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Mercer County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society
MEETINGS
Meetings are held at the Richardson-Bretz Building, 119 West Fulton Street, Celina on the second Sunday of each month at 2:00 p.m (with some date exceptions due to holidays). Meetings are open to the public.
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January 12, 2025 - The January 12th MCCOGS meeting is canceled due to bad weather.
February 9, 2025
The Mercer County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society will hold its February meeting on February 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the Richardson-Bretz Building, located at 219 West Fulton Street in Celina. The topic for this meeting is “When Are They Wearing?”
Do you have any mystery family photos in your collection? Perhaps you recognize the people as family but aren’t sure who they are or when the photos were taken. From the advent of photography in the 1840s to the introduction of color film in the 1940s, clothing styles evolved dramatically. Join local historical researcher Hannah Wiest as she shares how to use clothing styles to estimate the approximate date a photo was taken. Attendees are welcome to bring their own photos for specific advice.
In case of inclement weather, listen to WCSM at 96.7 FM, 100.3 FM, or 1350 AM, or check this page for cancellation notices.
March 9, 2025
The speaker for this meeting is Caitlyn Clark, a resident of Darke County and the director of the Riley Museum in Celina. Additionally, she is an author, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her presentation.
Many people are unaware of the circumstances of Lewis and Clark's first meeting. Nearly a decade before the Lewis and Clark Expedition, one of them was highly praised by his superior officers and was a man who was noticed early on for his abilities as a natural leader. The other was preparing to represent himself in court, facing the possibility of a career-ending court martial. Despite their different backgrounds, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark somehow found common ground, founding a lifelong friendship. Even after the Expedition, they went on to work side by side, navigating the politics and violence of the frontier in St. Louis. Though Louisville, Kentucky, is often recognized as the starting point of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, few people actually know where they met for the first time: Greenville, Ohio.
April 13, 2025
The Mercer County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society will kick off April with a presentation titled “Research by Association”—an innovative method for discovering your ancestor’s birthplace in Germany. Our speaker, Sam Schmitz, is a dedicated Chapter member who has spent years traveling across Germany to conduct genealogical research. With 27 years of experience, Sam specializes in translating and transcribing records written in German, French, and Latin. He has successfully helped many individuals uncover their ancestors’ origins in German-speaking countries. The meeting will take place at the Richardson-Bretz Building, located at 119 West Fulton Street in Celina.
May 4, 2025 – Adjusted Meeting Date
*Please be advised that the May meeting has been rescheduled from May 11 to May 4 to avoid a conflict with Mother's Day. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you there.
Guest Speaker: Father David Hoying
Join us as Father David Hoying shares the compelling story of his two paternal great-great-great-grandfathers and their journey from Germany to Auglaize County. Through family history and local heritage, Father Hoying will explore the paths they took, the challenges they faced, and the legacy they left behind.
In 2023, Father Hoying celebrated over 40 years as a priest. He is a well-known local historian and currently serves as the provincial archivist at St. Charles Seminary. Father Hoying makes his home at St. Charles Center in Carthagena, Ohio.
June, July, August
There are no meetings scheduled during the summer.
September 14, 2025
The program is titled Unmentionables—a fascinating look at ladies’ undergarments throughout history, from the 1800s to today.
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Our presenter, Luann Everett, is a lifelong history buff whose love of fashion grew into collecting vintage clothing and creating programs that bring history to life. She also has a passion for genealogy and has been inducted into many lineage societies, including First Families of Ohio, Builders and Settlers of Ohio, Pioneer Family of Mercer County, Civil War Family, and the Military Order of the Daughters and Sons of Ohio. She continues her work toward recognition in the Northwest Territory of Ohio and the DAR.
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Luann serves as secretary of the Allen County Genealogical Society and on the First Family Lineage Committee of Auglaize County. She is a member of several genealogical societies across Ohio and New Jersey and helps create cemetery books for Allen County, currently focused on Woodlawn and Gethsemani in Lima.
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In addition, she designs historical costumes for museum programs, volunteers at the MacDonnel House, and has presented programs such as From Out of the Hat Box, Grandma's Aprons, and Aging Photos Through Fashion. Retirement has only given her more time to share her love of history, fashion, and family with others, and we are delighted to welcome her for this program.
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October 12, 2025
Join us for our next gathering at the recently restored Glass Cabin, located at 8630 Old Town Road. The cabin, which sits adjacent to a private residence, has been lovingly restored by Mary Meyer, Sam Schmitz, and friends to reflect the charm and authenticity of a Mercer County homestead between 1900 and the 1930s.
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Parking: Please park only in front of the cabin.
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Carpooling: If you’d like to ride together, meet at the Richardson-Bretz Building at 119 W. Fulton Street no later than 1:45 p.m.
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Step back in time with us and enjoy an afternoon surrounded by history, community, and the spirit of preservation.
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November 9, 2025
In honor of Veterans' Day, Caitlyn Clark will be speaking on St. Claire's Battle at Fort Recovery, Ohio.
December 14, 2025
First Families Induction and Christmas party. Judy Zehringer will be in charge of this meeting.
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