The Society of Submerged Culture is a membership-based organization striving to shine a light on archeological discoveries and catalog the many layers of history under our feet.

The Organization aims to explore the many facets of submerged culture. We bring together historians, explorers, archeologists, swimmers, artists, underwater enthusiasts, and sailors. Membership is open and free to all who are dedicated to the advancement, research, and education of submerged culture.

Member lapel pin

Collecting and documenting artifacts for our growing archive helps us uncover the stories of our surroundings. We are always looking to expand our archive of photographs. Please contact me if you have a photograph you would like to add to the archive.

Off the Coast and Below the City

Schedule of Past Events

Art Night SF - July 29, 2016, 5-9 PM United Nations Plaza at 7th and Market St.

Come make your own subterranean souvenir and pick up a postcard of SF underground tunnels by Sierra Hartman

Opening Reception-Storefront Lab - February 20, 2015, 6:30-9 PM 

Be among the first to explore the Society's library of submerged literature, archive of artifacts, and underwater viewing area.

Underwater Film Festival - Saturdays, 12-4 PM February 21, 28 and March 14, 2015

Including works by Jacques Cousteau, Jean Painlevé, and Irwin Allen.

The Submerged History and Secrets of Lands End- March 2, 6-9 PM Registration recommended

Local historians and writers John Martini, Paul Judge, and Sierra Hartman discuss the shipwrecks, tunnels, and Victorian-era endeavors of Adolph Sutro, which lie beneath and scattered among the rocky cliffs of Lands End. Moderated by Lauren Hartman.

Explorer Kit Drop-in Workshop- March 7, 2015 12-4 PM

Stop by and make a specialized kit for your urban and coastal exploration.

Creating Artifacts Drop-in Workshop and Closing Reception - March 21, 2015 12-4 pm RSVP

Come sculpt, paint, and craft your own artifact. This workshop and reception will explore how artifacts create a dialogue with the past. Supplies provided.

StoreFrontLab is located in San Francisco at 337 Shotwell Street in the Mission District

The story of  San Francisco's bustling waterfront begins in the 1840s. It became the central port in the Pacific and the main supplier to the gold prospectors. The Gold Rush brought individuals from near and far to profit from the riches to be made in California. Many merchants took advantage of this great opportunity to use the Port of San Francisco as a central Pacific, an influx of international trade. The San Francisco Seaport became the central Pacific Port and the leading supplier to the gold prospectors. Over 300,000 people immigrated to California during the Gold Rush, and most came by ship. As prospectors headed to the mines to find their fortune, the waterfront was littered with abandoned ships.  Wharves turned into streets, and hundreds of docked and dismantled ships turned into jails, saloons, banks, and warehouses.