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.
January 2017
- Family History Writing Group: Wednesday, January 18 from 10-11 a.m., Conference Room West
- This is time set aside for researchers whose desire is to leave a written legacy for their loved ones. No writing experience is necessary. Individuals may choose to bring their electronic devices or may choose to bring paper and a writing utensil. A different topic is chosen each session. Time will be allotted for sharing for those interested.
Topic: "My Fondest Memory"
- This is time set aside for researchers whose desire is to leave a written legacy for their loved ones. No writing experience is necessary. Individuals may choose to bring their electronic devices or may choose to bring paper and a writing utensil. A different topic is chosen each session. Time will be allotted for sharing for those interested.
February 2017
- Family History Writing Group: Wednesday, February 15 from 10-11 a.m., Conference Room West
- This is time set aside for researchers whose desire is to leave a written legacy for their loved ones. No writing experience is necessary. Individuals may choose to bring their electronic devices or may choose to bring paper and a writing utensil. A different topic is chosen each session. Time will be allotted for sharing for those interested.
- Researching Pennsylvania from Home: Wednesday, February 22 from 10-12 noon, Conference Room East
- Learn about some Pennsylvania resources you can research free of charge at home.
March 2017
- Beginning Genealogy: Wednesday, March 1 from 10-12 noon, Conference Room East
- Are you interested in your family history and do not know where to begin? This program will provide information and tools to help you start your journey.
- U.S. Census Records: Wednesday, March 8 from 10-12 noon, Conference Room West
- U.S. Census Records provide many clues for researchers. Learn how to go beyond the basic name, age, and place of birth given on the U.S. Census records.
- Family History Writing Group: Wednesday, March 15 from 10-11 a.m., Conference Room West
- This is time set aside for researchers whose desire is to leave a written legacy for their loved ones. No writing experience is necessary. Individuals may choose to bring their electronic devices or may choose to bring paper and a writing utensil. A different topic is chosen each session. Time will be allotted for sharing for those interested.
- Immigration and Naturalization Records: Wednesday, March 22 from 10-12 noon, Conference Room East
- Most residents in the United States have roots elsewhere. This class will explore researching your ethnic ancestor.
- Using Records to Complete the Dash Between the Dates When Researching Tombstones: Monday, March 27 from 6:30-7:30 p.m., Conference Room East
- This program is part of the Wayne County Genealogical Program Series. Birth and death dates are a start when researching tombstones inscriptions. The content found in the dash between the dates is where you may find the interesting stories. A short business meeting will follow the program.
April 2017
- Genealogy Lock-in: Saturday, April 1 from 6-10 p.m.
- WCGS/WCPS Work Session: Wednesday, April 5 from 2-4 p.m.
- The Wayne County Genealogical Society will assist the Wayne County Preservation Society with researching information transcribed from tombstones. The work session will be held in the Genealogy and Local History Department of the Wayne County Public Library, Wooster.
- Family History Writing Group: Wednesday, April 12 from 10-11 a.m., Conference Room West
- This is time set aside for researchers whose desire is to leave a written legacy for their loved ones. No writing experience is necessary. Individuals may choose to bring their electronic devices or may choose to bring paper and a writing utensil. A different topic is chosen each session. Time will be allotted for sharing for those interested.
May 2017
- How Do You Know What You Know? Moving Beyond Your Genealogy Database: Saturday, May 20 from 1-2 p.m.
- The Wayne County Genealogical Society is sponsoring the guest speaker for this presentation. Chris Staats is the owner of Staats Genealogical Services in Euclid, Ohio. He has spoken at several state conferences and is an active member of the Great Lakes Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists. According to his website, "Genealogical databases are a great tool to store and maintain our family tree. However, they don't accurately reflect the most important thing we do as researchers -- think, analyze, and explain. Databases are simply a list of sources land conclusions. Learn to document the reasoning that connects those sources and conclusion." (Staats Genealogical Services)
- Military Records at the Library: Monday, May 22 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
- This program is part of the Wayne County Genealogical Program Series. A short business meeting will follow the program.