Lycoming County Genealogical Society

07/28/2026

07/28/2026

Anyone related to, or recognize these folks?

06/30/2026

Too hot for you? Our library is freezing. Come visit us 12-4 Tues - Fri. In the Taber Museum.

05/15/2026

𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭!!!
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐲𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧

If selected, you will learn genetic genealogy (DNA) and share your knowledge with researchers.

The Lycoming County Genealogical Society is looking for a volunteer to help answer DNA questions and assist with DNA-related presentations. If you’ve taken a DNA test, are intrigued by your results, and want to learn how to use DNA for genealogy, this could be a great fit.

Training is provided at no cost for the right person. Along with DNA training, you’ll also receive guidance on genealogical research methods and how to help others apply what they learn.

We’re looking for someone who:
Has taken or will take an autosomal DNA test from AncestryDNA, and is curious to learn more
Enjoys learning and explaining information in a friendly, clear way
Is comfortable using a computer and doing basic online research
Can volunteer a consistent amount of time each month (schedule flexible)

A degree or training in biology or related field is helpful, but not required

This volunteer role may include:
Helping respond to member questions about DNA test results and next steps
Assisting with (and eventually helping deliver) DNA presentations or beginner workshops
Learning core genetic genealogy concepts and research strategies
Pointing members to reliable resources and best practices

Interested? Contact: us at [email protected]

05/07/2026

Did you catch our very own Helen Yoas on Jeopardy?! We couldn't be prouder. And she mentioned us!!!

05/06/2026

05/05/2026

Tip of the Day:

Typically, an “𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓” is someone who is legally entitled to inherit property from someone if that someone dies without leaving a legally valid will.

𝑩𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 are generally individuals who are designated to receive property after a person dies. They may be named in a will, a trust, or other legal documents.

𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒆 and 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒆 are two older terms that may be encountered in legal documents involving the settlement of an estate when there is a valid will admitted to probate.

A 𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒆 is someone who is named to inherit personal property. A 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒆 is someone who is named to inherit real property.

05/03/2026

Did you know that LCGS has Lycoming County will books from the - first one to book 11 - scanned and indexed?

Tip of the Day-

It’s unusual for a person to give a complete list of children in their will and state “This is a list of all my children. I have no others.” Wills that give property to some children and name others only to give them nothing or a seemingly token amount may appear to have named all children (the token amount clause is usually done so the child cannot say they were omitted). It is worth noting that a will is a legal document to dictate property transfer upon a person’s death and not to provide a genealogical record of all the testator’s children.

The wills that appear to only mention some children that are more confusing and raise questions. It’s possible that other children were provided for separately prior to the drafting of the will or were intentionally left out for some other reason. One should not jump to the conclusion that children given no inheritance or left out of the will were “on the outs” with the testator unless there is evidence to support that statement.

It’s proving the testator had children not mentioned in the will that can sometimes be difficult.

Researchers should make certain that all probate records involving the settlement of the parent’s estate have been obtained–not just the will. Were there any settlement deeds drawn up for property not referenced in the will? Did heirs have to sign any of those deeds? Was there property whose disposition was not mentioned in the will? Was there court action over the validity of the will–a potential if children are truly omitted?