The Tuscarawas County Public Library System will hold a Local History & Genealogy Faire at its Main Library & Operations Center on Saturday, October 11th from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. The four-hour event is free and perfect for anyone interested in local history or researching their family history.
“Genealogy research is not always easy because it can be hard to know where to start,” said Adult & Teen Service Manager Tabitha Johnson. “This event gives everyone the chance to learn about the resources available at their library and to reach out to organizations with a local history and genealogy focus.”
Johnson said informational tables at the event will include local author and historian Noel Poirier, Ohio Genealogical Society, Bolivar Area Historical Society, New Philadelphia Rotary Club & RTY, Inc., Ohio Genealogical Society, Ohio History Connection, Reeves Victorian Home & Carriage House Museum, Schoenbrunn Village, Ohio History Connection, Tuscarawas Genealogical Society, Tuscarawas County Heritage Homes Association, Tuscarawas County Historical Society, and the Canton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
In addition to informational tables, RTY Board members Carey Gardner and Rich Geib will present a program on the history of Tuscora Park at 12:30 PM.
The Library’s genealogy collection and resources will be showcased with staff available to do demonstrations and answer questions about the Library’s microfilm machine and the preservation station.
“Participants will also be able to sign up for mini Book-A-Genealogist sessions with a library genealogy specialist,” said Public Service Associate Gina Merrill. “The Library’s Technology Training Coordinator will offer 20-minute demonstrations on databases that are free to use with your Library card.” Merrill said this includes a demonstration of Ancestry Library at 11:15 AM, Fold3 at 1:45 PM, and Newspaper Archives at 2:30 PM.
In addition to these breakout class and demos, there will be a self-guided tour of the Library’s local history and genealogy collections including family histories, cemetery records, city directories, and high school yearbooks.
“We hope people come away excited about discovering their own family stories and knowing that the library offers free genealogy resources to help them every step of the way,” said Johnson.
Registration is requested for the Local History & Genealogy Faire and may be done by visiting the library’s event calendar at tusclibrary.org or calling the Library at 330-364-4474. The Main Library & Operations Center is located at 121 Fair Ave NW in New Philadelphia.