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Funeral programs are a unique form of remembrance prevalent in African American communities. Produced at death and often part of homegoing ceremonies, these programs record biographical details along with family names, dates, hobbies and religious affiliations. Learn more about where to find funeral program collections and how they might inform your information gathering.

Shawna Sherman is the manager of SFPL's African American Center on the 3rd Floor of the Main Library.

This program is part of the Genealogy and Family History Symposium 2026, a two-day conference presented by the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) and the California Genealogical Society (CGS), featuring speakers from SFPL, CGS, the Oakland FamilySearch Center, SFgenealogy and other organizations presenting on a wide range of topics.

See the full two-day schedule.