Grove City Area Historical Society will open a genealogy research library in September, and Vice President Anita DeMarco said she couldn't be more ready and willing to help visitors explore their family histories.

"We're setting up and getting our programs established and our links connected," she said.

Mrs. DeMarco proposed the idea for the library after some suggestions from other members of the society. Plans for the library are under way to create a computer system that will allow visitors to uncover information about their ancestors.

"They want to find out how these people lived," Mrs. DeMarco said.

People will be able to research and add to their family's past, which has more meaning than just looking up names and dates, she said.

The society will hold a how-to seminar in September to educate people on using the system. Mrs. DeMarco said visitors wishing to access the system need to come prepared with as much information as possible about their ancestors, such as their full names, birthplaces and birth and death dates.

The library will have family-tree software and links to helpful Web sites. Members of the society will provide assistance. It is opened to the public and Mrs. DeMarco said the system is easy to use.

"We're getting trained and doing fairly well," she said. "We in turn will train others."

With the help of the society's treasurer, Virginia Filer, Mrs. DeMarco sent a proposal to United Way of Grove City and Wal-Mart requesting funds for the library. Both businesses agreed to help finance the project.

"We were most fortunate to have them," she said. "If it wasn't for Wal-Mart and United Way of Grove City, we wouldn't be in existence."

Mrs. Filer and Mrs. DeMarco recently met with Maria Brower, a professional genealogist from California, and Barbara Sterner of Grove City, a public speaker on genealogy. Both women have guided the society with advice for the library.

Ms. Sterner is organizing the upcoming seminar. Mrs. DeMarco and Mrs. Filer also have been working with other local historical societies for additional support and information to further the progress of the library.

Barry Harlow, an intern at the society, is helping to establish a Mormon family history center in Slippery Rock. That would provide additional assistance for the Grove City Area Historical Society.

The society offers a service to area residents that will let them preserve the memories of deceased family members and friends. With a donation to the society, people can place photos and information in a historical memory album designed by Mrs. DeMarco.

"Their memories should not fade. This will be a permanent part of our records," she said.

The genealogy research library will add to the society's mission of combining the past and present as a way for visitors to begin or add to their family histories, Mrs. DeMarco said.

"The historical society and the genealogy library go hand-in-hand," she said.

For further information, contact Grove City Area Historical Society at (724) 458-1798.