Outside Lands San Francisco

Nicole is joined by SF Chronicle’s Peter Hartlaub to dive into the delicious history of It’s-It Ice Cream sandwiches. From their origins at Playland at the Beach to the people who helped turn them into the Bay Area icon found on store shelves today, they trace the story of how a local treat became a beloved classic.

Nicole and Rebekah give a peek behind the scenes at WNP, sharing exciting new technical updates, Nicole’s appreciation for the volunteers who make it all possible, and her hopes for working together in the future. They also journey through San Francisco Examiner articles from this day 25, 50, 75, and 100 years ago.

Join Drew and Nicole as they dive into Nicole’s latest research rabbit hole, exploring the fascinating history of Golden Gate Park’s observatories, with a focus on the original Beach Chalet and the stories behind it.

Rebekah shares stories and curiosities from her night tabling at Cal Academy NightLife, Nicole discusses the closure of the CPB and what it means for communities, and together they dive into San Francisco headlines from on this day 25, 50, 75, and 100 years ago.

Originally recorded around the 50th anniversary of Playland’s closing, this episode revisits cherished memories from those who experienced it in their youth, as Nicole, Arnold, and some wonderful guests share their stories.

Rebekah dives into the summer slowdown, and Nicole shares some surprising discoveries about her home, before the two explore San Francisco Examiner headlines from July 26th, 25, 50, 75, and 100 years ago.

Nicole sits down with WNP Film Club partner Jason Moore of Bay Area Movies to discover their shared love for San Francisco, past and present. Hear about Jason’s Bay Area upbringing, the magic of neighborhood theaters, and why there’s still so much to appreciate about the city today.

Join Nicole and Rebekah for another Short Stack as they catch up on life lately and dive into San Francisco Examiner articles from this day 25, 50, 75, and 100 years ago!

Join Nicole and Drew as they explore the history of the Surf Theater—a beloved Outer Sunset landmark once located at 46th and Irving—and the vibrant community and memorable figures who brought it to life.

Join Nicole and Rebekah for another Short Stack as they share what’s been catching their attention lately, what they’ve been working on, and take a trip through time with news articles from this day 25, 50, 75, and 100 years ago!

In 1969, Chet Helms opened a new music venue called the Family Dog. Located in the building formerly known as the Ocean Beach Pavilion and later, Topsy's Roost, the Family Dog featured performances by bands that epitomized the late 60s/early 70s like the Jefferson Airplane, the Grateful Dead, Santana, and more.

Join Nicole and Rebekah for another Short Stack as they chat about what’s caught their attention lately and dig into San Francisco Examiner headlines from this day 25, 75, and 100 years ago.

Join Nicole and Drew as they explore the life and legacy of Carter the Great, the world-renowned magician who dazzled audiences around the globe—and always found his way back to San Francisco, where he made his home in Sea Cliff.

Nicole and Rebekah explore the vital role of digital repositories and the threats they face, discuss a bizarre new two-headed snake discovery, and look back at headline news from 25, 50, and 75 years ago.

Join Chelsea, Drew, and Nicole as they explore the nearly 100-year history of West Portal Elementary School and the stories that have shaped its legacy.

Nicole and Rebekah return with another Short Stack, chatting about what’s caught their interest, Nicole’s trip to the American Alliance of Museums Conference, and SF Examiner stories from 25, 50, 75, and 100 years ago.

Nicole sits down with Nora Lalle—artist and publisher of Pamplemousse Magazine—and photographer Richard Sexton to discuss their exciting recent and upcoming collaborations, the creative inspirations behind their work, and their deep love for San Francisco.

Nicole and Rebekah return to the Richmond Banner collection from 1895 one last time in Short Stack #8, wrapping up this chapter as they get ready to explore new stories and sources ahead.

Join us for a rebroadcast of a classic episode on the western themed, Fun-Tier Town which was added to Playland at the Beach in 1960. It featured rides that were designed to be enjoyed by younger children. And for special occasions, there was a large room in a western motif, where parents could purchase a party package (food and favors) that could host 20 or more sugar-fueled screaming kids.

Join Nicole and Rebekah for another Short Stack episode as they dive into major shake-ups at the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the California Digital Newspaper Collection (CDNC), exploring the challenges both now face. Plus, don’t miss a fascinating photo highlight from the OpenSFHistory collection!