This unit consists of an oral history transcript and accompanying audio file concerning the foundation and early history of the Sisters of the Holy Family (S.H.F.) in San Francisco, California. The interview, conducted by Charlotte Hall, features S.H.F. Sister Michaela O'Connor, who details the historical and socio-economic forces that led to the community's founding in 1872.

The interview focuses heavily on the period from the 1850s to the 1870s, tracing the convergence of the four founders in Gold Rush-era San Francisco. Key topics include:

The Tobin Family and Early San Francisco: The role of the wealthy Irish-Catholic Tobin family (Richard and Robert Tobin), their pre-Gold Rush arrival in California, and their eventual establishment of the Hibernia Bank.

The Founders' Journeys: The historical journeys of the key individuals, including the future founders: Lizzie Armer (Sister Dolores), who was left in the care of the Tobin family , and Ellen O'Connor (Sister Teresa), whose family migrated from Boston to California.

Church Organization: The arrival and organizational efforts of Archbishop Jose S. Alemany (named Archbishop of San Francisco in 1853) and Father John Prendergast, both of whom were key figures in proposing the new work.

The S.H.F. Charism: The foundation story emphasizes the community's unique charism to "seek out those who need help and help them" , focusing on marginalized populations and families overlooked by other religious orders. This led to the development of mobile ministries, most notably catechetics programs and the establishment of early daycare centers for children of working parents.

The discussion concludes with the first meeting between Lizzie Armer and Ellen O’Connor on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul in June 1874 , marking the solid beginning of the community's work.