"Making History Fun Again" Speaker Series at The Clift

The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel, a San Francisco landmark since 1915, continues its new monthly speaker series, “Making History Fun Again,” designed to honor the city’s legendary past through lively storytelling and unforgettable personalities.

February Speaker: Woody LaBounty

On Thursday, February 19, 2026, The Clift welcomes Woody LaBounty, of San Francisco Heritage who will provide a colorful history of San Francisco’s Carville by the Sea.

Woody LaBounty serves as the President & CEO of San Francisco Heritage, a 50-year-old nonprofit with a mission to protect and enhance San Francisco's unique architectural and cultural identity. Before joining Heritage, he was the longtime executive director of the local history organization, Western Neighborhoods Project. There he led efforts to save 1906 earthquake relief cottages, scan and post more than 50,000 historical images online (OpenSFHistory.org), and bring together arts and history to equitably enrich the neighborhoods of western San Francisco.

About the Series

The Making History Fun Again series:

• Celebrates San Francisco’s diverse and vibrant history
• Connects generations through lively, accessible storytelling
• Showcases authors, historians, performers, and cultural icons
• Invites the public into the Redwood Room for conversations that spark curiosity and imagination

Upcoming Speaker Series Lineup

• Thursday, March 19 – Ray Beldner: History of Art in San Francisco
• Thursday, April 16 – John Martini: 1906 Earthquake & Fire
• Thursday, May 21 - SFHS - History of SF’s Legendary Hotels
• Thursday, June 18 - Shawn Sprockett - Unthinkable Vice

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel