Canadian Week in Review - 29 September 2014

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

History Week in Canada

In 1780, Benedict Arnold escaped one day after his treason came to light in what was to become the United States. Arnold, a major-general, and commander of the American Fort West Point, had planned to surrender the fort to the British. He became a colonel in the British army, and later lived in Saint John, New Brunswick. He then returned to England, where he died in 1801.

For more information, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benedict_Arnold

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In 1962, the "Garden of the Provinces" in Ottawa was opened by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker.

To read more about this park, that is opposite the Library and Archives Canada, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garden_of_the_Provinces_and_Territories

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Social Media

(Blog) The Recipe Project
http://recipes.hypotheses.org/4378
Valarie J. Korinek is the author of this blog, and a Professor of Canadian History at the University of Saskatchewan.

Nova Scotia

Delegates visit area for N.S. Heritage Conference
http://www.ngnews.ca/News/Local/2014-09-23/article-3879913/Delegates-visit-area-for-N.S.-Heritage-Conference/1
Pictou County, Nova Scotia hosted the Nova Scotia Heritage Conference.

History-Ed Coleman: First World War humour in Hansford’s stories
http://www.novanewsnow.com/Opinion/Columnists/2014-09-21/article-3875711/History-Ed-Coleman%3A-First-World-War-humour-in-Hansford%26rsquo%3Bs-stories/1
Born in 1899, the former Wolfville barber, Cecil Hansford, was 16 when he joined the Canadian Army to fight in the First World War.

Lighthouse mural by Yarmouth artist an attraction for Nova Scotia visitors
http://www.kingscountynews.ca/News/Local/2014-09-23/article-3878832/Lighthouse-mural-by-Yarmouth-artist-an-attraction-for-Nova-Scotia-visitors/1
A Yarmouth artist has painted a mural of 144 Nova Scotia lighthouses that will meet everybody who takes the ferry from Maine to this Nova Scotian town.

New Brunswick

N.B.’s 104th finally gets its due
http://thechronicleherald.ca/books/1239446-nb-s-104th-finally-gets-its-due
Regiment’s War of 1812 efforts shown to be more than a footnote.

Quebec

The Treaty of Paris is in town
http://www.lifeinquebec.com/the-treaty-of-paris-is-in-town-10088/
Quebec City (Quebec) 23 September, 2014 – The Treaty of Paris ended the Seven Years’ War between France Britain and Spain. The actual treaty, that was signed on February 10, 1763, is on display at the Musée de la Civilisation starting today, September 23 until October 2nd.

Ontario

Excerpt #6 – The First World War: Excerpts from the diary of Woodman Leonard
http://www.ottawasun.com/2014/09/25/the-first-world-war-excerpts-from-the-diary-of-woodman-leonard
For links to the other installments, visit last week's CWR post at -
http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2014/09/canadian-week-in-review-22-september.html

Canadian government joins 11th-hour search for John A. Macdonald’s precise birthplace
http://o.canada.com/news/canadian-government-joins-11th-hour-search-for-john-a-macdonalds-precise-birthplace
Barely 100 days before planned celebrations to mark the bicentennial of Sir John A. Macdonald’s birth in Glasgow, Scotland, the Canadian government has joined in an 11th-hour search for the precise birthplace of the country’s founding prime minister.

Science and Technology museum closed until 2015
http://www.ottawasun.com/2014/09/23/science-and-tech-museum-closed-until-2015
The Canada Science and Technology Museum will remain close until at least January 2015 because of mould.

Health unit looks back at its history
http://www.northernlife.ca/news/localNews/2014/09/22-sdhu-history-sudbury.aspx
A painstaking account of Sudbury's environmental history, going back to 1883, when Sudbury was only a Canadian Pacific Railway Outpost.

Here are the details on the RCAF’s new uniforms and ranks
http://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/here-are-the-details-on-the-rcafs-new-uniforms-and-ranks
The Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) new uniform respects the contributions and sacrifices of airmen and airwomen who served – and continue to serve – with pride and professionalism.

Afghanistan added to Tillsonburg's cenotaph, dedication ceremony planned Oct. 7
http://www.tillsonburgnews.com/2014/09/25/afghanistan-added-to-tillsonburgs-cenotaph-dedication-ceremony-planned-oct-7

Local residents are invited to a special dedication ceremony at the town cenotaph on Tuesday, October 7th to honour members of the International Security Assistance Force who served in Afghanistan.

