Our meetings are held on the 1st Saturday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at the Greene County Records Center and Archives​ in Xenia, Ohio (535 Ledbetter Rd)*  Please note that we are in the process of transitioning our meeting locations and some presentations may have a different location listed.
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All meetings are free and open to the public; unless noted otherwise, registration is not required.

​*We will have a Zoom link for our meetings if you are unable to attend in person.  Please email us using the form on the contact page if you would like the link.
2023 Greene County Chapter Calendar
  • 7 Jan 23: Forensic Genealogy
    • Location:  Xenia Library
    • Speaker: Christine Cochran
    • Abstract: Forensic genealogy is a new buzz-word these days. But what exactly is forensic genealogy? How is it applied? Who needs a forensic genealogist and why? This talk will address these questions and provide some real-world examples. Hold on to your hats because what you learn will open Pandora’s Box!
    • Bio: Christine Cochran is a professional genealogist and owner of Forensic & Family Genealogy, LLC. She has been conducting genealogical research for more than twenty years. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), and a past registrar for the Mountain Rendezvous Chapter of National Daughters of the American Revolution. In the past, she has held offices as president of the Colorado Chapter of APG, Vice-President and Researcher for the Colorado Genealogy Society, and delegate on the Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies. She has served as the “On-the-Desk Genealogist” at the Denver Public Library – Western History and Genealogy Department, an indexer at the Colorado State Archives, and a researcher for PBS Finding Your Roots.
      Christine has been interviewed by Genealogy TV, KGNU radio, and PBN radio. She has been published internationally in Irish Roots Magazine. She holds a bachelor's degree from Colorado School of Mines, a Master’s degree from Regis University, and is a graduate of Professional Genealogists Study Groups (ProGen.) Drawing on a wide range of skills, Christine focuses on forensic genealogy for heirship cases, NSDAR applications and supplementals, residential genealogies, and coaching clients with their own research.
  • 4 Feb 23:  No More Excuses: Ten Family History Writing Tips for Procrastinators
    • Location: Xenia Library
    • Speaker: Lisa Ann Alzo, M.F.A.
    • Abstract: Often the most difficult part of writing a family history is getting started. If you feel stuck due to information overload, lack of time, or writer’s block, you are not alone. In this session, learn ten simple tips to stop procrastinating and start writing!
    • Bio: Lisa Ann Alzo, M.F.A., grew up in Duquesne, Pennsylvania, and currently resides in Ithaca, New York. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1987 and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Nonfiction Writing from the University of Pittsburgh in 1997.
      ​Lisa began writing creatively in the fourth grade with an assignment entitled, “All About Me,” and went on to win several English/Writing awards in high school and college.
      Lisa has published articles in Ancestry Magazine, Discovering Family History Magazine, Family Chronicle, Family Tree Magazine, Genealogical Computing, Reunions Magazine, NGSNews Magazine, Reunions Magazine, Western Pennsylvania History Magazine, FEEFHS Journal and Rocenka: Journal of the Czechoslovak Genealogical Society International, The Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly.
      An avid genealogist for 26 years, Lisa currently teaches online genealogy courses for Family Tree University and the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. She is the recipient of the 2002 Mary Zirin Prize given by the Association for Women in Slavic Studies to recognize the achievements of independent scholars, and is a frequently invited speaker for national conferences, genealogical and historical societies.
  • 4 Mar 23: Social Trends, the Census, and Your Family: 1920-1950
    • Location:  Greene County Records Center and Archives
    • Speaker: Shelley Bishop
    • Abstract: The period between 1920 and 1950 was one of widespread change in America. Census records, when interpreted in the context of historical, social, and economic trends, offer a peek into how individual families lived during these pivotal times. Learn how using census instructions can give you a better understanding of the families and communities you’re researching.
    • Bio: Shelley Bishop is a professional genealogy researcher and writer specializing in Ohio research, as well as preserving family stories. She is a frequent contributor to NGS Magazine, Family Tree Magazine, Ohio Genealogy News. Shelley has completed the National Genealogical Society’s American Genealogy course of study and the ProGen study program, and currently serves as president of the Great Lakes Chapter Association of Professional Genealogists. As the owner of Buckeye Family Trees, www.BuckeyeFamilyTrees.com, she never tires of searching for elusive ancestors. Shelley and her husband live in Florida and Ohio.
  •  1 Apr 23: Friends of Friends: Quakers and African American Communities
    • Speaker: Ari Wilkins
    • Abstract: Well-known for their anti-slavery views, Quakers began to migrate to the slave-free territories in the 19th century. As they migrated out of the South, Quakers emancipated and traveled with their newly freed slaves. Once settled, the sect continued their abolitionist cause by supporting the Underground Railroad – transporting runaway slaves to free states. In turn, free blacks established their own settlements, while still maintaining ties with the Quaker community.
    • Bio: Ari Wilkins, a graduate of Louisiana State University, has been actively researching family history since 1998, specializing in African American research. 
      Ms. Wilkins speaks nationally and locally. She has had the honor to speak at the National Genealogical Society, Federation of Genealogical Societies, Texas State Genealogical Society, Ohio Genealogical Society, Institute of Genealogical and Historical Research, Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, American Library Association, RootsTech, and a multitude of local societies.
