County Connections: Genealogical Society offers engagement of all levels of knowledge
“There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings,” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Located at 503 Lenwood Drive in Lancaster, the Library of the Fairfield County Chapter of Ohio Genealogical Society resembles a well-loved home – the perfect setting for a society with family at its heart.
Within its walls, the Genealogical Society houses over 3,500 volumes, spanning over two hundred years of local history. Offering a glimpse into the joys and hardships of Fairfield County’s forebears, these materials reveal generations of births, marriages, land transfers, immigration records, and first-hand resources on nearly all elements of local life.
“We are free and open to anyone doing family research,” explained Deborah Ford, the nonprofit’s Publicity and Fundraising Chair.
With an all-volunteer membership of roughly 100 members, the Genealogical Society offers opportunities for both self-directed and assisted research, as well as electronic databases such as Ancestry Library Edition, Newspapers.com, and Fold3, a compilation of military records.
As Ford explains, many of the members are actively engaged in family research, sharing a passion that brings history to life in Fairfield County and beyond.
Ford’s own fascination has summoned her to Fort Wayne and Salt Lake City, and to many locations in between.
“I like to do the hands-on research more than online. I love to get into the courthouses and delve into the ledgers,” she explained.
Descended from one of the first physicians in Fairfield County, Ford’s genealogical journey began when she retyped a historical manuscript for members of her family. The document proved to be a biography of one of her earliest ancestors to arrive in America, sparking an interest that has grown stronger with time.
And for those beginning their search, the Genealogical Society offers engagement for all levels of knowledge, as well as educational sessions at their monthly meetings that look at local history through a broad and accessible lens.
Free of charge and open to the community, these meetings have feature speakers on topics such as the legacy of Baltimore, Ohio, an exploration of infirmary records and the history of Zane’s Trace, as well as webinars on newspaper research, colonial immigration, and more.
These general meetings are held the 3rd Thursday of each month, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Genealogy Library on Lenwood Drive.
While all interested community members are welcome to attend, Ford emphasized a particular hope to engage the next generation of residents, for whom genealogy may entirely new.
“We like to see younger people get involved and take an interest in their family history,” she shared.
To help spread this message of discovery, the Genealogical Society can be found at diverse local events, including the Craft and Vendor Fair at the Lancaster Camp Grounds on August 26, and in the Art Hall at the Fairfield County Fair on Oct. 9 through 14.
Those seeking more information about the organization can also learn about its mission by visiting the Fairfield County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society on Facebook or exploring the organization’s website: https://www.fairfieldgenealogy.org.
The latter features a calendar of events, membership information, and access to historical records including a list of Fairfield County marriages from 1801 to 1836, information about Fairfield County’s earliest churches, and an obituary index with data from the 19th century through December of 2021.
But, if you choose to peruse the records, you may be embarking on a long and exciting quest. For, as Ford affirms, once the search for history begins, it can easily last for a lifetime.
“It doesn’t end. There is always more to find out,” shared Ford. “I enjoy the hunt.”
To volunteer, donate, or serve as a speaker for a Fairfield County Chapter of Ohio Genealogical Society meeting, please email Deborah Ford directly at buckeye43155@protonmail.com.
Upcoming events
Thursday, Aug. 3, from 4 to 7 p.m., the Olde Pickerington Farmers Market will be held in the City of Pickerington Lot, located at 89 N. Center Street in Pickerington. The market will feature fresh, Ohio-grown produce, baked goods, treats, honey, meats, craft items, prepared foods, and much more. For more information on this growing market, please visit https://www.pickeringtonvillage.com/farmers-market.
Friday, Aug. 4, from 6 to 10 p.m., The Friday Night Bandstand Concert Series will feature country artist Alan Carl Band with opening act Billy Payne. The concert will be held at the Zane Square Bandstand, located at 104 N. Broad St. Come early for best seating and bring a lawn chair. For more information visit https://lancasterparks.com/special-events/friday-night-band-stand/.
Please continue to contact me about events and activities at tkellyfairfieldcounty@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: County Connections: Genealogical Society offers engagement of all levels of knowledge
