MHCO sponsors genealogy seminar to be held at Senior Center Aug. 25 at Senior Center
Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio will host another in its continuing serries of seminars, "Embracing Aging with Knowledge" later this month.
The seminar is at 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 25, at the Bluffton Senior Center. This program is about researching family history and how to start becoming your family's genealogist.
Debbie Mayes, the speaker, will provide tips on to begin or expand your search for family records, stories and photos.
Mayes has served as historian, president, and vice-president of the Allen County Genealogical Society.
She was the editor of Allen County Ancestry, the newsletter of the Allen County Chapter, O. G. S. from 2003 to 2010 and a genealogy society volunteer at the Elizabeth M. MacDonell Memorial Library in the Allen County Museum and at the Delphos Public Library. She lectures on genealogy and researches for clients.
Due to her own research she has honored her family by having them inducted into the DAR, DUV, the Mayflower Society, First Families of Allen County, Pioneer Families of Hardin County, American Civil War Families of Miami County, Ohio, First Families of Ohio, and Civil War Families of Ohio.
She attends genealogy workshops and seminars and has completed the National Genealogical Society Federal Census Course, the DAR Consultant Course, and the National Genealogical Society American Genealogy course.
She also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Ohio State University. Debbie has been acknowledged as a contributor in Elizabeth Shown Mills' book, Evidence Explained. She is currently writing a book on the Carder family history.
Persons attending the presentation may ask questions to assist in their family history search.
The Bluffton Senior Center is located at 132 N. Main St. There is no cost to attend the seminar, and it is open to the public. Refreshments will be served. For more information can contact Tricia Herrmann at 419-358-1015.
Stories Posted This Week
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, October 14
- CANCELLED Main St. closure on October 15
- Frederick Clyde Warren founded True-2-Form Plastics
- October 15 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- Pirate boys soccer beats Wapak in regular season finale
- Pirate girls soccer defeats Liberty Center
- Mennonite pastor to explore ‘good news’ in creation
- Bluffton University earns recognition in U.S. News & World Report rankings
- Obituary for Deborah "Debbie" Welch, 74
- Spirits and exorcism presentation during University Spiritual Life Week Forum
- Dodging bullets: Bluffton oral history 90+ years after Dillinger robbery
- Nora Matthews named BHS Student of the Month for September 2026
- ICAPP analysis on charter status and local autonomy
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, October 13
- Bluffton area Women in Business meeting October 15
- Leo club glasses collection
- Night at the (Swiss Historical) Museum, October 24
- Woodcarving ornament workshop at Swiss Heritage Center
- Barefoot nature walks at the Nature Preserve
- Pirate volleyball seeded 4th
- Beavers sports roundup, October 6-11
- Bluffton leaf pickup scheduled for last week of October
- Pirate boys soccer shuts out Bellefontaine
- Watch an after school movie at the Bluffton Public Library
- Dunlap awarded OSBA humanitarian award