San Francisco Microscopical Society
We are a community of amateur & professional microscopists located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Our mission is to be a focal point for all microscopists across all disciplines of both science and the arts. We welcome all people of any age or background – from those who have not used a microscope to those who have been working with them for decades. Since 1870, we bring people together to learn and explore.
To attend our upcoming events become a member!
Features
Projects
SFMS is a proud fiscal sponsor of Order of Magnitude Films, an ongoing project by Ariel Waldman to bring microscopy into documentary films. Order of Magnitude Films has produced the PBS series, Life Unearthed with Ariel Waldman, highlighting microscopic wildlife in popular media to a wide audience.
SFMS volunteers with organizations in cleaning and maintaining microscopes for local schools. We work with organizations like BioLink Depot and the Merritt College Microscopy Program.
We support building social connections through the use of microscopes to play and explore the world. We organize events and bring microscopes into new community spaces such as MakerFaires, children’s museums, bars, fungal fairs, and many more.
On June 4, 1870, a meeting in San Francisco was held to form a society devoted to microscopy.
The San Francisco Microscopical Society was established over 150 years ago.
Let’s explore together.
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