2026 History Fun Night w/ SF’s “Emperor Norton” (The Clift)

Home » *Top Pick* , In Person , Lectures & Workshops , Literature , Theater & Performance 2026 History Fun Night w/ SF’s “Emperor Norton” (The Clift) Thursday, January 15, 2026 - 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm | Cost: FREE The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel | 495 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102 Event Details Molly Blaisdell Featuring Joseph Amster as San Francisco’s Iconic Emperor Norton Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. | The Redwood Room SAN FRANCISCO, CA — (December 4, 2025) — The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel, a San Francisco landmark since 1915, continues its new monthly speaker series, “Making History Fun Again,” designed to honor the city’s legendary past through lively storytelling and unforgettable personalities. On Thursday, January 15, 2026 , The Clift welcomes Joseph Amster , historian, journalist, performer, and founder of Emperor Norton’s Fantastic San Francisco Time Machine , appearing in character as Emperor Norton, one of San Francisco’s most beloved and eccentric historical figures. As a historian and performer, Amster has spent more than a decade bringing Emperor Norton to life on the streets of San Francisco, leading immersive walking tours, teaching local history, and championing the city’s colorful past . His portrayal is both historically grounded and theatrically irresistible…making him the perfect guest for the series’ second installment. About the Speaker: Joseph Amster (as Emperor Norton) A California native and longtime San Francisco resident, Joseph Amster has worked as a journalist, editor, historian, and performer since the 1970s. His background includes theater studies at San Francisco State University, editorial roles at the Orange County Blade and IN Los Angeles , and leadership positions within San Francisco’s history community, including the San Francisco History Association and the Emperor Norton Legacy League . In 2011, Amster and his husband Rick Shelton launched Time Machine Tours ( emperornortontour.com ), offering character-driven historical walking tours that quickly became local favorites. His acclaimed embodiment of Emperor Norton, the self-declared “Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico,” is now a fixture of San Francisco culture and a sought-after presence at events, lectures, weddings, and historical celebrations . About the Series The Making History Fun Again series: Celebrates San Francisco’s diverse and vibrant history Connects generations through lively, accessible storytelling Showcases authors, historians, performers, and cultural icons Invites the public into the Redwood Room for conversations that spark curiosity and imagination Signature Speaker Series Cocktails Guests attending the January 15 event may enjoy themed cocktails honoring San Francisco’s storied past, including: Pisco Punch — A Gold Rush original from 1853 Martini — Born along the trail between San Francisco and Martinez Night Moves (Buena Vista Tribute Espresso Martini) — A wink to the city’s famed Irish Coffee Maiden Lane — A nod to one of San Francisco’s most notorious streets Event Details What: Making History Fun Again — Speaker Series Featured Speaker: Joseph Amster as Emperor Norton When: Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Where: The Redwood Room, The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel Admission: Complimentary with RSVP RSVP : “Making History Fun Again” Speaker Series at The Clift Tickets, Thursday, Jan 15, 2026 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite Upcoming Speaker Series Lineup Thursday, February 19 – Woody LaBounty: History of Carville-by-the-Sea Thursday, March 19 – Ray Beldner: History of Art in San Francisco Thursday, April 16 – John Martini: 1906 Earthquake & Fire About The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel Located at 495 Geary Street, The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel blends contemporary design with timeless character. Home to the legendary Redwood Room, the hotel has been a cultural fixture of San Francisco since 1915. Following a multimillion-dollar renovation, The Clift offers 372 stylish guest rooms and suites, a state-of-the-art event space, and an enduring commitment to hospitality that is — and always has been — legendary. Learn more at Sonesta Press Room / The Clift . Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur. Report Error in Post Cost: FREE Categories: *Top Pick* , In Person , Lectures & Workshops , Literature , Theater & Performance Venue : The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel Address : 495 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102 Other Events on This Day Thursday, January 15, 2026 7:00 pm Hecklers Welcome: SF’s First Stand-Up Comedy Show That Invites Heckling FREE* *Free with RSVP 9:00 pm $5 Off: “San Francisco Tonight” Comedy Show in The Mission (SF) $11.94* *FUNCHEAP discount code for $5 off. Normally 17.12. < Wednesday, January 14 Friday, January 16 >