Our club is active and engaged! Ready to join or renew?
|
|
Pay by mail
Mail a $15 check, payable to 'Cranberry Genealogy Club', to Pat Purifoy, Membership Chair, Cranberry Genealogy Club, 108 Oakridge Trail, Evans City, PA 16033. Please include your name, email address, phone number(s) and regular mailing address with your mailed payment.
Pay online for $16, using PayPal and your credit card.
Mail a $15 check, payable to 'Cranberry Genealogy Club', to Pat Purifoy, Membership Chair, Cranberry Genealogy Club, 108 Oakridge Trail, Evans City, PA 16033. Please include your name, email address, phone number(s) and regular mailing address with your mailed payment.
Pay online for $16, using PayPal and your credit card.
Our Club uses the free registration feature of Zoom Meetings. Those who choose to register and participate via Zoom will receive automated meeting reminders.
* To register, click on the "Registration Link" for a specific meeting.
* At the Zoom registration page, enter your first and last name, and e-mail address.
* After registering, you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information about joining the meeting.
* 24 hours before the meeting, you will receive a reminder e-mail resending the Zoom meeting link.
* To register, click on the "Registration Link" for a specific meeting.
* At the Zoom registration page, enter your first and last name, and e-mail address.
* After registering, you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information about joining the meeting.
* 24 hours before the meeting, you will receive a reminder e-mail resending the Zoom meeting link.
Registration for Zoom Links and Reminders
Teasing Out the Hidden Story: One of the biggest challenges we face when writing family histories is how to turn the bare facts into tales worthy of being read, but our ancestors were real people, not just names, dates and places. We’ll explore four different approaches that can help us to understand them in the context of the time and place in which they lived, and search for unexpected clues in the information we’ve already gathered. By digging deeply into the genealogical details, we can bring our ancestors' stories to life. Register now for the Zoom Link...
Our presenter: Pam Vestal is a professional genealogist and speaker who turned her focus to her longtime love of genealogy after a 20-year writing career. Her articles have appeared in the National Genealogical Society Magazine and The Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly, and her lectures take her from coast to coast. Pam specializes in conducting genealogical research and then transforming that information into illustrated stories that even non-genealogists can enjoy.
Our presenter: Pam Vestal is a professional genealogist and speaker who turned her focus to her longtime love of genealogy after a 20-year writing career. Her articles have appeared in the National Genealogical Society Magazine and The Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly, and her lectures take her from coast to coast. Pam specializes in conducting genealogical research and then transforming that information into illustrated stories that even non-genealogists can enjoy.
Genealogical Research Using Railroad Records: This presentation provides an overview of the different types of records or sources that were created by the railroad or the people who worked on them. We will take a quick look at the value of these records and explore what the records tell us about our railroad ancestors. Kim S. Harrison has been doing genealogy since 1974, and in 1998 she was fortunate to turn her passion into her vocation. Register now for the free Zoom link...
Our presenter: Kim Harrison has had the privilege of working in the library community by representing some of the big online providers of information (Gale, Otherdays.com, ProQuest, NewsBank and Ancestry). She holds genealogy membership since the 1970s with NGS and Ohio Genealogical Society, as well as being past President of the Michigan Genealogical Council and Arizona Genealogical Advisory Board. Harrison is also a founding member of the Grand River Trails Chapter of the DAR (MI). During the 1980’s Kim lobbied the National Archives to stop the destruction of the Railroad Pension Application files. Later she wrote a grant for the preservation of the investigation into the Sultana Disaster, and those documents are now available (free) on Fold3.
Our presenter: Kim Harrison has had the privilege of working in the library community by representing some of the big online providers of information (Gale, Otherdays.com, ProQuest, NewsBank and Ancestry). She holds genealogy membership since the 1970s with NGS and Ohio Genealogical Society, as well as being past President of the Michigan Genealogical Council and Arizona Genealogical Advisory Board. Harrison is also a founding member of the Grand River Trails Chapter of the DAR (MI). During the 1980’s Kim lobbied the National Archives to stop the destruction of the Railroad Pension Application files. Later she wrote a grant for the preservation of the investigation into the Sultana Disaster, and those documents are now available (free) on Fold3.
