Ohio Genealogical Society

The Ohio Genealogical Society (OGS) is based in the heart of Richland County. We protect and share Ohio’s family history resources, offer educational opportunities, and connect family historians. Your financial support preserves materials for future generations to explore their family roots. As a private, non-profit, OGS is primarily funded through memberships and community donations.

The OGS Samuel D. Isaly Library is just north of Bellville at 611 SR 97 W (off I-71), open Tuesday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm and select Saturdays. We are open to the public.

• Samuel D. Isaly Library - Over 70,000 volumes of family and local history.
• Lyle H. West Archives - Early Richland County records, family papers and letters, family Bibles, and antique maps.
• Digital Library - Local histories, military accounts, our periodicals since 1959, and resources from all 88 counties.
• Yearbook Collection - 26,000 Ohio school yearbooks, the largest collection anywhere, with Richland County volumes back to 1900.
• Photographs - The Whissemore Collection of nearly 900 identified portraits of Richland County pioneers, plus a state-wide historic photograph and postcard collection.
• Education - Free classes, affordable workshops, public webinars, and annual conferences.
• Visit ogs.org for details about our library, archives, and events. We invite newcomers and experts alike.

PLEASE CONSIDER A GIFT TO THE OHIO GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY THROUGH RICHLAND GIVES. 

WE ONLY EXIST BECAUSE OF YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!