Film Screening of the Coffin Ship Hannah

On Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse,106 Trinity Street,Toronto, there will be a special screening of The Coffin Ship Hannah which recounting the extraordinary tale of an Irish coffin ship.

In 1849, while carrying Irish immigrants fleeing to Canada from Ireland’s potato famine, the Hannah struck ice off the coast of Newfoundland, and was shipwrecked.

The film was produced in 2011 by Galafilm, in association with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and Radio-Canada.

The doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the film screening will be at 7 p.m. Discussion will follow the screening at 8:45 p.m.

Tickets for this special event are $10 for adults, $8 for students, seniors and Enoch Turner Schoolhouse Foundation members, and free for children 13 and under.

For more information, or to buy tickets in advance, please visit Enoch Turner Schoolhouse, call 416-327-6997 or email enochturner@heritagetrust.on.ca. Tickets will also be available at the door.

To go to the website, click on www.enochturnerschoolhouse.ca

To go to the Hannah website, click on the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannah_(1849_shipwreck)

One More River to Cross: Tales of the Underground Railroad

The Canadian Museum of Civilization is going to present the story of Isaac Brown, a Maryland slave. Historians and masterful storytellers Shannon and Bryan Prince bring to life this remarkable true story with hauntingly beautiful songs by Denise Pelley and Tom Starks.

It will be held on Saturday, February 21 in the theatre of the Canadian Museum of Civilization, and tickets are $5.00. They are available online, at the Museum Box Office, or by calling 819-776-7000

The website of the Black History month is at www.civilization.ca/event/one-more-river-to-cross-tales-of-the-underground-railroad?calendar_date=2013-02-23&cm_mid=2217850&cm_crmid={76C38DEF-186A-E211-9333-005056A35E1C}&cm_medium=email

Ottawa Genealogy 2013

On Saturday 4 May 2013, the Ottawa Genealogy Society will hold a Genealogy Day at the James Bartleman Centre (City of Ottawa Archives), 100 Tallwood Drive, Ottawa from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The lectures that I will be attending are -

09:00 Session 1 British Home Children in Ontario Speaker - Carolyn Goddard Room 115

11:00 Session 2 Genealogy: the ‘Facebook’ of the past: a look at Library and Archives Canada’s ‘Wall’ Speaker - Marthe Séguin-Muntz Room 115

12:00 Lunch & Browse Marketplace (Lunch available only to pre-paid ticket holders)

1:15 Session 3 Utilising FamilySearch.org Information Resources Speaker - Shirley Ann Pyefinch Room 226

3:00 Session 4 Great Revelations: Canada, Canadians and the 1921 Census Speaker - Glenn Wright Room 115 (I am really interested to hear what Genn has to say about the 1921Census. Watch for a post that I will do after the lecture)

The parking is free, and you can register online at http://ogsottawa.on.ca/ogeventregistration, or by mail at
http://ogsottawa.on.ca/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/RegFormBrochure13B-1.pdf

For more information e-mail conference@ogsottawa.on.ca

Because of the limited space available, there will only be 80 registrants spaces. So if you want to attend, the recommediation is that you register early.

See you there!

Canadian Blogger Supports Canada Census 1921 Indexing Project

M. Diane Rogers of the blog CanadaGenealogy, or, Jane's Your Aunt! has had an idea.

Why not a series of blog prompts on the 15th of each month?

She will be “blogging either about someone who lived in a certain Canadian province or territory, or about new or interesting resources for genealogy in a particular area of Canada, or about a special Canadian topic, like the long awaited release of the 1921 Canadian census in June.

I hope to be supporting indexing of this at a Canadian site like AutomatedGenealogy.com right after Library and Archives Canada receives it”.

While she awaits for the census to be released, she has put on the blogging calendar the dates of March 11th, and the territory of the Yukon, and the second one will be the week of April 8th and the province of Alberta.

Go to the blog, click on to http://canadagenealogy.blogspot.ca/2013/02/canadian-genealogy-blogging-prompts-for.html

Heritage Property Resource at the Nova Scotia Archives

People who want to join the Canada-wide celebration of Heritage Day can explore a new heritage property resource at the Nova Scotia Archives.

For the first time, records and photos of pre-1914 built homes, churches, railway stations, bridges and other community structures are available.

A selection of the records is now available for visitors on public computers in the archives' reading room. The records include photos, descriptions of the properties and information about historical features and architecture.

The Provincial Built Heritage Inventory Project began in the late 1990s to record and document all buildings built before 1914. The Heritage Property Program records were digitized then transferred to the Archives in January.

Information about the archives' resources and programs is available at www.gov.ns.ca/nsarm

I checked the information that the archives has on the town of Shelburne and there is the paper-covered book containing list of assessments of Shelburne county and poor taxes for 1787, in semi-alphabetical order. I had never actually seen the book before, only a photocopy of it, so it was good to see the book itself as it was created in 1787.

