GROVE CITY — Dara Shirey said she believes that in a society in which the family unit is becoming more divided, many people are turning to genealogy for a greater sense of connection, structure and comfort.

Shirey, originally from Cranberry Township, has been involved with genealogy for 35 years after discovering it at the age of 12. Now she is helping others in Grove City trace their own family lines.

"I think people want that family unit," she said, "so going back and doing research, you start to get the feeling of that bond," Shirey said.

Shirey will host genealogy classes at the Grove City Historical Society this summer, with one workshop a month in June, July and August. Each will focus on a different area of research and ways to connect with personal histories.

When she was 12, Shirey discovered genealogy while visiting an aunt in Virginia, who took her to various sites and helped her learn more about her great aunts and uncles.

"I get a sense of who I am, and a sense of belonging," Shirey said. "When they say it gives you roots, it really does make you feel like you have some established connection, and I think that was the key for me."

Shirey said she discovered one of her ancestors took part in a major aspect of American history on a trip with her aunt.

"My great aunt married a gentleman named Harry Mason, and I later found out that his great-grandfather was the author of the Virginia Constitution," she said. "That's exciting to think you have people like that in your family — it gives you some family pride."

Shirey said genealogy began as a way for royalty to keep record of their blood lines, but is now used as a tool for everyone to connect with where they come from.

"For my family, we have gone back to the early 1700s, but I have done research for others going back to 1100," Shirey said.

"Once you get back into a royal line, it's easy, because genealogy at one point in time was the pedigree of the royal — they kept those records for that snobbish reason."

The genealogy library at the Grove City Historical Society is lined with shelves jam-packed with many aspects of the town's history.

Histories from surrounding areas, directories from Grove City dating back to 1905 and huge binders filled with family histories decorate the space at 111 College Ave.

Shirey said proceeds from the classes will go to building the genealogy room's research tools.

The first class will be held at the historical society on June 10 and will focus on the science of research and evidence, and the processes used to gather the information.

The next workshop, on July 8, will teach participants how to access birth and death records and using archives, libraries, Census and church records.

The last workshop on Aug. 12 will show how to use a map and study township and county boundary evolution.

The classes will run from 6 to 8 p.m. and each costs $30, which includes materials and refreshments. For information on registering, call the historical society at 724-458-1798.