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UID:Indybay-18885741
SEQUENCE:19062958
CREATED:20260423T221500Z
DESCRIPTION:The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel, a San Francisco landmark since 1915, 
 continues its monthly speaker series, Making History Fun Again, designed to 
 celebrate the city’s legendary past through lively storytelling, 
 fascinating personalities, and unforgettable local history.\nOn Thursday, 
 May 21, 2026, The Clift Hotel’s Redwood Room, in partnership with the San 
 Francisco Historical Society, welcomes a panel of some of the city’s most 
 celebrated hoteliers and historians for an evening devoted to the history 
 of San Francisco’s most storied and luxurious hotels. The program, 
 entitled “San Francisco’s Legacy Hotels,” will explore the remarkable 
 histories, colorful characters, and enduring influence of the city’s 
 grand hotels. (Note: This program will be broadcast live from the Redwood 
 Room.)\n\nHistorian Peter Devine will lead the discussion with stories of 
 some of San Francisco’s most iconic hotels, including the Mark Hopkins, 
 Fairmont, St. Francis, Sir Francis Drake, The Clift, and Palace. Together, 
 these hotels have played an essential role in the city’s social, 
 cultural, and political life for more than a century. They have welcomed 
 presidents, movie stars, royalty, artists, and generations of visitors, 
 while also serving as witnesses to some of San Francisco’s most defining 
 moments.\n\nThe evening will also feature special guests Ron Henggeler and 
 Marianne Milton, who will share behind-the-scenes stories and firsthand 
 memories drawn from decades spent in San Francisco hospitality. \n\nSan 
 Francisco’s legacy hotels form a close-knit community of historic 
 establishments, each with its own traditions, personalities, and approach 
 to hospitality. From grand lobbies and rooftop views to legendary cocktails 
 and unforgettable guests, this presentation offers a rare look inside the 
 stories most people never hear.\n\nAbout the Speakers\nPeter Devine is a 
 San Francisco writer, historian, and longtime observer of the city’s 
 culture and architecture. He has written extensively about San Francisco 
 history, with a particular focus on the people, places, and traditions that 
 define the city’s unique character. Known for his engaging storytelling 
 and deep local knowledge, Devine brings San Francisco’s past vividly to 
 life.\nRon Henggeler spent decades as a waiter at the Huntington Hotel’s 
 celebrated Big 4 Restaurant, where he became known for collecting and 
 sharing the remarkable stories, legends, and personalities that passed 
 through its doors.\n\nMarianne Milton is Director of Sales and Marketing at 
 The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel and has helped shape the hotel’s modern 
 identity while honoring its rich history. With extensive experience in 
 hospitality and a deep appreciation for San Francisco’s cultural legacy, 
 Milton has played a key role in bringing the Redwood Room and The Clift’s 
 “Making History Fun Again” series to life.\nSpecial guests may 
 change.\n\nAbout the Series\n\nThe Making History Fun Again 
 series:\nCelebrates San Francisco’s diverse and vibrant history\nConnects 
 generations through lively, accessible storytelling\nShowcases authors, 
 historians, performers, and cultural icons\nInvites the public into the 
 Redwood Room for conversations that spark curiosity and 
 imagination\n\nSignature Speaker Series Cocktails\n\nGuests attending the 
 speaker series events may enjoy themed cocktails honoring San Francisco’s 
 storied past, including:\nPisco Punch — A Gold Rush original from 
 1853\nMartini — Born along the trail between San Francisco and 
 Martinez\nNight Moves (Buena Vista Tribute Espresso Martini) — A wink to 
 the city’s famed Irish Coffee\nMaiden Lane — A nod to one of San 
 Francisco’s most notorious streets\n\nEvent Details\n\nWhat: Making 
 History Fun Again — Speaker Series
\nFeatured Speaker: San Francisco 
 Historical Society’s “San Francisco’s Legacy Hotels”
\nWhen: 
 Thursday, May 21, 2026 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
\nWhere: The Redwood Room, 
 The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
\nAdmission: Complimentary with 
 RSVP\n\nUpcoming Speaker Series Lineup\n\nThursday, June 18 - Shawn 
 Sprockett - Unthinkable Vice\nThursday, July - 16 - Ben Fong-Torres - 
 History of Rock & Roll\nThursday, August 20 - Rob Thomson - History of the 
 Presidio / 250th Anniversary\n\nAbout The Clift Royal Sonesta 
 Hotel\n\nLocated at 495 Geary Street, The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel blends 
 contemporary design with timeless character. Home to the legendary Redwood 
 Room, the hotel has been a cultural fixture of San Francisco since 1915. 
 Following a multimillion-dollar renovation, The Clift offers 372 stylish 
 guest rooms and suites, a state-of-the-art event space, and an enduring 
 commitment to hospitality that is — and always has been — legendary. 
 Learn more at Sonesta Press Room / The Clift or by calling (415) 
 775-4700.\n https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2026/04/23/18885741.php
SUMMARY:The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel New Speaker Series: Making History Fun Again
LOCATION:The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel, 495 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102
URL:https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2026/04/23/18885741.php
DTSTART:20260522T010000Z
DTEND:20260522T020000Z
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