Guardians of The City San Francisco

08/28/2026

As we approach the end of August, let’s take a look at what SFFD Firefighter Andrew F. Pugh was up to in the summer of 1939. The Golden Gate International Exposition (GGIE) was in full swing and Pugh was a member of Treasure Island Fire Station No. 2, right in the heart of the event.

On this page of his scrapbook donated by his family are pieces of ephemera related to his service during the GGIE, including a program for the Hot Seat Club and two Admission Books for Service Employees. His Service Employee’s Pass features his portrait sporting a big grin.

Finally, a fun, yet mysterious, card reads: “You have now been duly and formally electrocuted into membership of Treasure Island Fire Station No. 2, and are entitled to any and all the rights, benefits, privileges, satisfaction, or foo pertaining thereto. Just try and get it. By Order of the Live Wire”

Happy end of summer!

[2024.3- detail from Andrew F. Pugh SFFD scrapbook, mixed media, 1939. Collection of GOTC, Gift of Andrew F. Pugh’s great-grandchildren]

07/04/2026

Happy 250th birthday to the United States of America!🇺🇸

Here’s a badge with a patriotic theme, presented to San Francisco Fire Fighter Herbert L. Bevilockway, who joined SFFD Engine 14 in 1914. He served in the SFFD until retiring in June 1941.

His silver badge is skillfully decorated with red, white, and blue enamel as well as engraved and dimensional patterns throughout.

This badge is currently on loan from the GOTC collection to SFO Museum and is on display as part of “Heroes of the City: Early Firefighters of the SFFD,” a special exhibit now on view in Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at San Francisco International Airport.

Wishing you a safe and happy Independence Day! 🎇

[OL2025.01.33- Irvine & Jachens, SFFD shield Engine 14 USA presented to Herbert L. Bevilockway, c. 1914. Silver and enamel. Collection of Guardians of the City]

07/01/2026

Here's some more information about how to visit "Heroes of the City: Early Firefighters of the San Francisco Fire Department," featuring artifacts from the GOTC collection, now on display at SFO Museum in Harvey Milk Terminal 1!

06/26/2026

We are proud to share that “Heroes of the City: Early Firefighters of the SFFD” is now on display at SFO Museum in award-winning Harvey Milk Terminal 1, San Francisco International Airport.

A collaboration between SFO Museum and GOTC, this exhibition explores the early decades of the San Francisco Fire Department and pays tribute to those brave firefighters who, driven by duty, battled danger, smoke, and flames to save lives and protect their city. It features incredible artifacts from the GOTC collection, many that have never been on public display.

Exhibit is on display through May 2027. Guests who wish to view the exhibition without a travel ticket can do so with SFO’s Gate Explorer program, details on the SFO website.

06/22/2026

Another behind-the-scenes peek as SFO Museum gets ready to install its exhibition, "Heroes of the City: Early Firefighters of the SFFD" this week! SFO Museum's photographer carefully supports and lights each artifact so it looks its best for photos, and this beautiful lantern from the GOTC collection is no exception! It is scheduled to be installed in the exhibition in Harvey Milk Terminal 1 by the end of this week.

When photographing different objects, our staff photographer employs a number of different techniques to light objects to shine their brightest. This No. 2 Hose or Truck Co. lantern from the 1850s will be featured in our upcoming exhibition on the history of firefighting in San Francisco, “Heroes of the City: Early Firefighters of the San Francisco Fire Department.” Stay tuned for more updates from SFO Museum!

06/17/2026

Excited to share with you a behind-the-scenes peek of a special new exhibition, a collaboration between Guardians of the City and SFO Museum! Do some of these artifacts look familiar? They're on loan from GOTC Museum and will be installed in SFO's Harvey Milk Terminal 1 next week! Stay tuned for updates!

05/04/2026

Today at 10:30 a.m., California will honor fallen heroic police officers at the Peace Officer’s Memorial in Sacramento.

Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

04/19/2026

April 18, 1906 5:12 am. Things happened. April 18, 2026 we remember and celebrate. The Celebration-Remembrance begins at Lotta’s Fountain. Lotta Crabtree donated the fountain to San Francisco in 1875. It played a role as a community meeting spot for Survivors after the 1906 Earthquake & Fire. A pre internet chat room. GOTC is now hosting the events. After Lotta’s Fountain the celebration moved to the Gold Hydrant at 20th & Church.

04/19/2026

April 18th 2026 marks the 120th anniversary of the 1906 Earthquake and Fire. GOTC started the commemorations with the Survivor Lunch at the Elks Lodge #3, Thursday the 17th. Last year we established the Knickerbocker Award. We have added 3 new awards. We also awarded the ongoing “Survivor” award. Just informed- there were 112 for lunch.

04/18/2026

Great story about the annual commemoration activities and Lee Houskeeper.

After San Francisco gathers at Lotta’s Fountain to remember the 1906 earthquake and fire, longtime organizer Lee Houskeeper will stroll off into the sunrise.