Alberta

Can we save McKay Avenue School? Or is our history doomed to be history?
http://blogs.edmontonjournal.com/category/edmonton-commons/
McKay Avenue School, built in 1904, also played host to Alberta’s first legislative assemblies. Today, it’s a school museum, and on the endanger list to be torn down.

Alberta Aviation Museum receives historic air mail letter

http://www.630ched.com/2014/09/21/alberta-aviation-museum-receives-historic-air-mail-letter/

The letter was part of the very first air mail delivery in Western Canada, flown from Calgary to Edmonton on July 9th, 1918 by Katherine Stinson, in an insubstantial wood and fabric aircraft.

Bison treaty signed by Alberta, Montana tribes

1st treaty among tribes and First Nations in the area since the 1800s

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/bison-treaty-signed-by-alberta-montana-tribes-1.2775965

Native tribes from the U.S. and Canada signed a treaty Tuesday establishing an inter-tribal alliance to restore bison to areas of the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains where millions of the animals once roamed.

British Columbia 

Aboriginal tourism operator rebuked for opening burial boxes for travellers
http://www.cbc.ca/news/aboriginal/aboriginal-tourism-operator-rebuked-for-opening-burial-boxes-for-travellers-1.2774255
The actions of an aboriginal tourism operator in British Columbia who gave some travellers access to ancient burial boxes, including revealing the skeletal remains inside, have been condemned by his fellow First Nations.

Story of the Week

The society’s webpage is changing
(Editorial)

In years gone by, I used to go to a society’s website to see what was new with the organization, as well as its events,  latest publications, and their yearly executive.

There was so many changes I used to highlight it on my old news summary every week, and later, the Canadian Week in Review, but as time marched on, websites became less and less important, while on the other hand, the Member’s-Only webpages in the majority of a society’s website were becoming more important.

Then, about three years ago or so, the use of blogs by societies became the go-to media of choice for societies. But blogs quickly went out of style, mainly because they needed someone to look after them as people naturally graduated toward them. They needed someone to update them on a daily basis, and it became a hard job to find somebody within the society to take on that responsibility. And then Facebook came into the picture!

In a way, Facebook is their saving grace, because it can do everything that a webpage can do, plus it can add photos, videos, and other people can quickly comment on the posting, so it’s an "everybody" page. People have a feeling that the society belongs to them; whereas, the webpages and even blogs seemed somewhat distant, and there has to be a reason why only about 10% of the genealogy audience reads blogs, while as many as 70% read Facebook to see what is going on (according to a recent survey).

And now Google+ is making inroads on Facebook, although I believe that people are so used to Facebook now, it will be difficult to switch over to Google+. Most of the genealogists I know use Goggle+, along with a combination of Facebook, and yes, even blogs to keep up the date on genealogy news. And with the acquisition of YouTube, and video "Hang Outs", where you can actually listen to a person or people talk about one's favourite subject – Genealogy – it makes for a good combination.

So that is where I see genealogy going these days, until a new idea comes along.

How about you? Have you found that genealogy is cha

nging the way they get their word across to people? What have you experienced?

Let me know your thoughts, and I might post them in a future issue of CWR!

I can be reached at genealoygcanada@aol.com

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

The next post will be on 06 October 2014.

LAC present photos of Residential Schools on Flickr

Library and Archives Canada (LAC) presents photographs from its collection of Residential Schools, taken between 1885 and 1996 on Flickr.

Flickr allows easy access to photos from the province or region of your choice. Right now, there are photos  from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba on Flickr. 

And if you want  good, print editions of the photograph, you can order a photo from the LAC. 

The Flickr package is at https://www.flickr.com/photos/lac-bac/sets/72157644658798142/ 

The history of Residential Schools is on http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/aboriginal-heritage/Pages/residential-schools-photo-sets.aspx

Fall Events at Mackenzie House, Toronto

For those of you who do not know, Mackenzie was the last home of William Lyon Mackenzie, the city's first mayor, and one the participants in the Rebellion of 1837.

