Ohio Roots

In this episode, Laurie Hermance-Moore, founder of Heritage Bridge, discusses her transition from a librarian and market researcher to a professional genealogist. She explains how her team specializes in "solving the problem" for family historians, utilizing a combination of DNA clusters and "deep document research", such as deeds, guardianship, and probate records, to break through brick walls that have stood for decades. We also explore the sensitive nature of biological family research for adoptees and how new AI search tools are revolutionizing access to court records.

In this episode, we sit down with Kim Jurkovic, the curator of the Tuscarawas County Historical Society and a 7th generation countian whose local roots stretch back to the 1830s. We explore the wealth of resources available at the Tusc Kent Archive Room, located in Founders Hall on the Kent State University Tuscarawas campus, which serves as a vital hub for regional genealogy and history.

In this episode, we sit down with genealogist Pamela Ellis to explore the challenges every family historian faces—those frustrating “brick walls” where progress seems to stop. Drawing from her new book, The Brick Wall – Breaking Genealogy Barriers with AI, Pamela shares practical strategies for rethinking research problems, uncovering overlooked sources, and approaching genealogy with a more analytical mindset. We also discuss how emerging AI tools can support (not replace) traditional research methods, helping genealogists break through barriers and make meaningful discoveries.

In this episode we sit down with Michael L. Strauss, a military historian and professional genealogist whose work spans archives, academia, and the courtroom. A featured speaker at the 2026 Ohio Genealogical Society Conference, Michael shares insights from his upcoming sessions, including research on non-combatants in military history, the American Protective League, U.S. Patent Office records, West Virginia genealogy, the Mexican-American War, and Justice of the Peace records. Discover how these often-overlooked sources can reveal powerful new details about your ancestors and expand your research beyond the basics.

In this episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast we welcome Maureen Brady, a veteran genealogist with more than thirty years of research experience, to preview her sessions for the 2026 Ohio Genealogical Society Conference. Maureen shares insights on the Scots-Irish as America’s first frontiersmen, tracing the British diaspora, researching in Southern Illinois, and strengthening your ability to analyze evidence.

On this episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast we speak with genealogist and educator Robert Cameron Weir. He joins us to explore strategies for solving tough research problems—from probate records and colonial New England sources to DNA shared matches and emerging tools like AI and ChatGPT. A specialist in New Hampshire and Massachusetts research, Robert previews his sessions for the 2026 Ohio Genealogical Society Conference and shares practical insights genealogists can use at every experience level

On the latest episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast we talk with author Dale R. Spaulding about Curious Cathy’s Quirky Questions and its companion My Family History Journal. He shares how a simple conversation between a curious child and her grandfather can spark a lifelong interest in family history, especially for kids and homeschool families. We explore why storytelling is such a powerful gateway to genealogy, how to engage younger generations in meaningful ways, and how families can begin preserving their stories together one question at a time. 

This episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast we preview the 2026 Ohio Genealogical Society Conference with guest Kate Penney Howard. Kate discusses her upcoming sessions on using DNA to solve maternal surname mysteries, uncover lost GI fathers, investigate a fascinating con-man case, explore forgotten Midwestern settlements, and trace orphan train stories. It’s a conversation about discovery, problem-solving, and the powerful stories hiding in the records—and in our DNA.  

On this episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast we speak with Akron Beacon reporter Tawney Beans and the subject of her recent article Glenn Duncan. When a routine DNA test revealed unfamiliar relatives, Glenn Duncan began unraveling a family secret hidden since the 1950s. We discuss how forged records, quiet agreements between friends, and modern genetic genealogy revealed that Glenn’s childhood playmates were actually his half siblings—and how, decades later, the truth reshaped his understanding of family.

In this episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast, we speak with Richard Schneider, FamilySearch Coordinator at the John Parker Library at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati. Richard discusses the unique challenges of African American genealogy and the creative strategies genealogists use when traditional records fall silent. It’s a conversation about history, resilience, and why uncovering these stories still matters today.

In this episode, we chat with Stephen Headley, Reference Librarian in the Genealogy and Local History Department at the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library, to explore the depth and diversity of the library’s research collections. From genealogy and house histories, African American history, and rare special collections, Stephen shares how these resources help researchers uncover personal stories and better understand Cincinnati’s past.

On the this episode of the OGS Ohio Roots Podcast, we’re joined by John Thompson of the Fort Meigs Historic Site, one of Ohio’s most significant War of 1812 landmarks. We talk with him about the fort’s history, its ongoing educational mission, and what visitors can expect when they explore this remarkable piece of Ohio’s heritage.

Join us on this episode of the Ohio Roots podcast for a conversation with Deb Deal of the 2026 OGS Conference Committee. We discuss the 2026 OGS Conference and what attendees can expect as they are “finding genealogy gems” at the 2026 Conference in Sharonville, Ohio. 

