Canadian News in Review (CWR) 03 August 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 1793, General John Graves Simcoe, lieutenant-governor of Upper Canada, began clearing land for the site for the city of York. Why is that important? Because today, York is known as Toronto, the capitol of Ontario. Worried about a possible war with the Americans, Simcoe moved the capital from Newark, Niagara, to the Toronto Bay area. 

For further information, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/York,_Upper_Canada

In 1962, Prime Minister John Diefenbaker officially opened the Trans-Canada Highway to traffic at ceremonies at Rogers Pass, British Columbia. The opening of the 7,821-km road, the longest national highway in the world, meant Canadians could drive directly from St. John's, Newfoundland to Victoria, British Columbia.  

To read more about the Trans-Canada Highway, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-Canada_Highway


Social Media

(Photos) Hants HISTORY (July 30, 2015 edition)

http://www.hantsjournal.ca/Opinion/Columnists/2015-07-30/article-4230737/HANTS-HISTORY-(July-30,-2015-edition)/1

Here's a look at what was making the news 25 and 50 years ago in the Hants Journal.

(Video) Port Coquitlam's core reopens after blaze collapses four buildings

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/port-coquitlam-s-core-reopens-after-blaze-collapses-four-buildings-1.3174016

Downtown Port Coquitlam—including City Hall— had begun to reopen on Thursday afternoon after flames scorched four buildings and caused millions of dollars damage earlier in the day.

Newspaper Articles

Quebec

Gatineau woman fights to change baby's name to recognize infant's deceased father

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/gatineau-woman-fights-to-change-baby-s-name-to-recognize-infant-s-deceased-father-1.3176847

A Gatineau woman is fighting to get her child's name changed to recognize the baby's father, who died of flesh-eating disease before the little girl was born.

Ontario

Rockton's Westfield Heritage Village to receive $42,214 from Canada 150 fund

http://www.flamboroughreview.com/news-story/5764861-rockton-s-westfield-heritage-village-to-receive-42-214-from-canada-150-fund/

On Tuesday, Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale MP David Sweet, on behalf of Minister of the Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario Gary Goodyear, announced more than $847,000 in funding for six projects, including three in Flamborough. 

Bringing history to life at Lost Villages 

http://www.standard-freeholder.com/2015/07/28/bringing-history-to-life-at-lost-villages

Fundraising efforts are underway to build a first-ever National War Monument dedicated to Canadian soldiers who fought along-side Americans during their Civil War. President of the Lost Villages Historical Society Jim Brownell said the monument will be the first of its kind in Canada and will be prominently displayed at the Lost Villages.

Manitoba

Guest Post: The Top 10 Reasons Icelanders Should Attend Manitoba’s ‘Íslendingadagurinn’ Party

http://grapevine.is/mag/column-opinion/2015/07/28/guest-post-the-top-10-reasons-icelanders-should-attend-manitobas-islendingadagurinn-party/ 

The Icelandic Festival of Manitoba—Íslendingadagurinn—celebrates Icelandic culture and heritage through a fun, family-friendly four-day event, held every August long weekend in Gimli, Manitoba, Canada. 

Alberta

Military museum offers a glimpse at history

http://www.sunnysouthnews.com/uncategorized/2015/07/28/military-museum-offers-a-glimpse-at-history/

One way for military history to be preserved is to ask for pictures or artifacts passed down from generation to generation from family members throughout the county, southern Alberta, the province, the country and across the globe. The Lethbridge Military Museum does just that - it preserves the stories of veterans.

British Columbia

B.C. Ferries names new vessels leaving name calling in its wake

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-ferries-names-new-vessels-leaving-name-calling-in-its-wake-1.3171204

After a choppy start to B.C. Ferries name search for their new ferries, three new titles were chosen today, in honour of West Coast Salish history and its legends - Salish Raven, Salish Orca and Salish Eagle.

Rossland to Host Heritage Conference -- Tickets Now Available 

http://thenelsondaily.com/news/rossland-host-heritage-conference-tickets-now-available-38702#.VbjOjqPD-H8

Heritage BC, a charitable non profit, announces the opening of registration for their annual conference, taking place October 2-3 in Rossland, B.C.

This year’s conference, The Main Thing follows on the national Heritage Week theme promoting main streets as an vital part of heritage conservation and economic stimulation. 

Nunavut

Fort Conger, historic High Arctic fort, to be preserved in 3D

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/fort-conger-historic-high-arctic-fort-to-be-preserved-in-3d-1.3173750

A historic fort threatened by melting permafrost in one of the most remote locations on Earth might be preserved thanks to 3D technology.

Fort Conger on Ellesmere Island was established in 1875 by British explorers looking for the North Pole.

The Stories This Week 

An abbreviated version of Canadian Week in Review (CWR) has been produced this week due to vacation. I will return from vacation the 11 of August.

Thank you.

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Check the Canadian Week in Review (CWR) 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/2015/07/canadian-week-in-review-cwr-27-july-2015.html

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

Extra news items 11 July 2015

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

Isn't this a neat idea from Canada's heritage!

