Annual Seminar 2015 in Victoria, British Columbia

Merv Scott, the Project Director of the Victoria Genealogical Society (the one in British Columbia, Canada) writes to tell me that they have finalized their program for their Annual Seminar, and registration is now open at http://www.victoriags.org/seminar.php

The date of the seminar is October 24, 2015 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and it will be held at St. Aidan’s Church Hall, 3703 St Aidan's Street, Victoria, BC.

They will have an impressive lineup of speakers to address this year's theme - Creating Connections Through DNA: Genetic Genealogy in the Digital Age.

Some of the speakers will be -

Barbara Johnson has a degree in Medical Microbiology, and has taught science both at elementary school and with Pacific Science Center

Wedlidi Speck, a hereditary chief of the Namgis First Nation, is Director of Aboriginal Service Change with the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

Stuart Rennie is a Lawyer, Records and Information Management and Information Governance consultant as well as an Adjunct Professor at UBC in the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies.

Merv says that “Some of your followers might like the idea of enjoying our beautiful fall weather. Combining a trip to Victoria and all it has to offer with a day of genealogy with like minded people - what could be better"?

The website is www.victoriags.org

The Seminar website is http://www.victoriags.org/seminar.php

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Check the Canadian Week in Review every Monday morning for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada.

If you missed last week’s edition, it is at http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2015/06/canadian-week-in-review-cwr-22-june-2015.html

 It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in Canada

More Vital Statistics added to Nova Scotia Archives database

 An additional 26,625 historical vital statistics have been added at www.novascotiagenealogy.com! 

These records were released on 31 December 2014 and they have been digitized, fully indexed and checked for quality control.

This year's posting include 15,123 births (1914), 5,086 marriages (1939) and 6,416 deaths (1964).

As usual, the birth records include some 'delayed' entries for individuals born in 1914 (or earlier) but not registered until a later date.

Meanwhile, FamilySearch has added more Nova Scotia indexed records, such as -

Nova Scotia Deaths, 1864-1871

27,717 images organized by county (Annapolis, Antigonish, Cape Breton, Colchester, Cumberland, Digby, Guysborough, Halifax, Hants, Inverness, Kings, Lunenburg, Pictou, Queens, Richmond, Shelburne, Victoria, Yarmouth) and year range.

The site is at https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2242825

Nova Scotia Marriage, 1864-1918

21,950 images organized in the same way as above.

The site is at https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2242886

Nova Scotia Births, 1864-1877

35,025 images organized in the same way.

The site is at https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2243378

If you are looking for an Nova Scotian ancestor, I would advise you to look through the entire section, because I have found births, marriages and deaths on each roll of microfilm, regardless if it says, for instance, Nova Scotia Deaths. Although, through FamilySearch, you do have direct access to the records, that may not be available elsewhere.

 Happy Researching!

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Check the Canadian Week in Review every Monday morning for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada.

If you missed this week’s edition, it is at http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2015/06/canadian-week-in-review-cwr-29-june-2015.html

  It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in Canada!

Ancestry.ca is FREE!

 

It is Canada's birthday on July 1st, and Ancestry.ca will be FREE until Midnight July 1st ET. 

And that is FREE access to all Canadian records.

You will need to register for free with Ancestry.ca with your name and email address.

Once registered a user name and password will be sent by email.

After July 1, 2015, you will only be able to view these records using an Ancestry.ca paid membership.

Go to http://home.ancestry.ca/

Happy Researching!

===================================================================

Check the Canadian Week in Review every Monday morning for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada.

If you missed this week’s edition, it is at http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2015/06/canadian-week-in-review-cwr-29-june-2015.html

  It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in Canada!

Canadian Week in Review (CWR) - 29 June 2015

I have come across the following Canadian genealogy, history and heritage websites, social media, and newspaper articles this past week that were of interest to me, and I thought you might be interested in them, too.

