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Joan Wood has worked as an Archives Assistant at the Stewart Bell Jr. Archives for ten years. She has a passion for genealogy, and as our resident genealogy specialist she has helped countless researchers uncover ancestors who once lived in the Winchester-Frederick County area. Joan also leads a genealogy discussion group known as Family History Hunters open to anyone interested in learning more about their family history, regardless of research experience.

September 2 marked the 75^th anniversary of the end of World War II.  On that day in 1945, known as V-J Day (Victory over Japan Day), the Japanese boarded the USS Missouri and signed formal surrender documents, finally bringing peace to a world that had seen far too much suffering.  The American General MacArthur, serving as Master of Ceremonies, spoke these powerful words before the signing:

The next program in Genealogy for Beginners Series, Wills and Deeds is at Handley Library on May 28^th at 6:30PM.  The program is presented by Joan Wood, Archives Assistant, is free and open to the public, and sponsored by the Stewart Bell Jr. Archives, the program is a

Stewart Bell Jr. Archives m announces the Genealogy Lunch Bunch at Handley Library on May 24^th at 12PM. The Genealogy Lunch Bunch is an easy and friendly way to discuss with like-minded people genealogy success, frustrations, and tips for researchers of all levels.  Researchers need to bring their own lunch. 

We have a new program from the Stewart Bell Jr. Archives at Handley Library!

Genetic Genealogy: Understanding DNA Results will take place on May 7^th at 2PM and is free and open to the public.  The seminar, presented in two parts, will provide a general introduction to DNA Genealogy and include sections on understanding mt DNA, Y-DNA, and Autosomal DNA results.  The seminar will be presented by Shannon Combs-Bennett, QG, PLCGS, an award winning author and genealogical lecturer based out of Norther Virginia. 

We are excited to announce a new program led by Joan M. Wood, Archives Assistant at the Stewart Bell Jr. Archives, at the Handley Library.  The program, Genealogy Series: Beyond Beginners will focus on helping patrons find information through the census records.  Wood will explain the types of census records available and how using these records is important to genealogical success.  The program is free and open to the public and is on April 23^rd at 6:30 in the Benham Gallery Room at Handley Library.