Troy Genealogical Society offers various community involvement opportunities

The society recently hosted an open house but new members/volunteers are always welcome 

By Josh Jones

Times Tribune Editor
[email protected]

TROY — Knowing one’s ancestry is important, the knowledge can help trace lineage and track long-lost family members, it can reveal potential medical issues connected to genetics and it can bring you closer to those in your very community. 

The Troy Genealogical Society’s (TGS) mission is to promote family history research through sharing of resources and ideas of a group. The TGS recently held an open house earlier this month inviting the public to the lower level of Tri-Township Library for an evening showcasing what the TGS and its members have accomplished. 

President of the Troy Genealogical Society Diana Bauer said that they had a decent turnout during their open house. 

“There were a lot of people that said they were sorry they missed it, because of illness and hospital stuff, because it is an older group,” Bauer said. 

Former TGS Secretary/Treasurer and current member Dawn East said the open house still provided a great opportunity for members and those interested to visit with each other. 

“That is what is always nice about the open house,” East said. “Because we had some historical stories there, plus we had family photo books that people have made.”

But even if you missed the open house the TGS is still accepting members and volunteers. 

She said that the TGS is great for those interested in their family ancestry as they have resources as well as can help guide someone who doesn’t know where to start.

“Some people are starting from the ground up and they don’t know how to start, so we just guide them through,” Bauer said. 

The open house also served to kick off the Troy Genealogical Society Coloring and Poetry Contest, which goes until July 3. The contest is open to Pre-K through sixth grade. Entries will be accepted at the Tri-Township Library. Please include the age category, name, address and phone number on the back of entry. Limit one per child. Six Graders are asked to write a poem or short story about their family. Ribbons and gift certificates will be awarded on July 3. The PDF of the coloring sheet may be found by searching “Troy Genealogical Society Coloring & Poetry Contest” on Facebook.

“They can download it,” Bauer said. “And there are copies at the library, members are passing out coloring sheets too.” 

 She said another focus of the TGS is the monthly cleanup they have at the Troy City Cemetery. 

“We are doing that every month. Our next one is going to be July 13,” Bauer said. “It is usually 10 (a.m.) to 1 (p.m.), sometimes earlier than that. We start promptly at 10.” 

The TGS also researches the veterans buried at the Troy City Cemetery and has written and had articles published on specific veterans/families with veterans. They have researched over 50 local veterans. East said that they have discovered various interesting things through their research. 

“I think the research on the military veterans that they have done for the city cemetery, they have found quite a few interesting stories there,” East said. 

Bauer said a big reason for the cemetery cleanup initiative is because they are planning to be a part of Wreaths Across America this year. According to its website, this year, National Wreaths Across America Day will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. Join the more than two million volunteers and supporters who will gather to Remember, Honor and Teach at more than 4,225 participating locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad. For more information on the program people may visit https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. 

“We are definitely looking for volunteers to place the wreaths at each of the veteran’s headstones,” Bauer said. 

Bauer said that the group setting allows for more ideas that lead to learning more about their local community. 

“It is great to bounce ideas off of each when we can do it as a group,” Bauer said. 

Meetings are the first Wednesday of every month, except June and December at Tri Township Library in Troy at 7 p.m. Those interested may contact the Troy Genealogical Society at (618) 667-7074 or email [email protected]