The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel, a San Francisco landmark since 1915, continues its new monthly speaker series, “Making History Fun Again,” designed to honour the city’s legendary past through lively storytelling and unforgettable personalities.
On Thursday, January 15, 2026, The Clift welcomes Joseph Amster, historian, journalist, performer, and founder of Emperor Norton’s Fantastic San Francisco Time Machine, appearing in character as Emperor Norton, one of San Francisco’s most beloved and eccentric historical figures.
As a historian and performer, Amster has spent more than a decade bringing Emperor Norton to life on the streets of San Francisco, leading immersive walking tours, teaching local history, and championing the city’s colorful past . His portrayal is both historically grounded and theatrically irresistible…making him the perfect guest for the series’ second installment.
About the Speaker: Joseph Amster (as Emperor Norton)
A California native and longtime San Francisco resident, Joseph Amster has worked as a journalist, editor, historian, and performer since the 1970s. His background includes theater studies at San Francisco State University, editorial roles at the Orange County Blade and IN Los Angeles, and leadership positions within San Francisco’s history community, including the San Francisco History Association and the Emperor Norton Legacy League .
In 2011, Amster and his husband Rick Shelton launched Time Machine Tours (emperornortontour.com), offering character-driven historical walking tours that quickly became local favourites. His acclaimed embodiment of Emperor Norton, the self-declared “Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico,” is now a fixture of San Francisco culture and a sought-after presence at events, lectures, weddings, and historical celebrations .
The Making History Fun Again series:
- Celebrates San Francisco’s diverse and vibrant history
- Connects generations through lively, accessible storytelling
- Showcases authors, historians, performers, and cultural icons
- Invites the public into the Redwood Room for conversations that spark curiosity and imagination
Signature Speaker Series Cocktails
Guests attending the January 15 event may enjoy themed cocktails honouring San Francisco’s storied past, including:
- Pisco Punch — A Gold Rush original from 1853
- Martini — Born along the trail between San Francisco and Martinez
- Night Moves (Buena Vista Tribute Espresso Martini) — A wink to the city’s famed Irish Coffee
- Maiden Lane — A nod to one of San Francisco’s most notorious streets
Event Details
What: Making History Fun Again — Speaker Series
Featured Speaker: Joseph Amster as Emperor Norton
When: Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Redwood Room, The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
Admission: Complimentary with RSVP
Upcoming Speaker Series Lineup
Thursday, February 19 – Woody LaBounty: History of Carville-by-the-Sea
Thursday, March 19 – Ray Beldner: History of Art in San Francisco
Thursday, April 16 – John Martini: 1906 Earthquake & Fire