Her Story: Tracing the Feminist Pulse of San Francisco
A Journey Through San Francisco’s Historic Sites of Feminist Activism and Social Change
This black-and-white photo captures a feminist and LGBTQ+ rights protest, in San Francisco during the 1970s or 1980s. Marchers hold banners and signs advocating for "Non-Traditional Employment for Women" and "End Sexism in the Gay Parade," highlighting calls for gender equality in male-dominated jobs and inclusivity within LGBTQ+ spaces. This image reflects the era's intersection of feminist and LGBTQ+ activism, with participants uniting for broader social justice and rights. (photo found above)
Imagine San Francisco in the early 20th century—a city rising in stone and steel, crafted by hands and minds that, by law, weren’t permitted to cast a vote in their own democracy. Julia Morgan, a pioneering architect and the first woman licensed in California, left an indelible mark on the city’s skyline. She wielded her influence in an era that denied her and all women the basic right to shape the policies of the world they were physically building. Her buildings stand today not just as architectural achievements but as powerful symbols of resistance, resilience, and redefinition of what it means to be a woman in a male-dominated world.
Following the footsteps of feminist movements in San Francisco, from the walls that house our history to the streets where women marched for change. Each location—the Women’s Building, Morgan’s architectural landmarks, grassroots meeting spots—reveals a chapter of a story that remains unfinished. Through these physical spaces, we trace the power of collective voices and memory through women's history and look toward the steps still necessary for genuine equality. By mapping the legacy of feminists, we’re reminded that the gains of the past demand action in the present and the future, creating a city, and society at large, that can continue to be reimagined by and for women.
In San Francisco’s story, these landmarks stand not just as monuments of the past but as callings for the future, urging us to consider what remains to be built, reformed, and reclaimed in the pursuit of true agency and equality for all.
Spaces of Strength: Julia Morgan's legacy in San Fransico
First Woman to Graduate with a Degree in Civil Engineering at UC Berkeley: 1894
Opening of Morgan's Architectural Practice in San Francisco: 1904
Merchant Exchange Building, San Francisco: 1904-1908
Design of YWCA Buildings Across California:1913
Julia Morgan Ballroom Dedication, San Francisco: 1914
Merchants Exchange Building
The Merchants Exchange Building stands as a testament not only to San Francisco’s commercial power but to the groundbreaking achievements of Julia Morgan, California’s first licensed female architect. Morgan’s redesign of this building in 1904 marked a significant milestone, as she was among the first women entrusted with a project of this scale and prominence. Her work here challenged the norms of her time, when women were rarely seen in the fields of architecture or construction, let alone in spaces of such elite commerce. The Merchants Exchange lobby, with its sweeping marble trim, detailed floor designs, and grandiose atmosphere, is a true testament to Morgan’s attention to craft, symbolizing the strength and presence she brought to each project. In a sense, Morgan carved a space for herself and future generations of women in a realm historically exclusive to men.
As I entered the lobby, I was struck by the grandeur of her design. Every detail, from the intricate marble swoops along the floorboards to the grand clock suspended from the ceiling, reminds visitors of a level of craftsmanship that feels rare today. The man at the front desk explained how these details required specialized skills that many artisans today no longer have. He shared that while the lobby feels like a space of exclusivity and opulence, it’s significant that a woman designed it. Her work stands as a reminder that women have always had the potential to create and lead in spaces typically reserved for the elite, forever leaving her mark on the city and breaking boundaries for women in architecture specifically.
Merchant Exchange Building Murals
After chatting with the man at the front desk, he surprised me with an invitation to see the private commerce area. With a wry smile, he joked that I "should really check these spaces sometimes," and opened the doors to reveal a quiet world hidden from most visitors. The man pointed out the murals, each of which Morgan commissioned from artists she had selected from all over. It struck me how, in a space dedicated to high finance and professional dealings, Morgan had infused a sense of creativity and beauty that balanced the building’s purpose with its aesthetic potential.
Morgan’s choice to fill this business space with art suggests her belief that work environments could—and should—be beautiful. She reminded us that business and artistry can coexist, each enhancing the other’s significance. This space within the Merchants Exchange stands as a testament to Morgan’s philosophy, suggesting that creativity deserves a place within even the most professional environments.
Julia Morgan Ballroom Dedication
The Julia Morgan Ballroom at the Merchants Exchange Building is a celebration of Morgan’s lasting influence. I came across it almost by chance—its name caught my eye as I researched the inner workings of this project. Had it not been for this ballroom, I might never have learned about Julia Morgan’s work in San Francisco or the mark she left on spaces once reserved for men in finance. When I visited, unfortunately, the ballroom was not open to the public, but I attained a business card from somebody that could give me a tour later on. The front desk man explained that Morgan hadn’t initially designed the ballroom; rather, it was named in her honor for her contributions. Once a private club for the city’s business elite, it now stands as a tribute to her role in shaping these spaces of power and influence.
Morgan did more than just coexist with San Francisco’s business elites, she created the very environments in which they operated. She reminds us that even in the heart of commerce, there is room for beauty and femininity. Morgan’s work in spaces like the Merchants Exchange Building challenges modern notions of what a business environment “should” be. The ballroom that is now dedicated to her, ensures her legacy lives on, it worked with me! Spaces and dedications like this invite each new visitor to ask whose stories might still be hidden within the city’s architecture.
