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.

August 2017

• Genealogy One-on-One: Thursday, August 17 from 10-12 noon and 2-4 p.m., Genealogy and Local History Department
  • Are you just starting genealogy research? Do you have questions about where to search online? Are you at a brick wall in your research? Make an appointment with the Genealogy Librarian.

• The Jeffery Brothers: Unknown Heroes of the Wayne County Underground Railroad: Thursday, August 24 from 7:00-8:00 p.m., Conference Room East
  • More information will be forthcoming on this program about the Jeffery Brothers and the Underground Railroad here in Wayne County, Ohio. The program will be presented by Al Jeffery and Kay Jeffery Crowder.

• Genealogy Lock-in: Saturday, August 26 from 6-10 p.m., Genealogy and Local History Department
  • Enjoy a time devoted to family history and local history research. Pre-registration is a must.

September 2017

• Researching the Dash: Going Beyond the Tombstone Inscription: Tuesday, September 5, 2017 from 6:30-8:00 p.m., West Salem Branch Library
  • Tombstones inscriptions tell only part of the story. To discover the rest of the story, family historians should consult other sources. This program will explore many of the other resources available to help create a brief narrative about the individual buried beneath the stone.

• Writing your Family History: Monday, September 11 from 7-8 p.m., Meeting Room 1
  • 'Have you gathered your genealogy data and recorded your memories? Now is the time to begin writing your family narrative based on genealogical and historical research and family stories captured through the generations. The class will begin a monthly curriculum to walk family historians through the process of writing their family's history.

• Writing your Family History: Wednesday, September 13 from 10-11 a.m., Conference Room West
  • Have you gathered your genealogy data and recorded your memories? Now is the time to begin writing your family narrative based on genealogical and historical research and family stories captured through the generations. The class will begin a monthly curriculum to walk family historians through the process of writing their family's history.

October 2017

• Murder, Mayhem & Mysterious Hauntings of Wayne County, Ohio: October 12 from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
  • Doug Myers will present and program on many of the hauntings he has investigated throughout Wayne County, Ohio.

• Writing your Family History Monday, October 18 from 7- p.m., Meeting Room 2
  • 'Have you gathered your genealogy data and recorded your memories? Now is the time to begin writing your family narrative based on genealogical and historical research and family stories captured through the generations. The class will continue the monthly curriculum to walk family historians through the process of writing their family's history.

• Writing your Family History: Wednesday, October 18 from 10-11 a.m., Conference Room West
  • 'Have you gathered your genealogy data and recorded your memories? Now is the time to begin writing your family narrative based on genealogical and historical research and family stories captured through the generations. The class will continue the monthly curriculum to walk family historians through the process of writing their family's history.

• Adoption Reunion Workshop: Saturday, October 21 from 1:00-2:30 p.m., Conference Room East
  • Bob and Nancy Howard have assisted with more than 65 reunions between parents and adult children during the past 20 years. This workshop will provide some basic information on how to begin your research, what you should and should not do, and discuss some of their success stories.

• Searching FamilySearch: Saturday, October 28 from 1:00-2:30 p.m., Conference Room West
  • FamilySearch is one of the most commonly used "free" websites used by family historians. This program will explore in great detail the different ways to search FamilySearch.

    Note: The date for this program changed from Saturday, October 7 to Saturday, October 28.

November 2017

• Civil War Tokens of Wayne County, Ohio: Thursday, November 9 from 7-8 p.m., Conference Room West
  • Ray Leisy has collected tokens for many years. Several were given to him from his father and he has continued the collection. Leisy will present a program about the Civil War Tokens of Wayne County, Ohio.

• Family History Writing Group: Wednesday, November 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.