Northbound: The Story of Cabrillo and his venture into the unknown of Alta California

In 1542, Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo set sail from Baja California northbound to Alta California. He went further north than anyone before him, and though he would not return from this voyage, most of his men would. The discoveries they made were not only of new lands and people, but also of the extreme and threatening conditions that would challenge mariners sailing the west coast for hundreds of years to come.

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Skin in the Game: Boots of Spanish Leather, Beaver-Skin Hats, and Blue Mandarin Robes Trimmed with Sea Otter Fur

Enjoy a program exploring the maritime trade relationship between Spanish and Mexican Alta California, Imperial Russia, Great Britain, and the American republic between 1812 and 1848.

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Northbound: The Story of Cabrillo and his venture into the unknown of Alta California

In 1542, Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo set sail from Baja California northbound to Alta California. He went further north than anyone before him, and though he would not return from this voyage, most of his men would. The discoveries they made were not only of new lands and people, but also of the extreme and threatening conditions that would challenge mariners sailing the west coast for hundreds of years to come.

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26th Annual Sea Music Concert Series

During September, October, and November, experience the driving rhythms of chanteys and the beauty of seafaring ballads and instrumentals from the wooden decks of the historic sailing ship Balclutha.

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Chinese Whispers: Bay Chronicles – China Camp Celebration

Join us for three unique and exciting public programs as Chinese Whispers: Bay Chronicles retraces the forgotten history of Chinese shrimp fishing in San Francisco Bay, through sailings on the Grace Quan, a 43-foot replica of a 19th century Chinese shrimp junk, to former Chinese shrimping sites around the Bay.

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Chinese Whispers: Bay Chronicles – Hunters Point Gathering

Join us for three unique and exciting public programs as Chinese Whispers: Bay Chronicles retraces the forgotten history of Chinese shrimp fishing in San Francisco Bay, through sailings on the Grace Quan, a 43-foot replica of a 19th century Chinese shrimp junk, to former Chinese shrimping sites around the Bay.

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Day in the Life 1901 with the Hyde Street Living History Players

Step into the past as you board our historic ships. Help the sailors on Balclutha raise the staysail in the morning and return for musical fun during the afternoon dogwatch. Learn about life in 1901 from the ferry passengers on Eureka, or join Mrs. Galan on the Ark houseboat for an afternoon tea to discuss issues of the day.

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Chinese Whispers: Bay Chronicles – Richmond

Join us for three unique and exciting public programs as Chinese Whispers: Bay Chronicles retraces the forgotten history of Chinese shrimp fishing in San Francisco Bay, through sailings on the Grace Quan, a 43-foot replica of a 19th century Chinese shrimp junk, to former Chinese shrimping sites around the Bay.

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Rough Weather All Day: An Account Of The Jeanette Search Expedition By The USS Rodgers

In 1879, USS Jeanette left on a rescue mission towards the Northwest Passage. Caught in the ice, she wrecked and stranded her crew. The USS Rodgers was sent on both an exploration and rescue mission. Patrick Cahiil, a machinist on the expedition, kept a daily diary describing the journey, the people they encountered, and his thoughts and observations. Did the Rodgers find the Jeanette? Did the Rodgers make it back to San Francisco? Find out September 4 aboard the Balclutha!

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