Our mission is to promote understanding and appreciation of the history of the Presidio of San Francisco as reflected in its stories, structures, sites and people.
Join Us September 17 To Commemorate The Founding of the Presidio
250 years ago, explorer Juan Bautista de Anza arrived with an expeditionary party on the peninsula that was to become San Francisco. To mark this significant occasion, the Presidio Historical Association, with the support of the San Francisco Historical Society, is honored to present, on the exact date of the Presidio’s own 250th anniversary, the world premiere of Anza 250: A Documentary Film. This feature chronicles Professor Luis Valle as he retraces Anza’s journey, traveling 1,200 miles—by bike—along the expedition’s original route from present-day Sonora, Mexico, to San Francisco. Learn more about his experience along the way, bringing historical and cultural context to Anza’s arrival and what it wrought, a true world-changing moment in time.
Doors open at 5:30 with a raffle; reception to follow the 90 minute screening.
A champagne reception for the Presidio’s birthday will wrap up this big night of commemoration and celebration. This event will take place in the beautifully restored, historic 600-seat Presidio Theatre.
Tickets for general seating are available at The Presidio Theatre
Luis Valle and the Anza 250 Documentary
On March 28, 1776, on behalf of the Spanish crown, Juan Bautista de Anza, leader of an expedition to establish a Presidio at what is now San Francisco, arrived in San Francisco’s northernmost promontory
On March 28, 2026, Luis Valle completed his bicycle journey retracing the Anza expeditions route. With stops at the Anza Statue at Lake Merced and the commemorative stone at Mountain Lake Park, he arrived at the roof of Fort Point – the end of the journey, where his family was waiting to greet him. After a brief welcome ceremony with D2 Supervisor Stephen Sherrill, GGNRA Superintendent David Smith, and Acting Anza Trail Superintendent, we were lucky to hear a brief talk and see a teaser for the documentary at the Presidio Interfaith Chapel – setting the stage for the Sept 17 event celebrating the founding of the Presidio, where the full documentary will be shown.
The Presidio Historical Association is a proud supporter of this project, with a significant contribution from our unrestricted funds, and by fundraising to support this project. 100% of donations will go to support the project.