The following press release came from the Veterans Affairs Canada yesterday -
"The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, announced today that the Government of Canada will provide up to $675,000 over the next three years to the Historica-Dominion Institute to support an initiative allowing Canadian Veterans to share their stories of service and sacrifice with young people across the country.
"Hearing stories first-hand from Canada's Veterans—whether they are about peacekeeping operations and other important missions of today, or stories going back to Korea or the Second World War—makes a tremendous impact that will help inspire Canada's youth to take an even greater interest in remembrance," said Minister Blaney.
The Memory Project Speakers' Bureau is composed of Veterans who visit classrooms and community groups to share their stories with youth. This bilingual educational program connects Veterans and students on-line and in classrooms across the country.
A total of $600,000 in funding to the Memory Project Speakers' Bureau is provided jointly through Veterans Affairs Canada's Community Engagement Partnership Fund and the Canadian Studies Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. An additional $75,000 is being provided this year by Canadian Heritage for the production of an educational DVD.
"For 10 years, Memory Project Veteran speakers have been sharing a legacy of service and their powerful perspective on Canadian history with students from coast to coast," says Jeremy Diamond, Director of Development and Programs with the Historica-Dominion Institute. "We hope that these stories can continue to humanize our history and teach Canada's youth about what it was like for someone, not much older than themselves, to serve their country."
Visit the website at http://www.thememoryproject.com/
A daily blog about Canadian genealogy, heritage, and history
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Genealogy in Canada Survey
There is a new survey online http://www.genealogyincanada.blogspot.com/ lead by Professor Leighann Neilson of the Sprott School of Business, and Emeritus Professor Del Muise of the History Department, both at Carleton University, Ottawa.
I was made aware of the survey by John D. Reid's blog "Anglo-Celtic Connections" http://anglo-celtic-connections.blogspot.com/ this morning, and I took the survey this afternoon. They said it would take about half an hour, and it did.
They say “The objective is to secure accurate information concerning the resources engaged with by family historians/genealogists".
It is a wide ranging survey, and they have put in their opening remarks that it will be “the first stage of a broad national project“ What does this mean? I will be interested to see what their next “project” will be...
I was made aware of the survey by John D. Reid's blog "Anglo-Celtic Connections" http://anglo-celtic-connections.blogspot.com/ this morning, and I took the survey this afternoon. They said it would take about half an hour, and it did.
They say “The objective is to secure accurate information concerning the resources engaged with by family historians/genealogists".
It is a wide ranging survey, and they have put in their opening remarks that it will be “the first stage of a broad national project“ What does this mean? I will be interested to see what their next “project” will be...
Park to be Renamed Africville
The Chronicle Herald's website, http://thechronicleherald.ca/Metro/1255237.html has a notice today that “A historic north-end Halifax park will officially be renamed Africville on Friday (July 29th).
In a ceremony to take place during the Africville Annual Festival / Reunion, Seaview Park will be no more after Mayor Peter Kelly and other dignitaries unveil a new sign. The event will take place at 1 pm.
The renaming is part of a deal reached between the city and the Africville Genealogy Society in 2010.
Future plans for Africville include a church museum, expected to open in the fall, and an interpretative centre”.
The Africville Genealogy Society http://www.africville.ca/index.html Read about the history of the genealogical society, view a gallery, and read the stories of former residents.
Africville (on Wikipedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africville It gives a short history, and the resources that are available to the researcher.
In a ceremony to take place during the Africville Annual Festival / Reunion, Seaview Park will be no more after Mayor Peter Kelly and other dignitaries unveil a new sign. The event will take place at 1 pm.
The renaming is part of a deal reached between the city and the Africville Genealogy Society in 2010.
Future plans for Africville include a church museum, expected to open in the fall, and an interpretative centre”.
The Africville Genealogy Society http://www.africville.ca/index.html Read about the history of the genealogical society, view a gallery, and read the stories of former residents.
Africville (on Wikipedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africville It gives a short history, and the resources that are available to the researcher.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Dave Obee - Canada's Genealogist
I first met Dave Obee of Victoria in 2007 at a genealogy/library conference at the Library and Archives Canada in Ottawa. His website is at http://www.daveobee.com/
Since then, we had the occasion to meet each other in various events, and at the 2011 conference of the Ontario Genealogical Society held in Hamilton, I asked him to write a piece on Social Media for the August issue of Families.