This Week in Canadian History

In 1774, the "Quebec Act" was passed by the British Parliament, establishing French civil law and the British system of criminal law in Quebec. As well, Roman Catholics were to have religious freedom. It also enlarged the province's borders to include Newfoundland and territory south of the Great Lakes.

For more information, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/?title=Quebec_Act



In 1955, the laying of a transatlantic telephone cable began at Clarenville, Newfoundland.

For more information, go to http://strowger-net.telefoniemuseum.nl/tel_hist_tat1.html

In 1534, French explorer Jacques Cartier discovered Prince Edward Island

For information, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/?title=Jacques_Cartier





Social Media

(Video) Timber! Crowd gathers to watch old mill implode in Saskatoon
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/timber-crowd-gathers-to-watch-old-mill-implode-in-saskatoon-1.3121465
   It woke up the neighbourhood, if you were not already up to watch.
   This morning, at least 100 people gathered on Saskatoon's west side to watch the 105-year-old Parrish & Heimbecker mill's demolition.

Articles

Newfoundland

Website reveals Newfoundland's best-kept secrets
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/website-reveals-newfoundland-s-best-kept-secrets-1.3120632
   Local adventurers have a new source of inspiration for their expeditions. A new website called Hidden Newfoundland is dedicated to revealing unknown and forgotten locations across the island for people to explore.
   The website called Hidden Newfoundland is at http://www.hiddennewfoundland.ca/

Quebec

NCC to preserve iconic Gatineau Strutt House as public pavilion
http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/ncc-to-preserve-iconic-gatineau-strutt-house-as-public-pavilion
   Gatineau’s iconic Strutt House, lauded by National Capital Commission CEO Mark Kristmanson as “a unique 20th century architectural treasure in the national capital,” will be preserved, rehabilitated, and opened as a public pavilion in time for Canada’s 150th birthday celebration in 2017.

Ontario

Champlain's legacy endures: Sudbury historian
http://www.thesudburystar.com/2015/06/22/champlains-legacy-enduresn-history-his-influence-on-canada-is-still-presentonepla

   This series has examined the life of Samuel de Champlain, his accomplishments and the mysteries surrounding him. This final part looks at how we relate to him and what we can learn from his life.

Is it too late to save Canada’s national horse?
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/06/19/is-it-too-late-to-save-canadas-national-horse.html
   There’s a common saying in the horse world: “A dog may be man’s best friend, but the horse wrote history.”
   In the case of Canada’s national horse, this saying couldn’t be more true.
   Yet as “le Cheval Canadien” celebrates its 350th anniversary this year, it’s pacing on the verge of extinction.

Manitoba

Gridiron Greats Exhibit Opens At Manitoba Sports Hall Of Fame
http://www.cjob.com/2015/06/23/gridiron-greats-exhibit/
   Tuesday marked the start of a brand new display at the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, as “Gridiron Greats” opened through until November 22nd on the main floor of the Canada Games Sport For Life Centre at 145 Pacific Avenue.

Saskatchewan 

Possible changes to iconic traffic bridge concerns heritage advocate
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/Possible+changes+iconic+traffic+bridge+concerns+heritage+advocate/11155185/story.htmlChanging
   The distinctive look and design of the Traffic Bridge replacement would represent a “tremendous loss” for Saskatoon, a heritage advocate says.

Alberta

Heritage quilts documented at guild anniversary
http://www.wetaskiwintimes.com/2015/06/23/heritage-quilts-documented-at-guild-anniversary
This initiative focuses on quilts made before 1970 to preserve a little bit of history of the trade and Canadians. The documentation ran alongside the Millet Arts and Crafts Guild’s 35th Anniversary, whose members also participated in the documentation process

British Columbia

Footprints found on a remote B.C. island could be 13,000 years old — the oldest in North America
http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/footprints-found-on-a-remote-b-c-island-could-be-13000-years-old-the-oldest-in-north-america
   Evidence of what could be the oldest footprints in North America has been discovered below the shoreline of a remote British Columbia island.