Mapping Her Voice Through Artistic Expression
Civic Center: 1960
The Womens Building: 1979
San Fransico Art Institute: 1980s-1990s
Clarion Alley Murals: 1992
Goddess of Democracy Statue: 1994
Goddess of Democracy Statue
We were amazed by the Goddess of Democracy statue's commanding presence in the center of Tiananmen Square as soon as we arrived. Originally placed by student protesters during the Tiananmen Square demonstrations in 1989, the statue, which stood more than ten feet tall, showed a young woman with a torch in the air. It became a symbol of optimism and resistance to authoritarian authority, representing the demand for democracy and democratic reform. Constructed to mimic the Statue of Liberty, the figure represented solidarity among proponents of liberty and transformation. Even though the statue was demolished soon after it was made, it continues to stand as a testament to China's fight for independence, and as we got closer, we could feel the weight of history in the air.
As we considered the Goddess of Democracy, we also took note of the historical background to its inception and the Chinese government's subsequent crackdown. Despite its brief existence, the monument has captured the spirit of resistance and has grown to become a symbol of the 1989 demonstrations. Even in a location as regulated as Tiananmen Square, the statue's existence continues to spark discussions about the value of political liberties and the fight for justice.
San Fransico Art Institute
We were first excited to visit the San Francisco Art Institute's (SFAI) historic campus, which is renowned for its long history in modern art and education. Due to the sale of the institution's historic campus and the relocation of its operations, the structure is regrettably no longer standing. Originally situated atop a hill with breathtaking views of the Bay, the SFAI campus served as a symbol of the city's thriving art scene and was the residence of many significant artists and intellectuals over the years. However, the SFAI closed its doors in 2020 and eventually sold the property owing to financial difficulties, so our intended visit was not possible.
We can still recognize the influence the SFAI had on the local and international art scene even though we were unable to see the actual location. Even if the structure is no longer there, the art world is still shaped by the institute's past and its graduates' contributions. As we consider its legacy, we recognize the difficulties that many art institutions currently confront and the need for adaptation to ensure their survival. While the SFAI campus's closure signifies the end of an era, it also serves as a reminder of how important art is to our social and cultural discussions.
The Women's Building
In an unassuming alley, the Women’s Building of San Francisco stands as a colorful, yet often-overlooked, symbol of feminist history and activism. Built in 1910 and reimagined in the 1970s by women of the Bay Area, it became a vital center for support, advocacy, and empowerment. The building's vibrant mural, “MaestraPeace”, celebrates women from all backgrounds, depicting figures of resilience and strength from across history and cultures. It was designed as a place where women could find not only services and resources, but also inspiration for those seeking a voice within the urban landscape.
When I visited, I almost missed it entirely; tucked away in the Mission District, this building feels hidden. Stepping out of the car, I took in the mural’s details, including the words: “And when we speak, we are afraid our words will not be heard nor welcomed, but when we are silent, we are still afraid. So it is better to speak, remembering we were never meant to survive.” The quote spoke to me—it's a reminder that silence has its own costs and that reclaiming voice is essential to survival. Through the years, it has provided a platform for women to speak, to organize, and to claim their right to shape the city. The Women’s Building has been more than a refuge; it is a piece of living history, a testament to the hard-won spaces for women in San Francisco, and a reminder of the work still to be done to ensure those spaces remain.
Clarion Alley Murals
We were amazed by the colorful, impactful artwork that covered every available space in the alleyway when we first visited the Clarion Alley Murals in San Francisco. Clarion Alley, a vibrant public art area in the Mission District, features murals that tackle social, political, and cultural issues. The murals capture the history and character of the area, especially its Latinx and immigrant communities, through anything from depictions of resistance and solidarity to statements of identification and community. It was impossible to ignore the spirit of action and inventiveness that has long characterized this area as we made our way down the lane. Every painting conveyed a tale of hardship, hope, and transformation—some individual, some group.
Because of their artistic merits as well as the fact that they provide a public forum for underrepresented perspectives, the Clarion Alley Murals have grown to become an important cultural landmark. The alley has been converted into an outdoor gallery where the continuous struggle for social justice and the force of visual art meet. The murals' fundamental message—the necessity of community, empowerment, and resistance in the face of inequality—remains constant despite their gradual changes and evolution.
Civic Center
San Francisco's Civic Center Plaza has long been a potent hub for social change and female action. It has served as a meeting spot for feminists and activists since the 1960s who are fighting for equality, justice, and a peaceful society. For instance, during the height of the Cold War, organizations such as Women for Peace organized anti-nuclear and peace protests here in the early 1960s, demanding nuclear disarmament. Their demands went beyond national security and were rooted in a larger feminist message that related women's and families' well-being to world peace. A peaceful society required both social justice and gender equity to thrive, according to historian Catherine Foster, who highlights how women-led peace movements of this era connected nuclear disarmament with the objectives of gender equality. We were struck by the significance of this legacy when we first arrived at the Civic Center. Knowing that women had assembled here decades earlier with bravery and a hope for a better world, against both patriarchal standards and the militarism that upheld them, was a powerful feeling as one walked across the plaza. This insight linked us to a tradition of feminist action that saw justice as encompassing more than just individual liberties. According to scholars like Cynthia Enloe, feminist activism for peace is a challenge to gendered power systems because patriarchy is intricately linked to issues like war and militarism. With origins in a vision that goes beyond individual rights, the Civic Center Plaza feels more than merely a public area; it serves as a potent reminder that feminism has always been about interconnected justice.
"There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish."
“Since we all came from a women, got our name from a women, and our game from a women. I wonder why we take from women, why we rape our women, do we hate our women? I think its time we killed for our women, be real to our women, try to heal our women, cus if we dont we'll have a race of babies that will hate the ladies, who make the babies. And since a man can't make one he has no right to tell a women when and where to create one”