Castro Camera, San Francisco

Castro Camera, situated in San Francisco's Castro District, was a camera store overseen by Harvey Milk from 1972 until his untimely assassination in 1978. As the 1970s progressed, the establishment evolved into a focal point for the burgeoning gay community in the neighborhood, serving as the headquarters for Milk's various electoral campaigns.

Milk, a passionate photographer, and his then-partner Scott Smith used their last $1,000 savings to open a store in 1972. The shop quickly became a haven for young gay people in the Castro District, offering acceptance and support.

Going beyond its role as a camera and film vendor, the store transformed into a social hub and sanctuary for newcomers. Additionally, Milk converted it into an authorized polling station for the San Francisco elections. Due to his prominent involvement in promoting gay businesses and supporting gay consumers, Milk unofficially acquired the moniker "Mayor of Castro Street."

In 2011, the store's original location at 575 Castro Street became a Human Rights Campaign Store. This site was subsequently recreated with meticulous attention to detail for the biographical film "Milk," which depicted the life of Harvey Milk. The authentic set, featuring elements like an aged red couch and a barber's chair, drew the attention of residents who nostalgically remembered the original establishment. Moreover, the current shop owner and film crew reported encountering a ghostly presence at the store, whom they believed to be Milk himself.

A metal plaque embedded in the sidewalk in front of the store now stands as a memorial to Milk. Furthermore, this location serves as the starting point for an annual commemorative march on the anniversary of his passing.