About Kent Branch

Ontario Ancestors, Kent Branch was founded in 1978 to promote genealogical research in Kent County.  We are a branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society.

Kent Branch’s Family History Library is located within the Chatham-Kent Public Library, but in our own room and we are an entity separate from the Public Library.  Our Family History Library is usually open Fridays and Saturdays, 1pm to 5pm, and open Mondays through Wednesdays by appointment only.  If you are travelling from a distance, please contact the branch in advance, as the library may be closed on occasion due to volunteer non-availability.  Email us at [email protected] to let us know you are coming.

Members of the public are invited to do their own research using materials on our open shelves.  A volunteer on duty will assist you in finding the materials we have. Our Family History Library will be closed on Statutory and recognized Canadian holidays and on the Public Library’s staff development days.  While there is “metered” parking around the public library, also there is free parking for library patrons in a lot just a block west of the library.

Kent Branch has an excellent research library with “open shelves” so the public can do their own research.  We do not charge a fee to use our Our Family History Library but we are dependent on your generous donations to help us pay for the rent, maintain our holdings, and acquire more research materials. Research “fees” received by Kent Branch, also help with our library’s expenses.  Our volunteers & researchers donate their time to try to help those living at a distance and unable to visit and do their own research.  Kent Branch does not receive any funding from the Municipality, nor from Ontario Ancestors.

Please visit us on Facebook and join our Kent Branch OGS Group!. Thank you for your continuing support!