The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel Continues Its New Speaker Series: Making History Fun Again

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.

On Thursday, April 16, 2026, The Clift welcomes historian John Martini, who will present a fascinating look at one of the most defining events in San Francisco history: the 1906 earthquake and fire.
At 5:12 a.m. on April 18, 1906, a massive earthquake estimated at magnitude 7.9 struck along the San Andreas Fault, violently shaking San Francisco and the surrounding region. Buildings collapsed, streets split open, and gas lines ruptured. In the hours that followed, fires ignited across the city and burned for three days, destroying more than 28,000 buildings and leaving roughly 250,000 residents homeless. Despite the devastation, the disaster also sparked one of the most remarkable rebuilding efforts in American urban history, reshaping San Francisco’s architecture, infrastructure, and civic identity.
Through photographs, stories, and historical insights, Martini will explore how the earthquake and fires unfolded, how residents responded in the chaotic days afterward, and how the city ultimately rebuilt itself from the ashes.
About the Speaker
John Martini is a historian, author, and retired National Park Service ranger known for his engaging presentations on San Francisco history and military history in the Bay Area. During his decades with the National Park Service, Martini worked at sites including Alcatraz Island and the Presidio, where he helped interpret the region’s complex historical landscape.
A widely respected authority on the 1906 disaster, Martini has researched the earthquake and fires extensively and frequently lectures on how the event transformed San Francisco. His storytelling combines rigorous historical research with vivid personal accounts from survivors, bringing one of the city’s most dramatic chapters to life.
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

Signature Speaker Series Cocktails

Guests attending the January 15 event may enjoy themed cocktails honoring San Francisco’s storied past, including:
Pisco Punch — A Gold Rush original from 1853
Martini — Born along the trail between San Francisco and Martinez
Night Moves (Buena Vista Tribute Espresso Martini) — A wink to the city’s famed Irish Coffee
Maiden Lane — A nod to one of San Francisco’s most notorious streets

Event Details

What: Making History Fun Again — Speaker Series
Featured Speaker: John Martini
When: Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Redwood Room, The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
Admission: Complimentary with RSVP
RSVP: "Making History Fun Again" Speaker Series at The Clift Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

Upcoming Speaker Series Lineup

Thursday, May 21 - SFHS - History of SF’s Legendary Hotels
Thursday, June 18 - Shawn Sprockett - Unthinkable Vice
Thursday, July - 16 - Ben Fong-Torres - History of Rock & Roll

About The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel

Located 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.