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.
Saturday, June 17, 2023
Jeans & Genes Day Workshop
Wayne County Public Library, Wooster, Conference Room East
There will be two sessions presented for researchers all levels of experience
- Session 1 will cover how to get started with genealogy, including a discussion of forms and other useful tools. Session 1 will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Session 2 will discuss Vital and U.S. Census Records. Session 2 will be from 12:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Jeans & Genes Day Lock-in
Wayne County Public Library, Wooster, 2nd floor, 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
In partnership with the Wayne County Genealogical Society
Come and join other fellow genealogists in researching their ancestry. No cost for copies. Light refreshments served. Pre-registration is required.
Thursday, June 22, 2023
Plant by the Numbers: Protecting Pollinators One Garden at a Time
Wayne County Public Library, Wooster, Conference Room, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Presented by Denise Ellsworth, Program Director, Pollinator Education OSU
One in every three bites of food we take can be traced back to animal pollinators, such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Who are these vital creatures, what exactly do they do, and how are they threatened? This program will feature the new OSU Plant by Numbers effort featuring plants, growing steps and sample garden designs to support pollinators, highlighting the first three Plant by Numbers themes: Bumble Bees, Specialist Bees, and Butterflies & Moths. We will consider garden strategies and “garden-worthy” plants to support these important creatures. Participants will receive bee ID cards and color garden handouts.
Thursday, July 20, 2023
Ghosts of the Civil War: Shades of Blue and Gray
Wayne County Public Library, Wooster, Conference Room, 6:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Presented by Mark Dawidziak and Sara Showman
As a nation, we continue to be haunted by the Civil War, the bloodiest and most wrenching conflict in American history. Featuring Largely Literary Theater Company co-founders Sara Showman (from the South) and Mark Dawidziak (from the North), Ghosts of the Civil War: Shades of Blue and Gray examines the War Between the States with a mixture of haunting tales, literary selections, song and history. This hour and 20-minute ghostly tour begins in Ohio, with stories drawn from Marietta, a stop on the Underground Railroad, and the still-standing Hope iron furnace, as well as the two Confederate cemeteries that were part of prisoner-of-war camps in Columbus and on Johnson's Island.
The journey continues with stories from South Carolina and Virginia, with a special section about Abraham Lincoln and the White House hauntings. Literary selections include poems by Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson. Selections from Civil War-era songs are heard throughout the one-act performance.
Saturday, October 14, 2023
Family History Fun Day
Wayne County Public Library, Wooster, Story Time Room, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Presented by Meg Dobucki and Deb Kitko
There is no time like now to engage your children and grandchildren in finding information on their family history. This hour has been set aside for youth ages 8-12 with their family to explore their family roots. More details will be forthcoming.
Thursday, October 26, 2023
Ohio Historic Haunts: Investigating the Paranormal in the Buckeye State
Wayne County Center of the Arts, Wooster, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Presented by James A. Willis
Legends and ghost stories can be found throughout Ohio. James Willis has travelled all over the state gathering stories of hauntings. Willis will delve into the connection between actual history and ghost stories during his presentation.