Cheryl Horgan, a local St. John's artist, is making jewellery from a church's copper roofing. And she is using the copper roofing as it is stripped off the 160-year-old Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, so that the copper roofing can be replaced.

Cheryl is donating two third of the sales to the restoration effort of the roof of the church.

To read the rest of the story, go to http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/cheryl-horgan-is-making-jewellery-from-church-s-copper-roofing-1.3147264

And her come another neat idea.

To the Revitalizing Indigenous Agriculture Project, methods of indigenous culture will be used to plant the seeds and help the garden grow at the Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatoon.

And they are using Mohawk traditions using the idea of growing for sustenance.

To see the pictures of the garden, go to http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/saskatoon-community-garden-grows-thanks-to-aboriginal-culture-1.3147407

And finally, there is the project called A Flanders Field in London, Ontario, a remembrance project that about a dozen local volunteers has been busy planing a garden of poppies.

The garden will be on the city-owned park on the southwest corner of Veterans Memorial Parkway and River Road. Over the past two years, they’ve been developing a large poppy garden to honour veterans, remember soldiers who have fallen and provide information about Canada’s military history.

Here is the story in the paper http://www.thelondoner.ca/2015/07/10/remembrance-gardens-nearly-ready-for-dedication

Here is their website at http://remembernovember11.com/

Until next time, this is what crossed my desk this morning.

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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/2015/07/cwr-06-july-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 - 

Curious about your roots? Genealogy convention focuses on fastest growing hobby

Gary Schroder, the President of the Quebec Family History Society, the largest English speaking genealogical society in the province of Quebec, gives an interview to a writer from the Montreal Gazette in which he outlines the conference coming up in four week’s time.

You can read the full interview at http://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/west-island-gazette/curious-about-your-roots-genealogy-convention-focuses-on-fastest-growing-hobby

You can go to their website at  http://www.qfhs.ca/

Meanwhile, the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa has all of it’s information online for the 2015 Conference. It will be the 21st Annual BIFHSGO Family History Conference 18 - 20 September 2015 at Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa

To go to their website on the Conference, go to http://www.bifhsgo.ca/aem.php?eid=1

Meanwhile, the video of the Kent Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society has been uploaded to the Internet at http://ogs.on.ca/kent/

Learn how our Victorian ancestors buried their death and the rituals and traditions they followed with Catherine MacKendrick from the University of Windsor, Ontario.



Finally, there will be an all-day Digital Odyssey 2015: Open Data, Open Heritage Conference on Friday June 12, 2015 at the George Brown College, Waterfront Campus, Toronto.

The Conference, as the publicity says ‘will examine the intersection of governmental, academic, and community open data and open heritage materials, and investigate the roles that cultural heritage institutions can and should play in concert with other participants in the emerging open data, open heritage environment’.

The website is at https://www.accessola.org/WEB/OLAWEB/OLITA/Digital_Odyssey/Welcome_to_Digital_Odyssey.aspx?WebsiteKey=397368c8-7910-4dfe-807f-9eeb1068be31&hkey=4ef8a67c-6cc6-41e2-9674-a303101e0418

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SPECIAL OFFER!!!!!!!!!

Need help in finding your Canadian ancestors?

As a nod of the hat to the Ontario Genealogical Conference being held in Barrie, Ontario from May 29 to May 31, may we take this opportunity to offer a month-long discount on our research and consultation services of 15% (ends 11 June at midnight).

Just go to Elizabeth Lapointe Research Services at www.elrs.biz, or send an email with the subject "special" to genealogyresearch@aol.com to see how I can help you find that elusive Canadian ancestor!

 

Research Tip! Civil registration for births, marriages and deaths did not start until 01 July 1869 in Ontario. Before then, religious records are one place to look for the information that you require.  

 

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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/2015/05/canadian-week-in-review-11-may-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 -

The Weekly Genealogists Vol 18 No 17 #Whole 737 29 April 2015 had their weekly survey once again, and this time they asked about our orphan ancestors.

Of the 4,024 who answered, 58% said they were not aware of any of their ancestors having been an orphan, and 10% said they were aware of one or more of their grandparents was an orphan, and another 10% said that they were aware of one or more of their great-grandparents was an orphan.

I do not have anyone in my family, either on my maternal or paternal side who was an orphaned.

How about you?

The Ontario Genealogical Society has officially launched their Twitter service at @OGSBarrie2015, and it looks like they are getting a good response.

The website is at https://twitter.com/OGSBarrie2015

The Department of Canadian Heritage is providing $2,300 to the Emancipation Festival through the Building Communities.

This will help support the 153rd edition of their annual summer event in Owen Sound, Ontario. This year's activities take place from July 31 to August 27 and include an artist and artisan show, speakers' forum and musical performances.

The Emancipation Festival has been holding an annual Black History celebration and commemoration event in Owen Sound since 1862. The village of Sydenham near Owen Sound was the most northerly terminus of the Underground Railway from the United States.

