PHOTOS | The Courage Museum Breaks Ground at the Presidio of San Francisco

Event: Courage Museum Ground Breaking
Date: March 11, 2026
Location: Presidio National Park, San Francisco
Photos: Drew Altizer and Kelly Keltos for Drew Altizer Photography

On Thursday, March 12th, Futures Without Violence hosted a celebration at San Francisco’s iconic Presidio National Park, marking the groundbreaking of the Courage Museum — a one-of-a-kind immersive learning center that challenges the inevitability of violence and hate through scientific insights and powerful stories of changemakers. Trustees, Lead Investors, and community stakeholders gathered for an inspiring evening brought to life by remarks and performances from Bay Area high school students who are actively helping shape the museum’s installations and educational programs — a powerful testament to the next generation of leaders already rising.

Designed by visionary experience designer Jake Barton, Founder of Local Projects — the award-winning studio behind the National September 11th Museum and Memorial, The Legacy Museum, and Greenwood Rising — and several award-winning documentary filmmakers from Actual Films in collaboration with the leadership of Futures Without Violence, the Courage Museum will be a first-of-its-kind, immersive, science-backed experience nestled on the Main Post of the historic Presidio. Slated to open to the public in Spring 2027, the museum will be complemented by a state-of-the-art education center featuring classrooms, a recording studio, and dedicated spaces for high school educators and their students — cementing its role not just as a museum, but as a living, breathing hub for the changemakers of tomorrow.

The event featured food by Off The Grid, music by Vocal Rush, poetry by Youth Speaks, and a construction-themed photo booth with a backdrop of guest wishes for the Courage Museum.
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​Notable attendees:
​Deborah Santana – Co-Chair, Courage Museum Steering Committee, Patti Lee-Hoffmann – Philanthropist, Courage Museum Steering Committee, ​Joyce Newstat – Co-Chair, Courage Museum Steering Committee, Sharisse Kimbro – Program Manager, The Allstate Foundation, Judi Kanter – Board of Trustees, Futures Without Violence