Presentation: Genealogy and Family History Symposium 2026

The Genealogy and Family History Symposium 2026 is a two-day conference presented by the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) and the California Genealogical Society (CGS), featuring speakers from both SFPL and CGS, as well as other local genealogy organizations covering a diverse range of topics. You will learn about physical and electronic resources available at the library that can aid your research, as well as how to search for specific ancestors like African American, Portuguese, Chinese, Filipino American, Russian American and more. The symposium will take place in the lower level of the Main Library with presentations in the Koret Auditorium and Latino/Hispanic Room B (schedule below), discussion groups in Latino/Hispanic Room A and organizations tabling in the Koret Lobby.

Download the full two-day schedule (coming soon).

SCHEDULE OF SPEAKERS FOR LATINO/HISPANIC ROOM B, DAY 1

10:15 -11 a.m. | DNA Part 1 - Introduction to Genetic Genealogy 
Sue Severson, Oakland FamilySearch Center
Sue Severson, volunteer consultant at the Oakland FamilySearch Library, combines her lifelong love of family history with her degree in Microbiology and Chemistry to provide insights into how to break through brick walls using genetic genealogy techniques. (Part 2 of this presentation will be in the same room at 3:15 p.m.)

11:15 a.m. - 12 p.m | Proud to be Portuguese
Ralph Severson, Oakland FamilySearch Center
While the Catholic Church records in Portugal, the Azores, Madeira and Brazil are excellent, they are frequently difficult to read and interpret. Further confusion for Portuguese researchers is the unique naming traditions in Portuguese-speaking countries, where surnames are seemingly randomly assigned. Ralph Severson will explain these issues and answer questions.

12 - 1:15 p.m. | LUNCH BREAK

1:15 - 2 p.m. | Intro to FamilySearch.org
Ralph Severson, Oakland FamilySearch Center
Have you used FamilySearch or its Research Wiki? Did you know FamilySearch now uses AI to help you with your searches? If not, you will be amazed at the billions of free records and tools available to assist you in your genealogical research. Ralph will provide you the basic tools needed to get started on FamilySearch.org and give you tips to find records to advance your research and to find others working on your family lines. 

2:15 - 3 p.m. | DNA Part 2 - Identifying an Unknown Parent or Grandparent Using Genetic Genealogy
Sue Severson, Oakland FamilySearch Center
Part 2 of Sue Severson's presentation on DNA in which she provides insights into how to break through brick walls using genetic genealogy techniques.

3:15 - 4 p.m. | Hispanic Genealogy: Finding Spanish Records Around the World
Lucy Sweeney
Discover how to search for your Hispanic ancestors around the world using baptism, marriage and other records. You don’t need to know how to read Spanish. You will receive a resource list of online and print materials that can aid your research. Learn how to verify your family stories, how to use the Spanish naming system and how to find records for your ancestors’ country and town of birth.
 

See schedules for the Koret Auditorium and Latino/Hispanic Room A.

See the schedule for Day 2.