News Release

New exhibit at Fort Point NHS explores its 170-year history

Fort Point, which sees one million annual visitors, offers much more than impressive outdoor views.

Photo by NPS/Dan Friedman.

News Release Date: February 8, 2024

SAN FRANCISCO—After more than a decade of planning and development, a new permanent exhibit has opened at Fort Point National Historic Site that provides an immersive experience for visitors to discover the San Francisco icon’s unique history. Civil War era artifacts and weaponry, contemporary and archival images and projections, and interactive elements for individuals of all ages and abilities are just a few of the new ways for people to explore the fort.  

The new exhibit highlights individuals from all backgrounds who contributed to Fort Point’s construction and operation — from soldiers and civilians, to cooks and lighthouse keepers. Thought-provoking content encourages visitors to reflect on the meaning of service and how this concept might influence their own lives.  

While Fort Point is most known for its role in military and California history, it serves as an important example of how preservation is achieved through the contributions of activists, architects, and volunteers. The fort has remained one of the most prominent structures in the San Francisco Bay Area and has been featured in countless movies and TV commercials. 

Built in the 1850s as a coastal defense point by the US Army, Fort Point never fired its guns during wartime, but served as a deterrent against Confederate attack during the Civil War. In addition to the new exhibit, the fort’s past is told through interpretive programming, including daily ranger talks, Candlelight tours, and Living History events.