The other communities that I have got to check when I have more time is Barrington, Tusket, Yarmorth, and Kentville.

Two other papers I noticed was the original signature of Andrew Barclay, and a postcard photo of James Barclay’s house, son of Andrew, in Shelburne, on page 9 image 4.

Community Historical Recognition Program

Did you know that Canada has the Community Historical Recognition Program under which they develop all-exclusive programs of the Chinese, Italian, South Asian, Jewish, Ukrainian communities of the country? Apparently, they plan to cover other communities in the future.

The Community Historical Recognition Program was established in 2008 to acknowledge and to educate all Canadians about how certain ethno-cultural communities were affected by wartime discriminatory measures and immigration restrictions applied in Canada.

I took the time to look through the different programs, and it appears to be quite well done. They have taken different aspects of the communities, and have centralized them into one area.

To learn about the Community Historical Recognition Program, click on the www.CIC.gc.ca/CHRP

Join QFHS at Celebrating “Our Canadian Roots Day”!

This press release was sent to me over the weekend –

To celebrate our brave ancestors who came to our home and native land, the Quebec Family History Society will host Celebrating Our Canadian Roots Day on Wednesday, February 20, from 1:30 to 4:00 pm, at the QFHS Heritage Centre and Library.

This is part of the Society's monthly "Roots Days" program, created to bring together fellow genealogists in a friendly setting. You may drop in anytime for coffee, tea, Canadian sweets, and informal conversation to talk about your ancestors who came to Canada and browse books from the QFHS Canadian collection.

Bring in your books and resources about Canadian cities, towns and
communities, no matter how small the location, to share with others.

Whether your ancestors were Lower Canadians, pure laine, western farmers, Upper Canadians, Acadians, First Nations, Métis, voyageurs, gold rush seekers, British, Irish, French, Italian, or from anywhere else, join us.

Open to our members and the public. Admission is free.

Visit www.qfhs.ca/events.php

New/Updated Websites, Blogs, Facebook, and Newspaper Articles - 18 February 2013

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

Websites

Alberta Genealogy Research "The Recents" www.albertagenealogy-research.ca Indexes of births, marriages, deaths, articles, lists and other information from newspapers across Alberta. The latest is index is from the Edmonton Journal Index 1950-2002

KINGSHOTT GENEALOGY Apparently, there is quite a large concentration of Kingshotts in Canada - in Ontario. To see the families, go to www.kingshottgenealogy.co.uk/Pages/Canada.aspx

Blogs

The Genealogy and History newsletter www.reginalibrary.ca/blogs/index.php?blog=7&title=upcoming_regina_branch_sgs_february_meet&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1 This blog posts things that are going on in Saskatchewan, as well as the Prairie History Collection, and the Regina Public Library's photos.

Alberta Genealogical Society Conference 2013 http://agsconference2013.blogspot.ca The registration has just opened for the conference to be held from April 19th and 21st.

The speakers will be Stephen C. Young, Lisa Louise Cooke, Dave Obee, Pat Ryan, Deanna Bullock, Lyn Meehan, John Althouse, and Alison Freake.

Facebook

Sudbury Branch launches facebook Group NEW!
Sudbury District Branch launched a Facebook Group this week. They're hoping it will be an active group, drawing members from well beyond the Sudbury District. They will be encouraging folks to share stories, ask/answer questions, post photos, let them know of branch events. Visit the branch on facebook www.facebook.com/groups/526081304080317

Niagara Peninsula Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society www.facebook.com/NPBOGS Keep in touch with the Niagara Peninsula Branch on their Facebook page.

Newspaper Articles

Family Day history event slated for South Peace Archives www.dailyheraldtribune.com/2013/02/13/family-day-history-event-slated-for-south-peace-archives The South Peace Regional Archives (SPRA), along with the Grande Prairie and District Branch of the Alberta Genealogical Society, will host a family history day event on holiday Monday to help people trace their family tree on February 21st.

CEMETERY: Frustration grows over dealing with discovery of human remains http://www.chathamdailynews.ca/2013/02/10/frustration-grows-over-dealing-with-discovery-of-human-remains Read how the OGS Secretary Bob Crawford was asked for his comments by the Chatham Daily News on finding human remains when a house was being renovated.

Genealogy group eyeing new home in library basement www.cornwallseawaynews.com/News/2013-02-11/article-3175111/Genealogy-group-eyeing-new-home-in-library-basement/1 La Généalogie et archives Saint-Laurent (GASL) must move to a new location, and they think that they have discovered the perfect place ...

