We depend on individual donations to survive. Please Donate any amount to help keep this non-profit effort going.

Shipwrecks

The treacherous shores of the Golden Gate have claimed dozens of ships over the last two hundred and fifty years.

See Shipwrecks Gallery

Fort Point

Fort Point is the only brick fortress of its type west of the Mississippi.

See Fort Point Gallery

United Railroads

Rare glass plate negatives taken by the United Railroads company from 1904 to 1920.

See United Railroads Gallery

Animals of Golden Gate Park

From bison to elk, San Francisco's largest park has been home to a menagerie of animal life.

See Animals of Golden Gate Park Gallery

Conservatory of Flowers

The Conservatory of Flowers is the oldest building in Golden Gate Park

See Conservatory of Flowers Gallery

Excelsior Highlights

Our favorite shots from the Excelsior

See Excelsior Highlights Gallery

The Parallel Disaster: A Closer Look

Jan 17, 2021 -

Save SF History

Each dollar donated saves and puts online another San Francisco historical image.

Make a one-time donation to save some history.

51786 Historical Images Online to Date

Photos on a Map

Latest Changes

We are working every day to improve the information on the site. For the most recent changes and information edits, check Latest Changes

Images by Neighborhood

News

The Parallel Disaster: A Closer Look - Jan 17, 2021
Read More...
Point Lobos Avenue Makeover: A Closer Look - Jan 10, 2021
Read More...
Snow Day 1882: A Closer Look - Dec 27, 2020
Read More...
OpenSFHistory Top Ten: Christmas Trees - Dec 20, 2020
Read More...

About These Photos

These historical images of San Francisco primarily come from one collector who wishes to remain anonymous. The collection may be the greatest in private hands, amounting to over 100,000 negatives and prints. OpenSFHistory is a program created by the nonprofit organization, Western Neighborhoods Project, to share these images, and those from similar private collections, with the world. More information at About OpenSFHistory