Have you ever wondered about your family’s past? The Wellington County Branch of Ontario Ancestors and the Guelph Public Library are here to help.

Every Friday from 2 to 4:30 p.m., volunteers are available at the main library branch (100 Norfolk St.) to assist with genealogical research. No appointments are necessary—just drop in and start exploring your family history.

Genealogy Assistance for All

Jan Salsberg, chair of the Wellington County branch, describes Ontario Ancestors as a provincial genealogical society with around 30 active branches across the province.

“You don’t have to be researching family from Wellington County,” Salsberg explains. “We help people trace their ancestors from all over the world.”

The group also hosts various workshops, covering topics such as beginner research techniques, tracing specific ancestries, and using different research tools. These events can be found on the Guelph Public Library’s event calendar.

Uncovering Family Stories

Many members of the group were drawn to genealogy by personal experiences.

• Salsberg began researching her own past after discovering that both of her parents were British Home Children who immigrated to Canada alone.
• Susan Arness, the group’s vice-chair, has been fascinated by family history since childhood. “I had another career, but eventually, I knew I had to do more with this. I even went back to school and earned my certificate in genealogy.”
• Joanne Green turned genealogy into her retirement project, initially creating family trees for her nieces. “My first ancestors came to East Garafraxa, so I moved here to be near my roots.”

Community and Connection

The group assists people researching families from various regions, including Minto, Arthur, West Luther, Maryborough, Peel, Pilkington, Nichol, West Garafraxa, Guelph, Eramosa, Erin, and Puslinch.

With a team of dedicated volunteers, the library’s genealogy drop-ins often draw a crowd. “Some weeks, we even have lineups,” says Arness. “But that’s what makes this fun—you’re like a detective uncovering family secrets.”

If you’re eager to dive into your family’s history, stop by the Guelph Public Library on Fridays—who knows what stories you might uncover?