Politics & Current Affairs

Panel: Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Bay Area — Then and Now

An evening exploring 175 years of German-American impact on the Bay Area
Tuesday, 6/16/2026
5:00 - 7:30
Koret Auditorium
Koret Lobby
Main Library

100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States

415-557-4400

More than 40 million Americans — one of the largest single ancestry groups in the country — claim German descent and nowhere is that legacy more alive than here in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Sutro Tower, named after the German-American Mayor of the same moniker. The jeans you're wearing (if they're Levi's). The Bandshell in Golden Gate Park. German fingerprints are everywhere.

On the occasion of America's 250th birthday, join us for an evening that spans from the Gold Rush to Silicon Valley — tracing the bold, restless spirit that brought German entrepreneurs, inventors, and dreamers to the West Coast, and keeps drawing them here today.

Program

Award-winning author Sandra Bonura opens the evening with the story of one of California's most fascinating and polarizing industrialists: the German-born "Sugar King of California" Claus Spreckels, who built an empire stretching from San Francisco to Hawaii. A broader historical perspective by German journalist and Bay-Area local at heart, Arndt Peltner follows, illuminating remarkable Germans who helped shape the Bay Area from the Gold Rush era onward. The panel concludes with a contemporary voice: Silicon-Valley entrepreneurship specialist Anne Cocquyt, completing the arc from then to now.

The conversation will be moderated by Reuters editor Judith Langowski, followed by a Q&A. 

This event is presented by the German Consulate General San Francisco in partnership with the San Francisco Public Library.

We look forward to having you!

Author Readings & Lectures

Engage with your favorite writers and discover your next read.

Politics & Current Affairs

Get informed about local and national civic issues.

Spotlight

This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.

Public Notice and Disclaimer

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The views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.