Read more about the Emancipation Festival at http://www.emancipation.ca/

Lastly, the latest news from the Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia is that they have a 3-month trial offering from Find My Past so that you can access through WIFI at the GANS office. This is a great database for finding those NS ancestors with origins in the UK. A reminder that they also have American Ancestors at the office. The research room is open Thursday from noon to 4 pm. Come access these great resources or check out the traditional library resources.

The website is http://www.novascotiaancestors.ca/




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/2015/05/canadian-week-in-review-04-may-2015.html

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

It has been a regular post every Monday morning since April 23, 2012

 

Canadian Week in Review - 23 March 2015

I have come across the following Canadian websites, social media websites, 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 1900, Lord Strathcona's Horse, a unit of 537 mounted troops recruited in Manitoba, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories for the Boer War, sailed to South Africa. It was the third contingent of Canadian troops sent to South Africa.
   For more information, you can read about Lord Strathcona Horse at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_Strathcona's_Horse_(Royal_Canadians)#South_African_War

Social Media

(Photos) All Saints Anglican Church resurrected in Louisiana
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/all-saints-anglican-church-resurrected-in-louisiana-1.2997306
   For the first 200 years of its existence, it was the All Saints Anglican Church of Granville Centre in the Annapolis Valley. Now it’s Louisiana Church in Abita Springs.

(Video) Building demolitions in Saskatoon draw crowds
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/Building+demolitions+Saskatoon+draw+crowds/10897822/story.html
   Like many others, Life of Pi author Yann Martel was drawn to the corner of Broadway Avenue and 11th ast to watch history disappear.

(Video) Two young men want to save an Alberta grain elevator: ‘It’s part of a disappearing history’
http://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/two-young-men-want-to-save-an-iconic-alberta-grain-elevator-its-part-of-a-disappearing-history
   Since watching the destruction of his own town’s elevator more than a decade ago, Kapcsos has been obsessed with the wooden structures that jutted into prairie skylines in the 1930s and once numbered nearly 1,800 in Alberta alone.

(Video) Bathurst bishop discovers 16th century books in diocese basement
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/bathurst-bishop-discovers-16th-century-books-in-diocese-basement-1.2998627
   Bishop Daniel Jodoin had no idea of treasures hiding in the basement library until flood cleanup. The books appear to be scripture,written in Greek and Latin, and some are bound in lamb skin.

Articles

Nova Scotia

Controversial black heritage poster to be displayed again
http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1274473-controversial-black-heritage-poster-to-be-displayed-again
   A poster depicting a black slave in chains that was removed from a Shelburne high school after a complaint will be displayed once again.
   The poster was drawn by student Hannah Cameron after a Grade 8 class visit to the Black Loyalist Heritage Site in Birchtown.

Quebec

Souvenir album looks back at Roxboro's 100 years
http://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/west-island-gazette/souvenir-album-looks-back-at-roxboros-100-years
   Long before Roxboro merged to become the borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro, it was considered the summer destination for wealthy families from Hochelaga.

Ontario

Discovering that Canadians did not invent the painted highway divider
http://www.journalofcommerce.com/Home/News/2015/3/Discovering-that-Canadians-did-not-invent-the-painted-highway-divider-1006338W/
   This article was supposed to be an account of another great Canadian invention — the painted longitudinal road line — but it isn't. I was initially inspired by a web page on the site of Library and Archives Canada

Find haute and history in Toronto’s Distillery District
http://www.qconline.com/business/find-haute-and-history-in-toronto-s-distillery-district/article_9ee37860-dc28-52ad-b425-7c9b26e2d8c5.html
   At the core of the District is the history of the Gooderham and Worts Distillery, whose predecessor company started in 1831. Established in 1837 as a distillery on the shores of Lake Ontario, 50 years later, it had evolved into the largest distillery in the British Empire.

Last box of Frosted Flakes from London, Ont., bound for museum
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/last-box-of-frosted-flakes-from-london-ont-bound-for-museum-1.2997479
   The box of Frosted Flakes that the Canadian Week in Review (CWR) reported last week, is now going to the Regional History at Museum in London, Ontario.
   If you wish, you can read the original story in the 16 March 2015 edition of the CWR at http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2015/03/canadian-week-in-review-16-march-2015.html

SD&G Regimental Museum seeks cash to buy artifacts
http://www.standard-freeholder.com/2015/03/16/sdg-regimental-museum-seeks-cash-to-buy-artifacts
   Leon Chamois, curator of the Regimental Museum for the United Counties, addressed counties council on Monday looking for funding to help buy artifacts to keep the museum going.

Manitoba

Canadian History Ehx: The story of Jack McEwen
http://www.sasknewsnow.com/Community/2015-03-15/article-4077817/Canadian-History-Ehx%3A-The-story-of-Jack-McEwen/1
   One of the first people to travel through the area before Grenfell even existed, was a man by the name of Jack McEwen, who came to Winnipeg in 1876, along the Red River Valley.

