A Store to Remember with James Mullane

Join us for an inspiring talk drawing on firsthand experiences alongside historical narrative, the talk will be interwoven with selected passages from the book and accompanied by a visual presentation of photographs drawn from its pages. Together, these elements trace the full arc of the Magnin story—from the 1865 marriage of Mary Ann and Isaac Magnin in Holland to the iconic San Francisco store’s closing in 1994.

Both intimate and expansive, this program offers a vivid portrait of a beloved retail institution and the family behind it, illuminating its cultural impact and enduring legacy.

About the Speaker

James Mullane is a 4th generation San Franciscan who holds a Ph.D. from Louisiana State University in 19th and 20th Century American Literature, and an M.A. in English from University of New Orleans. He is an Associate Professor Emeritus of English and Graduate Humanities at Dominican University of California. His book, A Store to Remember, is the definitive history of I. Magnin & Co.

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$5 for Non-Members

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Host or Publisher Mechanics' Institute