Troy Rogers, president of the Winn Genealogical and Historical Association, spoke to the Kiwanis Club on June 16 during the club’s regular weekly meeting.

The WGHA is a group of researchers dedicated to keeping the stories of the ancestors who settled the region. After a period of inactivity, the association is being revitalized by community members working to unearth the heritage of Winn Parish. Anyone with an interest in family genealogy or local history is welcome to join. The association’s motto is “Discovering Our Roots Together.”

The WGHA maintains a private library collection featuring books, historical journals and research aids specifically geared toward local families and regional history. Additionally, the Louisiana History Room at the Winn Parish Library includes a microfiche collection and a dedicated research computer. Visitors are encouraged to make an appointment to ensure assistance is available.

Association meetings are held every other month. They begin with a visitation period from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by a business meeting at 11 a.m. and a potluck lunch. The primary meeting room is located upstairs in the Health Unit Building, 301 W. Main St., Room 218. Some meetings are held at alternate locations in conjunction with family reunions and other community events.

The year-end celebration is scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Winnfield Political Museum.

The association is active in the community, holding a seat on the City Historical Board to help preserve local landmarks. Members also participate in the Sikes Wolf Creek Festival, and volunteer groups recently completed preservation work at the Couley Double Church Cemetery.

Annual membership fees are $30. Charter members pay $15 per year to maintain their standing.

The next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 15 at the Winn Parish Library. Attendees will tour the Louisiana History Room and learn about available archival services. At the recent Kiwanis meeting, Rogers provided handouts on genealogical research fundamentals, land records, official research logs and oral history summaries.

For more information, contact Rogers via email at troyr57@gmail.com or visit the association’s website at wgha.net.