Take a tour of North End history
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/times/Take-a-tour-of-North-End-history-296601311.html
   Local blogger and history buff Christian Cassidy wants to take you on a tour of the North End Winnipeg. He will deliver a presentation titled Wonder Who Lived There? The History of North End Buildings on Thurs., April 16 at St. John’s Library (500 Salter St.) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Saskatchewan

Thieves steal power tools, Lydia's signs from Farnam Block
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/thieves-steal-power-tools-lydia-s-signs-from-farnam-block-1.2998093
   The Lydia's signs were being preserved for the Saskatoon Heritage Society. It appears the theft happened on Sunday, before the building was torn down.

Restored building serves as reminder of the past
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/Restored+building+serves+reminder+past/10899197/story.html
   A red brick house that was built as a residence for the superintendent of the Forestry Farm Park, at the time it was known as Sutherland Forest Nursery Station (part of the PFRA or Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Program). At one time, the prairie shelter belt program shipped seven million trees annually to farms for shelterbelts, which helped protect land from drought and wind.

Alberta

Where a gated community meets with history
http://calgaryherald.com/life/homes/condos/white-where-a-gated-community-meets-with-history
   When it comes to local history, most people’s first thoughts are probably the Glenbow, Heritage Park, Fort Calgary or Military Museums, maybe places like Stephen Avenue, Inglewood or Kensington. Bet you didn’t guess Currie Barracks!

British Columbia

Squamish, B.C. history: from fur-trappers to homesteaders
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/squamish-b-c-history-from-fur-trappers-to-homesteaders-1.2992888
   Less than an hour's drive from Vancouver, Squamish, B.C. is a community that is growing fast.
   The community has an official plan to grow, renew, and to re-branding itself as Canada's Outdoor Recreation Capital.

Recognizing British Columbia's Chinese Canadian history
http://www.cowichanvalleycitizen.com/living/recognizing-british-columbia-s-chinese-canadian-history-1.1791430#sthash.1hTExFNb.dpuf
   Such was the recent mandate of the Heritage B.C. Legacy Initiatives Advisory Council which advertised, "Do you know a historic place associated with the Chinese community in B.C. that is important to you and your community?

News Stories of the Week

The anniversaries that Canada has celebrated already, for instance, the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Flag in February, will continue for the rest of the year.

April will see the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands, and Canada played a major part in the liberation.

During the Second World War (1939-1945), tens of thousands of Canadian soldiers, sailors and airmen played a key role in the Liberation of the Netherlands, including up to 175,000 Canadian soldiers of the First Canadian Army. More than 7,600 Canadians lost their lives.

You can go to http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/second-world-war/liberation-netherlands where they have a calendar of events in the Netherlands, and a history of the liberation.

And our national game, hockey, (my apologies to the players of Lacrosse) is celebrating its 100th anniversary as an association this year!

The Chateau Laurier, a hotel in Ottawa, was the setting for the formation of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association. And it was formed to oversee the amateur game at a national level, and the Allan Cup, donated by Montreal banker and steamship line owner Sir H. Montague Allan, C.V.O. in 1908, was selected as the championship trophy of amateur hockey.

You can go to http://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/Corporate/About/History to see when the exhibit will come to your city.

And the Magna Carta is coming to the History Museum of Canada this summer!

As you probably know, it is celebrating its 800th Anniversary (1215-2015) this year, and it along with the Charter of the Forests.

This will be the first time that Canada will have participated in the anniversary by touring the Magno Carta in cities of Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, and Edmonton, beginning in June.

You can learn more about the Magna Carta and Canada’s plans for a momentous celebration of the 800th anniversary, and contribute to the celebration at www.magnacartacanada.ca

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/2015/03/canadian-week-in-review-16-march-2015.html

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

It has been a regular post every Monday morning since April 23, 2012

Need help in finding your Canadian ancestors?

Susan I. of Toronto, Ontario says –

"With her wonderful suggestions, including provincial and local archival holdings, books, and local church records, I was delighted to uncover a marriage certificate naming my paternal great, great grandparents and their original county in Ireland.

Elizabeth also mentored me regarding further educational opportunities. I was delighted with her services."

If you do, go to Elizabeth Lapointe Research Services and see how I can help you find that elusive Canadian ancestor. 

The next Canadian Week in Review will be posted 30 March 2015. 

Canadian Week in Review 02 Mar 2015

 

I have come across the following Canadian websites, social media websites, 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

1917 Women in Ontario win right to vote in provincial elections. On December 6, 1921, at the age of 31, Agnes Macphail became the first woman to sit in the House of Commons.

