Anglo-Celtic Roots Summer 2014

Tagged as a “Quarterly Journal”, the publication of the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa (BIFHSGO), called Anglo-Celtic Roots, issued their summer edition, and it has three interesting articles – 

Travels With My Aunt: Adventure in Europe 1914 by Barbara Tose. I read this article over about three times because it was so gripping, and I have a soft spot when it comes to travel stories. 

It involves a group of travellers led by James L. Hughes of Montreal, who, in 1914 (just before the start of the First World War) went to England and Europe. And one of those traveller was Tose’s great-great aunt, Ellen Margaret Miller, from Lindsay, Ontario. 

An Officer and a Gentleman by Andrew Billingsley is the recounting of Thomas Alexander Rowat’s experiences in the First World War. He is the author’s great-uncle.

He belonged to the Divisional Cyclists, and they were used to carry messages bask and forth between the division headquarters and the battlefield. 

By the summer of 1917, fighting had become unbearable, and on June 26, Lieut. Rowat was killed, and he is buried in Villers-au-Bois, France. 

John Henry McVittie: Before, During and after World War I by Brian Latham is a life story of his uncle, John Henry McVittie, from St. Joseph Island, encompassing the First World War, and his life after the war. 

BIFHSGO is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and the conference will be held September 19-21, 2014 in the Library and Archives Canada in Ottawa. 

Their website is http://www.bifhsgo.ca.

WORLD WAR ONE - THUNDER BAY CENTENNIAL

The Thunder Bay Public Library in Thunder Bay, Ontario has issued the following press release -

“The Thunder Bay Public Library is spearheading a community partnership to commemorate the centennial of World War One. Members of the partnership, which includes the Library, the City of Thunder Bay Archives, City of Thunder Bay Heritage Advisory Committee, the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, the Thunder Bay Military Museum, Lakehead University History Department and the Northwestern Ontario Aviation Heritage Centre, will contribute photographs and records to a dynamic online exhibit depicting life in Thunder Bay during World War One.

The Library will host and administer the exhibit here on the website. New stories, photos and documents will be added throughout the next four years. The public will be invited to contribute their World War One stories, photos and documents at a launch planned for early November”.

It sounds as if they have taken on a large project, with many other museums, archives, libraries within the city. Each facility explains their involvement on the library webpage.

The website is at http//www.tbpl.ca/article/world-war-one--thunder-bay-centennial-1566.asp

Ancestry.ca - Free Access!

Word has come from Ancestry.ca that “In honour of Labour Day, from August 28 to September 1, Ancestry.ca is offering free access to all FamilySearch API records, which includes 1 billion records from 67 countries (nearly 200,000 records and more than 2 million images from Canada), so Canadians can discover more about their family’s working history”. 

You can visit the website at http://www.ancestry.ca/cs/ca/international

Canada's smallest library

According to Atlas Obscura, a magazine which reports on obscure things in the world, the smallest library in Canada is in Cardigan, in the province of Prince Edward Island.

It is operated by John A. MacDonald, who manages the library of 1,800 books, and offers a lifetime membership for $5.00.

And now MacDonald has sets his eyes on another title – he wants it added to the Guinness World Records, but sadly, there’s no category at the moment. 

View the story at http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/canada-s-smallest-library?sf4051357=1

Another Branch joins the group

The Nipissing Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society has joined Facebook. 

Their mission is to encourage, assist, and bring together all those interested in the pursuit of family history in the Districts of Nipissing, Parry Sound and Timiskaming. 

Go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/338694066286724/ 

Their webpage is at http://www.nipissing.ogs.on.ca/oldsite/index.html although I understand they are going to put on a new website in the near future.

Canadian Week in Review 25 August 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.

Websites

Black Ribbon Day in Canada
http://www.blackribbonday.org
In November 2009, the Canadian parliament passed a resolution declaring August 23rd as Black Ribbon Day, an annual day of remembrance for the victims of Communism and Nazism in Europe.

History Week in Canada

In 1541, French explorer Jacques Cartier landed near Quebec City in his third voyage to the New World.

Read about Jacques Cartier at http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/jacques-cartier/

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

In 1957, Saskatchewan was the first province to complete its section of the Trans-Canada Highway.

To read more, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskatchewan_Highway_1
===================================================
In 1890, Moncton, New Brunswick was officially incorporated as a city.

