1:15 - 2:00
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.
History
Learn more about local history.
Summer Stride
Summer Stride is the Library's annual summer learning, reading and exploration program for all ages and abilities. Read and learn with the Library all summer long.
More Than a Month: Black Interest
Connect to engaging discussions and performances related to the Black community.
More Than a Month recognizes important events in Black history, honors community and national leaders and fosters steps towards collective change. Programming features authors, poets and craft classes.