He returned from self-imposed exile to the United States as a result of his involvement in the rebellion, and the house was bought for him by his friends and supporters in 1858.

There is a host of fall events to be held at Mackenzie House, such as -

High Park Harvest Festival

Sunday, October 5, 12 to 4:30 p.m.

Visit the Mackenzie House table when you come to the High Park Harvest Festival at Colborne Lodge. They will give you information about their museum programs and the opportunity to print a special Harvest Festival souvenir on their historic proof press!

City of the Dead: The Necropolis Cemetery Tour

Sunday, October 19, 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Not recommended for children under 8 years of age.

The walk starts at the Cemetery. Meet at the main entrance.

Join them for a drama-enhanced walk through the Necropolis Cemetery to visit the graves of William Lyon Mackenzie and his family, his fellow rebels and rivals. Hear stories of murder, heartbreak and great perseverance.

After the walk, participants are invited to return to Mackenzie House, for a tour and some light refreshments. 

The Necropolis Cemetery is located at 200 Winchester Street, the west side of the Don Valley near Riverdale Farm.

Pre-registration and pre-payment required. Adults (16 yrs. & older):$12.50 plus tax; Children 8-15 yrs.: $10.50 plus tax.

Spirit Walk

Saturday, October 25 - Three times available At 6:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.

Not recommended for children under 8 years of age.

Let your imagination take over as they lead you through downtown alleys and lane ways to discover some of Toronto’s reputedly haunted buildings ….

Return to gas-lit historic Mackenzie House and soothe your goose bumps with mulled cider and biscuits as you hear about the ghost stories associated with the house.

Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Adults (16 yrs. & older): $12.50 plus tax; Children 8-15 yrs.: $10.50 plus tax

Contact them at 416-392-6915 or email machouse@toronto.ca

The webpage is at http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=8ccf1d18ed7a0410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD

Their Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/mackenziehouse

The story of of William Lyon Mackenzie is at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Lyon_Mackenzie

The Library and Archives Canada has digitized the War Diaries of the First World War

As the LAC say, these dairies of the “Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) units were required to maintain a daily account of their "Actions in the Field." This log was called a War Diary. 

This database contains the digitized War Diaries of CEF infantry, artillery and cavalry units, Brigade, Division and Corps commands and support units such as Railway and Forestry troops. The site also includes the War Diaries of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and several British units that served under Canadian command.”

To read about the war diaries, go to http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/first-world-war/Pages/war-diaries.aspx#b 

OGS Printerest Board - Ancestral Lands

The Ontario Genealogical Society has a Printerest Board now called Ancestral Lands. 

You can see the pictures or put your own pictures on the board. You may, as the OGS suggests,discover some new "neighbours!" 

So far, there have been 62 ''pins'' to the OGS Pinterest Board. 

The Printerest page is at http://www.pinterest.com/OGSLibrarian/ 

The website is at http://www.ogs.on.ca/

The Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ontario-Genealogical-Society/259163438258

Call for Speakers – Pre-1867 Ontario

Toronto Branch is planning a day-long workshop on 11 April 2015 on Upper Canada and Canada West Research, and has just called for speakers who would like to take part.

They are asking if you have expertise in pre-Confederation Ontario family history or local history research that you would like to share?

If so, they would like to know about it.

Potential speakers are invited to submit proposals for lectures on sources, research techniques or historical background that may be helpful to researchers.

Sessions may be targeted at beginners or at more seasoned family historians.

You’ll find a link to their detailed call for presentations on their Speakers and Instructors Wanted page at http://torontofamilyhistory.org/? s=Speakers+and+Instructors+Wanted&submit.x=10&submit.y=5&submit=Search
Please note that the deadline to submit a proposal for this workshop is Saturday 15 November.

And the latest news has come out about the 2016 Conference to be held in Toronto. It will be based at the International Plaza Hotel and conference centre, close to Pearson International Airport, Highway 401, and with good connections by local and regional public transit.

Watch for announcements coming summer of 2015.

The website is http://torontofamilyhistory.org/

The Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/TOFamilyHistory

First World War soldiers from Township of St. Clair, Lambton County, Ontario

The Township of St. Clair has compiled the names of all of the 400 men who, from a population of 5000 at the time, joined the Canadian Expeditionary Forces during the First World War. Many of these men joined the Lambton 149th Battalion and 36 made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. 