The Stories This Week

Are people using the DNA correctly? 

I hear that it has become quite a concern to some genealogists that people are expecting their DNA test to tell them exactly where their ancestors are from, without verifying it with their paper records – a family tree. In fact, some people who have DNA done, don't even have a family tree. This is amazing, since the information sent with the DNA kit, tells you to consult and make a family tree!

They don’t ask - are my ancestors really from “x” place in England, for example. And in fact, some of these people don’t and will never make their paper records which would show them where their peoplr are from. They don’t see a need for it, now that DNA can answer all questions exactly who their ancestors were.

And then, to make it worse for themselves, they tell other people whose tree they may have seen on FamilySearch or at Ancestry, that they are their 5th cousin – only to find that they are in effect barking up the wrong tree.

It harkens back to the day, when people hooked themselves on to other people's tree if they thought they had the correct tree without doing the research.

So it all goes back to the old axiom, you must do your paper or computer family tree first, so that you can be sure that your ancestors are correct. Then, you can have your DNA done, and then proceed from there.

Cyndi's List is 20 years old this year! Congratulations, Cyndi Ingles!

What would we do without Cyndi's List? How many time have I use it – too many times to count. If you are looking for places to research, it should be your first place to stop on the Internet.

For the Canadians site, go to http://www.cyndislist.com/canada/

For a while , I was using the Canadian version of Cyndi\s List, the Canadian Genealogy & History Links at http://www.islandnet.com/~cghl/index.php. It's has been almost 8 years since anything has been done to the list, but I still check it, especially the personal websites that are there.

And this week, we will celebrate the 148th birthday of Canada on July 1 and the National History Week from July 1st to July 7th. 

Canada’s historical organizations, including museums, historical societies, and festivals, will be hosting activities during this week to get their communities involved in learning about our past.

The page is at http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1403094611161

  

I am taking the week off to go to Cornwall and Hawkesbury in eastern Ontario to do client research. All of my research notes are in order, the appointments have been made, the vet has been called, and the dog will be at “camp” that week while we are away. My husband and I will be in 'genealogist heaven' for the time that we are there!






And that was the Canadian genealogy, history, and heritage news in Canada this past week!

Check the Canadian Week in Review every Monday morning for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada.

If you missed last week’s edition, it is at http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2015/06/canadian-week-in-review-cwr-22-june-2015.html

 It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in Canada!

Scottish SIG Symposium

Scottish SIG Symposium this year will be held on August 21st from 8 am to 4:30 pm at the Courtyard by Marriott Brampton at 90 Biscayne Cres, Brampton, Ontario. 

It will be a full day of learning about Scottish genealogy.

There will be the following speakers -

Dave Naylor - will talk about DNA

 Melissa McAfee - Scottish Special Collections, University of Guelph

James Fraser - Chair, Scottish Studies, University of Guelph

Christine Woodcock - Dinnae Waste Yer Credits, Then - helping increase your success and reduce your wasted credits on the ScotlandsPeople Website

And Global Genealogy will be in the marketplace

Registration fees include continental breakfast and lunch.

You can register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/scottish-sig-symposium-tickets-15845340841

==================================================================

Check the Canadian Week in Review every Monday morning for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada.

If you missed last week’s edition, it is at http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2015/06/canadian-week-in-review-cwr-22-june-2015.html

 It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in Canada
 

Rendez-vous 2017

The government announced yesterday that in connection with the lead-up to the 150th celebration of Canada's birthday in 2017, there will be a journey of tall ships that will cover Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.

It will take place from June 29 to August 20, 2017, and you are encouraged to go and see them and take in the activities that will take place where they are in port.

 “The site of this magnificent regatta of ships along the shores of the St. Lawrence will no doubt remind Canadians of the golden years of sailing ships and our deep ties to the waterways of the land.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper

The website is http://rendezvous2017.com/

  ==================================================================

Check the Canadian Week in Review every Monday morning for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada.

