If you are a reader of this column it is obvious that something about local and/or family history peaks your interest. Even if you have never sought out the stories of your ancestors or the past residents of your neighborhood, when the stories are put before you, you take notice. Whether you are a veteran researcher or a “perhaps curious” reader there is no better time than right now to begin to seek out the local opportunities that are ready and waiting to reveal more of this history to you.

Seekers of family history are very fortunate if their ancestors came from Greene County. Greene County not only has the Historical Society Museum where our physical history is displayed and preserved, but we also have a specialized research library at the Cornerstone Genealogical Society. Genealogists who have traveled far and wide to find family never fail to compliment the extraordinary value of our local Cornerstone Genealogical Society library and volunteers. In fact, the Cornerstone Genealogical Society is Greene County’s No. 1 tourist attraction – so now is a great time for locals to take the opportunity to appreciate what out-of-towners already know.

Don’t let the word “genealogy” get in your way if you are seeking local, rather than family, history. Contrary to what many people may believe, genealogy is not just about filling in names and dates on a tree chart. Genealogists seek to put their relatives in historical context – telling the story of each person considering the time, place and events of their lifetime. Local history resources double as genealogical references making the library extremely useful for both topics. 

This month makes the perfect time to begin visiting your local heritage resources because on March 18, 2006, the Cornerstone Genealogical Society in conjunction with the Greene County Tourism Board will be holding an Open House at their location in the annex of the First Greene County Courthouse at 144 East Greene Street, Waynesburg. Visitors will be welcome to stop by any time between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on that Saturday, while volunteers conduct tours, answer questions and orient guests with the great opportunities that CGS provides in local family and local history research. Refreshments will be provided and special exhibits will be on display, including movies featuring Greene County and its citizens at the turn of the century, and photographs from mid to late 1800s and early 1900s Greene County families.

The Greene County Tourism Board will hold an open meeting from 11 a.m. to noon in the First Greene County Courthouse that visitors can choose to take part in after their tour. The meeting will be a brainstorming session to identify more of Greene County’s local heritage locations and resources, as well as how to make these resources known and available to both locals and tourists.

Visitors are encouraged to bring with them to the Open House any family or local history materials that they would like to share for the library’s collection (such as photographs, family Bibles, church and school records, etc.). Volunteers will be available throughout the Open House to copy these materials and return them to you – no originals need to be left. Contributors will be credited for the information they share.

If you have any questions or would like more information you can visit the Cornerstone Genealogical Society web site at www.cornerstonegenealogy.com or give them a call at 724-627-5653. CGS library hours are Monday through Friday – 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Saturday – 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.