If you have ancestors from the former townships of Moore and Sombra in Lambton County, they may have made this list. 

For more information, visit their website at http://www.twp.stclair.on.ca/world_war_i.htm 

Take a side trip to view the Moore museum at http://www.mooremuseum.ca/

Sombra also has a museum, and their website is http://www.twp.stclair.on.ca/sombra_museum.htm

Mississauga at War –New Online Exhibit

This is part 1 of an exhibit that will introduce historic Mississauga’s experience of the First World War. The site will grow until it covers 1914-1918 as seen through the pages of The Streetsville Review, photographs, and personal stories. 

The direct link is http://www.mississauga.ca/mississaugaatwar 

The site is a beginning look at these years. To learn more about local consequences of the conflict, the public is invited to contact the Canadiana Reading Room, Mississauga Central Library, at 905-615-3200 ext. 3660 or history.library@mississauga.ca. 

Their Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/citymississauga

Canadian Week in Review - 22 September 2014

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

History Week in Canada

In 1890, the Hamilton Public Library opened.

Read more about the Hamilton Public library at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamilton_Public_Library_(Ontario)

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In 1893, Calgary was incorporated as a city.

To read more about Calgary, go to http://www.calgary.ca/CA/city-clerks/Pages/Corporate-records/Archives/Historical-information/Historical-Information.aspx
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In 1792, Upper Canada's first legislature convened at Newark – now Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.

To read more about Niagara-on-the-Lake , go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niagara-on-the-Lake

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In 1844, Canada's first suspension bridge, a 74-metre span over the Ottawa River, was opened for traffic.

To read more about the Chaudière Bridge, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaudi%C3%A8re_Bridge
===================================================
In 1859, the Victoria Bridge at Montreal was completed. It was the first bridge over the St. Lawrence and was opened in 1860.

To read more, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Bridge_(Montreal)

Social Media

(Photos) Fire at Quebec City’s Museum of Civilization now under control
http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/09/15/fire-breaks-out-at-quebec-citys-museum-of-civilization/
Although the fire was brought under control, here are some photos that were taken while the fire was fought this past week.

New Brunswick

Fire destroys St. John the Baptist church in Edmundston
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/fire-destroys-st-john-the-baptist-church-in-edmundston-1.2772801
Crews battled blaze for about 2 hours, but there was no hope of saving the Anglican church.

Tidal bore unveiling pieces of Moncton’s shipbuilding history
http://globalnews.ca/news/1564668/tidal-bore-unveiling-pieces-of-monctons-shipbuilding-history/
The Petitcodiac’s tidal bore is revealing relics from the city of Moncton’s shipbuilding in the 1800s.

Prince Edward Island

New heritage status celebrates 150-year-old family farms
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/new-heritage-status-celebrates-150-year-old-family-farms-1.2765387
Ninety-one farms on Prince Edward Island run by the same family for 150 years have received special heritage distinction recognizing their deep roots. The award was given to them by the P.E.I. Agriculture Sector Council at a special party in their honour on Friday night as part of the 2014 celebrations.

Ontario

Excerpt # 5 – The First World War: Excerpts from the diary of Woodman Leonard
http://www.ottawasun.com/2014/09/18/the-first-world-war-excerpts-from-the-diary-of-woodman-leonard
For links to the other installments, visit last week's CWR post at -
http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2014/09/canadian-week-in-review-15-september.html

RMS Seqwun, a historic Muskoka ship, needs tender-loving care
http://www.ottawasun.com/2014/09/16/rms-segwun-a-historic-muskoka-ship-needs-tender-loving-care
According toJohn Miller of the Muskaka Steamship & Historical Society, the immediate need is to replace the decking under the wheelhouse.

5 things Ottawa owes to Scotland
http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/5-things-ottawa-owes-to-scotland
In Ottawa, about 16 per cent of the population is of Scottish origin, and Scottish heritage is an important part of Canadian history, with our first prime minister—Sir John A. Macdonald—being from Scotland.

Ship stats: Details about Canadian warships being decommissioned

http://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/ship-stats-details-about-canadian-warships-being-decommissioned-1.2015581#ixzz3DsPp3zOF

The four ships being decommissioned by the Royal Canadian Navy are HMCS Algonquin, HMCS Iroquois, HMCS Preserver, and HMCS Protecteur.

