History Live! Bastille Day
Date and Time
- Tuesday, Jul 14, 2026 6:30pm
Location
San Francisco Historical Society
608 Commercial St
Details
History Live! "Paris of the West: The French Influence in San Francisco," with Dr. Claudine Chalmers.
Come celebrate Bastille Day with the San Francisco Historical Society as historian Claudine Chalmers shares the story of the French community’s lasting influence on San Francisco. Sparkling wine will be served.
From architecture to fine cuisine to art and fashion, the French have influenced San Francisco since the Gold Rush. About 30,000 French immigrants arrived in San Francisco between 1849 and 1856, some searching for gold and others escaping a violent revolution in France. Most did not get rich in the gold fields, but the French excelled at other endeavors. French bakeries, restaurants, gambling saloons, and laundries thrived. A growing entrepreneurial class imported cognac, chocolate, champagne, and fine fashions to satisfy a growing appetite for luxury.
About the Presenter
Claudine Chalmers moved from her native Cannes, France, to California after post-graduate studies at the University of Nice. Curious about the numerous French place names encountered while travelling across California, she followed the trail of the early French pioneers. There was no stopping Claudine’s passion for the history of her adoptive Golden State, in particular the adventures of the colorful French nationals who came to California in the 19th century. This passion led her to publish seven books on the subject.
A free Livestream or in-person ticket required (suggested donation $25).
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