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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
65 Episodes
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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 hiding in the records—and in our DNA.
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 siblings—and how, decades later, the truth reshaped his understanding of family.
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 still matters today.
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 Cincinnati’s past.
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 challenges of bringing history to life through fiction, and the timeless lessons of courage and perseverance that connect us to our past.
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 family history can inspire powerful narratives.
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.
For this episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast we talked to Jeff Mathew of the Adelphi Community Band from Ross County, Ohio about their 140 year history, their efforts to preserve and share the band's history, and what the band is up to today.
We speak with Paul Zuros, Director of the Fort Steuben Museum in Steubenville, Ohio on this episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast about the history of the fort, its impact on early settlement in Ohio, and the important role of the land office located in Steubenville.
It's our 50th episode of the Ohio Roots Podcast! We celebrate by speaking with Drew Smith—genealogist, librarian, author, and co-host of The Genealogy Guys Podcast—to explore his lifelong passion for family history and the intersection of genealogy and technology. Drew shares stories from his early days in online genealogy forums, insights from his books, and advice for researchers at all levels.
On this episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast we speak with Dante Weisend, Site Manager of Fort Laurens. Dante shares the history of Ohio’s only Revolutionary War fort, the upcoming archaeological excavations, and their acquisition of the Patricia Hinkle Shemanski Fort Laurens Research Collection. The collection documents all of the men who served at Fort Laurens.
On this episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast we speak with Steve Lake about how his interest in the 1782 massacre at Gnadenhutten, Ohio was sparked while researching his own ancestor's involvement. It led to the creation of Wikitree project to document the men who took part in the massacre. We discuss the project, its status, and the what it means to those with ancestors who may have been involved.
We spoke to Brian Rhinehart of CivilWarRecords.com while attending the 2025 OGS Conference and he shared with us how he got his start in genealogy, the interesting things he discovers in the course of his research, and how he helps people learn more about their American Civil War ancestors.
Join us for this episode of the OGS Ohio Roots podcast as we speak with Jen Narramore, meteorologist and host of the podcast Tornado Talk, about the Virtual Tornado Memorial Project and how your family’s history could aid them in documenting historical tornados and their impacts.
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