Connecting the Past, Present, and Future: Stanford Historical Society’s 50th Anniversary Year
On May 4, 1976, President Richard W. Lyman said to the 50 members gathered at the first annual meeting of the Stanford Historical Society (SHS), "It could be argued that a university does not come of age until it has a society for the study and care of its history." In 2026, the society will mark its 50th year of supporting the preservation, examination, and appreciation of the history of Stanford University. Through its publications, oral histories, programs, tours, conferences and workshops, the society has provided decades of valuable knowledge and insights to its over 900 members and the university community at large.
To celebrate this anniversary milestone, the society will launch a year-long series of activities beginning this fall. This collection of thoughtfully curated activities will provide opportunities for the Stanford community and our neighbors to engage with Stanford's rich history and envision new possibilities for documenting and communicating the university's many stories.
In the words of Sapna Marfatia, who co-chairs the SHS 50th Anniversary Task Force with Susan Sweeney, “This is more than a celebration of the society’s contribution to the university. It will also be a tribute to the people, places, and principles that shape Stanford’s past and lay the foundation for its future.”
Here are a few of the unique programs already confirmed for the coming months.
Launch Party at William Wurster-Designed House (October 12, 2025. SHS members-only)
A launch event honoring SHS's founding board members will be held at a historic campus house designed by renowned architect William Wurster. The program will feature remarks by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and Emeritus Professor David Kennedy, curated exhibits of Stanford Historical Society founders, photographs by famed photographer Leo Holub and Stanford historical memorabilia, and a reception. This event is for SHS members only, non-members are welcome to join the society online in order to attend.
The Founders & the Architects – A Journey Through Stanford’s Design Legacy (November 16, 2025)
As a tribute to Stanford’s architectural and academic roots, this event at the Sapp Center—formerly the old Chemistry Building—will feature a lecture by architectural historian and Emeritus Professor Paul V. Turner. His talk will revisit the founding and design of Stanford’s campus, and the relationship between Leland Stanford, Frederick Law Olmsted and the architects, offering fresh insights and rarely seen visuals. Then attendees will take a symbolic journey "from the past to the present," walking from “Old Chem” to the nearby Computer and Data Science (CoDa) building, where they will enjoy a tour of the newly open, innovative building with unique views of the campus and a reception.
Stanford Songbook and Carillon Recital – A Musical Tribute to Tradition (April 12, 2026)
In homage to Stanford’s rich musical heritage, Professor Steve Sano will direct the Stanford Chamber Chorale as they perform selections from the Stanford Songbook at the Bing Concert Hall. Their performances will be interwoven with historical commentaries and images from the archives. A carillon recital by University Carillonneur Timothy Zerlang and light refreshments will follow.
Additional events curated for the anniversary year include a program at the newly renovated, state-of-the-art Graduate School of Education campus; a tour of Frenchman’s Park in partnership with the Stanford Campus Residential Leaseholders and Stanford Land, Buildings & Real Estate; as well as a special celebration of Stanford’s unique town-gown relationship with its neighboring towns and historical societies.
At anniversary events throughout this year, SHS members will receive a complimentary copy of Emeritus Professor Paul V. Turner’s book, The Founders & the Architects: The Design of Stanford University, re-printed and enhanced with restored photographs. Limited copies of the book will be available for purchase.
Also, a special anniversary project curated by the SHS Oral History Program, 50 Stories for 50 Years, will share compelling moments in Stanford history drawn from the society’s extensive collections of oral history and program recordings.
More details on anniversary activities and event registration information will be available in future emails and newsletters. We hope you will join us in celebrating Stanford Historical Society’s 50th anniversary year by participating in some of these activities and/or by supporting the society with your additional gift or new membership.