As a lead-up to reading the paper in the fall issue of Families, there is a good article called "Database search strategies” at http://www.daveobee.com/columns/09search.htm in which he gives us ten reasons why a search may not be as straightforward as we may think they would be - as Dave says “There are dozens of reasons why a search might fail”.
Some of the reasons he gives are -
Original records were poorly written,
Places were confused, and
People lied - Some people do not want to be found.
But he gives eight ways to search to increase your chances of success, including the use of wildcards, and how to be flexible in searching.
Dave will be speaking at the 2012 Ontario Genealogical Society Conference to be held at Kingston, June 1-3, 2012. The website is http://www.ogs.on.ca/seminar/conference2012.php
Since then, we had the occasion to meet each other in various events, and at the 2011 conference of the Ontario Genealogical Society held in Hamilton, I asked him to write a piece on Social Media for the August issue of Families.
As a lead-up to reading the paper in the fall issue of Families, there is a good article called "Database search strategies” at http://www.daveobee.com/columns/09search.htm in which he gives us ten reasons why a search may not be as straightforward as we may think they would be - as Dave says “There are dozens of reasons why a search might fail”.
Some of the reasons he gives are -
Original records were poorly written,
Places were confused, and
People lied - Some people do not want to be found.
But he gives eight ways to search to increase your chances of success, including the use of wildcards, and how to be flexible in searching.
Dave will be speaking at the 2012 Ontario Genealogical Society Conference to be held at Kingston, June 1-3, 2012. The website is http://www.ogs.on.ca/seminar/conference2012.php
Monday, July 25, 2011
Cemetery Transcriptions Updating
In July, and August, the Lambton County Ontario Genealogical Society has been, and will be involved with Cemetery Transcriptions Updating.
If you can help, please e-mail lambtonogs@ebtech.net, and ask for either Robert or Karen.
The website is http://www.lambton.ogs.on.ca
If you can help, please e-mail lambtonogs@ebtech.net, and ask for either Robert or Karen.
The website is http://www.lambton.ogs.on.ca
Sunday, July 24, 2011
The Talbot Times
The June 2011 issue of The Talbot Times of the Elgin County Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society arrived last month, and it is full of news about Elgin County!
The editor brings you up-to-date on the renovations at the St. Thomas Public Library, and says that the group has made contact with another genealogical group in the area that meets at the Family History Centre, and has decided to coordinate some meeting with them.
A 13-page index to the St. Thomas Times Journal of August 1, 1952 (Section A through to Section L) including an index to photos, funerals, articles, births, marriages, reunions – all with tons of names!!
If you wish to contact the editor, please email them at info@elginogs.ca, or go to their website at www.elginogs.ca.
The Ontario Genealogical Society is offering a half-year membership for $35.00, you can go to http://www.ogs.on.ca/membership/types.php
Saturday, July 23, 2011
British Home Children Talk
The first Fall meeting of the Ottawa Media Club http://www.mediaclubofottawa.ca/index.html will be Monday, September 19, 2011. at 6 pm at the Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington Street, Ottawa.
There will be a talk on the British Home Children called Great Expectations – The Middlemore Experience.
Between 1873-1932, more than 5,000 Birmingham children were settled in Ontario and the Maritimes, by John T. Middlemore of Birmingham. This startling event will be explained, following exhaustive research for her book, by author Dr. Patricia Roberts-Pichette and research assistant Caroline Herbert.
Dr. Patricia Roberts-Pichette and Caroline Herbert are both members of the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa, and the organization has the Home Children database on the website http://www.bifhsgo.ca/cpage.php?pt=4">
There will be a talk on the British Home Children called Great Expectations – The Middlemore Experience.
Between 1873-1932, more than 5,000 Birmingham children were settled in Ontario and the Maritimes, by John T. Middlemore of Birmingham. This startling event will be explained, following exhaustive research for her book, by author Dr. Patricia Roberts-Pichette and research assistant Caroline Herbert.
Dr. Patricia Roberts-Pichette and Caroline Herbert are both members of the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa, and the organization has the Home Children database on the website http://www.bifhsgo.ca/cpage.php?pt=4">
CousinsConnect – Canadian
As the opening webpage says "The place to post your genealogy questions"
It has 18, 461 queries so far, and they range from a person looking for their birth mother to a person looking for their four brothers.
The website, which has been on since 2001, says that "If you are looking to contact other genealogists, discover distant relatives, or find a missing person, CousinConnect offers you the best chance for success".
