Donna Gasper Pond Hartwig, President of the Peoria County Genealogical Society, Peoria, Illinois, is a lifelong Peoria resident.Donna joined the Society in 1989 to learn more about researching my family. Her interest in genealogy began in the early 1980’s when one of her aunts was contacted for their family lineage.  Being in ill health, her aunt wasn’t able to respond so Donna decided to step in and gather the information. Her research journey began!

One of Donna’s first tasks as a volunteer for the society was to transcribe obituaries from newspapers on microfilm to paper. Special forms were printed with the information needed. Her job was to find an obituary, complete the form from information on the microfilm.

In 2004, Donna decided it was time to “give back” to the society some of the benefits she had received. It was then she became Vice President, in charge of programs. Three years later, in 2007, Donna became president of PCGS and still serves the society in that leadership role.

Donna took a state leadership role by becoming the Chair of the 2010 Illinois State Genealogical Society Annual Conference in Peoria, IL.  She continues to work at state level conferences as registrar or in charge of table decorations for the luncheons and dinners.

Donna, as many other PCGS volunteers, likes to help other people with their genealogy. In 2012, Donna began assisting a friend, Jack Hartwig, with his “genealogy brick wall.”

They were married on April 12, 2013.

During Donna’s tenure as President, the society has developed a Policy and Procedure Manual, increased our membership by presenting programs “How do I ?” by our Vice President, Rita Marsh; participated in community events, revised our magazine, PRAIRIE ROOTS and our PCGS Newsletter, and are in the process of creating a new website!

Donna has attended national genealogy conferences in Salt Lake City, UT; Knoxville, TN, and Springfield, IL; six state-level genealogy conferences, and many workshops.