Guided by History

Guided By History Podcasts

The Wells Fargo History Museum presents historical perspectives, personal stories, and modern day connections. Our podcast episodes below highlight exhibitions and treasures from the corporate archives, as well as interviews with museum visitors, curators, and educators. For more information about our museums, go online to www.wellsfargohistory.com or call (415) 396-2619.

These podcasts where made possible through the support and expertise of many individuals – Acknowledgements
Anne Hall, Curator

How to Listen

There are several ways you can listen to our podcasts: 1) you may click on the "Listen Now" button/links, which will open the audio player of choice on your computer, and start streaming (downloading) the audio file; 2) you may click "Subscribe", which will provide you automatic updates to new podcasts via your selected RSS reader; or 3) click this link to subscribe to our podcasts using iTunes.

San Francisco Is In Ashes #1

Take an audio tour of San Francisco Is In Ashes, an exhibit commemorating the great San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906. Learn about the devastating earthquake and fire that destroyed San Francisco, as well as visitor reactions to this interactive exhibit.

San Francisco Is In Ashes #2: Behind the Scenes

Hear behind the scenes stories on how the San Francisco Is In Ashes exhibit at the Wells Fargo History Museum in San Francisco came together. Wells Fargo Historian Marianne Babal and Curator Charles Riggs discuss the design and installation process, and discuss the interactive “Make A Quake” activity – a definite hit of the exhibit.

San Francisco Is In Ashes #3: First Person Accounts

In podcast episodes #1 and #2 you heard from museum curators, exhibit designers, Wells Fargo historians, and Museum visitors. Hopefully you have a sense of the exhibit and how it came together. With episode #3 we move away from exhibits and interpretations, and back to the source – you get to hear a sample of the writings and remembrances of people who survived the actual earthquake, and took part in the recovery that followed.

Now even though we don’t have the actual voice recordings of Fredrick Lipman, Maude Conlin, and I.W. Hellman, the words carry such emotion and vividness. The idea, as recounted by Wells Fargo Nevada National Bank Cashier Frederick L. Lipman – the rough equivalent to Chief Operating Officer today, of bank officials attempting to scrounge up writing paper to record the resumption course of the bank and using children’s composition books is incredible.

And since I always like to make a connection to present day, it’s interesting to note that Wells Fargo Historical Services is still in contact with descendants of both Mr. Lipman and Mr. Hellman.

San Francisco Is In Ashes #4: an interview with Philip Fradkin

Wells Fargo Historian Marianne Babal interviews Philip Fradkin, author of The Great Earthquake and Firestorms of 1906: How San Francisco Nearly Destroyed Itself. He describes the research process for the book, thoughts on living on a fault line, and his plans for April 18, 2006. Fradkin references the UC Berkely Bancroft Library website that brings together 1906 Earthquake information from various repositories.

San Francisco Is In Ashes #5: an interview with Milly Lee

Wells Fargo Curator Anne Hall interviews Milly Lee, author of the children’s book, Earthquake. She describes her family connection to the 1906 earthquake, messages in her book for both children and adults, and her plans for April 18, 2006.

San Francisco Is In Ashes #6: an interview with James Dalessandro

Wells Fargo Curator Anne Hall interviews James Dalessandro, author of 1906: a Novel. He describes why he chose to write a novel, how to make history more interesting, and his plans for April 18, 2006.

San Francisco Is In Ashes #7: April 18, 2006

Reflections on April 18, 1906, 100 years to the day later. Early risers at the 5:12 AM ceremony at Lotta’s Fountain and visitors at the Wells Fargo History Museum Open House event comment on what the day means to them.

San Francisco Is In Ashes #8: Remember and Prepare

Remembering the San Francisco Bay area 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, with general commentary from Museum visitors on becoming prepared. Authors Philip Fradkin, Milly Lee, and James Dalessandro provide historical commentary and offer tips on preparedness for today.

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