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Golden Gate National Area, China Beach Park Research
This internship was with the Division of Cultural Resources and Museum Management at Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Under the mentorship of the Park Historian and Park Historical Architect, the intern researched the historical significance of San Francisco’s China Beach for a National Register Determination of Eligibility (DOE). China Beach is a small, secluded cove in the Sea Cliff neighborhood of San Francisco, which was long used as a bathing beach. The site was developed into a recreation area in the 1950s, with the construction of a seawall promenade, a Streamline Moderne/International style bathhouse, and landscape terraces. Prior to this internship, very little research had been done on China Beach. Park staff sought information on the site to determine options for the site’s management and preservation. In conducting research, the intern visited various Bay Area libraries and archives to gather information about the site, including press clippings, blueprints, historical photographs, and work orders. The intern visited the site itself to obtain an informal building survey and photographic documentation. In addition, the intern became familiar with the National Register criteria and application guidelines. The final product of the internship was a report which included a detailed site description and a discussion of the site’s historical significance with respect to architecture, to San Francisco’s tradition of shoreline aquatic recreation, and to early 20th century community planning. The report also included a site chronology and an annotated bibliography and historical photograph guide as a resource for future researchers. The report is expected to be used in some form for the Determination of Eligibility, and if eligible, for the National Register nomination. In addition to the China Beach Park research, the intern had several opportunities to accompany park service staff on various assignments and outings, in order to gain a better understanding of the day-to-day work performed by the National Park Service staff at Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Dates |