Cultural History

This area of study focuses on human presence, impacts, and history in the Marin Headlands. It is recommended for teachers planning to teach about Native American history and/or European settlement of the Bay Area. This program also explores the former military presence of the area. Students explore and discover the wide variety of past and present human settlements and how humans influence or have influenced the vast natural resources of the area. Please note that we cannot guarantee that all students/groups will experience any one activity. Visiting many locations depends upon schedules, tides, and minimizing human impacts. Possible activities are described below.

Point Bonita Lighthouse

Point Bonita Lighthouse was one of the most important landmarks for shipping on the West Coast for over one hundred years. A visit to the lighthouse involves an adventurous hike through a tunnel and over a suspension bridge, and offers some of the most spectacular views in the Marin Headlands. Students hear stories about the lonely lives of the lighthouse keepers and learn about shipwrecks in the Golden Gate.

Ethnobotany Plant Hike

Students learn how different plants have been used for food, medicine, tools, and more as they hike up Rodeo Valley. Students learn to identify coastal sage, coyote brush, sticky monkey flower, and of course, poison oak. 

Tour Historic Battery Townsley

The Marin Headlands were occupied by the military for over 80 years and many historic batteries, bunkers, and forts remain. During a tour of Battery Townsley, classes:

• Explore underground tunnels
• See the spaces where soldiers used to sleep
• Take in the same view of the Pacific Ocean military lookouts used to see
• Learn how the military changed the landscape in the Marin Headlands 

Miwok Kotcha

Students visit the Marin Headlands Visitor Center and learn how the Miwok people lived in Coastal California. A highlight of the visit is entering an authentic Miwok shelter known as a Kotcha.

Marincello Debate

The Marin Headlands almost didn't become a National Park. Students learn about the plan to create a large-scale housing development as they adopt different roles and travel back in time to take part in a spirited debate about the future of the land that is now a National Park.

San Francisco Trip

Schools attending Headlands Institute for a 5-day program may choose an offsite trip to San Francisco to explore culturally significant and historic places at minimal additional cost ($5 per person if cable car ride is included).

• Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge
• Ride a cable car
• Visit Chinatown and learn its history

View all field trips for 5-day programs.

Suggested Evening Programs

Alcans & bumbas
In these two imaginary societies, students take on the cultural norms and behaviors of their unique group. Watch what happens when they meet each other and attempt to trade their wares! This activity emphasizes understanding and respect for differences between cultures.

Chinatown
Students perform skits or songs, or create visuals, on the following topics: Chinatown history, Chinatown alleyways, Fortune cookies, Chinese language and writing.

View all evening programs.