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.

Summer Genealogy Program Series

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

In-person programs will be held at the Oak Hill Park pavilion; 3000 Oak Hill Rd; Wooster, OH 44691. ADA accessible. Social distancing and mask required. Limit: 10. Registration required.

Genealogy 101
Friday, June 4, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 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? This workshop introduces beginning steps in researching your family. Tools recommended for researchers at all levels of research will be discussed.

U.S. Census and Vital Records
Friday, June 11, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
These are two types of resources used by family historians at all levels of research. We will explore these resources and the types of information that may be gleaned from them. As a bonus, the 1950 U.S. Census will be released in 2022. What can researchers expect from this latest census?

Court and Property Records
Friday, June 18, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Many researchers are intimated by these two types of resources. However, these records may include a wealth of information to help in your research. Come and discover what types of information may be found in these record types.

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.