Kelli Bergheimer, described in the report as a genealogist and DNA expert, addressed the Fayette County Genealogical Society’s monthly meeting on Oct. 19 in Washington Court House. Her presentation surveyed Ohio repositories and research approaches for family historians seeking documents used in building family trees.
According to the report, Bergheimer pointed attendees to archives at Ohio University, Youngstown State University, Wright State University, Bowling Green State University and the University of Cincinnati. She also listed the Ohio History Center, Ohio Genealogical Society Library, State Library of Ohio and Ohio Department of Health among statewide collections, and named metropolitan libraries in Toledo, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati and Cleveland.
Bergheimer advised researchers to include local material, citing Ohio’s 88 county archives as well as special-interest archives, municipal collections and regional family history centers. Attendees received a directory of facilities and online resources. The report identifies her as a Powell resident who owns Mess on Your Desk and holds degrees in biology, education curriculum and instruction, and business administration; it says she speaks to the society each October.
The society plans to gather at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 in the Economic Development Building’s downstairs meeting room at 101 E. East St. in Washington Court House. The public is invited to the annual trivia meeting, which will focus on the American Revolution in connection with the nation’s 250th anniversary.