Genealogical Resources on Historic Pittsburgh: Photos, maps, books, city directories -- and more! If you are researching ancestors in Western Pennsylvania, HistoricPittsburgh.org is a fantastic, and free, web site you should add to your list. We'll talk about what types of resources can be found on the site, which libraries and archives have collections there, and how to effectively search through the thousands of items hosted there. Watch here for the Zoom link.
Our presenter: Amy Welch is the Library Services Manager for Family & Local History, Archives and Special Collections at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. She has 10 years of experience researching in Western Pennsylvania through a variety of time periods, and is always willing to listen to your favorite ancestor story.
Our presenter: Amy Welch is the Library Services Manager for Family & Local History, Archives and Special Collections at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. She has 10 years of experience researching in Western Pennsylvania through a variety of time periods, and is always willing to listen to your favorite ancestor story.
|
Genea-Break: "Tech Tips"
2nd Wednesday, Virtual at 7:00 PM. Members Only "Tech Tips" will be demonstrated through a website or sites each month. Members - watch your inbox for the GeneaBreak Zoom link. Genea-Breaks are recorded and then available for 2-3 months on the website Members Only page. We look forward to your attendance and participation! If you are not a member, visit our Membership page and join using the Online option, so your e-mail can be added to the members list. |
|
Brick Walls and Bagels
1st Saturday at 8:00 AM. Open to All We call it "Bricks and Bagels" but feel free to grab a donut or muffin! Brainstorm your genealogy challenges with Cranberry Genealogy Club friends! If you don't have any 'brick walls', come and help others solve theirs or talk about your successes. We meet on the first Saturday each month at 8:00 AM at the Cranberry Giant Eagle. There is a Starbucks inside. We meet in the seating area between Starbucks and the beer and wine section. Starbucks has pastries, muffins and breakfast sandwiches, and Giant Eagle has donuts, bagels, etc. in the Bakery section. |
|
Zelienople Public Library, 10:30 AM. Open to All
In-Person and Virtual Just starting to build your family tree? Or, interested in group sharing and problem solving? If you'd like to join the session via Zoom, call the library for the link. 724-452-9330. Registration is not required. Sessions are free and open to the public. February 23 link and Zoom info: Time: Feb 23, 2026 10:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86140178018?pwd=CaOk9WYvIknTWrLLr9LgT50hYgJLs0.1 Meeting ID: 861 4017 8018 Passcode: 114926 |
Cranberry Township FamilySearch Center
Weekly Wednesday Hours: 10am-3pm and 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Visit the FamilySearch Center for free access to technology and to a menu of library databases with assistance from volunteers at every center. Using FamilySearch.org within the FamilySearch Centers provides exclusive access to certain record collections as well as those that can be accessed from home. In addition to FamilySearch.org, there is also access to worldwide records from these databases: Ancestry, MyHeritage, FindMyPast, Geneanet, American Ancestors, Newspapers.com, and other quality options.
If visiting for the first time, ask a volunteer for a short orientation about using the resources. Then dive into the records and accomplish some research goals! There are easy ways to save records that you discover. You may download the images onto a thumb drive or e-mail the records to yourself. There is also the option to print the record images there at the FamilySearch Center.
Seeing a familiar face might be important to you when you visit the center. Members of the Cranberry Genealogy Club often volunteer there. If you are interested in serving as an occasional volunteer at the Cranberry FamilySearch Center, your help would be welcome! Stop by on a Wednesday and offer your help for future sessions.
Weekly Wednesday Hours: 10am-3pm and 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Visit the FamilySearch Center for free access to technology and to a menu of library databases with assistance from volunteers at every center. Using FamilySearch.org within the FamilySearch Centers provides exclusive access to certain record collections as well as those that can be accessed from home. In addition to FamilySearch.org, there is also access to worldwide records from these databases: Ancestry, MyHeritage, FindMyPast, Geneanet, American Ancestors, Newspapers.com, and other quality options.
