Ohio Roots
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. Edited by: Luc Poirier Produced by: The Ohio Genealogical Society
Episodes
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 ...
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 ...
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-...
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 sh...
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 youn...
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...
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 sibl...
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 sti...
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 Cin...
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 chall...
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 fami...
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.
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