Ohio Roots

Ohio Roots

Ohio Genealogical Society

Ohio Roots is the official podcast of the Ohio Genealogical Society (OGS). Join us as we embark on a captivating journey through Ohio’s rich genealogy, history, and abundant resources. Hosted by OGS Executive Director Noel Poirier, this podcast brings you insightful conversations with a diverse array of guests. From OGS members, OGS chapter leaders, and OGS staff, to renowned genealogists, historians, and influential figures within the genealogical community, each episode delves into fascinating topics and captivating stories. Grab your headphones or unmute your speaker, hit that play button, and join us on our enthralling journeys through Ohio’s Roots. Edit...

Episode 40 - Kate Penney Howard

Episode 40 - Kate Penney Howard

Continuing our discussions with 2025 OGS Conference presenters this week with a conversation with genealogist Kate Penney Howard. We discuss her own start in genealogy and what she’ll be presenting at the conference.

Feb 17, • 22:58

Episode 39 - Judy Russell

Episode 39 - Judy Russell

This episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast is an interview with the 2025 OGS Conference keynote speaker Judy Russell. Don't miss this conversation with "The Legal Genealogist" about her own start in genealogy and the challenges of researching courthouse records.

Feb 3, • 21:25

Episode 38 - Kelli Jo Bergheimer

Episode 38 - Kelli Jo Bergheimer

Our preview of the 2025 OGS Conference continues on the OGS Ohio Roots podcast. This episode we hear from presenter Kelli Jo Bergheimer about where her interest in genealogy came from and the presentations she will be giving at the 2025 OGS Conference.

Jan 20, • 21:22

Episode 37 - Jim Beidler

Episode 37 - Jim Beidler

Over the next several episodes of the Ohio Roots podcast we preview the 2025 OGS Conference with conversations with this year's speakers. First up in this series of episodes is our Jim Beidler, a longtime attendee and presenter, about what he has planned for the 2025 conference.

Jan 6, • 25:51

Episode 36 - Krista Horrocks

Episode 36 - Krista Horrocks

On this episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast we speak with the Ohio History Connection's Cemetery Preservationist Krista Horrocks about the importance of cemeteries in genealogical research, their care and support, and more.

Dec 23, 2024 • 33:20

Episode 35 – The Ohio Genealogical Society with Lili McCutchan

Episode 35 – The Ohio Genealogical Society with Lili McCutchan

We spoke with Lili McCutchan of the Ohio Genealogical Society. Lili is the Vice President of Development for the OGS Board of Trustees and Chairperson of the OGS Technology Committee. We talked about the Ohio Genealogical Society, what we do, where we’re headed, what we need to be successful, and more.

Dec 9, 2024 • 30:40

Episode 34 - The 2025 OGS Conference Preview

Episode 34 - The 2025 OGS Conference Preview

We speak with the co-chairs of the 2025 OGS Conference, Cheryl Abernathy and Becky Plank, about the theme of the 2025 conference, what speakers and programs attendees can expect, and information on how to register. Don’t miss this if you are planning to attend next year’s OGS Conference.

Nov 25, 2024 • 16:51

Episode 33 - The Ohio Local History Alliance

Episode 33 - The Ohio Local History Alliance

Ohio Roots speak with Betsy Hedler, Executive Secretary of the Ohio Local History Alliance (OLHA), about the history of the OLHA, how it promotes local history throughout the state of Ohio, the programs and benefits it offers its members, and how your organization can join hundreds of others with similar missions. You can learn more about the OLHA at their website: https://ohiolha.org/ (28 minutes)

Nov 11, 2024 • 27:51

Episode 32 - Historic Zoar Village

Episode 32 - Historic Zoar Village

For this episode of the Ohio Roots podcast we speak with Tammi Shrum, Historic Sites Director for Historic Zoar Village and Fort Laurens Museum, about Historic Zoar Village. Tammi shares the history of the site, the museum’s history and programs, how genealogy is an important part of that history, and the genealogical resources available there.

