Event Significance and History

Known for being a very elegant affair, the awards luncheon takes place at the Mark Hopkins Hotel. This is the largest fundraiser of the year for the San Francisco Historical Society. This year, we celebrate the city’s storytellers. We have two honorees. We will present the Ralston Award to fourth generation San Franciscan Carl Nolte, who has told the stories of the city for the Chronicle since 1961, first as a reporter and most recently as the author of the Sunday column “Native Son.” We will present the Community Impact Award to 826 Valencia, a San Francisco nonprofit offering writing and publishing programs to under-resourced students ages six to eighteen, nurturing the next generation of storytellers.

The event starts at 11:30 a.m. and goes until 1:30 p.m. The award ceremony and speeches occur over the course of the lunch. An online auction of unique experiences and items relating to San Francisco and its history is coming soon. Just click on the "Auction" button at the top of this page. New auction items will be added weekly until the day of the event, so check back often!

Sponsorship Opportunities and Table/Ticket prices are below. If you are unable to attend the luncheon, please consider purchasing a table for volunteers and students. All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. Federal Tax ID: 68-0104888.

If you are interested in sponsoring the SFHS Annual Awards Luncheon, please contact SFHS Deputy Director Lana Costantini. (email: lana@sfhistory.org; Phone: (415) 537-1105, ext. 2)

Golden Gate Sponsor - $25,000 (One Available)

Acknowledgement in all pre-event advertising (press releases, e-News)
Verbal recognition as the main sponsor of the luncheon during the program
Featured recognition with company logo on the SFHS website
Full-page ad with company logo in Awards Luncheon printed materials
Full-page ad for your business in the Spring 2027 issue of The Argonaut
Featured recognition (with logo) in the January issue of Panorama, the
members' newsletter of the San Francisco Historical Society
Two tables of ten (20 seats total), with preferred seating
One-year membership in the San Francisco Historical Society for you and your guests
Private champagne and hors d'oeuvres reception for 30 at the Museum of San Francisco

Gold Rush Sponsor - $10,000

Two tables of ten (20 seats in total), with preferred seating
Sponsor listing in printed Annual Awards Luncheon printed materials
Featured recognition (with logo) in the January issue of Panorama, the members' newsletter of the San Francisco Historical Society
A half-page ad for your business in the Spring 2027 issue of The Argonaut
One-year membership in the San Francisco Historical Society for you and your guests
Private tour of the Museum of San Francisco for ten

Yerba Buena Sponsor - $7,500

Same benefits as the Gold Rush Sponsor, but with one table of ten (10 seats in total)

Phoenix Sponsor - $5,000

One table of ten (10 seats total)
Sponsor listing in Annual Awards Luncheon printed materials
Featured recognition (with logo) in the January issue of Panorama, the members' newsletter of the San Francisco Historical Society
One-year membership in the San Francisco Historical Society

Table for Ten - $2,750

Includes a table of ten seats with reception and luncheon

Table for Ten, SFHS Member Discount -$2,200

This discount applies only to current San Francisco Historical Society members

Half Table (Five Seats) - $1,300

Includes a half table of five total seats with reception and luncheon

Half Table (Five Seats), SFHS Member Discount - $1,200

Includes a half table of five total seats

Single Ticket -$280

Single general admission ticket that includes reception and luncheon

Single Ticket, SFHS Member Discount $250

Single general admission ticket that includes reception and luncheon.
This discount only applies to current San Francisco Historical Society members.

About the San Francisco Historical Society

SF History Intro Gif

The San Francisco Historical Society exists to uncover, preserve, and present, in engaging ways, the colorful and diverse history of our city from its earliest days to the present. We do this through our publications, Panorama and The Argonaut; in-person and virtual walking tours; monthly history presentations; numerous educational programs for young people, and through our free museum.

Our Museum of San Francisco features intriguing artifacts and stories from our city's history. The museum is located at 608 Commercial Street in downtown San Francisco, on the site of the first branch mint in the West.

The San Francisco Historical Society was founded by renowned San Francisco historian Charles Fracchia in 1988. In 2006 the administration of Mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr. granted the stewardship of the Old Mint at Fifth and Mission Streets to SFHS. That stewardship lasted for ten years. In 2019 SFHS moved into its permanent home, the site of the first Branch Mint in the West at 608 Commercial Street in the heart of San Francisco’s historic core. The Museum of San Francisco is the new center for administration, exhibits, presentations, and educational programs, and is also available as a venue for events.

The San Francisco Historical Society is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit with tax id#68-0104888.

www.SFHistory.org

The San Francisco Historical Society's 2026 Annual Awards Luncheon honoring Carl Nolte and 826 Valencia Street. Fri. Oct. 23, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Come celebrate Chronicle writer Carl Nolte and the nonprofit organization 826 Valencia Street! Enjoy a classic location at the Mark Hopkins Hotel, cocktail reception, three-course luncheon, and stunning views while celebrating local history.