To read the history of Moncton at http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/moncton/

===================================================
In 1882, Pile O’ Bones was named Regina when the Canadian Pacific Railroad arrived there.

Read the history of Regina at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Regina,_Saskatchewan

Social Media

WWI: How Canada remembers its fallen

http://www.cbc.ca/news/multimedia/wwi-how-canada-remembers-its-fallen-1.2744274
The CBC News Community captures how Canada remembers its WWI fallen a century later.

(Video) The First World War: Excerpts from the diary of Woodman Leonard

http://www.ottawasun.com/2014/08/21/the-first-world-war-excerpts-from-the-diary-of-woodman-leonard

The Ottawa Sun continues with excerpts from Leonard’s diary.

Last week\s installment is at http://www.ottawasun.com/2014/08/15/the-first-world-war-excerpts-from-the-diary-of-woodman-leonard

(Video) Prince Edward Island woodworker building replica ice boat
http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/News/Local/2014-08-17/article-3837723/Prince-Edward-Island-woodworker-building-replica-ice-boat/1

Project will see an ice boat replica as part of exhibit marking 100th anniversary of Transportation Association of Canada.

(Video) Prince Edward Island Potato Board launches video series

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/News/Local/2014-08-20/article-3841600/Prince-Edward-Island-Potato-Board-launches-video-series/1

The PEI Potato Board is sharing the History of the P.E.I. Potato Industry with the Next Generation centrepiece of five-video series.

(Photos) Historic Thunder Bay buildings rendered in Lego
Kieran Marcus and his Lego creations inspire an exhibit at the Thunder Bay museum

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/historic-thunder-bay-buildings-rendered-in-lego-1.2742006
The Thunder Bay museum's "City Beautiful" exhibit highlights amazing local architecture. But the inspiration for the exhibit is equally amazing, and they are made of Lego.

Newfoundland

What People Are Asking | What is the history of the transatlantic cable?

http://www.cecildaily.com/features/misc_features/article_f444fbac-53f0-5324-a43b-23b945537402.html

The man behind the laying of the transatlantic cable - Cyrus Field - is discussed.

Nova Scotia

Remembering a sad part of Canadian history

http://www.cumberlandnewsnow.com/News/Local/2014-08-18/article-3838924/Remembering-a-sad-part-of-Canadian-history/1

A commemorative plaque was laid at Cumberland County Museum on Friday as the first of 100 locations across Canada where the internment of Ukrainian and other enemy aliens during World War One happened a century ago.

Chapel Island thrilled to host 8,000 visitors to Mi’kmaq Summer Games

http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1230334-chapel-island-thrilled-to-host-8000-visitors-to-mi-kmaq-summer-games

The Mi’kmaq Summer Games takes place each summer on Chapel Island in the southwest corner of the Bras D’Or Lake in Cape Breton.

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island, Canada: where the seeds of a nation were sown

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/northamerica/canada/11050549/Prince-Edward-Island-Canada-where-the-seeds-of-a-nation-were-sown.html

Read a short history of PEI as the birthplace of Canada.

Ontario

Aborists work to keep Canada’s oldest sugar maple’s legacy alive

http://www.torontosun.com/2014/08/21/aborists-work-to-keep-canadas-oldest-sugar-maples-legacy-alive#disqus_thread

Read about how Canada’s oldest sugar maple, called the Comfort Maple, is believed to be more than 500 years old!

Dark period in Canada's history

http://www.niagaraadvance.ca/2014/08/22/dark-period-in-canadas-history

Nikola Yerich of Niagara Falls, and thousands of others who came from certain European countries, ended up in Canada’s first internment camps during the time of the First World War.

Interim councillor calling for 'O Canada' change
http://toronto.ctvnews.ca/interim-councillor-calling-for-o-canada-change-1.1970843
A Toronto councilperson has put forward motion to make 'O Canada' gender neutral passes.

HISTORY: 'Alien enemies' sent to internment camps
http://www.timminspress.com/2014/08/17/history-alien-enemies-sent-to-internment-camps
Read about the fascinating history about interment camps in northwestern Ontario.

The perilous history of Canada’s Ross rifle
http://globalnews.ca/news/1511892/the-perilous-history-of-canadas-ross-rifle
Read about the history of the Ross Rifle, that notorious firearm that was used by Canadian troops at the start of the First World War.

Canadian War Museum welcomes your donated artifacts, but can’t take everything
http://ww1.canada.com/after-the-war/canadian-war-museum-welcomes-your-donated-artifacts-but-cant-take-everything
You should call the museum first to see if they can accept your donation first before you sent the article to the museum in Ottawa.

