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San Francisco and the Bay Area News & History

Women’s contributions and men’s racism erased from...
Heather Cassell
7/22/2025 11:43 AM

Under pressure from the Trump administration, the National Park Service (NPS) removed historical context from signage that explained the role women played in the creation of the Muir Woods National Monument and highlighted the racist ideologies of some of the men associated with the site. 


A ranger for the monument confirmed that the information removed last week originated from an initiative by NPS officials called “History Under Construction” that filled in gaps in the timeline of the park to offer a more comprehensive history of the monument in Marin County, California, which is known for its old-growth redwood trees.


https://19thnews.org/2025/07/public-lands-women-monuments-erasure/?utm_source=The+19th&utm_campaign=a7bd7b5736-19th-newsletters-daily-0722&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-77cf5a6d37-360699712

Alison Merrill
7/22/2025 12:38 PM
Very very important (and enraging) information, thank you for sharing. 

We have regressed to the days when the government will not tell the whole story, and it is up to us.
We are not federal employees, so we can tell the stories rangers cannot. 
Heather Cassell
7/23/2025 10:48 PM

I agree.

Doug Horning, CTG
7/26/2025 10:16 AM

Heather, Alison & Susan,


Thank you for your opposition to the removal of history in Muir Woods. I hope all Guild members read your posts.


Now we have sexism, racism & settler colonialism rearing up as censorship in Muir - a part of Trump's moves to consolidate fascism. As guides, we're in a position to raise our voices and resist -


in our narration,


at the free speech area in the Muir parking lot,


to the tourists,


to park staff,


to our colleagues,


to the Unions,


to the tour industry..


TO THE WORLD.


If we take the RISK of resisting censorship in the park, we'll contribute to the building of the movement of millions that we saw on June 14th.


Time for the Guild to step out front and into the political world, because our common history and ENVIRONMENT are being STEPPED ON. Allowing this to happen is the REAL risk.


I'll be at the Refuse Fascism* demonstration this Monday, 11:30 am at the Powell & Market Cable Car turnaround. It'll mainly focus on opposition to America's new Gestapo,ICE. Demonstrators will want to learn from tour guides about what's happened in Muir. This could be a start to resistance in Muir itself. Join me on Monday.


Trump Must GO Now,


Doug Horning


refusefascism.org

Lucy Perdichizzi, CT
7/26/2025 6:37 PM
Thank you Doug for this information. I hadn’t heard about the demonstration on Monday, nor have I Ever taken part in a protest. But I do feel strongly about this so I may see you there…

Thanks 
Lucy


Sent from my iPhone

Susan Smith, CTG
7/27/2025 7:09 AM
Thank you, Doug. I am in Montana where there are Trumpsters everywhere.  Good idea. I may even discuss this on my tour next week. I can't stand what that man is doing. I won't be home for Monday but my thoughts are with you.



Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone


Heather, Alison & Susan,


Thank you for your opposition to the removal of history in Muir Woods. I hope all Guild members read your posts.


Now we have sexism, racism & settler colonialism rearing up as censorship in Muir - a part of Trump's moves to consolidate fascism. As guides, we're in a position to raise our voices and resist -


in our narration,


at the free speech area in the Muir parking lot,


to the tourists,


to park staff,


to our colleagues,


to the Unions,


to the tour industry..


TO THE WORLD.


If we take the RISK of resisting censorship in the park, we'll contribute to the building of the movement of millions that we saw on June 14th.


Time for the Guild to step out front and into the political world, because our common history and ENVIRONMENT are being STEPPED ON. Allowing this to happen is the REAL risk.


I'll be at the Refuse Fascism* demonstration this Monday, 11:30 am at the Powell & Market Cable Car turnaround. It'll mainly focus on opposition to America's new Gestapo,ICE. Demonstrators will want to learn from tour guides about what's happened in Muir. This could be a start to resistance in Muir itself. Join me on Monday.


Trump Must GO Now,


Doug Horning


refusefascism.org

Doug Horning, CTG
7/27/2025 3:42 PM
Hope to see you tomorrow!


Heather Cassell
7/28/2025 12:36 PM

Hi Doug,


Thank you for your post and letting guild members know about the protest. I didn't know about it. It's already kicked off, but maybe we can organize as a group for the next protest. In the meantime, protest by telling the truth through by telling the real and whole history (to our knowledge) and continuing to seek out the full story to share with guests on our tours.


