Family history research fall programs

Professional genealogist Carla Cegielski will discuss finding research gems in internet archives at the Sept. 16 meeting of the Cuyahoga West chapter, OGS.

If you are looking to learn more about how to research your family history, Cuyahoga West Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society (OGS) has lined up an informative series of fall lectures.

The invited guest speakers for the Wednesday evening programs will be: Carla Cegielski, Association of Professional Genealogist, librarian and webmaster, presenting “Genealogical Treasures of the Internet Archives” on Sept. 16; Tom Neel, Ohio Genealogical Society library director, presenting “Sinners and Saints: An Introduction to Your Ancestor’s Dark Side” on Oct. 21; and Chris Staats, Ohio Genealogical Society trustee, professional genealogical researcher, writer and blogger, presenting “Unlocking the Keystone State: Key Resources and Repositories for Pennsylvania Research” on Nov. 18. 

These evening programs are from 7-8:45 p.m., in the Porter Room, at Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Rd. Social time, with refreshments, is from 6:30-7 p.m.

Additionally, the chapter will again offer free afternoon help sessions from 1-2:30 p.m., on Wednesdays, Sept. 2, Oct. 7 and Nov. 4, in the computer lab of the library. Just bring what information you have collected thus far, on a particular ancestral line, to one of these help sessions. Members will help you extend your research, or get you started on your journey. 

There is no charge for attending a meeting or a help session and you do not have to be a member. However, dues provide funding for guest speakers throughout the year and members do receive the added benefit of a quarterly newsletter, "The Tracer," which includes notices of up-coming genealogical meetings and events, both local and national. Also, members are entitled to a 10 percent discount on chapter publications. Membership runs from January through December and dues are just $15, or $18 for two people at one address.

For more information, visit rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ohcwogs or email cuyahogawest@gmail.com.