Oct 28, 2024 • 21:00

Episode 31 - Fort Recovery Museum

Episode 31 - Fort Recovery Museum

This episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast we speak with Kim Rammel, Site Manager of the Fort Recovery Museum and Christine Thompson an Archaeologist with Ball State University about the history of Fort Recovery, St. Clair's Defeat, recent discoveries, and their positive efforts working with Ohio's indigenous peoples. Hard work well done and worth a listen.

Oct 14, 2024 • 28:31

Episode 30 - OGS Archivist Jenna Kish Q&A

Episode 30 - OGS Archivist Jenna Kish Q&A

On this special episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast, we present audio from a recent Q&A webinar with OGS Archivist Jenna Kish. She discusses the OGS archives and answers questions from webinar participants.

Sep 30, 2024 • 40:16

Episode 29 - Curt Witcher

Episode 29 - Curt Witcher

Join us for the latest episode of the Ohio Roots podcast when we speak with Curt Witcher, the Manager of The Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana. We discuss the library’s history and program offerings as well as their approach to assisting patron with their personal family history efforts. You won’t want to miss this one!

Sep 16, 2024 • 34:43

Episode 28 - Carol Swinehart

Episode 28 - Carol Swinehart

This episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast we speak with Carol Swinehart of the Ohio Chapter of Palatines to America – German Genealogy Society and learn about Carol’s start in genealogy, the group’s history, efforts, programs and more.

Sep 2, 2024 • 24:00

Episode 27 - Allison Barnhart

Episode 27 - Allison Barnhart

Celebrate the Ohio Roots podcast's 1st Birthday by listening to our latest episode with author and family historian Allison Barnhart! She discusses her new book "The Record Keeper: The Unfolding of a Family Secret in the Age of Genetic Genealogy" and how it has impacted her understanding of her own family history.

Aug 19, 2024 • 28:39

Episode 26 - Shenley Puterbaugh

Episode 26 - Shenley Puterbaugh

This episode of the Ohio Roots podcast we speak with Shenley Puterbaugh of inspirefamilyhistory.com about how she became inspired to pursue family history and genealogy and techniques for how she inspires others to do the same.

Aug 5, 2024 • 27:30

Episode 25 - Sunda Peters

Episode 25 - Sunda Peters

Longtime OGS member and supporter Sunda Peters joins us on this episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast to discuss her decades-long history with the OGS, how she has supported and aided the OGS over the years, and why joining the OGS is important for anyone exploring their Ohio roots.

Jul 22, 2024 • 24:57

Episode 24 - Marleen Applegate: 2024 OGS Fall Retreat

Episode 24 - Marleen Applegate: 2024 OGS Fall Retreat

The 2024 OGS Fall Retreat is coming up! On this episode of the Ohio Roots podcast we speak with OGS Conference Coordinator Marleen Applegate about what to expect at 2024’s OGS Fall Retreat being held in Dublin, Ohio in September.

Jul 8, 2024 • 17:48

Episode 23 - Kevin Borland

Episode 23 - Kevin Borland

Join us on the latest episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast as we discuss with Kevin Borland of Borland Genetics how they go about recreating the DNA of ancestors and how that information can be used to aid in genealogical research. It's a fascinating topic!

Jun 24, 2024 • 28:33

Episode 22 - Timothy G. Anderson

Episode 22 - Timothy G. Anderson

This episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcasts features Dr. Timothy G. Anderson, a historical geographer with research interests in the historical settlement geography of Ohio during the early National period and a long-standing interest in the cultural landscapes associated with Germanic Diasporas.

Jun 10, 2024 • 37:17

Episode 21 - Bonnie Wade-Mucia

Episode 21 - Bonnie Wade-Mucia

This episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast Executive Director and host Noel Poirier speaks with Bonnie Wade-Mucia, Director of the Mayflower Families Silver Books Project at the General Society of Mayflower Descendants (GSMD).

