On Sunday, Sept. 27, the Randall Museum celebrated 75 years at its Corona Heights home with a free community celebration. Eight hundred community members enjoyed art, science, outdoor recreation activities as well as a vintage photo booth – all organized by the Randall Museum staff, along with San Francisco Recreation & Parks cultural and outdoor recreation divisions, SF Children & Nature and other community partners.

San Francisco Recreation and Park Department General Manager Sarah Madland hosted the ceremony marking the historic milestone. “The Randall has never really fit into one box, and that’s part of what makes it so special,” she said “Generations of San Francisco kids have grown up here, and 75 years later, we’re still finding new ways to give kids a place to make things, get messy, ask questions and discover what interests them.”

Sunday’s speakers included State Senator Scott Wiener and Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman who presented longtime members and instructors with certificates of recognition. SF Park Commissioners Kat Anderson, Vanita Louie and Joe Hallisy attended a reception hosted by the Randall Museum Friends. Museum director Marcus Wojtkowiak hosted a fireside chat with legendary naturalist Neal Fahy who began his career at the Junior Museum, which became the Randall Museum when it opened in its current site in 1951.

A highlight was the unveiling of the new Josephine D. Randall History Exhibit. Randall, San Francisco’s first Superintendent of Recreation, championed the creation of a nature museum for children. The new permanent exhibit explores her life and career, the creation of the museum and its place in San Francisco recreation history.

Photos from the celebration!