If you missed last week’s edition, it is at http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2015/06/canadian-week-in-review-cwr-22-june-2015.html

 It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in Canada

Awesome new series of activities at the Canadian War Museum, Ottawa

If you live in Ottawa, or are having family and friends coming to visit over the summer, and kids are involved, here is something that the children may like to do on the last Sunday of the month at the Canadian War Museum -

Starting June 28, the Canadian War Museum and the Friends of the Canadian War Museum are pleased to present Awesome Sundays, an exciting new series of activities for the whole family. On the last Sunday of every month, visitors can take part in exciting demonstrations, hands-on activities and take-home crafts. 

All activities are free with Museum admission. Each month will feature a different theme.

The first three Awesome Sundays are

 Awesome Colosseum Sunday, June 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., LeBreton Gallery Construction of the Colosseum in Rome took about a decade, with inauguration ceremonies that lasted 100 days. Join us as we build and celebrate the Colosseum, in a single weekend! Learn about the ancient Colosseum with a “virtual reality” trip back in time, then work alongside others to build a Roman amphitheatre with Mega Bloks®. Take a ride in a Roman-style chariot, check out ancient Roman fashion and etch your own Roman-style graffiti to take home. Related event: Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., LeBreton Gallery — Colosseum Mega Bloks® construction

In conjunction with the temporary exhibition Gladiators and the Colosseum – Death and Glory.

Awesome Tanks Sunday, July 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., North Plaza and LeBreton Gallery, Did you know that some of the Museum’s tanks still run? Feel the rumble of their massive engines and witness history in motion at our vehicle demonstrations. Chat with Museum staff and get close to these powerful machines. Explore military technology through a display of over 100 model tanks and armoured vehicles.

Meet members of the Ottawa Valley Armour Modellers Association and learn more about their fascinating hobby. Then decorate your own delicious tank ... cookie!

Awesome Gladiators Sunday, August 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., LeBreton Gallery

In ancient Rome, gladiators trained hard for the high-stakes spectacle of gladiatorial games. Learn more as you watch actors demonstrate ancient Roman fighting techniques. After the demonstration, visitors ages 16 and under can try their hand at these techniques using special equipment and make their own gladiatorial shield to take home.

In conjunction with the temporary exhibition Gladiators and the Colosseum – Death and Glory.

For a list of Awesome Sunday themes and activities planned for the fall and winter, please visit http://www.warmuseum.ca later this summer.

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Check the Canadian Week in Review every Monday morning for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada.

If you missed last week’s edition, it is at http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2015/06/canadian-week-in-review-cwr-22-june-2015.html

 It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in Canada

Polar Medal

A press release from the Prime Minister of Canada office was received today - 

“Prime Minister Stephen Harper today welcomed the announcement of the creation of a Canadian Polar Medal. As Sovereign and font of all honours, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has given her approval to this addition to the Canadian Honours System.

The Polar Medal will recognize individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the Canadian North across a diverse range of endeavours.

The design of the new medal was released earlier today by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada. The medal program will be managed by the Chancellery of Honours as part of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General, which is responsible for administering the Canadian Honours System”

The Polar Medal will celebrate Canada’s Northern heritage and recognize persons who render extraordinary services in the polar regions and Canada's North.

The call for nominations will start fall 2015

The website is http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=16120&lan=eng

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Check the Canadian Week in Review every Monday morning for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada.

If you missed last week’s edition, it is at http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2015/06/canadian-week-in-review-cwr-22-june-2015.html

 It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in Canada

"Demolish the Deficit” Fund is starting to move

As I reported on May 30, 2015 blog post at http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2015/05/is-there-another-canadian-genealogy.html, I commented on the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society Demolish the Deficit fundraiser. At the time, I said I would keep my eye on it, and there has been positive movement.

Nearly half of the 2015 goal of $12,000 - $6,526 has been raised so far!