They have a "Frequently Asked Questions" that can tell you how to start using the website, how to post a query for best results, or how to change a query. It is located at http://www.cousinconnect.com/faqs.htm
On the main pages, at the bottom of the right column, you can check for new queries on a daily, weekly or a monthly basis. And the queries can be from Canada, or any country you chose.
The website is at http://www.cousinconnect.com/p/a/3/. If you want to contact them, email them at
info@cousinconnect.com
It has 18, 461 queries so far, and they range from a person looking for their birth mother to a person looking for their four brothers.
The website, which has been on since 2001, says that "If you are looking to contact other genealogists, discover distant relatives, or find a missing person, CousinConnect offers you the best chance for success".
They have a "Frequently Asked Questions" that can tell you how to start using the website, how to post a query for best results, or how to change a query. It is located at http://www.cousinconnect.com/faqs.htm
On the main pages, at the bottom of the right column, you can check for new queries on a daily, weekly or a monthly basis. And the queries can be from Canada, or any country you chose.
The website is at http://www.cousinconnect.com/p/a/3/. If you want to contact them, email them at
info@cousinconnect.com
Friday, July 22, 2011
CLANS AND SCOTTISH SOCIETIES OF CANADA
The CASSC is an organization that is "the link between various Clans and Scottish Societies. We encourage the celebration of our Scottish Cultural Heritage and the promotion of this Scottish Culture in all its aspects. We seek to be the assembly of all groups who are pursuing Scottish interests".
There are over 50 Scottish Festivals taking place in Canada this year, and if you haven't gone to one of them, you should go. They are great fun, and educational too.
The organization supports the National Tartan Day in Canada. There is also a "Photo Galley", and a genealogical section in the "Notice" part of the website.
If you wish further information, please see their website at http://www.cassoc.ca/frameset.htm
There are over 50 Scottish Festivals taking place in Canada this year, and if you haven't gone to one of them, you should go. They are great fun, and educational too.
The organization supports the National Tartan Day in Canada. There is also a "Photo Galley", and a genealogical section in the "Notice" part of the website.
If you wish further information, please see their website at http://www.cassoc.ca/frameset.htm
Bruce & Grey OGS
On July 26, 2011 at 5:30 p.m., at the Harrison Park Community Centre in Owen Sound, there will be a pot luck supper.
The special speaker will be Shirley Sturdevant, the Ontario Genealogical Society's Vice-President. Her topic is "What's happening at OGS & Provincial Office".
Come and find out how these initiates can be a benefit to members & branches.
Please bring your own plates, cutlery, beverage, and dish to share with everyone.
If you want more information, please go to http://tiffanyweb.bmts.com/~bgogs/calofevent.html
The special speaker will be Shirley Sturdevant, the Ontario Genealogical Society's Vice-President. Her topic is "What's happening at OGS & Provincial Office".
Come and find out how these initiates can be a benefit to members & branches.
Please bring your own plates, cutlery, beverage, and dish to share with everyone.
If you want more information, please go to http://tiffanyweb.bmts.com/~bgogs/calofevent.html
Thursday, July 21, 2011
The Archives of Ontario Releases BMDs
Back in May, 2011, The Archives of Ontario released the Ontario Vital Statistics records (the BMDs) - the 1914 births, the 1929 marriages, and the 1939 deaths..
This release involves the following records:
Indexes to Births and Stillbirths, 1914 (Archives of Ontario Series RG 80-4, MS 931, Reels 28)
Indexes to Marriages, 1929 (Archives of Ontario Series RG 80-7, MS 934, Reel 27)
Indexes to Deaths, 1939 (Archives of Ontario Series RG 80-10, MS 937, Reel 28)
Registrations of Births and Stillbirths, 1914 (Archives of Ontario Series RG 80-2, MS 929, Reels 246-255)
Delayed Registrations of Births and Stillbirths, "50" Series, 1914 (Archives of Ontario Series RG 80-3-1, MS 930, Reels 75-76)
Delayed Registrations of Births and Stillbirths, "90" Series, 1914 (Archives of Ontario Series RG 80-3-2, MS 933, Reels 69-70)
Registrations of Marriages, 1929 (Archives of Ontario Series RG 80-5, MS 932, Reels 881-908)
Registrations of Deaths, 1939 (Archives of Ontario Series RG 80-8, MS 935, Reels 616-635)
They say that "This most recent release is all on 16mm microfilm stock, resulting in a total issue of 74 reels. These records are available for consultation in the Archives Reading Room at 134 Ian Macdonald Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario. They may also be borrowed through the Archives of Ontario's Microfilm Interloan Service".
