Follow a historic trail via neon and matchbooks on an online journey to discover San Francisco's mid-century night-life culture. You’ll see stunning visuals of vintage match books and neon signs from the nightclubs, hotels, and late-night greasy spoons that formed the Tenderloin’s mid-century nightscape.

Suggested donation of $10 or Free | Zoom link will be sent on the day of the event to those who register.

This one-hour virtual tour features imagery and stories researched by hosts Katie Conry from the Tenderloin Museum with Al Barna and Randall Ann Homan of SF Neon, a neon preservation organization. Tenderloin matchbooks associated with legacy businesses and neon signs. Just like matchbooks, historic neon signs are a fascinating synecdoche of the small businesses they represent, and a window to the past explored through material culture. Tour includes iconic businesses remembered vividly through vintage ephemera, video clips, and historic photographs.

This event is part of Neon Speaks 2020 Festival & Symposium. Neon Speaks brings together neon advocates, artists, and preservationists to celebrate and share information. Our mission is to educate and advocate for the artistic legacy of neon: a brilliant archive of design, craft, and community history.

If you plan to attend to attend several events, consider registering for the All-Event Passport to get access to event recordings and daily schedules with Zoom links to join the day's events, plus access to recorded events.

In proud partnership with San Francisco History Days and SF Neon.

Photos by Al Barna.