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PHOTOS: Old Mint Comes to Life at History Days

Bianca Hernandez
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People dressed in historical costume stood outside the San Francisco History Days at the Old Mint. (Bianca Hernandez/KQED)

The third annual San Francisco History Days is taking place at the Old Mint this weekend.

History Days features 90 different history groups from across the Bay Area. People were there to talk about every aspect of local history including transit, silent film and the Gold Rush.

People were dressed as soldiers and Victorian dancers. Even Emperor Norton was wandering the vaults. But the Old Mint itself is an integral part of California history that people rarely get to see from the inside.

The Mint was completed in 1874 to help house federal gold reserves. It survived the 1906 earthquake and subsequent fires, and it’s easy to see why once inside. It’s built like a fortress.

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"This is one of the only times during the year that the public can get in for free and really see the history that’s written on the walls to really experience this building," said Jason Herrington, from the California Historical Society.

The California Historical Society is working with the city to rehabilitate the building and convert it into a cultural use historical center.

Dressed in historical garb, people stood on the steps of the Old Mint trying to entice people to come in for the event.
Dressed in historical garb, people stood on the steps of the Old Mint trying to entice people to come in for the event. (Bianca Hernandez/KQED)
Along with lectures and tables, there were old vaults set up to screen movies and historical footage.
Along with lectures and tables, there were old vaults set up to screen movies and historical footage. (Bianca Hernandez/KQED)
Two women dressed in Victorian attire greeted people as they came into the Old Mint for San Francisco History Days. The woman on the right is emulating Lola Montez and her famous spider dance.
Two women dressed in Victorian attire greeted people as they came into the Old Mint for San Francisco History Days. The woman on the right is emulating Lola Montez and her famous spider dance. (Bianca Hernandez/KQED)
A volunteer from the Wells Fargo History Museum explains how code books were used to send confidential information about money transfers via the telegraph.
A volunteer from the Wells Fargo History Museum explains how code books were used to send confidential information about money transfers via the telegraph. (Bianca Hernanez/KQED)
Banners from the Daughters of the Golden West were on display. The two banners on the left are at least 100 years old and adored with poppies and Minerva, to represent California. They are used in ritualistic initiation ceremonies. The banner on the right represents the Piedmont chapter of the organization.
Banners from the Daughters of the Golden West were on display. The two banners on the left are at least 100-years-old and adorned with poppies and Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, to represent California. They are used in ritualistic initiation ceremonies. The banner on the right represents the Piedmont chapter of the organization. (Bianca Hernandez/KQED)
The Silent Film Museum in Niles showcased the history of the entertainment industry in the Bay Area.
The Silent Film Museum in Niles showcased the history of the entertainment industry in the Bay Area. (Bianca Hernandez/KQED)
The Friends of Civil War Alcatraz had toys from the era on display. Volunteers showed off how the toys were used.
The Friends of Civil War Alcatraz had toys from the era on display. Volunteers showed off how the toys were used. (Bianca Hernandez/KQED)
The Buffalo Soldiers live on in these volunteers. Part of a national organization, Bernard Ivey (left) and Bill Terrell (right) help share the oral history of the Buffalo Soldiers.
The Buffalo Soldiers live on in these volunteers. Part of a national organization, Bernard Ivey (left) and Bill Terrell (right) help share the oral history of the Buffalo Soldiers. (Bianca Hernandez/KQED)
The Buffalo Soldier table had historical items for people to interact with. The hats, mess kit, rations and bale hooks would have all been used by the soldiers.
The Buffalo Soldier table had historical items for people to interact with. The hats, mess kit, rations and bale hooks would have all been used by the soldiers. (Bianca Hernandez/KQED)
Attendees could roam the dark, cold vaults in the Old Mint. Many organizations had tables set up in the vaults to educate the public about local history.
Attendees could roam the dark, cold vaults in the Old Mint. Many organizations had tables set up in the vaults to educate the public about local history. (Bianca Hernandez/KQED)

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