So there is hope that the society can raise the rest of the money, and return to it’s former self as an vibrant Canadian genealogical society.

If you would like to contribute, you can contact them at their website at http://www.saskgenealogy.com/

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Check the Canadian Week in Review every Monday morning for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada.

If you missed last week’s edition, it is at http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2015/06/canadian-week-in-review-cwr-22-june-2015.html

 It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in Canada

Canadian Week in Review (CWR) - 22 June 2015

I have come across the following Canadian genealogy, history and heritage websites, social media, and newspaper articles this past week that were of interest to me, and I thought you might be interested in them, too.

This Week in Canadian History

Upper Canada’s last fatal duel happened on June 13, 1833 in Perth, Ontario.

To read more about the duel between John Wilson and Robert Lyon. Both were law students in Perth.

For more information. read http://www.rideau-info.com/canal/tales/last-duel.html

War of 1812

On June 18, 1812, the war of 1812 started, and it ended in 1815. Part of the force was made up of Canadians, and it is heart wrenching  to read about their courage to defend Canada.  

http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/war-of-1812/

IH.M.S. Shannon Leading Her Prize the American Frigate Chesapeake into Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia. 

Podcasts

There are over 200 archived episodes available on their website, TodayInCanadianHistory.ca, or downloadable as podcasts from iTunes.

A great way to hear what the experts have to say!

To listen to the podcasts, go to http://cjsw.com/program/tich/

Social Media

(Photos) Old Shubenacadie Canal route in Dartmouth to house interpretive park
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/old-shubenacadie-canal-route-in-dartmouth-to-house-interpretive-park-1.3114119
150 years of industrial history exposed in one Dartmouth site. Is is a parcel of land in downtown Dartmouth that used to house Starr Manufacturing, one of the world's first skate manufacturing plants.

(Video) Allan Hawco, Mark Critch to trace steps of Newfoundland Regiment in new documentary
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/allan-hawco-mark-critch-to-trace-steps-of-newfoundland-regiment-in-new-documentary-1.3113670
A new film about the Newfoundland Regiment's role in World War I will feature two familiar personalities from the province.

(Photos and Video) Picking up the pieces: Paperwork tells story of Halifax Explosion survivors
http://thechronicleherald.ca/thenovascotian/1293139-picking-up-the-pieces-paperwork-tells-story-of-halifax-explosion-survivors
Overwhelming tales of loss and incredible stories of recovery are all right there – in the bureaucratic paperwork.
   Retired history professor David Sutherland spends many of his days at the Nova Scotia Archives, poring through seemingly endless strips of microfilm.

Articles

Nova Scotia

Campaign puts spotlight on heritage lighthouses
http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1293545-campaign-puts-spotlight-on-heritage-lighthouses
A national campaign is shining a light on Nova Scotia’s heritage lighthouses.
   The National Trust for Canada, formerly the Heritage Canada Foundation, and the Nova Scotia Lighthouse Protection Society have partnered together in the This Lighthouse Matters contest, a fundraising initiative hoping to raise money for and awareness of Nova Scotia’s unique lighthouse culture.

Prince Edward Island

Two county lighthouses to be saved
http://countylive.ca/blog/?p=53417&cpage=1
Just prior to the expiry of the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act, the county heritage advocacy group, Save Our Lighthouses, was informed the Scotch Bonnet Island and Prince Edward Point lighthouses would be preserved by the Government of Canada.

New Brunswick

Gagetown, N.B., steeped in history and tranquil haven for those escaping city life
http://news.nationalpost.com/life/travel/gagetown-n-b-steeped-in-history-and-tranquil-haven-for-those-escaping-city-life
The Village of Gagetown, in southern New Brunswick, is often described as a tranquil haven for those escaping the rush of city life.
   The tiny community, just 35 minutes east of the provincial capital of Fredericton, is steeped in history and a favourite place for visitors who love wildlife, boating, and arts and crafts.

