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Who Should Become A Member

  • Anyone who is interested in family history no matter what level of expertise or localities being researched.

  • Anyone who is interested in assisting others with their research.

  • Anyone who is interested in making Geauga County records more accessible and user friendly. 

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Benefits of Membership

As a member, you will join a dedicated group of individuals sharing the same passion of honoring one's ancestors through genealogy research with a focus on Geauga County, Ohio.

You will enjoy and benefit from:

  • Our excellent newsletter, The Raconteur, which is available via email or US mail.

  • Updates on current genealogical trends and offerings through our programs and those of other societies.

  • Meetings that offer reputable speakers and excellent topics.

  • Valuable networking opportunities with other genealogists and invited speakers.

  • Annual field trip to a Geauga County historical point of interest.

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As a Chapter our society's OGS members gain entry to a larger collection of resources of this great state organization.

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Membership Application

To apply for membership an application form is available:

  • At a monthly meeting

  • From the Anderson Allyn Room of Geauga County Public library (GCPL), Chardon

  • Download Membership Application Here                    
     

Member dues are $15 per year. Lifetime memberships are available for $130. Member renewals are due at the beginning of January. Please bring the form and payment (cash or check) to a meeting or mail it to the address on the application form.

Donations are appreciated and help the Society continue their work. There is a place on the membership application to designate a financial gift.

Officers for July 2023 - June 2024

President:              Rex Saleck, genpresident@gmail.com
Vice President:        Cheryl McClellan, genvpres@gmail.com
Secretary:              Cathy Schwind,  GCGSgensecy1@gmail.com
Treasurer:               Nancy Lorenz, gentreas@gmail.com
Publicity:                Eileen Zavarella
Newsletter Editor:    Jan Began, gennewsletter@gmail.com

Pedigree Chart

Submit a 4 - 5 generation Pedigree Chart of surnames you are researching. This will assist you and other members to discover common ancestors and thereby enrich your research.  Click here to download a blank Pedigree Chart. Assistance is available if needed. 

For questions or information please email our President or mail to:

Geauga County Genealogical Society
c/o Geauga County Public Library

110 East Park Street

Chardon, OH 44024-1213

Standing Rules and By-Laws

Geauga County Genealogical Society of Ohio became a Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society in March 1973. It was incorporated in September 2009 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. View our Standing Rules and By-Laws.

History of the Geauga County Genealogical Society

The GCGS was formed by two genealogical enthusiasts, Emilie Esmonde and Alice Ferris, who were members of the Lake County Genealogical Society. It had been suggested by their friends within the LCGS to begin a group in Geauga County as both Emilie lived in Chardon and Alice in Burton. Together, they set up a meeting scheduled for 27 February 1970 and placed an ad in the newspaper for anyone interested in researching their family trees. Surprisingly 39 attended.

To learn more Click here for complete history.

Pioneer Stories: The Hazens

Thomas and Mary Ann Perry Hazen moved from Connecticut to North Hero Island, VT. Eventually Thomas came to Ohio and found land in Munson Twp., Ohio.  In March 1827, they loaded the covered wagon with supplies and their children and traveled on ice to reach New York State. From there it was about 600 miles to Munson.  Stopping places were few and far between.  The Hazen Wagon was donated to the Geauga County Historical Society in Burton, Ohio and is on exhibit in the White Barn there.

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