For more information see their website at http://www.archives.gov.on.ca/english/archival-records/interloan/vsmain.aspx
This release involves the following records:
Indexes to Births and Stillbirths, 1914 (Archives of Ontario Series RG 80-4, MS 931, Reels 28)
Indexes to Marriages, 1929 (Archives of Ontario Series RG 80-7, MS 934, Reel 27)
Indexes to Deaths, 1939 (Archives of Ontario Series RG 80-10, MS 937, Reel 28)
Registrations of Births and Stillbirths, 1914 (Archives of Ontario Series RG 80-2, MS 929, Reels 246-255)
Delayed Registrations of Births and Stillbirths, "50" Series, 1914 (Archives of Ontario Series RG 80-3-1, MS 930, Reels 75-76)
Delayed Registrations of Births and Stillbirths, "90" Series, 1914 (Archives of Ontario Series RG 80-3-2, MS 933, Reels 69-70)
Registrations of Marriages, 1929 (Archives of Ontario Series RG 80-5, MS 932, Reels 881-908)
Registrations of Deaths, 1939 (Archives of Ontario Series RG 80-8, MS 935, Reels 616-635)
They say that "This most recent release is all on 16mm microfilm stock, resulting in a total issue of 74 reels. These records are available for consultation in the Archives Reading Room at 134 Ian Macdonald Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario. They may also be borrowed through the Archives of Ontario's Microfilm Interloan Service".
For more information see their website at http://www.archives.gov.on.ca/english/archival-records/interloan/vsmain.aspx
Paul McGrath Memorial Lecture
Last week, the Toronto Family History Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society released information on an upcoming evening event in memory of the late Paul McGrath, a remarkable, accomplished and greatly-missed local and family historian. The inaugural Toronto History Lecture in Paul’s memory will feature a colourful and controversial figure from the city’s past.
The speaker will be local writer and historian Chris Raible, as he presents “Rebel Remembered: The Legacy of William Lyon Mackenzie, 150 Years After His Death”. Chris is an expert in Upper Canadian history with a particular focus on the career of Toronto’s first mayor. He is the author of four books – two on Mackenzie – and has spoken and conducted seminars for many heritage organizations.
Before the lecture, be sure to find out more about the Archives and its spectacular collection of records – including 12 million photographs, more than 3000 maps, and records from the townships, villages and boroughs that form Toronto today.
Free admission but reservations required
Thursday, 4 August 2011
7:30 pm sharp (refreshments 6:30–7:30)
City of Toronto Archives, 255 Spadina Road, Toronto
For more information about this special event and to reserve a seat, visit http://tinyurl.com/6hshhsx
The Toronto History Lecture is organized and supported by an informal group of friends and associates of Paul McGrath and the following organizations:
City of Toronto Archives http://www.toronto.ca/archives/
Ontario Genealogical Society http://www.ogs.on.ca/
Ancestry.ca http://www.ancestry.ca/
The speaker will be local writer and historian Chris Raible, as he presents “Rebel Remembered: The Legacy of William Lyon Mackenzie, 150 Years After His Death”. Chris is an expert in Upper Canadian history with a particular focus on the career of Toronto’s first mayor. He is the author of four books – two on Mackenzie – and has spoken and conducted seminars for many heritage organizations.
Before the lecture, be sure to find out more about the Archives and its spectacular collection of records – including 12 million photographs, more than 3000 maps, and records from the townships, villages and boroughs that form Toronto today.
Free admission but reservations required
Thursday, 4 August 2011
7:30 pm sharp (refreshments 6:30–7:30)
City of Toronto Archives, 255 Spadina Road, Toronto
For more information about this special event and to reserve a seat, visit http://tinyurl.com/6hshhsx
The Toronto History Lecture is organized and supported by an informal group of friends and associates of Paul McGrath and the following organizations:
City of Toronto Archives http://www.toronto.ca/archives/
Ontario Genealogical Society http://www.ogs.on.ca/
Ancestry.ca http://www.ancestry.ca/
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Library and Archives Canada - New Digitized Reels
The latest attempt by the Library and Archives Canada (LAC) to bring their records to the general public was sent out in press release last week which said they had digitized more records on their site for viewing.