If visiting for the first time, ask a volunteer for a short orientation about using the resources. Then dive into the records and accomplish some research goals! There are easy ways to save records that you discover. You may download the images onto a thumb drive or e-mail the records to yourself. There is also the option to print the record images there at the FamilySearch Center.
Seeing a familiar face might be important to you when you visit the center. Members of the Cranberry Genealogy Club often volunteer there. If you are interested in serving as an occasional volunteer at the Cranberry FamilySearch Center, your help would be welcome! Stop by on a Wednesday and offer your help for future sessions.
|
Cranberry Township FamilySearch Center
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2771 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Township, PA 16066. (intersection of Rochester & Powell Rds.) Questions: E-mail: [email protected] Park in the lot off Powell Road, behind the building. There is a new entrance on the west side of the building instead of the old entrance on the southwest end. If Seneca Valley Schools are closed on a Wednesday due to weather conditions, the center will be closed. Call during center hours to verify, Ph: 724-742-0922. |
Blue Collar Ancestry: Tracing Your Coal Miner Roots
Heinz History Center: Blue Collar Ancestry Series
Tracing Your Coal Miner Roots
Sunday, March 1, 2026. 2:00 - 4:30 PM. $5 for History Center Members: $10 for Non-Members.
In-person or Virtual Registration...
Take a deep dive into the lives of your coal miner ancestors.
In the second session of the History Center’s new genealogy series, explore the lives of Western Pennsylvania coal miners and discover the often-overlooked records that reveal their fascinating stories.
Perhaps more than any other industry, coal mining attracted waves of immigrants from across Europe. These workers joined African Americans and other Appalachian laborers in grueling work to power the country’s Industrial Revolution. These mining families built vibrant multicultural communities and left behind rich documentation of their lives.
Join professional genealogist Kate Townsend, CG® to uncover research strategies and materials unique to the coal industry, including union records, company newsletters, newspaper clippings, mining accident reports, maps, historic photographs, and more.
Track your ancestors across coal patch towns and communities throughout Western Pennsylvania while exploring connections to mining disasters and their lasting impact on families.
Local archivists will also share lightning talks highlighting lesser-known coal industry resources within their collections.
Tracing Your Coal Miner Roots
Sunday, March 1, 2026. 2:00 - 4:30 PM. $5 for History Center Members: $10 for Non-Members.
In-person or Virtual Registration...
Take a deep dive into the lives of your coal miner ancestors.
In the second session of the History Center’s new genealogy series, explore the lives of Western Pennsylvania coal miners and discover the often-overlooked records that reveal their fascinating stories.
Perhaps more than any other industry, coal mining attracted waves of immigrants from across Europe. These workers joined African Americans and other Appalachian laborers in grueling work to power the country’s Industrial Revolution. These mining families built vibrant multicultural communities and left behind rich documentation of their lives.
Join professional genealogist Kate Townsend, CG® to uncover research strategies and materials unique to the coal industry, including union records, company newsletters, newspaper clippings, mining accident reports, maps, historic photographs, and more.
Track your ancestors across coal patch towns and communities throughout Western Pennsylvania while exploring connections to mining disasters and their lasting impact on families.
Local archivists will also share lightning talks highlighting lesser-known coal industry resources within their collections.
Partners Across the Pond
News from ABC Family History Association
The ABC Family History Association in Northern Ireland is a partner group to CranGenClub, and they have months of programming outlined at the bottom of the home page of their website, at https://www.abcfha.com/.
To become an individual member of the ABC FHA, consider the options on the “Membership” web page, found online at
https://www.abcfha.com/membership. Fill out the membership form to email. A nice option is the Online Membership, which offers a reduced annual rate from the Full Membership. A major benefit of having your own membership to ABC FHA is access to all programming, including recordings. Upcoming virtual programs available to any interested genealogists:
ABC FHA’s Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/ABCFamilyHistory
The ABC Family History Association in Northern Ireland is a partner group to CranGenClub, and they have months of programming outlined at the bottom of the home page of their website, at https://www.abcfha.com/.
