Livermore Public Library invites the community to explore the fascinating history of San Francisco during the Gilded Age at a presentation by Valarie Huff, owner of Hobnob Tours, on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Civic Center Library, 1188 S. Livermore Ave.
Hobnob Tours specializes in guided walking tours that showcase San Francisco’s rich history, architecture, and cultural heritage. Huff, a historian and longtime docent, is known for bringing the city’s past to life through engaging storytelling and in-depth historical research.
In San Francisco During the Gilded Age, Huff will trace the city’s transformation from a frontier town into a thriving metropolis. The hour-long presentation will examine the lives and fortunes of San Francisco’s four Silver Kings and their families, highlighting how these Irish immigrant entrepreneurs helped shape the city’s growth and left an enduring legacy.
Attendees will discover how the Silver Kings’ wealth and influence continue to be reflected in iconic San Francisco landmarks, including the Fairmont Hotel and the Pacific-Union Club on Nob Hill. The program will also offer historical insight into the city’s remarkable development during the mid-19th century.
Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend. For more information, call 925-373-5500, visit library.livermoreca.gov, or follow the Library on social media.