It said that the " Library and Archives Canada (LAC) is pleased to announce the addition of 484 digitized microfilm reels representing 1,125,141 new images regarding British military and naval records (RG 8, "C" Series) to its website. These records include a wide range of documents related to the British army in Canada, Loyalist regiments, the War of 1812, the Canadian militia, and more. Both microfilm reels for the nominal card index and the archival documents have been digitized and are now accessible online. Through the research tool "microform digitization," you can browse the microfilm reels page by page".
It isn't as easy as it sounds, because you have to have the record number before you start, or else you will be hunting every record, and if you have not done this before by microfilm, it can be very tiring, and frustrating.
They have put a "Search Help" feature on http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/microform-digitization/006003-130-0005-e.html?PHPSESSID=bmihtd5h6irlfrkn8ihv61apj0, and I had to look at it because I wanted to check an immigrant who came to Saint John, New Brunswick in April, 1927. At least it gave me the the right place to search, although once again, it was a long process, and many pages were turned before I got to the right spot.
They have placed a "Brouse by Title", and have included 17 titles from Form 30, Border Entry Records, 1919-1924, to Passenger Lists: Saint John (1925 – 1935) to British Military and Naval Records (RG 8, C Series) - INDEX ONLY.
You can contact them at webservices@bac-lac.gc.ca.
They have given you a place to send your comments. They say "It is our hope to expand the selection of microform records available online. Please use the "Comments" form to provide feedback on this type of access".
It said that the " Library and Archives Canada (LAC) is pleased to announce the addition of 484 digitized microfilm reels representing 1,125,141 new images regarding British military and naval records (RG 8, "C" Series) to its website. These records include a wide range of documents related to the British army in Canada, Loyalist regiments, the War of 1812, the Canadian militia, and more. Both microfilm reels for the nominal card index and the archival documents have been digitized and are now accessible online. Through the research tool "microform digitization," you can browse the microfilm reels page by page".
It isn't as easy as it sounds, because you have to have the record number before you start, or else you will be hunting every record, and if you have not done this before by microfilm, it can be very tiring, and frustrating.
They have put a "Search Help" feature on http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/microform-digitization/006003-130-0005-e.html?PHPSESSID=bmihtd5h6irlfrkn8ihv61apj0, and I had to look at it because I wanted to check an immigrant who came to Saint John, New Brunswick in April, 1927. At least it gave me the the right place to search, although once again, it was a long process, and many pages were turned before I got to the right spot.
They have placed a "Brouse by Title", and have included 17 titles from Form 30, Border Entry Records, 1919-1924, to Passenger Lists: Saint John (1925 – 1935) to British Military and Naval Records (RG 8, C Series) - INDEX ONLY.
You can contact them at webservices@bac-lac.gc.ca.
They have given you a place to send your comments. They say "It is our hope to expand the selection of microform records available online. Please use the "Comments" form to provide feedback on this type of access".
Start a Facebook Research Community
FamilySearch.com is asking you to start a Facebook Research Community!
They say that "We are excited to announce the creation of several online research communities powered by FamilySearch, and would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join! These communities are being created to help you and others researching in the same area to:
collaborate on your research,
ask questions of each other, and
share knowledge you have gained as you've done your own research in that area".
There isn't any for Canada right at the moment.
If you would like to start one for a region of Canada, the instructions are at https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/Join_a_Facebook_Research_Community#Questions.3F
They say that "We are excited to announce the creation of several online research communities powered by FamilySearch, and would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join! These communities are being created to help you and others researching in the same area to:
collaborate on your research,
ask questions of each other, and
share knowledge you have gained as you've done your own research in that area".
There isn't any for Canada right at the moment.
If you would like to start one for a region of Canada, the instructions are at https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/Join_a_Facebook_Research_Community#Questions.3F
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
GeneaBloggers Radio - Family Reunions and Genealogy
"Until We Meet Again! – Family Reunions and Genealogy" will be the topic on GeneaBloggers Radio http://www.geneabloggers.com/ on July 22. One of the guests will be Canadian blogger Lorine McGinnis Schulze of the Olive Tree Genealogy Website at http://olivetreegenealogy.blogspot.com/.
Thomas MacEntee says that the show will be a discussion about "how to plan your next family reunion, how to include fun activities for all ages, and how to include your genealogy research to share with family reunion participants".
The show will start at at 10pm EDT, 9pm CDT, 8pm MDT, and 7pm PDT.
Thomas MacEntee says that the show will be a discussion about "how to plan your next family reunion, how to include fun activities for all ages, and how to include your genealogy research to share with family reunion participants".
The show will start at at 10pm EDT, 9pm CDT, 8pm MDT, and 7pm PDT.
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