The first meeting of the year of the Crawford County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society met April 21 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, New Washington.

Mary Fox, President opened the meeting with the roll call asking the question, “How far back in time can you trace your family roots?” The average answer was early 1800’s but several could trace back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Don Wenner, secretary then read the minutes from the last meeting in November 2015. Mary Lou Hastings gave her treasurer’s report. Jette Cander, our new Facebook editor for CCCOGS has our page up and running and is asking for pictures and histories. Bob Leppert gave his report on his work to update our Constitutions by laws. Each member was given a copy and changes will be voted on at our next meeting. Mary then discussed the request made to the Crawford County Community Foundation for $16,000 to cover the cost of digitizing the volumes of Bucyrus ewspapers from 1990 to 2007.

These are at present stored in bound covers at the Bucyrus Library basement. She received notice that our request was turned down for the year. An anonymous donor has provided a $5,000 check for “seed” money toward the cost. Donation forms will be available soon. Joe Blum was introduced for his program, a slide presentation of his visit to Marckolsheim, Alsace, France. He gave a history of Alsace and it’s proximity to Germany. He visited many living relatives there and was able to get pictures and more information for his genealogy.

The next meeting will be May 19 at the Bucyrus Library conference room down stairs at 7 p.m. The program will be given by Lyle Gebhardt, auctioneer sharing many items of his collection.

Visitors are welcome.