Signature Event - The San Francisco Roots of Burning Man

Experience events that capture the spirit and vitality of the Presidio ... past and present. Alternatively titled "How we got from Emperor Norton to Facebook,” this rich and playful evening explores the history, culture, and characters that gave birth to Burning Man and foreshadowed the participatory nature of the Internet. From its modest beginnings on the Presidio’s Baker Beach to the annual desert gathering that now draws tens of thousands of participants each year, Burning Man has become world-renowned as a crucible of creativity dedicated to community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. Presenter Michael Mikel is both a historian and a futurist with an interest in technology and social communities. He is a founding board member of the Burning Man Project, was instrumental in bringing Burning Man to the Black Rock Desert in Nevada, and is responsible for a number of Burning Man “firsts.” Prior to Burning Man, he was involved with numerous San Francisco social, countercultural, and technological institutions. As a historian, Michael has contributed his papers, printed materials, and personal artifacts from the Cacophony Society and Burning Man to numerous archives. Within the Burning Man community, he is best known by his playa persona, "Danger Ranger.” In association with Burning Man. Photo Credit: Stewart Harvey This event is free but due to space constraints registration is required. Please complete the registration process below. Please note that registering does not guarantee admission. Registered guests will be offered priority admission that will be honored until 15 minutes before the start of the event. Read more about our event registration policy >>http://www.presidio.gov/officers-club/events/event-registration-policy