Genealogy and Local History Programs

The Wayne County Public Library strives to offer genealogy and local history programs for our researchers free of charge. Additional programs are offered through the Wayne County Genealogical Society. The library is separate from the local historical societies and genealogical society; however, at times our programs may overlap.

Fall Genealogy Programs

Pre-registration is required for all library programs, both in-person and virtually. To register for the program, visit the library's home page and click on "See full calendar", or you may contact the Genealogy and Local History Department by phone: 330-262-0916, ext. 4670 or by email: genealogy@wcpl.info.

In Person Programs

Woman's Suffrage: A Local Perspective
Tuesday, October 5, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Conference Room West, Wooster Library
It took women 144 years in the United States to win the right to vote. What role did local women and men play in the movement? Join us in this presentation to learn more about local involvement in "Votes for women! Woman's Journey to be Heard and Treated as an Equal. An overview will be given on the Woman's Suffrage Movement.

Lunar knowledge and mound building of our earliest Ohio settlers
Thursday, October 14, 2021 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Conference Room, Wooster Library
Do you realize, and appreciate, the incredible archeological imprint left behind by our earliest occupants of the state? Are we knowledgeable, or familiar with the massive earthworks complex they left dating back several thousand years? Join us as we delve into a slice of really early Ohio history as we explore what these earliest of Ohio residents built and left for us over the span of some 5500 years ago.

Researching Indigenous People in Genealogy
Tuesday, November 9, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Conference Room East Have you heard the stories in your family that an ancestor was a Native American? This presentation will give a very basic overview on how to try to locate your Indigenous Ancestor and the tribe in which he or she may have belonged.

Virtual Programs

Virtual programs will be offered through Zoom. Registration is required. Valid email address is required.

Genealogy 101
Tuesday, July 13, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Are you interested in researching your family’s history? Have you been researching for a while but feel overwhelmed with collected information? Are you at a brick wall and do not know where to go? It may be time to return to the basics. This class will discuss tools that may help individuals regardless of his or her research skill level.

U.S. Census Records
Tuesday, July 20, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Census records may be found at the local, state, or federal level. This class will look in-depth at federal census records from 1790-1940.

Vital Records
Tuesday, July 27, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Birth, marriage, and death records may provide useful information for researchers. This class will explore vital records and look at substitute records when you are unable to find the birth, marriage and/or death records.

Court Records
Tuesday, August 10, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Many researchers shy away from court records because they do not understand the legal terms. This class will give a brief overview of the Ohio court system and how these types of records can provide an insight into your family’s history.

Property Records
Tuesday, August 24, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Land deeds and tax records find a useful place in the world of genealogy research. This class will take a look at how to access land deeds and tax records and the types of information you may within these record types.