May 27, 2024 • 22:19

Episode 20 - Jay Stoneman

Episode 20 - Jay Stoneman

Jay Stoneman is the twenty-something President of the Carroll County Chapter of OGS and we discuss how he became interested in genealogy, the activities of the Carroll County Chapter, reaching out to younger audiences, mentoring, and more.

May 10, 2024 • 25:21

Episode 19 - Marge Stefanski

Episode 19 - Marge Stefanski

We speak with Marge Stefanski of the Toledo Polish Genealogical Society (TPGS) on the this episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast. We discuss the Polish history and neighborhoods of Toledo, the activities of the TPGS, and researching Polish ancestors.

Apr 29, 2024 • 23:00

Episode 18 - Kristin Wenger

Episode 18 - Kristin Wenger

This episode OGS Executive Director Noel Poirier speaks with LegacyTree genealogist Kristin Wenger about the unique challenges and opportunities presented in researching Ohio Moravian ancestors and Moravian ancestry in general.

Apr 15, 2024 • 22:35

Episode 17 - Erin Harris

Episode 17 - Erin Harris

Ohio Roots speaks with Erin Harris, webmaster for the Montgomery County Chapter of OGS, in our latest episode. We discuss how the chapter has embraced technology, the importance of a website, Erin's own genealogical explorations, and much more! (29 minutes)

Apr 1, 2024 • 29:25

Episode 16 - Steve Little

Episode 16 - Steve Little

Join us for the latest episode of the Ohio Roots podcast where we speak with the National Genealogy Society’s AI Program Director, Steve Little. Steve discusses the use of artificial intelligence in conducting genealogical research and where that technology is taking genealogy in the future. You don’t want to miss this discussion!

Mar 18, 2024 • 29:35

Episode 15 - Lochlyn Ramsey

Episode 15 - Lochlyn Ramsey

OGS Executive Director speaks with Lochlyn Ramsey, a young man who took it upon himself to transcribe the memoir of an early 20th century resident of Huron County.

Mar 4, 2024 • 20:08

Episode 14 - Garry Knight

Episode 14 - Garry Knight

Join us on the latest episode of the the Ohio Roots podcast as OGS Executive Director Noel Poirier speaks with Garry Night, President of the Montgomery County Chapter of OGS about the chapter's history, programs, and his own genealogical explorations.

Feb 19, 2024 • 32:00

Episode 13 - Billie Stone Fogarty

Episode 13 - Billie Stone Fogarty

OGS Executive Director Noel Poirier speaks with noted genealogist Billie Stone Fogarty of HeritageTrackers, LLC about conducting Indigenous Peoples’ genealogical research and the challenges of undertaking such research. She provides tips on how to get started and where to look.

Feb 5, 2024 • 36:00

Episode 12 - James Beidler

Episode 12 - James Beidler

James Beidler, joins the Ohio Roots podcast to discuss the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania with OGS Executive Director Noel Poirier in the this episode. James is currently serving as the GSP’s Interim Executive Director.

Jan 22, 2024 • 27:00

Episode 11 - Jenna Kish

Episode 11 - Jenna Kish

The OGS’s Archivist Jenna Kish speaks with Ohio Roots about her role preserving and making accessible the important archival collections of the Ohio Genealogical Society held in the Lyle H. West Archives at the OGS Samuel D. Isaly Library in Bellville, Ohio. She also discusses how to prepare a collection for donation to the OGS (or anywhere) and what happens to those collections when they arrive.

Jan 8, 2024 • 33:00

Episode 10 - Thomas Cirincione

Episode 10 - Thomas Cirincione

Our guest on this episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast is Thomas Cirincione, President of the Cleveland Italian Ancestry Organization (CIAO). We discuss CIAO, its activities and programs, researching Ohio’s Italian immigrant community, and more.

