Britt (Harry) Papers, 1979-1994 (bulk 1979-1989)

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Summary

Title:
Harry Britt Papers
Dates:
1979-1994 (bulk 1979-1989)
Creators:
Britt, Harry, 1938- .
Abstract:
Extent:
23 cubic feet (23 boxes), 2 oversized flat boxes
Language:
Preferred citation:

Harry Britt Papers. San Francisco Public Library, James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center

Background

Scope and content:

The papers contain correspondence, subject / issue files, press coverage and clippings, budgets, campaign materials, photographs, and other ephemera. Some of the major issues addressed include domestic partnership, AIDS care and prevention, and the administration of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program funding. There are several files on the Commission on the Status of Women, the Lesbian / Gay Caucus, and democratic associations in San Francisco and California.

Biographical / historical:

Harry Britt (born June 8, 1938) is a political activist and former member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Openly gay, he was appointed to complete the term of slain supervisor Harvey Milk, and ran for a seat on the board for many years after. Britt served from January 1979 until January 1993. He introduced domestic partnership legislation in 1982 which was passed by the Board but vetoed by Mayor Feinstein. He reintroduced domestic partnership legislation in 1989 which was signed by Mayor Agnos but repealed by a ballot initiative. Britt authored a modified initiative, Proposition K, for the legislation which the voters did pass.

Acquisition information:
Donated by Harry Britt, 1995.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by San Francisco Public Library, James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center staff.
Date Prepared:
1979-1994 (bulk 1979-1989)
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open for research. The collection is offsite and advance notice is required for retrieval. Material must be requested at least 4 business days in advance of visit. The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours. Photographs are available during Photo Desk hours. It is unprocessed; please consult inventory to request boxes.

Terms of access:

Copyright retained by Harry Britt.

Preferred citation:

Harry Britt Papers. San Francisco Public Library, James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center

Location of this collection:
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102, US
Contact:
(415) 557-4567
sfhistory@sfpl.org
Website