Join us on this episode of the Ohio Roots podcast for a conversation with Lorinda LeClain, local historian and author of Hidden History of Athens, Ohio. Lorinda uncovers the little-known stories that shaped Athens County—from coal miners and early settlers to freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad. Discover how genealogy and local history intertwine to reveal the people and events that built this unique corner of Ohio.

In this episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast, we talk with Sally Hobert Whiting, educator, publishing professional, and genealogist, about her journey uncovering her family’s Pilgrim roots. Sally shares the inspiration behind her historical novel, Filled with Fortitude: Pilgrim Elizabeth Tilley, which tells the story of her 13-year-old ancestor who sailed on the Mayflower. Join us as we explore her passion for genealogy, the challenges of bringing history to life through fiction, and the timeless lessons of courage and perseverance that connect us to our past.

Join us for this episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast where we speak with Kenneth Marks of The Ancestor Hunt website. Kenneth shares his personal story along with the development and production of the Ancestor Hunt website, the site's Newspaper Research Academy, and much more.

In this episode, we talk with author and genealogist Willis Smiley about his new Substack novel, God-Haunted: The Possible Story of Thomas Ewart. Blending meticulous genealogical research with imaginative storytelling, Willis brings to life the mysterious 1879–1880 arson attacks on his 5x great-grandfather’s Marietta, Ohio home. We explore the role of the temperance movement, the challenges of weaving fact and fiction, and how family history can inspire powerful narratives.

This episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast is an interview with Christine Bowman, Local History & Genealogy Specialist at the Massillon Public Library in Massillon, Ohio. Christine shares with us her background, the Massillon Library's many family history resources and programs, and much more.

We speak with forensic genealogist Katharine O’Connell of North Coast Genealogy about the nature of her work as a forensic genealogist, what it means to conduct forensic genealogy, and some of the challenges inherent in it. 

On this episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast we speak with Angela O'Neal, the Manager of Local History & Genealogy at Columbus Metropolitan Library's Main Library. Angela discusses the resources available to genealogists and family historians, how to access those resources, and much more.

For this episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast we talked to Jeff Mathew of the Adelphi Community Band from Ross County, Ohio about their 140 year history, their efforts to preserve and share the band's history, and what the band is up to today.

We speak with Paul Zuros, Director of the Fort Steuben Museum in Steubenville, Ohio on this episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast about the history of the fort, its impact on early settlement in Ohio, and the important role of the land office located in Steubenville.

It's our 50th episode of the Ohio Roots Podcast! We celebrate by speaking with Drew Smith—genealogist, librarian, author, and co-host of The Genealogy Guys Podcast—to explore his lifelong passion for family history and the intersection of genealogy and technology. Drew shares stories from his early days in online genealogy forums, insights from his books, and advice for researchers at all levels.

On this episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast we speak with Dante Weisend, Site Manager of Fort Laurens. Dante shares the history of Ohio’s only Revolutionary War fort, the upcoming archaeological excavations, and their acquisition of the Patricia Hinkle Shemanski Fort Laurens Research Collection. The collection documents all of the men who served at Fort Laurens. 

On this episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast we speak with Steve Lake about how his interest in the 1782 massacre at Gnadenhutten, Ohio was sparked while researching his own ancestor's involvement. It led to the creation of Wikitree project to document the men who took part in the massacre. We discuss the project, its status, and the what it means to those with ancestors who may have been involved.

We spoke to Brian Rhinehart of CivilWarRecords.com while attending the 2025 OGS Conference and he shared with us how he got his start in genealogy, the interesting things he discovers in the course of his research, and how he helps people learn more about their American Civil War ancestors. 

Join us for this episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast as we speak with Jen Narramore, meteorologist and host of the podcast Tornado Talk, about the Virtual Tornado Memorial Project and how your family’s history could aid them in documenting historical tornados and their impacts. 

It’s OGS Conference week as a treat we have a special DOUBLE episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast! Join us as we discuss genealogy and the conference with presenters Maureen Brady and Michael John Neill. Discover their starts in genealogy and what they have planned for us at the conference.

We speak with Aimee Rose-Haynes, genealogist and citizen of the Cherokee Nation, about her start in genealogy, DNA analysis, and what she will present at the 2025 OGS Conference this year.

You don't want to miss this episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast! We speak with Daniel Horowitz of MyHeritage about what inspired his interest in genealogy and what he has planned for us at the upcoming 2025 OGS Conference. 

Join us as we speak with genealogist and military historian Michael Strauss on the latest episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast. Michael shares with us what he has planned for his presentations at the 2025 OGS Conference and much more. 

Join us for a discussion with 2025 OGS Conference presenter and genealogist Denyse Allen. Denise shares with us how she got her start in genealogy, previews her presentations for the conference and much more!

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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)

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. 

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!