PAST EVENTS:   Living History Day February 23, 08 Alcatraz, San Francisco, CA   Attendees with Group Leader Brad Schall: Soldier Sean Taylor: Living History Day photos by Susan Cohn   MORE PHOTOS HERE   National Park Service Interpretive Training January 22-25, 2008 The National Park Service put on a four day Interpretive Training Class at Ft. Mason the week of January 22nd.  Board members Brad Schall, Fred Bohmfalk and Bob Hubbs were among the 20 volunteers and employees of the NPS that attended. NPS objective was for Park Interpreters, Park Rangers, and members of the Conservancy to be educated on the techniques of modern interpretative methods and styles. Classes started with a reminder of the 1916 National Park Service Act Mission statement: “To conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wildlife therein, and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” During the four day period students were presented classes on: Why we give interpretative talks Different models of an interpretative talk Preparation for a talk Outlines Tools and techniques Creativity Practice talks And finally a 15 minute evaluated talk by each student. All three Board members passed the tests and are now certificated to give interpretative presentations at Alcatraz.     Volunteer Appreciation Day Saturday December 1, 2007 Volunteer Appreciation Party at Ft. Mason historic Officers’ club in San Francisco. The picture above is (left to right), Bob Hubbs, Ranger Lori Brosnan and Brad Schall.               Board members Bob Hubbs and Brad Schall attended the Volunteer Appreciation Party and enjoyed the luncheon put on by the National Park Service, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and the Presidio Trust.  Lunch and dessert were served before a slide show presentation was made on the volunteers in the Golden Gate National Park system.  Last year over 17,000 people volunteered in the Parks with a combined effort of about 400,000 hours. A nice gift of an insulated lunch bag was given to the volunteers for their service this past year.             Bob and Brad along with Fred Bohmfalk, John Nevins and Greg Tracy are part of the Friends of Civil War Alcatraz commitment to volunteering at Fortress Alcatraz.  All encourage fellow Friends members to become a volunteer at Alcatraz and would be glad to put you in touch with Alcatraz volunteer coordinator Ranger Lori Brosnan.  It takes time and commitment but it’s a lot of fun and a very worthwhile endeavor.             Fort Mason Historic Officers’ Club is another example of our Civil War heritage in northern, California.  The Officers’ Club at Fort Mason is one of the most historic buildings in San Francisco. Originally built in 1855, the area was taken over by the Army in 1865. For years, what is now the Officers’ Club was the home of the senior army officer on the Pacific Coast. A total of 44 generals, including several noted Civil War officers, lived there. A bronze plaque in the entrance area list many of the notable officers who used this building during their army careers. Presidents Rutherford Hayes and Ulysses Grant were entertained at the Officers’ Club. For many years the San Francisco Roundtable held their meeting at the Ft. Mason Officers Club.   TOP OF PAGE