was the head line performer at the 1900 Paris Worlds Fair under the new Eiffel Tower. Papinta worked every day for fifteen years. She performed all over the world in every major capital. Papinta found her solace in the shadows of Mt. Diablo on her ranch. Papinta's husband harnessed the energy of the Pine River lighting up their entire ranch. Papinta is buried in Martinez CA next to her husband Billy. Papinta died on stage in Dusseldorf Germany two years after the death of her young husband Billy. Papinta's contributions to the Performing Arts is making a resurgence with the young historians, performers, and artists of all mediums.