Local historian reveals region’s stories, myths and secrets
http://www.therecord.com/news-story/4765187-local-historian-uncovers-region-in-college-course
Joanna Rickert-Hall, a local cultural and social historian, has been successful in having the Conestoga College in Kitchener to have a course on local history. It is called History of Waterloo Region 1 & 2.

Alberta

Alberta's African Americans and the cowboy maverick honoured in John Ware Reimagined

http://www.calgarysun.com/2014/08/19/albertas-african-americans-and-the-cowboy-maverick-honoured-in-john-ware-reimagined

There is a new play about John Ware, the former American slave who helped establish ranching in Alberta, and whose own skills at steer wrestling made it a popular event at the Calgary Stampede.

Park actor to retell Alberta history
http://www.sherwoodparknews.com/2014/08/21/park-actor-to-retell-alberta-history
A Sherwood Park-born actor will be starring in a play that showcases the life of the first black cowboy in Alberta.

British Columbia

Queen’s Park Stadium has significant heritage value
http://www.royalcityrecord.com/opinion/your-letters/queen-s-park-stadium-has-significant-heritage-value-1.1319803#sthash.JIhDAVL9.dpuf
In a letter to the editor, a reader of the Royal City Record says that he thinks that Queen’s Park Stadium should receive Heritage Status.

BC ghost town for sale Bradian can be yours for $995,000
http://www.news1130.com/2014/08/20/bc-ghost-town-for-sale/
This town is for sale!
It is located next to where the gold rush took more than four million ounces of gold and 1.2 million ounces of silver from the Bralorne mine before it closed in 1971.

Story of the Week

Greek Canadian History Project

The Greek Canadian History Project (GCHP) is an archival initiative that seeks to preserve the knowledge, memory, and experiences of Canada’s Greek immigrants and their descendants.

They recently held an exhibit at Toronto City Hall called Memory and Migration: A History of Greek Immigrants in Toronto, 1864-2014.

They have a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Greek-Canadian-History-Project/510739502333543

The Greek Canadian History Project is still seeking collections. If you have any questions or would like more information on how you can contribute materials to the archive project, please do not hesitate to contact them Sakis Gekas at agekas@yorku.ca or Christopher Grafos at cgrafos@yorku.ca 

They are looking collections of papers, diaries, photographs, books, pamphlets, audio, video, and other materials that will be valuable for research of the Greek-Canadian past.

The archives are at York University at http://archives.library.yorku.ca/exhibits/show/gchp

To read more about Greek immigration to Canada, go to http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/greeks/

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 September 1, 2014.

Reminder: Canadian Week in Review

Check the Canadian Week in Review tomorrow 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/2014/08/canadian-week-in-review-18-august-2014_18.html 

It has the most up-to-date news items covered in New/Updated Websites, History, Social Media, and Newspaper Articles. 

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

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

Fall is the time to research

The fall months are a great time to hold genealogy fairs, conferences, and “back-to-school” in-depth courses in Canada. The summer is winding down, and the months of September, October, and November are usually a prime time to rekindle research for those ancestors.

Genealogy Fairs 

On Saturday, September 20th, 2014 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Eva Brook Donly Museum & Archives, located at 109 Norfolk Street South in Simcoe, Ontario, will hold their annual genealogy fair. This is the oldest genealogy fair in Ontario. 

For more information, go to http://www.norfolklore.com/

Conferences 

BIFHSGO 

And some are having conferences, like the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa, from September 19th to the 21st at the Library and Archives Canada (LAC) on Wellington Street.

This year, the conference will include English family history, immigration from the British Isles, Home Children; and genetic genealogy.

For more information, go to http://www.bifhsgo.ca/cpage.php?pt=126

Harvest Your Family Tree 2014 

Kelowna And District Genealogical Society will hold their bi-annual genealogy conference in Kelowna, British Columbia, from September 26 to 28, 2014. 

It is Western Canada's largest genealogy conference, and boasts a full day of seminars with renowned international speakers like photo specialist Maureen Taylor (who will also be giving photo consultations) of www.maureentaylor.com as well as Dave Obee of www.CanGenealogy.com and Stephen Young of FamilySearch https://familysearch.org

Go to http://www.harvestyourtree.blogspot.com/ to get more information. 