For more information, go to http://www.cbc.ca/history/EPISCONTENTSE1EP12CH3PA1LE.html

On February 24, 2013, the City of Vancouver, British Columbia, unveiled a plaque at the former site of Hogan’s Alley, officially recognizing the area’s deep historical ties to the city’s first Black community

For more information, go to http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/cseh-twih/index_e.asp

Social Media

(Video) Black Halifax’s unseen histories

http://www.thecoast.ca/halifax/black-halifaxs-unseen-histories/Content?oid=4553663

Black Halifax: Stories from Here highlight 14 important historical African Nova Scotian moments
(Photos) Sir John A. Macdonald's gold watch impresses students

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/sir-john-a-macdonald-s-gold-watch-impresses-students-1.2971780

A pocket watch owned by the first prime minister of Canada has proven popular with students at a Summerside school.

New Brunswick

Girl Guides seek memorabilia for Saint John archives
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/girl-guides-seek-memorabilia-for-saint-john-archives-1.2973309
Former N.B. Brownies, Guides and Pathfinders asked for uniforms, photos and other items

Nova Scotia

Creignish stone cottage restoration wins heritage award
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/creignish-stone-cottage-restoration-wins-heritage-award-1.2971559
Settler's descendant reclaims family homestead. Ian MacMaster built what's known as Moidart house around 1801


Broughton ghost town attracts heritage interest
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/broughton-ghost-town-attracts-heritage-interest-1.2968959
Cape Breton heritage group hopes to preserve former mine town

Ontario

Museum of History among local cultural institutions to get a boost in funding
http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/museum-of-history-among-local-cultural-institutions-to-get-a-boost-in-funding
Local museums and cultural agencies will be among the beneficiaries of federal government largesse this year, according to spending plans outlined in the 2015-16 main estimates.

Saskatchewan

A special month for black history in Saskatchewan
http://www.leaderpost.com/life/special+month+black+history+Saskatchewan/10836909/story.html
A pphysician, politician, pharmacist, farmer and publisher: Dr. Alfred Schmitz Shadd was the man whom history records as the first black settler in Saskatchewan.

News Stories of the Week

This week The Stories of the Week is slanted towards the youth of Canada – your talents are wanted!

Canadian Day Challenge 2015

This year, the youth from ages 8 to 18 years across Canada are asked to tell us what makes them proud to be Canadian by submitting their best, most dynamic drawings, photos or pieces of creative writing that represents everything that Canada is as a strong, proud and free nation.

Enter the 2015 Canada Day Challenge for a chance to win great prizes, including all-expenses paid trip for two to Ottawa to celebrate Canada Day on Parliament Hill: go backstage, meet some of Canada’s most inspiring people, tour museums, galleries, the iconic Parliament Buildings and be part of a special summer exhibit at the Canadian Museum of History!

Plus, there’s even more to be excited about this year! Winners will also receive the opportunity to work with the amazingly talented team of education specialists from the National Film Board of Canada to create their very own short films about their adventures in Ottawa.

How cool all of this is. So parents and grandparents, be sure to encourage the young people in your lives to enter the contest. The deadline is coming fast, so be sure to enter before March 20, 2015.

Contact the Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages at 819-997-7788
for further information.

Commonwealth Day

Commonwealth Day  is March the 9th, and the theme this year is 'A Young Commonwealth'.

"A Young Commonwealth recognises the capacity, contribution and potential of young people, who play a vital role at the heart of sustainable development and democracy," said Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma, announcing the theme.

"The Commonwealth is also a family of dynamic countries at the forefront of innovation, growth and contributing global value. As a diverse and increasingly connected global network, we bring fresh perspectives and new ideas.”

Find out about youth events taking place throughout the year at thecommonwealth.org/ayoungcommonwealth

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

 

The next Canadian Week in Review will be posted 09 March 2015

Canadian Week in Review - 22 December 2014

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

History

 

1856 - Street Lights in Ottawa
   The city of Ottawa has had an interesting history of street lighting. In 1856, the first gas street lights were turned on at Sparks, Rideau, Sussex, York, and Nicholas Streets in Ottawa, They still had to be lit by a lamplighter each night. Streets were first lit by whale oil lamps, and electric arc lights were established in 1885.

1883 - Bridge over Niagara Falls
   In 1883, a cantilever bridge was opened between the United States and Canada at Niagara Falls. The 150-metre bridge was the first to be called a cantilever.

Social Media

(Tweet) Winter on Hollis Street, Halifax, ca. 1947
https://twitter.com/NS_Archives/status/544558603886407680

(Blog) Elgin County Virtual Tour Link - Thomas Talbot
http://elgincountyogs.blogspot.com/2014/12/elgin-county-virtual-tour-link-thomas.html
   Go to http://www.elgin.ca/ElginCounty/CulturalServices/Museum/talbot/website.htm and read about Colonel Thomas Talbot.

(Video) Historic Pinkston forge moved to new location in Brigus
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/historic-pinkston-forge-moved-to-new-location-in-brigus-1.2874450
   A 125-year-old building took a short trip in Brigus on Monday.
   The Pinkston forge was recently donated to the local heritage society by the family that owned it.

