Chronicling America: Using historical newspapers for genealogy

For the Rapids City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The Genealogical Society will host “Chronicling America – Using Historical Newspapers for Genealogy.”

The program will be presented by Bev Peaslee, a longtime member of the Heart O’ Wisconsin Genealogical Society, who is currently working with the town clerk of Sherry to publish a book on the township history.

Newspapers offer a fascinating look into the lives of our ancestors. In some cases, a local newspaper offers a look at the daily lives of our relatives, something a census or vital record cannot easily offer. Bev will show us how to use Chronicling America, a free online searchable database of historic newspapers, including the Wood County Reporter, which was printed 1857-1923.

The program will be held May 18 at 9:30 a.m. in the All-Purpose Room at McMillan Memorial Library, 490 E. Grand Ave., Wisconsin Rapids.