To become an individual member of the ABC FHA, consider the options on the “Membership” web page, found online at
https://www.abcfha.com/membership. Fill out the membership form to email. A nice option is the Online Membership, which offers a reduced annual rate from the Full Membership. A major benefit of having your own membership to ABC FHA is access to all programming, including recordings. Upcoming virtual programs available to any interested genealogists:
ABC FHA’s Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/ABCFamilyHistory
Local Genealogy Groups
North Hills Genealogists
Visit their website for details... They also have a Facebook page
Beaver County Genealogy & History Center
Meets on the 3rd Wednesday at 7:00 pm. Visit the Beaver County Genealogy and History Center website for open hours and program details or call the Center at 724-775-1775.
Butler County Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania
Meetings are open to the public, and pre-registration is required when meetings take place on Zoom. For the latest information refer to their Facebook page and join the group. Search for Butler County Genealogy Society of Pennsylvania
Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society
Check the WPGS website for coming events and programs.
Visit their website for details... They also have a Facebook page
Beaver County Genealogy & History Center
Meets on the 3rd Wednesday at 7:00 pm. Visit the Beaver County Genealogy and History Center website for open hours and program details or call the Center at 724-775-1775.
Butler County Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania
Meetings are open to the public, and pre-registration is required when meetings take place on Zoom. For the latest information refer to their Facebook page and join the group. Search for Butler County Genealogy Society of Pennsylvania
Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society
Check the WPGS website for coming events and programs.
Who doesn't love 'freebies'?
We do. And so will you.
Download one or both of these for your personal use.
Both were created by our club president Susan Ennis.
Beginner's Toolkit (with charts)
For the Experienced Genealogist
We do. And so will you.
Download one or both of these for your personal use.
Both were created by our club president Susan Ennis.
Beginner's Toolkit (with charts)
For the Experienced Genealogist
About Us
We bring together people who share a passion for genealogy and family history, creating a welcoming space to learn, discover, and preserve stories of the past. Through dynamic programs, hands-on learning, and shared resources, we help members and guests uncover and understand their roots—one branch at a time.
Based in Cranberry Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania, we gather monthly via Zoom, and we also host special events throughout the year. Our meetings are free and open to everyone, but membership is encouraged. Annual dues make it possible for us to bring in expert speakers, host engaging programs, and keep this website thriving for the benefit of our community of researchers.
Based in Cranberry Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania, we gather monthly via Zoom, and we also host special events throughout the year. Our meetings are free and open to everyone, but membership is encouraged. Annual dues make it possible for us to bring in expert speakers, host engaging programs, and keep this website thriving for the benefit of our community of researchers.
Our annual dues allow us to obtain speakers and support this website, among other activities.
2026 Annual Dues are $15 ($16 if paid online).
President and Newsletter Editor: Susan Ennis
Secretaries: John Francis, Rita Romig
Outreach: Rita Romig
Programs: Judi Boren, Patricia Robison
Membership: Pat Purifoy
Treasurer: Debbie Billeter
2026 Annual Dues are $15 ($16 if paid online).
President and Newsletter Editor: Susan Ennis
Secretaries: John Francis, Rita Romig
Outreach: Rita Romig
Programs: Judi Boren, Patricia Robison
Membership: Pat Purifoy
Treasurer: Debbie Billeter
Contact Us
If you have questions, or would like more information, Click here to e-mail us. Or copy [email protected] into your e-mail "To:" field. Please let us know how we can help you or further improve our website.
Last updated 05 February 2026
If you have questions, or would like more information, Click here to e-mail us. Or copy [email protected] into your e-mail "To:" field. Please let us know how we can help you or further improve our website.
Last updated 05 February 2026
