Researching local history and genealogy can be simplified by getting the assistance of Kelly Whitmer who works at the Alvah N. Belding Library and serves as an archivist for the Flat River Historical Museum in Greenville. Submitted photos

Kelly Whitmer’s delve into history began in early childhood thanks to her parents who were teachers and their numerous historically-infused vacations. No roller coasters or cotton candy for the Whitmers, it was musket fire and battlefields that filled their summer days.

It wasn’t until Kelly took a job with the Flat River Community Library that she really developed an appreciation and passion for history. As a new hire, Whitmer joined the staff when the library moved into its current location on W. Judd St.

“They specifically built a room for local history and they had nobody to run it,” Whitmer said. “When they hired me they said, ‘You’re in charge of this now.’”

She took the ball and ran with it. With the help of Elsie McNiel, who was part of the Flat River Historical Society, Whitmer started researching the founding of Greenville and its first residents. This time also marked an increased interest in genealogy research. As more and more library patrons expressed interest in researching their family lineage, Whitmer dedicated more time to honing her own research techniques. Whitmer’s father started to gain interest in genealogical research and she felt the time was perfect for him to join forces with her since he had retired from his teaching career.

Through her own digging, Whitmer said she didn’t uncover anything particularly interesting or strange but did say that Annie Oakley was the most notable distant relative in her family tree. Despite her children not showing interest in genealogical research, Whitmer does believe they will appreciate it in the future. It isn’t just her own roots that keep her curiosity piqued.

“I love genealogy because it is universal,” Whitmer said. “Every person has a family history. Anybody can do this, everyone should do this. Every person’s family is interesting to me. Kids in school are learning events in history and it is cool when they can tie something in their family to history.”

Whitmer suggests that people new to genealogical research should make use of local libraries, museums and the websites familysearch.org and findagrave.com. Both websites are free to use and Whitmer expressed her strong belief that everyone should have free access to information. Familysearch.org was founded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has uploaded close to two billion documents and according to Whitmer this only accounts for about ten percent of their archives.

In the last few years, there have been mail-in DNA kits that have been touted to help people discover their ancestral roots. Whitmer sees both advantages and disadvantages to these kits and stresses that a person looking into purchasing a kit first should have researched their family background and to be prepared for potential surprises.

“I’m okay with the DNA tests,” Whitmer remarked. “I caution people to be aware that the DNA is going to uncover it all. Your family may have lied, your family may have covered things up, but DNA is not going to lie.”

Like diving into genealogical research, submitting a DNA test should be well researched and done when a person knows exactly what they are looking for. She recommends starting with a goal, such as looking into just one side of a family. By doing this, it helps with clarification because the amount of information uncovered can be overwhelming. Being organized is important as well. Whitmer said these are things she teaches in her genealogy workshops.

Whitmer said a bonus to being part of a group is that everyone will bring different things to the table. Some people may have discovered a new source or may have a suggestion about a different approach or direction to take. Whitmer originally started a group based in Greenville but when she moved to the Belding Library, she created a new group. Her group meets the first Friday of every month at 10 a.m. at the Alvah N. Belding Library. The Greenville group continues to meet at 10 a.m. the first Tuesday of the month at the Family History Center located in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Greenville next to Walmart.

Whitmer added that because the LDS church founded genealogical records in the U.S., their Family History Center is a great resource for research. In addition to their own website, the church subscribes to several other paid websites and allows guests to access those free of charge on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. She added that there are volunteers on site who are very knowledgeable and helpful.

Whitmer’s transfer to the Belding Library has also opened up the opportunity for her to learn more about the City of Belding and Ionia County. Looking out the back windows of the lower level of the library, the Flat River flows gently to the south. It is the river that created the towns of Belding and Greenville and the subsequent lumber industry and eventually the railroads that tied the communities together.

People who are interested in starting their own genealogical journey but who are unable to attend either of the groups in Belding or Greenville are always welcome to email Whitmer or stop by the library in Belding and ask her questions. She added that anyone who has a passion for ancestry and research is usually happy to share their hobby with others.

“You just get people who are passionate about genealogy to start talking and you will learn a lot.”