MONTHLY PROGRAM

Harold Tuchfeld

One of the most notorious mining scams in U.S. history, now called the “great diamond hoax,” took place in San Francisco in 1872. At the time, the San Francisco Chronicle described the scam as “the most gigantic and barefaced swindle of the age.” Victims included some of California’s biggest bankers and businessmen (including William Ralston of the Bank of California) and many other people. Harold Tuchfeld will talk about the incident and many of the people who were fooled until the scam was exposed by a brilliant young geologist, Clarence King, and his survey team.

Harold Tuchfeld practiced as an environmental geochemist and project manager for more than 20 years at major civil/environmental engineering consulting firms. He now works as a manager at a global hi-tech corporation headquartered in Sunnyvale.

SFHS monthly programs are free to members. Non-member fee is $10, which may be applied to membership dues within 30 days; $5 for non-member seniors, students, K–12 teachers, and people with disabilities. Programs are normally scheduled on the second Tuesday of each month, except August and December. Programs are subject to change, so please check for updates at sfhistory.org.

Roosevelt Middle School features on-site parking (enter on Palm Avenue) and public transportation nearby.