Articles

Newfoundland

From Newfoundland and Labrador to Beaumont-Hamel

http://www.northernpen.ca/News/2014-12-16/article-3978124/From-Newfoundland-and-Labrador-to-Beaumont-Hamel/1

   The 774 Air Cadet Squadron will visit the site where Newfoundland Regiment’s somber engagement at Beaumont-Hamel took place on July 1, 1916, during the Battle of the Somme. It will mark the 100th anniversary of the battle.
 
Saint John's oldest church up for sale for $134,900
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/saint-john-s-oldest-church-up-for-sale-for-134-900-1.2874972
   St. George's Anglican Church, built in 1821, has been put on the market for $134,900, including its hall and three city lots.

Nova Scotia

Pictou paintings offer a glimpse into its industrial history
http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1257645-pictou-paintings-offer-a-glimpse-into-its-industrial-history
   Stephanie Robertson has a 20-painting exhibition at Stone Soup Cafe and Catering on Water Street in her hometown of Pictou. About half the show is about the railroad, only a memory in today's world. 
Quebec

Ottawa to fund $35.7-million in Quebec City historical projects
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-to-fund-357-million-in-quebec-city-historical-projects/article22102472/
   Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced $35.7-million in funding for historical and archeological projects in Quebec City, while opening the door to further federal funding for a tall-ships regatta that will stop in the city in 2017.

Ontario

Royal Ontario Museum to host exhibits from Franklin expedition
http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/canada/archives/2014/12/20141218-183619.html
   This fall a team made up of specialists with Parks Canada and National Defence found a wreck submerged in 11 metres of water complete with a bell will all the identifying markers of the Erebus - and it has been found, and now is the centre of a exhabit at the Royal Ontario Museum.
 Blackwell & Beddoe Lawrence: The maple leaf has symbolized Canada for 50 years, but its origins are still misunderstood
http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2014/12/15/blackwell-beddoe-lawrence-the-maple-leaf-has-symbolized-canada-for-50-years-but-its-origins-are-still-misunderstood/
   When a committee began lobbying to have the city of Brockville designated as "the birthplace of the Canadian flag" and John Matheson, their MP in the 1960s, as "the father of the flag." Both claims are unfounded, and have recently ignited heated controversy.

Tour for Humantiy aims to make the connection: Lessons of past can apply to today, Westland students learn
http://www.niagarathisweek.com/community-story/5206823-tour-of-humanity-aims-to-make-the-connection/
   Grade 9 and 10 students at Westlane Secondary School were the first in Niagara to witness a mobile presentation at the Friends for the Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies Tour for Humanity. The tour was invited to the school by Westlane’s Me to We Club.

Manitoba
Royal Proclamation to 'kitchen accord;' Canada's history on display in Winnipeg
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/royal-proclamation-to-kitchen-accord-canada-s-history-on-display-in-winnipeg-1.2876513
   The collection of 11 documents, on loan from Library and Archives Canada, includes some of the most important original records in the country's history, spanning The Royal Proclamation of 1763 to more recent Constitution Act of 1982 created on made-in-Manitoba flax paper.

Unravelling the Riel family’s history
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/lance/correspondent/Unravelling-the-Riel-familys-history-285888771.html
   Of all the historic figures in Manitoba, the most convoluted stories surround Louis Riel, the man who steered Manitoba in Confederation.

 Genealogy Stories of the Week

Some stories which have passed over this desk this past week -

The Government of Canada has announced that they want young Canadians to be involved in developing a logo for the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. If you have a creative spirit and would like to make history, this logo design contest is for you!
   The contest is open to Canadian citizens residing in Canada or permanent residents living in Canada, 18 years and older, registered at a Canadian post-secondary institution in December 2014 and/or January 2015.
   You can submit your design online at www.Canada.ca/150. Click on sections below for more details on the contest and how to enter. The contest will end at 11:59 p.m. EST on January 23, 2015.

The Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS) has announced that Families (their journal) will be delivered to its members electronically, starting with the February 2015 issue.
   They give the following reasons - 

• Ability to click on any URLs and immediately check out the websites noted
• No need to find storage space for a paper copy; instead, you will have easy storage on your computer hard drive, in the cloud, or on your mobile device
• Ability to read Families on your tablet
• Having the luxury of a backup copy in the Members-Only section of the OGS website
• Helping OGS to go green

   Members with email addresses will automatically be placed on our list for the new version, while members without email addresses will continue to receive paper copies.

   Members wanting to receive a paper copy of Families must let Marsha Brown, Membership Coordinator, know by Jan. 9, 2015. Contact Marsha at 416-489-0734 or membership@ogs.on.ca.

