T. Elmer Cox Genealogical & Historical Library

09/08/2026

Morning Walk 09/08/2026

08/25/2026

The Greene County Genealogical Society will host Renee Willingham on September 5th, giving a talk on the uses of AI in genealogical resear

Renee Willingham Hamilton is a nationally recognized genealogist, speaker and lineage society leader from Knoxville, Tennessee.

A passionate family historian since 2008, Renee specializes in lineage research, Revolutionary War ancestry, hereditary society applications, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in genealogy, and advocates for transparency in records according to the Genealogical Proof Standards. She has completed the Boston University Genealogical Research Certificate Program and the International Association of Professional Genealogists Certificate Program and is a frequent presenter on genealogy, DNA research, historical methodology, and emerging technologies.

Born in Seattle, Washington, and raised in Pittsburg, Kansas, Renee proudly describes herself as a coal miner's daughter. She earned her nursing degree from Pittsburg State University and was commissioned into the United States Air Force Nurse Corps shortly after graduation. During Operation Desert Storm, she served as a critical care nurse, an experience that helped shape her lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and education.

Today, Renee devotes her time to genealogy, hereditary societies, public education, and writing. She is passionate about preserving family stories and inspiring others to discover the people whose lives shaped their own. She is a member of many lineage and historical organizations. Her recent work has focused on the intersection of genealogy and artificial intelligence, demonstrating how modern technology can help uncover and preserve the past for future generations.

Known for her enthusiasm, humor, and ability to make family history come alive, Renee enjoys helping others discover their ancestors, preserve their stories, and connect with the people who came before them.

07/25/2026

UPDATE: Thanks to everyone who shared this, we've located a family member who will treasure the items. Thanks for helping get these where they belong!

HELP US FIND FAMILY: WWII Veteran Pfc. George Woods Kuhn, U.S. Army

Our archive received a remarkable donation containing over 30 personal letters and 2 photographs belonging to Pfc. George Woods Kuhn of Columbus, Ohio. We would love to return these precious family heirlooms to a living descendant who will cherish them.

About Pfc. Kuhn:

Service: Co. E, 331st Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division
Campaigns: Normandy through the Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin
Deceased: 15 July, 1944 as a result of wounds received in action

Genealogical searches show he has no surviving immediate family, but we are hoping a distant relative or connected family historian is out there!

Do you recognize this name? Please share this post to help us spread the word, or reach out Assistant Director Christopher Gose at the T. Elmer Cox Genealogical & Historical Library (423-638-9866) if you have any information. Let’s return this treasure of history home!

07/01/2026

06/16/2026

Join us on July 1st between 3 and 6pm for an Open House at the T. Elmer Cox Genealogical and Historical Library and check out our new American 250 Exhibition about the Founding of Greene County!

04/30/2026

This commemorative project is part of the local America 250 initiatives, designed to engage the public with the rich, complex history of the American frontier.

04/22/2026

Visit the T. Elmer Cox Genealogical and Historical Library and check out this year's new gallery exhibit on the Founding of Greene County, part of our celebration of America's 250th!