Historic Saint John church holding final service after sale
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/historic-saint-john-church-holding-final-service-after-sale-1.3108449
St. George's-St. Jude's Anglican Church was founded in 1821 and is a designated historic site. It will reopen as a resturant and as a wedding chapel.

Ontario

Stayner student's history project focuses on the family farm
http://www.simcoe.com/news-story/5679324-stayner-student-s-history-project-focuses-on-the-family-farm/
Oliviaq Walker peeled back the layers of history to present life on the family farm.

THE JOY OF GENEALOGY: Remember our fathers and the sacrifices they made
http://www.insidetoronto.com/news-story/5679386-the-joy-of-genealogy-remember-our-fathers-and-the-sacrifices-they-made/
The month of June brings about so many celebrations: the June solstice and the beginning of summer, National Aboriginal Day, which provides a chance to learn more about Aboriginal people and their contributions to the country and Father’s Day, which gives us a chance to express our gratitude and love for our dads and other special father figures.

Peterborough Museum & Archives

http://www.mykawartha.com/shopping-story/5666228-peterborough-museum-archives/
Through stories, images, exhibits, and so much more, The Peterborough Museum & Archives traces the people, land, and rich collective heritage of Peterborough, Ontario.

First Capital Day worthy of a civic holiday in 2016
http://www.thewhig.com/2015/06/14/first-capital-day-worthy-of-a-civic-holiday-in-2016
It is hard to think of another community in Canada - with the exception, perhaps, of Quebec City - that stands to benefit as much from its proud role in Canadian history as does Kingston.

Alberta

Uncovering history along the eroding Bow River
http://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/uncovering-history-along-the-eroding-bow-river
A new archeological site along the Bow River has a checkered history with flooding.
   The teepee circle, a ring of sandstone blocks that mark the outline of a teepee, was covered by silt in a flood between 500 and 1,000 years ago, preserving the site. But after the Bow flooded in 2013, this bank in Fish Creek Park was eroded, washing away part of the site.

History Road rolls on with more than 600 vehicles http://www.wetaskiwintimes.com/2015/06/17/history-road-rolls-on-with-more-than-600-vehicles
The Reynolds-Alberta Museum hosted some of the nicest, rarest and most classic cars, bikes and other vehicles at History Road: The Ultimate Car Show weekend June 13-14, in partnership with AMA Insurance and the City of Wetaskiwin.

British Columbia

In Shaughnessy, New Heritage District to Halt Character Home Demolitions
http://thetyee.ca/News/2015/06/17/Shaughnessy-New-Heritage-District/
Richard Keate keeps a map of his neighbourhood at home. He's saddened every time he has to mark a demolition.
   "My records are 56 pre-1940 houses have come down," Keate said of Shaughnessy's fallen character homes. Heritage Vancouver counted 51 in 2012.

Hidden history of African American settlers in Wellington, B.C. uncovered
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/hidden-history-of-african-american-settlers-in-wellington-b-c-uncovered-1.3114170
Jimmy Claxton, the first black man to play organized baseball in the 20th century, is one of the most well-known black Canadians in history.
  But Nanaimo Community Archives manager Christine Meutzner has always believed Claxton's couldn't have been the only black family living in Wellington, B.C., where he was born in 1892.

The Stories This Week

Canadian Online Indexes

Indexes are the life blood of genealogy. We use them all the time. When we come across a new parson, or to see what’s out there for an event, we usually use an index. And of course, online societies, archives, libraries, businesses all understand this – they want to create and sell us access to plenty of indexes.

We must remember though, that indexes are NOT records, and we cannot source them as records. They are simply a finding aid to help us locate the records that we will use. And remember, not everything has been indexed. Look as hard as we may, not everything has been indexed – and may never be. For example, I am sure that that not every vital record (birth, marriages, deaths) in Canada has been indexed.

So this week, just by pure coincidence, two Canadian genealogists wrote about online indexes.