Remembering British Home Children 

http://www.standard-freeholder.com/2014/09/12/remembering-british-home-children

The museum, housed at Upper Canada Village, opened last year as a joint effort between the Ontario East British Home Child Family and the Parks of the St. Lawrence. 

Sandy Hill heritage church sale raises concerns in community

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/sandy-hill-heritage-church-sale-raises-concerns-in-community-1.2766711

The former All Saints Anglican Church on Chapel Street in Ottawa's Sandy Hill neighbourhood is in doubt, and it may be sold. It was completed in 1900 and designated a heritage property in 1998.

Manitoba

Documents a vital part of our history
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/Documents-a-vital-part-of-our-history-275580041.html?cx_navSource=d-tiles-4
Nearly a dozen documents, including the proclamation of Canada’s 1982 Constitution and the first treaty with Cree and Chippewa people that helped settle Manitoba, was on display at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights when parts of the museum was opened for preview tours Saturday.

Alberta

An almost forgotten village – predicted to be the 'Pittsburgh of the Prairies' – turned 100 in July
http://www.vulcanadvocate.com/2014/09/14/an-almost-forgotten-village--predicted-to-be-the-pittsburgh-of-the-prairies--turned-100-in-july
July 13th marked the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of Bow City, which was located east of Lomond, on the edge of Vulcan County. The Alberta Historical Resources Foundation recently approved the placing of a permanent marker at the site of the former village.

Buzzing bees force Kemp roof repairs
http://www.innisfailprovince.ca/article/20140916/INN0801/309169974/-1/inn0801/buzzing-bees-force-kemp-roof-repairs
An investigation into an early spring buzzing bee problem at the historic Kemp House has forced town council to approve spending of more than $21,000 to fix the problem.

British Columbia 

Explore B.C. in Burnaby library reading series
http://www.burnabynow.com/community/explore-b-c-in-burnaby-library-reading-series-1.1354929
British Columbia is a land of adventure - and you can experience that adventure in an upcoming reading series at the Burnaby Public Library's McGill Branch.

Overseas ‘Angel’ to Canadian soldiers arrives in Vancouver
http://www.vancouversun.com/life/This+week+history+1938/10199056/story.html
Jenny Morris, a London boarding housekeeper who befriended thousands of Canadian servicemen during the First World War, visited Vancouver on this day 76 years ago to be feted by former soldiers who had never forgotten her kindness.

Chilliwack Poppy project will create interactive map of WWI soldiers
http://www.theprogress.com/news/275810341.html
It's historical research in the form of an interactive map, plotting the addresses of Chilliwack's war dead from 100 years ago.

Story of the Week

The newest Canadian museum opens in Winnipeg.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights opened this past weekend in Winnipeg, and there are lots to see and experience in the museum.

For instance, the internment of Japanese Canadians during the Second World War was featured at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights when it officially opened this past weekend.

Among those attending the museum's opening ceremony on Friday was Art Miki, who was interviewed by museum staff about his experience in an internment farm during the war.

To read more, you can go to http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/internment-of-japanese-canadians-to-be-featured-at-human-rights-museum-1.2769708

There is a space where you can carry out research, and an oral history section at https://humanrights.ca/research-and-collections

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 September 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/2014/09/canadian-week-in-review-15-september.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.

Missisquoi County Canada Genealogy Research Volunteer group announces 10,000 record transcription milestone

This is a notice I received this afternoon from Nancy Cunningham, concerning her group, the Missisquoi County Canada Genealogy Research Volunteer Group. They are doing great work!

‘We at the Missisquoi Rootsweb group ( * Missiquoi was an historical county located in Quebec / Lower Canada / Eastern Townships along the US border) have been for the last 10 years quietly transcribing and publishing records much needed for research in our area. The Missisquoi historic county area, although located in Quebec was heavily Protestant & English speaking with many immigrants from Great Britain and US. ( Vermont) .

This week we reached the 10,000 image milestone on our transcription project of Quebec, Non-Catholic Parish Registers, 1763-1967 from Family Search.org . The 10k mark is for the number of images transcribed, the number of actual individual parish records of births, marriages and burials is closer to 15,000.