Heather

Doug Horning, CTG
7/28/2025 9:02 PM

Hello Alison, Heather, Lucy & Susan,


The pictures attached show the beginning of the July 28th Refuse Fascism rally that included a March to INS on Sansome St. It was a small but spirited group, linking ICE perpetrated injustices to Trump's continuing attempts to drive us all deeper into fascism. My handmade sign was my attempt to link the new censorship in Muir Woods with the current bogus justifications for attacks on immigrants, such as the racist Great Replacement theory. The 2 guys bookending me in a photo are tourists from Barcelona, who united with the trust of my sign.


Note the top of my sign that reads "This tour guide says..." & also note the bottom reference to Heather's original citation of the 19th article.


The sign makes no mention of the positive event that was the collaborative effort of the officials that resulted in the founding of Muir Woods - there was only so much room on the poster board. A leaflet is called for!


I tour the Woods this Tuesday morning and will talk to the staff about usage of their free speech area.


Suggestions for bringing the issue into our narration, including by utilizing the experiences and methods of guides beyond the Guild would be a great contribution to justice. I look forward to working with you all on this issue.


Finally, this First Friday evening in Oakland, Refuse Fascism will be in the mix. Find them in the festivities!


-Doug

Barbara Dimas, CTG
7/28/2025 9:33 PM
Love the sign Doug!  Keep us updated about the Muir Woods signage.

Looking forward to also hearing more about ways to discuss difficult subjects on our tours
Mia Monroe
7/28/2025 10:01 PM
Hi there…am in touch with staff about use of first amendment area (the more of us the merrier) and also preparing both a sign and handout of the materials contained on sign as well as overall significance that intend to share with tour guides…will write again on Wednesday after we have a further work session on this….mia
Susan Smith, CTG
7/28/2025 11:03 PM
Good show! I am still in Montana.  Back in time for my tour on Sunday. Definitely will participate. Susan



Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone


Hello Alison, Heather, Lucy & Susan,


The pictures attached show the beginning of the July 28th Refuse Fascism rally that included a March to INS on Sansome St. It was a small but spirited group, linking ICE perpetrated injustices to Trump's continuing attempts to drive us all deeper into fascism. My handmade sign was my attempt to link the new censorship in Muir Woods with the current bogus justifications for attacks on immigrants, such as the racist Great Replacement theory. The 2 guys bookending me in a photo are tourists from Barcelona, who united with the trust of my sign.


Note the top of my sign that reads "This tour guide says..." & also note the bottom reference to Heather's original citation of the 19th article.


The sign makes no mention of the positive event that was the collaborative effort of the officials that resulted in the founding of Muir Woods - there was only so much room on the poster board. A leaflet is called for!


I tour the Woods this Tuesday morning and will talk to the staff about usage of their free speech area.


Suggestions for bringing the issue into our narration, including by utilizing the experiences and methods of guides beyond the Guild would be a great contribution to justice. I look forward to working with you all on this issue.


Finally, this First Friday evening in Oakland, Refuse Fascism will be in the mix. Find them in the festivities!


-Doug

Attachment(s):
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20250728_115214.jpg (3.0 MB)
Doug Horning, CTG
7/30/2025 2:05 PM

Hello all,


Here are my observations from my Tuesday morning Muir tour:


AT THIS TIME, there's been no further erasures of information and there is the possibility of spreading the resistance to some of the driver-guides.


All climate change signage remains intact - global warming board near the gift shop, point & counterpoint debate board at bridge 2. Climate denial is a part of the Trump program. We need to be vigilant.


Also spared devolution is the continuing mention of Elizabeth Kent on the Founders Grove signage. As we know,the California Club women's organizatiom post-it citatation was purged.


THAT sign is in bad shape! You can't even read the FADED letters of Muir, Roosevelt, etc. Cutbacks?


The Huimen people's sign remains intact next to the tree ring display.


A ticket office staffer informed me that no NPS printed info was available about the free speech area. She mentioned knowlege of a recent protest of several weeks ago.