Canadian man's Black Loyalist heritage leads him to Africa www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2013/02/13/ns-black-loyalist-heritage.html A video tell the story of a man called John Hamilton who came to Nova Scotia as a free Black Loyalist, and later went to Sierra Leone, Africa.

Look for more articles about new/improved Blogs, Websites, Facebook, and Newspaper Articles next Monday February 25th.

Newspaper Articles Every Monday

Don’t forget to check my blog every Monday morning for my New/Updated Websites, Blogs, and Newspaper Articles.

I love to go across this grand county of ours and pick out the interesting things that have happened in the genealogy, history, and heritage world the previous week and bring them to you.

I also check on the latest Canadian blogs, and websites to see what is new in them.

This week, I also highlight two Facebook pages!

So don’t miss the New/Updated Websites, Blogs, and Newspaper Articles blog on Monday February 4th.

It has been a regular blog since April 23, 2012.

Elizabeth

British Columbia Celebrates Heritage Week

Heritage Week starts Monday, Feb. 18 and runs until Feb. 24, and this year they are celebrating Good Neighbours: Heritage Homes and Neighbourhoods. It is the perfect opportunity to explore your local heritage and learn more about the role historic neighbours play in your community.

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson says that it is a good time to “Take the opportunity this Heritage Week to get out and learn more about our province's rich past and the contributions historic neighbours make to your community."

The character and warmth of historic homes and heritage neighbourhoods enhance a community's attractiveness and liveability with their vintage house styles, gardens, landscapes and boulevards and create a positive sense of well-being throughout a community.

Many heritage organizations are hosting events during Heritage Week.

Find an event in your community http://www.heritagebc.ca/events/heritage-week/community-events

Some quick facts about B.C.’s heritage are -

Local governments have been responsible for conserving their own heritage buildings since 1994, when legislation was amended to give them the tools to recognize and protect their historic sites, and the ability to encourage conservation.

B.C.'s historic buildings, structures and cultural landscapes attract over 200,000 visitors annually from around the globe, creating jobs for British Columbians and supporting sustainable communities.

B.C.'s Register of Historic Places has over 3,500 listings of recognized historic sites - and ere may be hundreds more that have yet to be registered.

RENINDER: New/Updated Websites, Blogs, and Newspaper Articles Blog

Don’t forget to check my blog every Monday morning for my New/Updated Websites, Blogs, and Newspaper Articles.

To give you a hint, there will be newspaper articles Monday about the Family Day history event slated for South Peace Archives, genealogy group eyeing new home in a library basement, and a web site posting about the Alberta Genealogical Society Conference 2013 to be held in April.

And two new/improved FaceBook entries have been added to this post.

There is something of interest for everyone!

Elizabeth

The Ottawa Genealogist

The January-March 2013 issue of The Ottawa Genealogist has just been released, and I received my copy the other day.

Here are some articles of interest –

Sarah Belding/Beldin/Belden (alais Belvin or Dekdubsa) wife of Benjamin Burt is an article byEditor Ed Kipp, and these people are his 6th Great-Grandparents.

And Early Bytown (Ottawa) Settlers Index by Jim Stanzell in which he, in this issue, features surnames the start with “C”.

There is an Information column where it says, for example, that James Cuthertson “Work. Rideau Canal”, Patrick Costello has the information that says that he has a “brother in Ireland”, and William Calder is “age 30”. This could prove very helpful in your research. It is almost like reading a city directory of sorts, and it is fully sourced!

It pays to go through the two pages of Branch Library Additions on pages 42 and 43 because they may have some books in the library that may interest you. They have some books that interest me, and the next time that I am down to the Ottawa City Archives, I am going to look them up because some of the titles interest me, and the research that I do.

The web site of the Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society is http://ogsottawa.on.ca

Also, don’t forget the Genealogy Fair that they will be having at City of Ottawa Archives on May 4, 2013.

The website for this is at http://ogsottawa.on.ca/ottawa-genealogy-2013

Genealogy Fair

There will be a Genealogy Fair at the London Public Library, Westmount Branch, 3200 Wonderland Rd. S. London from Saturday, 16 Feb 2013 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The Westmount Branch is planning a Genealogy Fair in honour of Heritage Week. For details, please check with staff .

No Registration Required

Feel free to drop in anytime during the day.

The web site for information is at www.londonpubliclibrary.ca/research/genealogy

New Brunswick Genealogy Society Has a New Website

This bit of news slipped by me, and I hadn’t noticed that the New Brunswick Genealogical Society has a new web site.

They offer FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ's) which answers all the questions that you have about the NBGS.

They also have some interesting online indexes like the First Families Index.

The daughter of my 4x great grandfather Andrew BARCLAY (a Loyalist in Shelburne, Nova Scotia), whose name was Jane BARCLAY, married Dr. John Boyd, and they moved to Saint John, New Bruswick shortly after they were married. Both of their name are included in the “First Families Index" of surnames containing 104,626 entries. What a resourse!

