SINCE 1981
Darke County Genealogical Society
The first official meeting of the Darke County Genealogical Society was held on March 15, 1981. The late Toni Seiler, who was at that time curator of Garst Museum, was instrumental in organizing a group of people who were interested in genealogy and the Society was created. Toni became the first president. Since it’s organization the Society has published multiple books including marriage records, funeral records, family histories and reprints of local history. Members have helped grow and maintain the Research Center at Garst, as well as libraries and historical groups around the county through the donation of books, microfilm, and other material. The family files started by Toni Seiler and located in the Garst Research Library, has expanded to include multiple file cabinets containing over 5000 Darke County family names thanks to the Society’s members. The Society publishes a quarterly newsletter, “The Kindling”, and provides access to the public to such internet sites as Ancestry, Fold3 and Newspapers.com. It supports continuing education of genealogists, both the beginner and advanced, through workshops with nationally known speakers and monthly meetings featuring genealogy and historical subject speakers. We are a chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society.
Frequently Asked Questions
Meetings & Events
All meetings and events are open to the public
Febuary 8, 2026, Sunday
2:00 P.M.
Darke County Extension Office
603 Wagner Ave
Greenville OH 45331
Topic: Planning meeting
March 15, 2026, Sunday
2:00 p.m.
Darke County Extension Office
603 Wagner Ave
Greenville, OH 45331
Topic: Mini workshop for beginners, Part 1
Free and open to the public.
April 12, 2026, Sunday
2:00 p.m.
Darke County Extension Office
603 Wagner Ave
Greenville, OH 45331
Topic: Mini workshop for beginners, Part 2
Free and open to the public.
May 17, 2026, Sunday
2:00 p.m.
Darke County Extension Officde
603 Wagner Avenue
Greenville, OH 45331
Topic - Mini workshop for beginners, Part 3
Free and open to the public.
June 4, 2026, Thursday
5:30 p.m.
Greenville City Park
Shelter House #5
Bring a covered dish & drink. Chicken will be provided.
September 13, 2026, Sunday
2:00 p.m.
Darke County Extension Office
603 Wagner Ave
Greenville, OH 45331
We will be also be discussing plans for the upcoming workshop.
Topic: Mini workshop for beginners, Part 4
Free and open to the public.
2026 Genealogy Workshop
October 3, 2026
10:00 to 1:00
Doors Open at 9:30 a.m.
Garst Museum Lowell Thomas Conference Room
205 N. Broadway
Greenville, OH 45331
Pre-registration Before September 20, 2026 - $15.00
Registration at the door - $20.00
PRESENTED BY: Angel King
Angel King is an award-winning speaker and genealogy researcher from Logan County, Ohio. For more than two decades she has explored family history through archival research, historical interpretation, and heritage travel, working to connect historical records with the real landscapes and experiences of earlier generations.
A member of the National Speakers Association of Ohio and an award-winning
Toastmaster, Angel presents practical and engaging workshops for genealogy societies and historical organizations. Her work has been published in a genealogical society journal.
LECTURE TOPICS:
1. Revisiting Family Lore with New Research Tools
Many genealogists inherit powerful family stories that deserve careful re-examination. This session explores how newly available digital archives, artificial intelligence tools and expanded historical resources can help place family traditions into clearer historical context. Participants will learn ways to thoughtfully separate myth from documented history while still honoring the emotional truth these stories have carried through generations
2. Creating a Family History Book Your Family Will Actually Read
Practical strategies for organizing photos, documents, and family stories into a legacy format that future generations will engage with. Using real-world examples, including online photo book tools, this session explores how to decide what truly matters to include, how to shape a meaningful narrative, and how to present family history in ways that are clear, engaging, and lasting.
November 8, 2026, Sunday
2:00 p.m.
Darke County Extension Office
603 Wagner Ave
Greenville, OH 45331
Induction of new lineage families will take place.
We will celebrate the holidays with our annual party.
Please bring finger food snacks to share.
No meetings in the following months:
July 2026
August 2026
December 2026
January 2026
Darke County Genealogical Society Membership
Benefits
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We offer assistance with your genealogy research. The Garst Museum Research Center is staffed by members of the Society.
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Speakers and workshops on relevant genealogy subjects
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Newsletter – “The Kindling” (4 times a year)
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Darke County Lineage Membership Eligibility
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Pioneer Families – direct descendent of an individual who settled in the area defined as Darke County by 31 December 1830
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First Families – direct descendent of an individual who settled in the area defined as Darke County by 31 December 1850
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Civil War Ancestor – direct descendent of an individual who served from Darke County in the Civil War (1861 – 1865)
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Century Ancestor – direct descendent of an individual who was in Darke County from 1851 to present date minus 100 years
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Books compiled and published by The Darke County Genealogical Society
Research Resources
Garst Museum Research Center
Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Admission fee required
$12.00 - Adults
$11.00 - Seniors (60+)
$9.00 - Youth (6 – 17)
$9.00 - Genealogy Society Members
*Darke County Historical Society members enter FREE
Greenville Public Library
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Ohio Genealogical Society
*Online Resource
Government Center
Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED
Government Center
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Closed on all legal holidays
Darke County Genealogical Society Officers
President – Linda Riley
Vice President – Karen Besecker
Secretary – Diane Brittenham
Treasurer – Caroline Petitjean
Publicity – Diane Brittenham
Newsletter Editor – Linda Riley
Assistant Editors – Phyllis Crick & Karen Besecker
Trustees
Phyllis Crick
Regina Schieltz
Shirley Hughes