Dec 26, 2023 • 28:30

Episode 9 - Todd Kleismit

Episode 9 - Todd Kleismit

OGS Executive Director Noel Poirier speaks with Todd Kleismit, Executive Director of the America-250 Ohio initiative. America 250-Ohio is a multi-year commemoration where Ohioans from all 88 counties will be in the spotlight of the impact Ohio’s unique role in our nation’s story. Todd explains the effort, what is planned, and how organizations can become involved. For more information visit: https://america250-ohio.org/

Dec 11, 2023 • 31:00

Episode 8 - Deb Deal

Episode 8 - Deb Deal

In this special bonus episode of the Ohio Roots podcast Executive Director Noel Poirier speaks with Deb Deal, Co-Chair of the 2024 OGS Conference, about what is planned for the 2024 OGS Conference in April 2024 at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Sandusky, Ohio.

Nov 22, 2023 • 20:00

Episode 7 - LaJoy Mosby

Episode 7 - LaJoy Mosby

This episode OGS Executive Director Noel Poirier speaks with LaJoy Mosby, President of the Afro American Historical & Genealogical Society about the society and its activities and the challenges of researching African-American ancestors.

Nov 13, 2023 • 30:00

Episode 6 - Tammy Pelton

Episode 6 - Tammy Pelton

Our guest on this episode is Tammy Sloan Pelton, the President of the Ashland County Chapter, OGS. She speaks with OGS Executive Director Noel Poirier about the chapter’s history, its efforts to engage with new members and the community, and her own genealogical experiences and accomplishments. You can learn more about the Ashland County Chapter, OGS by visiting their website at www.ashlandccogs.org.

Oct 30, 2023 • 28:33

Episode 5 - Karynne Moses

Episode 5 - Karynne Moses

This episode OGS Executive Director Noel Poirier speaks with genealogist Karynne Moses of Moses Genealogy Research and Translation. Karynne's research focuses on German and Portuguese genealogy and she offers tips and information on how she goes about her research and the challenges it presents. Karynne can be found at mosesgen.com.

Oct 16, 2023 • 26:00

Episode 4 - Austin Reid

Episode 4 - Austin Reid

OGS Executive Director speaks with Austin Reid. Mr. Reid, a native of Lancaster, Ohio has been exploring the stories of Ohio's smaller and vanished Jewish communities since 2017. His research has been featured in several media outlets including The Canton Repository, Columbus Jewish News, Richland Source, Steubenville Herald-Star, Zanesville Times Recorder, and WOSU.

Oct 2, 2023 • 27:13

Episode 3 - Linda Swanson

Episode 3 - Linda Swanson

This episode OGS Executive Director Noel Poirier speaks with the OGS Librarian Linda Swanson. Linda began with OGS as its Digital Librarian in September 2019. Today she manages the library’s print collections, supervises the archive collections, directs the library’s digital projects, oversees the computers and technology, and more! Her undergraduate work was done at Denison University in Granville (majors in English literature and music) and her Master’s in Library and Information Science was s

Sep 18, 2023 • 33:20

Episode 2 - Peggy Lauritzen

Episode 2 - Peggy Lauritzen

OGS Executive Director Noel Poirier speaks with Peggy Clemens Lauritzen, AG, FOGS in this episode. Peggy serves as a Family History Director, and is a frequent conference speaker. She is the author of several Legacy QuickGuides on Appalachia, she is also an instructor at Ancestry Academy, Family Tree University, and a columnist for Reminisce magazine.  Peggy was recently named a Fellow of the Ohio Genealogical Society.

Sep 4, 2023 • 24:22

Episode 1 - Sunny Morton

Episode 1 - Sunny Morton

OGS Executive Director Noel Poirier speaks with noted genealogists and presenter Sunny Jane Morton. Sunny is known to Ohio audiences as the past Editor of Ohio Genealogy News, which she did for 10 years. She's also a longtime Contributing Editor at Family Tree Magazine and the Content Manager over at Diahan [pronounced Diane] Southard's Your DNA Guide website. She is co-author of How to Find Your Family History in U.S. Church Records, available at Genealogical.com or on Amazon and taught at the

Aug 10, 2023 • 32:00

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