First all of, Jane McNamara has put some Ontario indexes online in her blog http://wherethestorytakesme.ca/top25/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WhereTheStoryTakesMe+%28Where+the+story+takes+me%29

She has called her posts Big indexes to consider for every Ontario ancestor.

There was one index that I hadn’t studied before, and it was the Indexes of Estate Files (Before 1859) and Surrogate Court Records by County and District (After 1858).

I took the time to look over the information that has been indexed and put it in my research took-box (you can build your own), and it now will be there for me to research whenever I need it.

And I, your genealogist blogger, have started a stint with Family History Daily at http://familyhistorydaily.com/ called 10 free Canadian Genealogy Websites and I am writing about – guess what – Canadian indexes! It's at http://familyhistorydaily.com/free-genealogy-resources/10-free-canadian-genealogy-websites/

To Canadian researchers, these are familiar indexes, but to the beginning genealogists, especially people not from our county, it can help you to find the correct indexes, which can be a daunting experience.

One of my greatest bug-a-boos is that the Library and Archives Canada has uploaded all of these microfilm to Heritage, and none of them are indexed. They say that they want them to be indexed, so I am waiting to see how this is done. And as I understand it, FamilyResearch is going to start putting unindexed microfilm online from their storage facility at the Granite Mountain in Salt Lake City. So it looks like the wave of the future, which will present new challenges to the genealogists.

So it is up to us, writers and genealogists, to keep the community aware of new developments on indexes as they come along.

Got any favourite indexes of your own you would like to share? It can be a new or old index, but there are plenty to choose from in the field of Canadian indexes.

And that was the Canadian genealogy, history, and heritage news in Canada this past week!

Check the Canadian Week in Review every Monday morning for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada.

If you missed last week’s edition, it is at http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2015/06/canadian-week-in-review-15-june-2015.html

It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in Canada

National Aboriginal Day – June 21st

National Aboriginal Day is a day to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

In support of National Aboriginal Day, visitors to Fundy National Park and Kouchibouguac National Park in New Brunswick are invited to meet local Aboriginal artists and learn more about New Brunswick's Aboriginal culture and heritage. Artists will be on-site between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

In Alberta, there will be Blackfoot elders who will tell stories about the plains buffalo culture, and there will be drumming and dancing, guided facility tours, a live display of Alberta Birds of Prey, traditional hand game demonstrations, and aboriginal food sampling.

There are events all across the county today, and to see what else is available, go to http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100013248/1100100013249

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Check the Canadian Week in Review every Monday morning for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada.

If you missed this week’s edition, it is at http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2015/06/canadian-week-in-review-15-june-2015.html

It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in Canada
 

The International Gathering of the Clans, 2015 will be held in Nova Scotia

I couldn’t think of any better place than to hold the International Gathering of the Clans in Nova Scotia – New Scotland!

 

It will take place from July the 1^st to July 25^th , and there will be events in Pugwash, New Glasgow, Antigonish, Yarmouth, and Halifax.

 

July 1st will begin with a flag raising ceremony at the Pugwash Gathering of the Clans, and the Official Opening will be held in Halifax on July 3rd at the Grand Parade.

The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Nova Scotia will be running during the first week with acts from all over the world.

June 30 – July 7 Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo will be held in Halifax.

July 1 Gathering of the Clans and Festival There will be flag-raising and first event of the 10th International Gathering of the Clans. This will ne held in Pugwash.

July 3 Flag-raisingFlag-raising Halifax City Hall, 11:30 a.m Reception courtesy Clan Lamont & Clan Stewart/Stuart. This will be held in Halifax.

 

July 5 Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan St. Matthew’s United Church, Barrington St., Halifax
Sponsored by The Scots and the FSCNS. Reception to follow. This will be held in Halifax.

 

July 5 – 12 Antigonish Highland Games.

 

July 15-19 Festival of Tartans & Highland Games New Glasgow.

 

July 25 Closing of the 10th International Gathering to be held at the Yarmouth Seafest Festival, Yarmoth, Nova Scotia.