  • 6 May 23: Greene County and the Underground Railroad​
    • Speaker:  Catherine Wilson, Greene County Historical Society
    • Abtract: The Underground Railroad was not a system of underground tunnels with railroad tracks that spread throughout the free states. It was a loose network of dedicated people who helped their fellow humans to escape slavery's chains. Greene County had its fair share of these, as well as those who were against abolition, and (more than any other group) there were those who were indifferent to both sides as long as their lives were not disturbed. This presentation is a quick overview of the people who helped.
    • Bio:  Catherine (Kidd) Wilson, a Xenia resident, has a great deal of experience in public service, having worked in libraries for twenty years before taking her current position.  She took the job as Executive Director for the Greene County Historical Society in Xenia OH starting in January 2008, and is still there.  She served as a society board member for three years (2004-2006), and when the former director retired, she stepped in.
      Catherine was employed at Clark State Community College Library as a circulation specialist from 1999-2007, where she assisted students, faculty, staff and the public with a variety of academic tasks, as well as her supervisor, the Dean of Library and Educational Resources.  Before that, she worked at the Greene County Room, the local history and genealogy department of the Greene County Public Library, from 1987-1999, beginning as a student worker and leaving as a Local History Associate. 
      ​She has presented various local history lectures to local and community groups, and at the Ohio Academy of History, a scholarly conference.  She has written several historical articles for national, state, and local publications, and has acknowledgments in four books so far.  Her one published book is Historic Greene County: an illustrated history (San Antonio TX: Historical Publishing Network, 2010), but she has completed a novel of historical fiction about an 1863 murder case.
  • 3 Jun 23: What You Should Know About the 5 DNA Testing Companies
    • Speaker: Kelli Bergheimer
    • Abstract: Each DNA testing company offers different advantages for your family research. Learn how to maximize the information at all five DNA testing companies: Ancestry DNA, MyHeritage DNA, 23andMe, LivingDNA, FamilyTreeDNA
    • Bio: Kelli Bergheimer is a writer, teacher, editor, and national genealogical speaker. Kelli holds a Bachelor’s in Biology, a Master’s in Education: Curriculum and Instruction, and a Master’s in Business Management. Kelli is the Director of Curriculum and Assessments for Blue Kayak, a K-12 textbook company. She also works as a DNA report editor for Legacy Tree Genealogists and a contributor for Your DNA Guide. Kelli runs a small business--Mess on the Desk, a genealogical organization company with a YouTube channel. Kelli is the facilitator for Genetics, Genealogy, and You, an online DNA Interest Group. Kelli is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Genealogical Speaker's Guild.
  • 1 Jul 23: No meeting - Happy Independence Day!
  • 5 Aug 23: Native American Genealogy
    • Speaker: Jim Lee
  • 2 Sep 23: Tried & True Fun Things To Do At Your Next Family Gathering
    • Speaker: Sandy Gurklies
    • Abstract: Do your redundant family gatherings need a little more fun for all ages?  Come learn tips from Megan and Sandy for setting up your next reunion for success as well as ways to collect genealogical information from relatives along the way. But WAIT! There's more! Engaging and exciting the younger generation is a MUST for carrying on the family legacy, so expect to "S"eek, "P"repare, "I"nvolve, "C"ollaborate, and "E"enjoy - which are all the ingredients you need for a "SPICE"d up holiday season!
  • 7 Oct 23: Introduction to Greene County Record Center and Archives
    • ​Abstract:  October is national archives month, so join us for an introduction to the Greene Couty Record Center and Archives and tour of the facility.
  • 4 Nov 23: Migration Trails to Ohio
    • Speaker: Peggy Clemens Lauritzen, AG
    • Abstract: This lecture will focus on different groups that migrated to the newly-formed Ohio country and how the land was divided up as people began to settle.  We will study these trails, as well as circumstances that brought people here.
    • Bio: Peggy Clemens Lauritzen, AG, FOGS, has an amazing ability to bring laughter into the lives of her audience members.  One of her favorite photos is a picture of her mother on her way to a church picnic, then on to an afternoon of cemetery transcribing.  It was taken just four days before Peggy was born!
      Having grown up with parents that were deeply involved in genealogy takes her love of family history to a new level.  Some people are amazed that she knew people that were actually born in the 1800’s; her own grandparents.  Listening to the stories from bygone years, touching the fabrics from quilts, dresses, blessing gowns, and bonnets all have added to the admiration of previous generations.  
      ​Peggy is a frequent lecturer at many local societies in Ohio, as well as Family History seminars.  She has presented at Brigham Young University, and ICAPGen, and taught Continuing Education classes at several community colleges and The Ohio State University.  One of her proudest moments was achieving the credentials that qualified her to be an Accredited Genealogist, for it polished her research skills.
      ​She is a featured columnist in Reminisce magazine, has written several Legacy QuickGuides, and has filmed as an instructor for Ancestry Academy, and worked as a researcher for Ancestry ProGenealogists.  She was recognized for her work by being award the title of Fellow of the Ohio Genealogical Society in 2018, as well as receiving the Laura G. Prescott Award for Exemplary Service in Genealogy. 
  • 2 Dec 23: Chapter Holiday Party 

​Other calendar items of note:​