The Jefferson County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society is hosting a special meet-and-greet event on November 9th, 2024, at the John M. Abdalla Municipal Building in Stratton, Ohio. This event will feature 12 local non-fiction authors, each with a unique connection to Jefferson County and the Ohio Valley. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the authors, purchase books, get autographs, and participate in giveaways. The free event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will coincide with a soup and sandwich fundraising lunch organized by the Stratton Volunteer Fire Department.

Flora VerStraten-Merrin, president of the Jefferson County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society, has been a champion of local history for over 20 years. She is excited to bring together a group of talented authors who have written about the rich history of Jefferson County. "We have so many wonderful local authors who have told some amazing stories of life up and down the Ohio Valley. This event is a great opportunity to introduce them to the community and celebrate their work," VerStraten-Merrin said.

Those scheduled to attend include Susan M. Guy, Joan McGlone, Virginia Glenn, Bob Petras, Mary Zwierzchowski, Rena Glover Goss, Sandy Faye Hudnall Day, Gary Cornell, Mary Ann Cooper Smith, Fred Miller, Janice Van Horne Lane, and Gary S. Williams.

Each author will discuss their work, share insights on local history, and provide updates on upcoming projects. Guests are encouraged to bring any books they already own for autographs. Those who purchase books at the event will receive a free tote bag and bookmark, courtesy of the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County.

Under VerStraten-Merrin’s leadership, the Jefferson County Chapter has transformed into a valuable resource for anyone interested in genealogy and local history. When she began as president, the chapter had no office or genealogical records. Today, it boasts a research library, a dedicated office, and over 1.2 million digitized records, freely accessible to the public through familysearch.org.

The chapter also offers various resources, including a quarterly newsletter, free educational programs, and a collection of historical publications. VerStraten-Merrin is deeply committed to ensuring that the history of Jefferson County and its surrounding areas in the Ohio Valley is preserved for future generations.