 

The offical site for the International Gathering of the Clans, 2015 is http://www.cassoc.ca/frameset.htm

 

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Check the Canadian Week in Review every Monday morning for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada.

If you missed this week’s edition, it is at http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2015/06/canadian-week-in-review-15-june-2015.html

It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in Canada

 

 

Are your ancestors from Iceland?

Do you want to know who your first Icelandic ancestor was and when he or she left Iceland and arrived in Canada? Are you curious about your Icelandic origins?

If so, the website at Library and Archives Canada (LAC) is a great place to begin your research.

Here you will find a page dedicated to genealogical research on the http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/immigration/history-ethnic-cultural/Pages/icelandic.aspx.

This page provides you with historical information, archival documents and published material from the Library and Archives Canada collection, as well as links to other websites and institutions.

If your ancestor came to Canada between 1865 and 1935, you might find his or her name on the http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/immigration/immigration-records/passenger-lists/Pages/introduction.aspx

To read more about Iceland, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icelandic_Canadian

If you want to learn more about Icelandic Immigration to North America, go to http://www.halfdan.is/vestur/vestur.htm

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Check the Canadian Week in Review every Monday morning for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada.

If you missed this week’s edition, it is at http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2015/06/canadian-week-in-review-15-june-2015.html

It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in Canada

Canadian Heritage is looking for Canada Day volunteers

Canadian Heritage is looking for Canada Day volunteers.

As a volunteer, you could be handing out Canadian flags, managing crowds, helping people with special needs, and serving as information officers during the July 1 festivities at Parliament Hill and Major’s Hill Park in Ottawa and Jacques-Cartier Park across the Parliament Hill in Gatineau next to the Canadian Museum of History.

Each year more than 500 volunteers help with Canada Day celebrations in the National Capital Region.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Canadian Heritage Volunteer Centre at 819-956-2626 or benevoles.volunteers@pch.gc.ca.

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Check the Canadian Week in Review every Monday morning for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada.

If you missed this week’s edition, it is at http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2015/06/canadian-week-in-review-15-june-2015.html

It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in Canada

Extra news items

 Here are some news items which have come across the desk this week -

If you want to keep abreast of the OGS Toronto Conference news, you can subscribe to their news email at http://www.ogs.on.ca/conference/well-done-all-aboard-for-2016/

The Conference will be held June 3 to 5th, 2016 at the Toronto’s International Plaza Hotel next to the Toronto Airport.





One good thing about summer is that it brings picnics!

The Brant County Branch is celebrating the summertime by holding a BBQ & STRAWBERRY FUND RAISER on Friday June 26, 2015 at 5:30 pm at Smokey Hollow Estates, Leisure Park.

Tickets are $15 per person.

Bring a Friend! Come & Enjoy!

Their website is ay http://www.ogs.on.ca/brant/

 

Save Our Lighthouses is the latest effort by Canadian to save our lighthouses.

The Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act (HLPA) came into force in May 2010, and the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) promptly declared more than 400 active lighthouses to be surplus.

If you are interested in helping to save these lighthouses, then you should read http://lighthouses.ontariohistory.ca/index.html

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Check the Canadian Week in Review every Monday morning for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada.

If you missed this week’s edition, it is at http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2015/06/canadian-week-in-review-15-june-2015.html

It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in Canada

Partial Year Membership at OGS

The Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS) has its Partial Year Membership again this year.

It is availble from June 1 until October 31 and new members can join at the reduced rate of $37.00 CDN for the rest of the year. The partial year membership allows you to join right away rather than waiting for the next calendar year. And this category is also available to those who have not been an OGS member for the past two years and would like to come back, and join again.

Full details can be found on the website at http://www.ogs.on.ca/membership.php

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Check the Canadian Week in Review every Monday morning for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada.

If you missed this week’s edition, it is at http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2015/06/canadian-week-in-review-15-june-2015.html

It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in Canada!