Our History

The Orangeburgh German-Swiss Genealogical Society (OGSGS) was founded to research and publish the histories of the German-Swiss immigrants who were the first official settlers of Orangeburgh Township. These Swiss founders created communities in what was then the western frontier of British settlement in the South but had been inadequately and even inaccurately studied and reported.

However, these courageous newcomers were quickly joined by a wide array of settlers having different origins. We are dedicated to preserving the family histories and stories of all of Orangeburgh District’s early families, including those whose origins were German-Swiss, German, English, Huguenot, African-American, Native American, and Jewish. OGSGS researchers recognized early in the history of the Society that these different peoples quickly became one community, and ultimately one kinship network. Therefore, OGSGS studies and publishes on the full range of families in the old Orangeburgh District.

OGS provides members with historic documents, our Orangeburgh District DNA study, family biographies, resources, and most importantly, OGS connects avid researchers with one another. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or you have already taken a deep dive into your family history and ancestry, you’ll find the tools, knowledge, and support to bring your ancestors’ stories to life. This website is a portal to our work.

If you are a long time member of OGSGS, you will see that the Society is now also doing business as the Orangeburgh Genealogical Society (OGS). While we continue to document our Swiss founders, this change reflects our broad mission and the research we have conducted over thirty 30 years!

We hope that you will enjoy and benefit from this website, and that you will join our Society to continue this incredible journey of discovery and sharing with us!

Our Society

The Orangeburgh Genealogical Society (OGS) is dedicated to preserving and promoting the family histories of early settlers in Orangeburgh Township, South Carolina, and their descendants.

Founded with a mission to collect, document, and share historical records, OGS serves as a vital resource for genealogists, historians, and anyone interested in the region’s rich multi-cultural heritage.

As an eleemosynary, non-profit, non-political, and non-sectarian organization, OGS fosters the exchange of genealogical information through publications, events, and educational outreach. OGS also connects researchers with valuable resources, offers guidance in exploring archival materials, and encourages collaboration among both amateur and professional genealogists.

Each year, OGS hosts OKTOBERFEST, a much anticipated gathering in Orangeburg where members and guests share research, uncover new sources, and celebrate a shared passion for family history.
Through its quarterly newsletter and ongoing projects, OGS remains a cornerstone for those tracing lineage in the Orangeburgh District and surrounding regions.