A driver-guide colleague was positive about free speech area protests. I've recommended the book Ghost Forest, Racists, Radicals and Real Estate in the California Redwoods to 2 driver guides, (one, the guide I just mentioned). Both read the book. Both tour the Woods multiple times per week. Why have I never seen this richly annotated 2023 copyright in the interpretive center?


- Doug

Mia Monroe
7/30/2025 5:44 PM
Thx for report on field visit
 
here’s what I learned today:  
1. a poster and brochure sharing censored sign and background is in preparation for use at first amendment area and wider distribution 
 
2.  Other information on “history under construction” sign censored (taken off…it was a temp modification until new signage possible in future) includes Native American history, William Kent’s racism, and much more on women’s role.
 
3. all the signs are going thru a Trump review pricess
 
4.  Material still up on website! Other places to have censored material available on a website are being explored “in case”
 
5. the book referenced below is important in the bigger redwood world but not the Muir Woods story 
 
6. First amendment area is free, there’s a designated and prominent area and ok to “share” (I.e. not limited to one at a time AND a guide could set up while group in Woods…there’ are others ready to sign up for a shift 
 
7. one needs to make parking reservation, bike or walk in, get dropped off or take shuttle but no entrance fee if one stays in plaza
 
whew!  Glad support building!  Maybe another SFTG visit soon!
 
mia
 
 
Susan Smith, CTG
7/30/2025 7:42 PM
Can you believe this craziness! Glad we are getting plans! Susan



Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone


Thx for report on field visit
 
here’s what I learned today:  
1. a poster and brochure sharing censored sign and background is in preparation for use at first amendment area and wider distribution 
 
2.  Other information on “history under construction” sign censored (taken off…it was a temp modification until new signage possible in future) includes Native American history, William Kent’s racism, and much more on women’s role.
 
3. all the signs are going thru a Trump review pricess
 
4.  Material still up on website! Other places to have censored material available on a website are being explored “in case”
 
5. the book referenced below is important in the bigger redwood world but not the Muir Woods story 
 
6. First amendment area is free, there’s a designated and prominent area and ok to “share” (I.e. not limited to one at a time AND a guide could set up while group in Woods…there’ are others ready to sign up for a shift 
 
7. one needs to make parking reservation, bike or walk in, get dropped off or take shuttle but no entrance fee if one stays in plaza
 
whew!  Glad support building!  Maybe another SFTG visit soon!
 
mia
 
 
Heather Cassell
7/28/2025 12:41 PM

Hi Alison,


I agree. It's up to us to tell the real stories. I think I recorded the session at TripCon last November about talking about difficult subjects on tours. I'll look for it and share any tips or notes from it.


Heather

Susan Smith, CTG
7/22/2025 8:43 PM
Disgusting!



Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone


Under pressure from the Trump administration, the National Park Service (NPS) removed historical context from signage that explained the role women played in the creation of the Muir Woods National Monument and highlighted the racist ideologies of some of the men associated with the site. 


A ranger for the monument confirmed that the information removed last week originated from an initiative by NPS officials called “History Under Construction” that filled in gaps in the timeline of the park to offer a more comprehensive history of the monument in Marin County, California, which is known for its old-growth redwood trees.


https://19thnews.org/2025/07/public-lands-women-monuments-erasure/?utm_source=The+19th&utm_campaign=a7bd7b5736-19th-newsletters-daily-0722&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-77cf5a6d37-360699712

Greg Quist
7/31/2025 6:30 AM

So as to take advantage of the momentum of the moment, I've added a Muir Woods and Sausalito training tour on Thursday, October 9th from 10:00 am - 4:30 pm.. Mark your calendars.


This is wonderful opportunity for education and community involvement. Would someone besides me like to step forward to organize this event. I'm happy to do all of the supportive tasks, including hiring a coach, After almost three years of creating most of the Guild events, I do have these processes down pat. I'd be your wing-man.


The only thing sacrosanct about this event is the date, Thursday, October 9th. This date doesn't conflict with anything else in what is a busy month. Otherwise, you will have a clean palette to work with in creating this exceptionally timely and important event. It wouldn't even have to include Sausalito.


Let me know via replying to this Forum who'd like to step forward. Creating events is a huge amount of fun and an incredible learning and networking experience. We could even create a WhatsApp chat specifically for this project to keep it organized.


Greg

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