Library and Archives Canada has the William Lyon Mackenzie King collection and has digitized his personal diary. The full text search offers unparalleled access to the document, one of the most remarkable sources of information on Canadian political history in the first half of the 20th century.
   Their Internet partner, Canadiana.org, recently added more digitized microfilms to the site called Héritage , and they have recently released more Digitized Copies of the Canadian Expeditionary Force Personnel Service Files on their site at http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/first-world-war/first-world-war-1914-1918-cef/Pages/canadian-expeditionary-force.aspx

The National Institute for Genealogical Studies (NIGS), based in Ontario, is celebrating 15 Years of Online Genealogy Education.
   With hundreds of courses being offered today, it all started with a single course called 'Methodology-Part 1: Getting Started'.
   With hundreds of courses being offered today, they are giving away presents!
   Now's the time to sign-up for those courses you always wanted to take. Go to www.genealogicalstudies.com/ and sign up today. As a student in the Professional Development Certificate Program (I am halfway through), I can attest that the courses are current and challenging, and are a great test of your genealogy knowledge.

After a week of making calls and hard work, the Quebec Family History Society (QFHS) has their modem working again, and you can go back on the Member's only site once again.
   December 19th was the last day the library was open before the Christmas recess. It will stay closed until Monday, January 5th, 2015.

And talk about Christmas and the holiday season, may I wish each and everyone of you, my loyal readers, the best for the holiday season, and my thanks for making this blog popular and successful.
   As genealogy waits for no man (or woman), I will be working on my research projects this week, and like most good genealogists, I'll be too busy to see Santa drop down my chimney, eat the cookies, drink all the milk (and leave the fridge door open) before I realize he was here and left me something (nice, I hope)!

Reminder: Check the Canadian Week in Review next Monday for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada. It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in country!

The next post will be on 29 December 2014. 

 
(These links were accessed 21 December 2014)

Canadian Week in Review - 15 December 2014

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

History

 

1869 - T. Eaton Co. Limited
   In 1869, Timothy Eaton opened a small dry-goods store at the corner of Yonge and Queen streets in Toronto. He offered a new twist to department store selling - satisfaction guaranteed, or money refunded. His store became the largest department store chain in Canada. In September 1999, Sears Canada announced that it would buy the outstanding common shares of the insolvent Eaton’s.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eaton's

Social Media

Newfoundland and Canada genealogy
http://newfoundlandcanadagenealogy.com
   This blog is to provide resources for people researching family genealogy in Newfoundland, Canada.

(Photos) Hockey Life
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lac-bac/sets/72157649339951435/
   Library and Archives Canada has photos on their Flickr page of the history of hockey.

(Photos) Opinicon Resort on Rideau Canal up for auction starting at $500K
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/opinicon-resort-on-rideau-canal-up-for-auction-starting-at-500k-1.2859506
   For four generations, the same family ran the Opinicon Resort on the Rideau Canal, about an hour and half south of Ottawa - and now it's for auction.

(Video) 100 years of Manitoba hockey celebrated in new exhibit
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/100-years-of-manitoba-hockey-celebrated-in-new-exhibit-1.2856701
   As part of the 100th anniversary of Hockey Manitoba, the organization and the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame is celebrating those moments, and more, with a new exhibit that showcases the success of Manitobans in hockey.

(Video) Confederation gets its due in Museum of History show
http://ottawacitizen.com/entertainment/local-arts/confederation-gets-its-due-in-museum-of-history-show
   In early 2012, Museum of History curator Jean-Francois Lozier got a special assignment, his very first big exhibition - Confederation.

(Facebook) New - The Halton-Peel Branch Group
   The Halton-Peel Branch of the OGS is excited to announce the move from a Page to a Group. The address of the Facebook Group is https://www.facebook.com/groups/774317655963454/permalink/778137152248171/

Articles

Nova Scotia

EDITORIAL: Order of Nova Scotia honours our own
http://thechronicleherald.ca/editorials/1255551-editorial-order-of-nova-scotia-honours-our-own
   This fall, five new names joined the pantheon of those named to the Order of Nova Scotia since the honour’s inception in 2001. Four were invested at Province House Wednesday, a fifth will be invested later.

NS: Local history buff documents Maritime Building demolition
http://www.dailybusinessbuzz.ca/Construction-%26amp%3B-Transportation/2014-12-05/article-3964048/NS%3A-Local-history-buff-documents-Maritime-Building-demolition/1
   Philip MacKenzie already has 43 hours of video and more than 500 photos documenting the demolition of the Maritime Building, and it’s not over yet.

Much to be gained by student participation in heritage and science fairs
http://www.trurodaily.com/Opinion/Columns/2014-12-05/article-3964072/strongMuch-to-be-gained-by-student-participation-in-heritage-and-science-fairsstrong/1
   Every year, schools in Nova Scotia and across Canada participate in heritage and science fairs.

Volta Labs wants the old Library
http://www.thecoast.ca/RealityBites/archives/2014/12/09/volta-labs-wants-the-old-library
   As the Halifax Central Library finally gets set to open its doors this weekend, the fate of the former Memorial Library across the street is still being decided.