They also have area death records online, surname research that is being conducted, information about their newsletter Generations, and a Forum that covers Home Children.

Go to the new web site at www.nbgs.ca

If you want to do some research in New Brunswick records, I would suggest that you combine this site with the New Brunswick Archives web site at http://archives.gnb.ca/Archives/Default.aspx?culture=en-CA where you can search 3,048,551 names from 30 databases!

Summer Day Camps

We are starting to think of summer already, and summer camps.

There will be a summer camp for children ages 6 to 10, and the Canadian Museum of Civilization will challenge your child’s imagination with a week of fun and learning — in a bilingual environment.

The camp will be held from

July 15 to 19, 2013

July 22 to 26, 2013

August 12 to 16, 2013

August 19 to 23, 2013

The fee is $250 for non-members, and $225 for museum members.

Registration starts on February 18 at 9 a.m

For information, you can call 819-776-7014, or you can go to information@civilization.ca

UPDATE! FREE Ancestry.ca

Ancestry.ca is offering FREE access to the Canadian Marriage Collections from Feb. 14 to 18th in honour of Valentine’s Day!

The press release says –

“No matter what your relationship status, Valentine’s Day is a time to reflect on the love shared by our ancestors, without whom we wouldn’t exist today. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, Ancestry.ca, Canada’s leading family history website, has dug deep into its vast collection of historical documents and discovered that Canada has long been a nation of serial romantics.

For some, Valentine’s Day involves a candle-lit dinner, but that isn’t enough for some! Yet records show that many Canadians honoured the holiday in a more committed fashion, with over 13,000 couples between 1608 and 1948 affirming their love with a February 14th wedding.

To commemorate this special day, Ancestry.ca is offering free access to its collection of historical Canadian Marriage records. Records in this collection date as far back as 1621 and contain key information about the newlyweds and their parents; information that can help expand an existing family tree and allow you to better understand the love birds in your family’s history”.

Go to http://search.ancestry.ca/search/group/Canada_Marriages?o_iid=54249&o_lid=54249&o_sch=Web+Property

UELAC Conduct Online Survey

Robert C. McBride UE, Editor of The Loyalist Gazette and UELAC Dominion President has sent this press release out last evening -

“As every organization should do, the UELAC is reviewing its communications with members and others. Please take this short survey to tell us how we are reaching you and for those who receive it, in more detail, your thoughts about The Loyalist Gazette.

Those who took the test version said it took about five minutes, but we would appreciate you taking a little longer to add a comment or three. For those who already took the survey as part of the test group, there is no need to take it again. Once you have taken the survey, if you wish to change any of your answers, use the same computer and just click on the survey link again to reenter the survey and make changes.

The world around us changes. We need to be mindful of those changes, and to move with them, but in a way that can best serve your interests.

The survey will be open until end of day Sunday March 3, 2013. Please help us by telling us what you think”.

To take the survey now, go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/MSR7QVZ

LAC Postcast: Home Children

The Library and Archives Canada has just released its sixth podcast episode, and this time it’s on the Home Children.

The the press release say “LAC Project Manager and Genealogist Marthe Séguin-Muntz along with John Sayers of the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa talk about the lives of Canada’s Home Children. They discuss some of the incredible stories of hardship and prosperity in early Canada, share a wealth of resources available at LAC and provide helpful research tips and tools to discover your family history”.

Subscribe to the podcast episodes using RSS or iTunes, or just tune in at: Podcast – Discover Library and Archives Canada: Your History, Your Documentary Heritage.

To go to the postcasts, click on www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/news/podcasts/Pages/home-children.aspx

If you choose not to listen to the postcasts, there is a transcript of the talk on the same page as the postcast.

Ancestry.ca Puts on Web: Manitoba, Birth Index, 1866-1912

The key word here is “Web” Search. It means that Ancestry. ca has put on the index from online vital statistics from libraries, local governments, genealogical societies, universities and genealogists from all over the country.

They have put on 476, 200 birth records from Manitoba.

Ancestry.ca says that they make it easier to “find records from many of these content publishers. To help you find genealogy information wherever it exists, we summarize basic information from freely-available web records and provide a link to the original site where you can view the full record, including any associated images”.

If you want like to ckeck these records, go to http://search.ancestry.ca/search/db.aspx?dbid=70599

The Manitoba government declared in 2003 that The Vital Statistics Act was to provide unrestricted access to the following records

Births more than 100 years ago

Marriages more than 80 years ago

Deaths more than 70 years ago

In particular, the index gives you the first and last names of the person, the date of birth, and the place of birth.

You can order the record from the full birth registration from The Vital Statistics Agency for a fee.

Go to the website http://vitalstats.gov.mb.ca/Query.php