JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio. — Stories from across the Ohio Valley lined the tables of the John M. Abdalla Municipal Building as readers searched for their next American epic right in their own backyard.

Hosted by the Jefferson County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society, organizers wanted to showcase the best of Ohio Valley authors.

“We have a lot of very talented local authors here,” said Flora VerStraten-Merrin, president of the Jefferson County chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society. “They are non-fiction authors, which means they talk about real stories and experiences from their lives, from the history of the region we live in. So we decided to bring them all together in one place and ask them to share their stories and share their books.

Featuring 11 Ohio Valley authors, VerStraten-Merrin emphasizes that showcasing local authors with local stories helps the community reconnect with its past.

“It helps us appreciate the area we grew up in, the area we grow up in — certain changes, certain differences,” VerStraten-Merrin said. “It teaches us history. So history is important to us as a genealogical society.”

Authors at the event said they were excited to not only introduce their books to a new audience, but also bring the rich history of the Ohio Valley to the community.

“You tell stories about the past and that’s important because people need to know those stories. You know, people say history repeats itself, so it’s important to tell the story of what’s “has passed,” said Joan McGlone, author at the event.

Although this is the first year the event has been held, organizers hope the event will be bigger and better in the future.