Genealogy Courses

And some are planning family history courses in the fall of 2014, like the Toronto Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society. These include -

• Basic Genealogy and Family History 

Wednesdays, 8 October to 26 November 2014, 2 – 4 pm

Are you thinking of starting your family history? Or maybe you have been working on it for a while but want to sharpen your research skills? This course will cover the basics, including terminology, types of sources, the use of on-line resources, libraries and archives, including LDS Family History Centres, and record-keeping – to help you “think like a genealogist”. 

Instructor: Jane E. MacNamara 

Where: North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge Street, Toronto

• Maps and Mapping for 21st Century Genealogists 

Thursday, 6 November and Wednesdays, 12, 19 and 26 November 2014, 6:15 – 8:15 pm 

This four-week course, designed for intermediate and advanced-level genealogists, explores sophisticated ways in which maps and mapping tools can contribute to family history research, analysis, and writing.

Instructor: James F.S. Thomson 

Where: Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto 

For more information on these and other programs, go to http://torontofamilyhistory.org/learn/ 

The One Hundred Plaques Across Canada will be unveiled today

To mark the 100th anniversary of Canada's first national internment operations of 1914-1920, the Ukrainian Canadian Civil Liberties Foundation will be unveiling 100 plaques today on Friday, 22 August 2014, the 100th anniversary of the War Measures Act.

All 100 plaques will be unveiled at 11 am (local time) in Ukrainian, Croatian, Serbian, German, and Hungarian churches and cultural centres, as well as in local and regional museums and other public venues, creating a "wave" of unveilings, moving from east to west, from coast to coast. 

Dr Lubomyr Luciuk, the CTO project leader says “ I want to add that this is the first time in Canadian history that any community has attempted to unveil 100 historical plaques from coast to coast at the same (local) time. This couldn’t happen without the enthusiastic support of hundreds of volunteers in 100 communities across the country, from Amherst, Nova Scotia to Nanaimo, British Columbia, and Grand Prairie, Alberta to Val D’Or, Quebec to name but a few. We’re also very grateful to our Patriarch, the two Metropolitans, the national executive of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, the representatives of the other affected communities and many of our internee descendants, for their help. 

We’re calling on people to set aside 11 am (local time) on Friday, 22 August 2014 so that they can join us in witnessing a plaque unveiling in their own community or region. Be there to remember, and to learn." 

To see where the plagues will be unveiled today, go to http://www.uccla.ca/List_of_Plaque_sites.pdf 

The website of The Ukrainian Canadian Civil Liberties Association is at http://www.uccla.ca/index.html

Do You Read Blogs?

Every week, the editors of The Weekly Genealogist—published by the New England Historic Genealogical Society—take a survey, and last week they asked their readers - “How many genealogy blogs do you follow?”

And the answers were quite interesting, as 53 % said that they did not read blogs at all, while only 3% said that they read 10 or more. I would say that I am in the latter category! 

But it goes along with what I have said for the past year or so. People just do not read blogs, but those that do read blogs – read them religiously. It seems that people who write blogs (like me) read them, too. 

So, do you read blogs? How do you keep up with the genealogy news? Maybe there aren't any news to keep up with, or do you prefer podcasts or Google Hangouts on Air rather than blogs? 

To read the rest of the survey, go to http://www.americanancestors.org/wg-vol-17-no-34/#6

Ontario Genealogical Society Branch Facebook Pages

The Ontario Genealogical Society is made up of 33 branches and SIGs, and besides their web pages, many of them also have their own Facebook pages so that they can keep in touch with members and non-members alike.

The Facebook pages are -

Bruce & Grey Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/633643046723946/?fref=tsa 

Elgin County Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/ElginOGS?fref=ts 

Essex County Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006053194907&fref=ts 

Halton-Peel Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/HaltonPeelBranchOGS?fref=ts 

Hamilton Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/523462191101234/?fref=ts 

Huron County Branch, Genealogical Society Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/221555263797/?fref=ts 

Kent Branch Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/kent.ogs.96?ref=ts&fref=ts 

Niagara Peninsula Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NBOGS/ 

Ottawa Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/237267743111732/?fref=ts

Perth County Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/PerthCountyBranchOGS?fref=ts

Quinte Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/QuinteBranch.OGS?fref=ts

Sudbury Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/sudburyogs/?fref=ts

Toronto Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/TOFamilyHistory?fref=ts

Wellington County Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wellington-County-OGS/413477792099902?fref=ts