The Ohio Genealogical Society is the premier Ohio family heritage resource. It is the fourth largest genealogical organization in the United States with 92 chapters and over 6,000 members world-wide. Throughout the forty-five years of its existence, the Society's mission has been to meet the educational needs of its members and the general public through the acquisition, preservation and dissemination of genealogical and historical information. To this end, the OGS research library in Mansfield has built a unique and valuable collection of over 30,000 historical records and genealogical resources and makes this collection available in ways convenient to our users, be they in Ohio or three-thousand miles away. Annually the library has about 5,000 visitors while the web site averages a quarter-million hits per year. In 2006, expanded web offerings have increased usage greatly.

However, the current facility and accompanying web site services no longer meet the needs of today's genealogist. Every inch of the 10,000 square foot library/headquarters in Mansfield, Ohio is at capacity. The building cannot hold the ever expanding collection of historical and genealogical materials. These precious documents and books are not being maintained in a temperature and humidity controlled environment safe from fire and environmental damage. OGS lacks the space and the infrastructure to significantly improve its web site offerings or to begin converting documents to digital and microtext formats. Space is also a factor in being able to add educational programs.

Quality Library and Member Services
Recently, the Society was given 7.6 acres of land near Interstate 71, just south of Mansfield. On this site OGS now plans to construct a fully-equipped research library. At the same time, the Society will improve services to genealogists world-wide through increased offerings on its web site, improved quality of its periodicals and publications, and more and varied educational offerings presented both in Ohio and via the Internet.

The 21st Century Campaign
Construction costs for this new facility are currently estimated at $2 million including equipment and furnishings. At the same time, to ensure that operating revenues keep pace with increased costs, the Society hopes to add $1,000,000 to its endowment. This endowment will insure perpetual building and collection maintenance, adequate staffing and support services, and continually upgraded web-based resource delivery.

Toward this amount, the Society expects to contribute $200,000 from its building fund and $300,000 from the sale of its present facility. The balance of $2.5 million would be raised through a nationwide capital campaign. Through the success of this campaign, we can help to create a facility and world-wide accessible data and digital research offerings that do justice to the singular heritage of our home state, its families, and its communities - truly quality library and member services for the 21st century.

The Society's membership expanded over the years, especially during the awakening of historical interest brought about by the United States bicentennial. Today, it is the largest state genealogical society the United States, with 92 chapters and over 6,000 members. Half of these members live in other states and countries. Most are actively engaged in genealogical research involving Ohio ancestors and the Society provides resources to make their endeavors as productive as possible.

You can be a part of it!
You can make a donation to the OGS Capital Campaign via PayPal by clicking the link below. The transaction is safe and secure.

After you click the button, simply enter the amount of your donation and follow the prompts.

All gifts to OGS are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. We thank you for your support of this worthwhile project.

The Ohio Genealogical Society -- the Premier Ohio Family Heritage Resource
713 South Main Street, Mansfield, Ohio 44907-1644 (419) 756-7294

Questions about this site? Contact webmaster@ogs.org

© 2004-2009, The Ohio Genealogical Society
This site last updated 10 November 2009.