Welcome to OBCGS

After careful consideration and with an abundance of caution, we have decided to close our Library to outside visitors until further notice. In addition, we have canceled all programs previously scheduled for March and April. Take this time to conduct online research or organization of your photographs and records at home. As we make decisions about future scheduling, we will keep this page updated. Please contact us by email (see our contact page above) if you have any questions.

In other news, OBCGS is sad to share that one of our valued contributing members, Ray Elingburg, passed away on Feb. 24. Ray’s obituary is in the Friday, Feb. 26 issue of the Asheville Citizen-Times and can also be found here.  The service mentioned in the obituary scheduled for March 21 has been CANCELED. 

Ray started volunteering at OBCGS in 2003. He worked as a docent, helping patrons research their family histories, and filled several positions on our Board. When the Society needed a larger space, he was instrumental in a fund-raising campaign, locating our current space and facilitating the library’s move.

Ray was a dedicated member and volunteer. With his leadership, we have been able to grow and expand our mission to provide education and support for those researching their family histories. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.