New Glasgow to celebrate 200th anniversary of birth of Canada’s first PM
http://www.cumberlandnewsnow.com/News/Local/2014-12-09/article-3968467/New-Glasgow-to-celebrate-200th-anniversary-of-birth-of-Canada%26rsquo%3Bs-first-PM/1
   The 200th anniversary of Sir John A. Macdonald birthday (11 January 1815), and his visit to New Glasgow will be celebrated on 08 January 2015 with an reenactment of the speech he gave on the 25 August 1888.

New Brunswick

Faculty, students create digital history of New Brunswick
http://www.dailytargum.com/article/2014/12/faculty-students-create-digital-history-of-new-Brunswick
   “Mapping New Brunswick Memories” uses oral histories from interviews of New Brunswick residents to create five virtual tours of the city on the website, MappingNewBrunswickMemories.org.

Quebec

No license personalized plates in Quebec
http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/canada/archives/2014/12/20141202-150733.html
   The project was cancelled due to concerns among government officials that some citizens would use English words or vulgar phrases.

Ontario

Do the archiving here in Hamilton
http://www.thespec.com/opinion-story/5176690-do-the-archiving-here-in-hamilton/
   Library and Archives Canada doesn't know which departmental records should be disposed of or archived. And there is a backlog of 98,000 boxes of material waiting to be archived, some of it dating back to 1890, but no plan for how to deal with it.

Ontario heritage has its own day
http://www.chroniclejournal.com/editorial/daily_editorial/2014-11-30/ontario-heritage-has-its-own-day
   Hunting, trapping and fishing now has its own day - National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day on the third Saturday of September.

Natalie Bull: When governments invest funds in historic places, the returns are always impressive
https://mail.aol.com/38865-111/aol-6/en-ca/Suite.aspx
   Last week, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced $5.8 billion in infrastructure funding for federally owned historic sites, museums, national parks and other tourist attractions across Canada.

Saskatchewan

Regina Beach historical society wants you to share your memories
http://www.leaderpost.com/Regina+Beach+historical+society+wants+share+your+memories/10429113/story.html
   Submissions will be accepted until the end of this year by mail to Box 102, Regina Beach, SK S0G 4C0, or by email as a Word or PDF file to rginc@accesscomm.ca. Those who would like some help writing their stories can call 306-729-4906, or write hpolischuk@leaderpost.com.

British Columbia

Got $10M? The West End’s historic Gabriola House is for sale
http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2014/12/west-end-historic-gabriola-house-is-for-sale/
   One of Vancover's oldest buildings and the last of its kind in the West End, is up for sale. The historic Gabriola House, also known as the Rogers Sugar mansion, is on the market for $10 million.

A one hundred year journey
http://www.asianpacificpost.com/article/6615-one-hundred-year-journey.html
   The 100 Year Journey Gala on Saturday, November 29, 2014 presented by the publisher of Mehfil Magazine, Rana Vig, celebrated the past, present, and future of the South Asian community.

Genealogy Stories of the Week

Some stories which have passed over this desk this past week -

The Canada Aviation and Space Museum Foundation is asking people to support The Legacy Project – the Museum’s first crowdfunding campaign.
   As the site says, 'The Legacy Project is a documentary being created by Canadian film students and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. Through first person accounts from Canadian Veterans—airmen and women who served in the RCAF, RAF, WAAF, and the Polish Air Force—as well as from former European civilians, the documentary will showcase the people and stories of the Second World War through the lens of aviation'.
   To find out more about the campaign, go to http://foundation.techno-science.ca/en/the-legacy-project.php

Starting in January 2015, Ottawa Branch OGS will present a genealogical education session prior to the monthly program. Genealogy: Back To Basics will include a short lecture on a genealogical topic, followed by a Question and Answer session with Ottawa Branch members. If you are new to family history research or need a refresher, come out and join us.
   The first session will be Saturday 24 January 2015 at 10:30 a.m. in Room 115 of the City of Ottawa Central Archives. The presentation should last about 45 minutes and will be followed by a general Q&A session on genealogical topics until noon. Coffee and tea will be available throughout the morning.
   There is no charge for the session, and all are invited to return at 1:00 p.m. for the monthly presentation with Elizabeth Kipp and her talk on One Name Studies.
   The following is the current schedule for Genealogy B2B. For updates, check their website at
http://ogsottawa.on.ca/.

The Genealogical Society of Nova Scotia (GANS) will be offering an eight-week Genealogy 101 course beginning on February 2, 2015.
   The cost is $195 for non-members and $160 for members. For more details and to register, please go to http://www.novascotiaancestors.ca/cpage.php?pt=299.

The members of the Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS) were informed this week that the OGS has taken the step of issuing Families (their journal) in electronic format, starting with the February 2015 issue, although there will be an option to receive the paper version, if preferred.
   As the editor of Families, I find several advantages to the new format - in addition to resizing the text for viewing comfort, members will now be able to store and read Families online; click on live hyperlinks; and view the photographs, diagrams, and maps in full colour.

Reminder: Check the Canadian Week in Review next Monday for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada. It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in country!

The next post will be on 22 December 2014.

(These links were accessed 13 December 2014)