We make them all freely available and searchable on our blogs.

We haven’t limited our projects to Family Search digital records- we have also transcribed Library and Archives Canada microfilm Notary records, Google newspapers, Internet Archive eBooks of local directories and posted images and burials to Find-A-Grave.

We use an innovated volunteer sign-up sheet system through Sign up genius, this enables volunteers to work together on projects even though they actually live all over the world.

We believe strongly in paying it forward in genealogy and think this is a little way we can give back for all the help we’ve been given by others in the past.

If anyone has folks that once lived in our area, we’d love for them to search our records and maybe get involved with our group on Rootsweb.

Don’t forget how great Rootsweb ( mailing lists and message boards) is and it’s FREE – check the groups in your areas of research- they may be doing great stuff too!'

Blog http://missisquoigenealogy.blogspot.com/

Rootsweb group http://lists.rootsweb.ancestry.com/index/intl/CAN/CAN-QC-MISSISQUOI.html

If you want to write to Nancy Cunningham, coordinator, her email address is missisquoigenealogy@gmail.com

LAC Podcast - Sign Me Up: CEF Files, 1914-1918

The Library and Archives Canada has issued a another podcast, and this one concerns the First World War Service Papers in Sign Me Up: CEF Files, 1914-1918. These papers are being digitized and are being put online.

I listened to the podcasts, and although nothing new was mentioned in the podcasts, I feel that there will be questions that will still be asked about the papers. The researcher will have to study the various papers in detail in order to reconstruct the life of the soldier. For example, if the soldier was in the Canadian militia before signing the Attestation Paper, what militia unit was it, where were they located, what was his service, or if he served in different regiments while overseas (which many did), why was this so? Who did he serve with, his time of service, in what battles was he involved, and so forth.

I had the occasion to download a complete service record a couple of weeks ago, and depending on the length of the records, it can be a rather long process from start to finish. Some of the records were difficult to read because of the use of abbreviations, and the faded ink, but some of the papers were very clear.

I think the best thing to do before one starts to read the service papers is to read the book, Canadians at War 1914-1919: A Research Guide to World War One Service Records, by retired Library and Archives Canada archivist, Glenn Wright.

This book, although it was written in 2010, is still THE book to read when researching CEF papers. If you read and study this book, you will have a good understanding of the records that you are viewing.

The book is for sale through Global Genealogy at http://globalgenealogy.com/countries/canada/military/resources/101160.htm

Don't forget to scroll down this page and see the book review I wrote for Families, the journal of the Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS) http://www.ogs.on.ca, of which I am its editor.

Although the review was published four years ago, my opinion of his book has not wavered, and, in fact, the more I use it for research, the more invaluable I find it as a resource.

A table of contents of the book is available as a PDF file here - http://globalgenealogy.com/countries/canada/military/resources/images/101160-contents.pdf

For more on this blog, go to http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2011/12/my-list-of-books-for-holidays.html

To listen to the podcast, go to http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/news/podcasts/Pages/cef-files-1914-1918.aspx

FamilySearch.org: Campaign Aims to Gather Your Fondest Grandma Stories

This press release from FamilySearch sounds like a great idea - they will be gathering grandma stories from September 20 to 30th, 2014. They already have over 160 stories!

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH—If you could share ONE story about your grandma, what would it be? That’s the question nonprofit FamilySearch International (FamilySearch.org) is nudging people worldwide to respond to as part of its worldwide #meetmygrandma social media campaign, September 20-30. FamilySearch announced the campaign today, seeking 10,000 stories in 10 days to kick off the global initiative where descendants are invited to share and preserve online or through a mobile app the fond memories or stories about their grandmothers’ charms or idiosyncrasies.

“Heart-warming experiences with a beloved grandmother are at the heart of many fond memories from our formative years, or even adulthood,” said Brad Lowder, International Marketing Director for #MeetMyGrandma campaign. “All you have to do is ask a person to share a special memory about their grandmother, and they immediately wax sentimental as they recount a heartfelt story or wise saying they cherish from a grandmother. We want to encourage people to capture for future generations those stories that make their grandmothers so special.”

