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San Francisco Maritime National Historical ParkKids playing on the beach at Aquatic Park at sunset.
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San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
The Voyages Curriculum
Collage of images on the cover of the Voyages curriculum.
NPS Photo
The voyages of ships and boats link San Francisco with the region, the nation, and the world.

The people who have made these voyages shaped the nature of the city and defined its place in American history and culture.

The six lessons in this unit explore the connections between people, maritime history and the development of California.

The lessons are based on the artifacts, photographs and ideas found in the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. They relate directly to exhibits in the park visitor center.

These lessons can be used to enhance your visit to the park, and in the classroom. They connect to the California State Education Content Standards and Framework for Grades 4-6.
 
Sailors hauling on a line aboard a ship.

What is it like at sea?

Sea Captain's Daughter lesson  (pdf - 1.6MB)

 
Historical photograph of a California Gold Rush miner.

Why voyage to San Francisco?

Gold Miner and his son lesson  (pdf - 1.5MB)

 
Historical photograph of a Chinese cobbler in San Francisco.

How have voyages impacted San Francisco?

Cobbler and his son lesson  (pdf - 1.4MB)

 
Historic photograph of a San Francisco fisherman repairing his net.

How are voyages connected to industry?

Fisherman's Daughter lesson  (pdf - 1.7MB)

 
A historical photo of a woman on the deck of a sailing ship using a sextant.

How do ships navigate from place to place at sea?

Navigator lesson  (pdf - 1MB)

 

 
A historic photo of a lighthouse keeper and his family.

What has this light witnessed?

Lighthouse Family lesson   (pdf - 1.4MB)

 

A yellow-orange colored adult cat sitting in a rowboat.  

Did You Know?
When you are on Hyde Street Pier, try and find Stretch, the pier cat. She might be on the pier or taking a nap aboard one of the vessels. Clue: She loves a spot in the sun, or a little hide-away. Good Luck!

Last Updated: July 25, 2006 at 00:22 EST