Presentation: Genealogy and Family History Symposium 2025

(Day 2)
Wednesday, 7/23/2025
10:00 - 5:00
Koret Auditorium
Koret Lobby
Main Library

100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States

415-557-4400

The Genealogy and Family History Symposium is a two-day conference featuring speakers from the San Francisco Public Library and local genealogy organizations covering a diverse range of topics. You will learn about resources at the library, both physical and electronic, that will aid your research, as well as how to search for specific ancestors like Chinese, Irish, Jewish, Japanese, LGBTQ+ and more.

 

SCHEDULE OF SPEAKERS

10-11 AM | Introduction to the Sutro Library
Steenalisa Tilcock, Reference Librarian, Sutro Library
Discover the largest genealogy collection in the Western U.S. at the Sutro Library. Explore extensive records, rare books and archival materials. Learn about the resources, services and most sought-after materials.

11 AM-12 PM | Introduction to Japanese American Genealogy
Linda Okazaki, Nikkei Genealogical Society and Past President of California Genealogical Society
Discover essential Japanese American records—vital, census, immigration, and even incarceration. Learn how to find the traditional and ethnic-specific records that can help you uncover and document your family’s history. 

12-1 PM | LUNCH BREAK

1-2 PM | Jewish Genealogy: Fundamental Strategies
Joanna Shear, Member of Santa Cruz Jewish Genealogy Society and California Genealogical Society
Tracing Jewish ancestry can present unique challenges, from name changes to lost records and uncertain countries of origin. This presentation will guide you through fundamental genealogical strategies to navigate these obstacles effectively. The focus is on 19th and 20th century immigrants to the U.S.

2-3 PM | LGBTQ+ Genealogy
Stewart Traiman, Genealogist, Former BoD. of CGS
Through photographs, obituaries, census data and world LGBTQ archives, identify ancestors who may have been Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer and learn how historical context and documentation come together to honor and preserve the narratives of LGBTQ ancestors.

3-4 PM | Storytelling Using the San Francisco History Center Archives
Christina Moretta, Photo Curator & Acting SF History Ctr. Manager, SFPL
Delve into a wealth of unique archival collections (e.g., manuscripts, ephemera, maps and photographs) and learn how to uncover narratives of your San Francisco ancestors. 

4-5 PM | Preserving Family Collections
Elise Hochhalter, Conservation Tech., Preservation Unit, SFPL
Get quick tips and advice on how to care for physical family treasured collections, including letters, official documents, photographs, and scrapbooks, ensuring that these precious artifacts endure for generations to come.

 

See the schedule for Day 1.

Community & Neighborhood

Build connections with others in our local programs.

History

Learn more about local history.

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

This program uses a third-party website link. By clicking on the third-party website link, you will leave SFPL's website and enter a website not operated by SFPL. This service may collect personally identifying information about you, such as name, username, email address, and password. This service will treat the information it collects about you pursuant to its own privacy policy. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of each third-party website or service that you visit or use, including those third parties with whom you interact through our Library services. For more information about these third-party links, please see the section of SFPL’s Privacy Policy describing Links to Other Sites.

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.