FamilySearch.org offers a free international service for families to share their family histories, memories, photos, and historic documents online and preserve them for future generations. If you are fortunate to have a grandma still living, the free FamilySearch Memories mobile app (IOS only for now) allows individuals to audio record their grandmother and save those recordings online. And there are 20 fun questions to ask your grandma to help write and preserve her personal history in her own words online.

“The #meetmygrandma campaign encourages families to have fun as each member of the family shares their personal perspectives of what makes their grandmothers so special to them,” added Lowder. Their stories, and those contributed by other family members and relatives, are saved to a dynamic online profile dedicated specifically to their grandma, along with any photos and digital artifacts submitted.

The launch of the initiative runs from September 20–30, but the campaign will run indefinitely. 

Go to https://familysearch.org/meetmygrandma?et_cid=47830250&et_rid=839174644&linkid=https%3a%2f%2ffamilysearch.org%2fmeetmygrandma&cid=em-1811

Ontario’s oldest genealogy fair this Saturday

Eva Brook Donly Museum hosts the 38th annual Norfolklore family history fair this Saturday in Simcoe, Ontario. 

An afternoon lecture at 1 p.m. will discuss the ins and outs of researching United Empire Loyalist ancestors and will be hosted by the Grand River branch of the United Empire Loyalist Association.

For the more experienced family history hunters, there’s a chance to book a 10-minute personal consultation with archives co-ordinator Robin Dickson. 

A historical walking tour through downtown Simcoe will also be offered. The tour is at 1 p.m. and is an additional $10.00. 

The Norfolklore fair runs Saturday, Sept. 20 from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m at the Eva Brook Donly Museum, located at 109 Norfolk St. S. in Simcoe.

General admission is $10 ($5 for historical society members) and includes access to lectures, genealogist consultation, exhibitors’ hall and a book sale.  

For more information or to book a consultation, visit www.norfolklore.com 

The Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/evabrookdonly

GANS - 5th Annual Brick Wall Busters

If you have Nova Scotian ancestors, you should be interested in this notice I received from the Genealogy Association of Nova Scotia (GANS) this morning.

On Tuesday, November 25th, there will the 5th Annual Brick Wall Busters from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Akins Room, 6016 University Avenue, Halifax, NS. 

Ginny Clark, CG(C), Dr. Allan Marble, CG(C) and Doug Cochrane CG(C) will provide information found on submitted brick wall questions. 

Please include all pertinent available information such as surname and given name, approximate dates, area of Nova Scotia, the piece of information you would like to find, sources you have already checked, and your contact information. You should present a specific question in which you require an answer or are most interested. We must receive adequate information in order to properly assist you with your query otherwise it may not be accepted. 

The query must be of a length that can be read within two minutes.

The deadline for receiving the queries is midnight October 25th, 2014. 

Eight queries will be selected to be addressed at our lecture on November 25, 2014: four from local members who will be attending the meeting and four from members outside of the Halifax Regional Municipality who are not able to attend the meeting. 

At the event, the local members will read their queries for the benefit of other attendees. A member of the GANS Executive will read the queries from the members from “away”. 

For more information, go to http://www.novascotiaancestors.ca/eventListings.php?nm=287 

The Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/NovaScotiaAncestors

Kirsty Gray, UK Genealogist, will talk at two workshops in Canada

Kirsty Gray will be in Toronto on November 1st where she will give lectures on Industrial England. She will explore the Industrial Revolutions of the 18th and 19th centuries transformed the world and dramatically changed the lives of our ancestors in many ways. 

This one-day workshop will be co-sponsored by Toronto Branch and the Canadiana Department of North York Central Library, and will be held in the Library’s Auditorium. 

Early-bird rates apply until today and members of the Ontario Genealogical Society enjoy a further discount on the workshop fee. 

For additional details and to register on-line go to http://torontofamilyhistory.org/learn/workshops/industrial-england-workshop/  

Then she will come to Ottawa the next day where she will appear from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and she will give two lectures at the Woodroffe United Church Banquet Hall, 207 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa ON. 

She will talk on two subjects - 

1. Searching for Names: Challenges, Pitfalls and the Downright Ridiculous 

2. Solving Problems Through Family Reconstruction 

The lectures will be sponsored by the Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society and the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa (BIFHSGO). Admission is $10 per person at the door. 

