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I am a native of San Francisco, California, where I grew up in the city's Richmond district with my parents and older brother. I have always had an intense passion for history. Growing up in San Francisco exposed me to its rich history and culture. Additionally, as a child, I traveled extensively around Europe with my family, which contributed to my passion for history from an early age as well. I have undergraduate degrees in both history and psychology from Occidental College, and a Master's degrees in history from San Francisco State University.
I am the author of five books: Historic Photos of San Francisco, Historic Photos of Paris, Historic Photos of The Presidio, Historic Photos of San Francisco in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, and Remembering Paris. Through stunning black and white photography and accompanying in-depth informative text, these books provide photographic narrative portraits of the cities and retrospective views of ordinary citizens enjoying their daily lives in the extraordinary cities of San Francisco and Paris, amidst historic events that took place in each respective place throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, including the celebrations, protests, riots, wars, cultural milestones, and other major national and international events.
After completing my first book, Historic Photos of San Francisco, I spent a year in Paris, where I lived in the Latin Quarter on the Left Bank. My year abroad was one of the most incredible and formative experiences of my life. During my year in Paris, I continued to study history and French at the Sorbonne, taught English, and delivered historical talks and lectures at several universities and venues around Paris. I also did research for my second book, Historic Photos of Paris, a detailed portrait of Paris through old historic photos, and extensive text. Most of the photos I used for the book came from an archive in the 6th arrondissement called the Roger-Viollet Agency, where I discovered absolutely amazing rare photos.
I am currently living in The San Francisco Bay Area, where I teach history and continue historical research and writing and participate in various historical associations to preserve local history and educate the public. To learn more about my background, publications, and speaking events, please visit my website - www.rebeccaschall.com .