A break with light refreshments will be held between the two lectures.

Contact information is available at http://ogsottawa.on.ca/ 

Immigration Conference: Getting Here

Kawartha Branch, The Ontario Genealogical Society will have a special one-day conference on Saturday, October 4 from 9 am to 3:15 pm at the Northminster United Church, 300 Sunset Blvd, Peterborough.

The speakers and the topics will be -

• Archivist Col. John Carew New Life, New Hope, and a New Land 

• Alan Brunger Corsley Immigration to Canada, 1830s 

• Elwood Jones The Cumberland Emigration 

• Peter McConkey The Robinson Emigrations 

Cost: $35 and includes snacks and lunch. 

For more information, go to http://www.ogs.on.ca/kawartha/Conference-Page 1 and 2.pdf  

To register, you can go to http://www.ogs.on.ca/kawartha/Conference-Registration (2).pdf

Italian Canadians and World War II

A special travelling exhibition organized by the Columbus Centre of Toronto/Villa Charities will visit Windsor’s Community Museum from September 19th to December 13th. 

It says in the press release that “This exhibit explores the experiences of Italian Canadians following Italy‘s entry into World War II on the side of Germany. The political consequences within Canada of Italy‘s declaration of war in June 1940 deeply affected all spheres of ordinary life for Italian Canadians. Through video, audio, and text, the travelling exhibit puts a human face to this little-known period in Canadian history”. 

The exhibit will open September 19th, with a special screening of Piazza Petawawa (Director Rino Noto), a documentary telling the story of Italian-Canadians during World War II. The event runs from 4 – 6 pm. Refreshments will be available and admission is free. 

In addition, Dr. Walter Temelini, Professor Emeritus of the Italian Studies Department of the University of Windsor will hold a lecture entitled “The Italian Canadian Experience during World War II.” This event takes place at Windsor’s Community Museum on September 27th beginning at 2:00 pm and admission is free. 

The museum is located at 254 Pitt Street, Windsor, Ontario.The website is at http://www.citywindsor.ca/residents/culture/windsors-community-museum/Pages/Windsors-Community-Museum.aspx

More microfilm put online

Canadiana.org has put on more microfilm online at the Héritage website.

I have picked out some of the microfilm that you may find interesting, Please be advised that none of these records have been indexed, although some of them may have internal indexes.

Canadian Army Courts Martial documents 

Census of the township of Augusta

Census of the City of Montreal, 1831

Census returns 1842: Canada West

Central registry files created by the Northwest Territories and Yukon Branch

Department of Militia and Defence: Yukon Garrison, nominal rolls and paylists

Department of Militia and Defence: 1903 Army Central Registry, subject files

Department of Militia and Defence: Contracts Branch letterbooks, 1895-1912

Department of Militia and Defence: Correspondence of the Deputy Minister’s office

Department of Militia and Defence: Register of correspondence of the Deputy Minister’s office, 1867-1903

Department of Militia and Defence: Special Forces nominal rolls and paylists

Department of Militia and Defence: Yukon Mortar Machine Gun Batteries

Department of Railways and Canals: Records related to Welland Canal

Department of Railways and Canals: Records related to the St. Lawrence Canals

Department of the Interior: Dominion Lands Branch: North-West Territories, Metis scrip applications

Department of the Interior: Dominion Lands Branch: North-West Territories, Index to Metis scrip applications

Parish archives for Richelieu County

Parish archives for Saint-Pierre de Sorel: baptisms, marriages and burials

Perth [Ontario] Military Settlement fonds

Peter Hunter collection and papers

Peter Robinson Collection

Port of Saint-Servan Archives 

The Héritage Portal is at http://heritage.canadiana.ca/ 

The Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Canadiana/115437585187018 

Tour of Nova Scotia Archives and Its Holdings

On Wednesday, September 24, 2014 the Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia is inviting everyone to a Tour of Nova Scotia Archives and Its Holdings from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The Nova Scotia Archives, Akins Room (wheelchair accessible) is located at 6016 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia

The guest speaker will be Garry Shutlak, Senior Archivist, Public Archives of Nova Scotia

Garry will talk about the website and the genealogical resources found there followed by a tour of the 3rd Floor holdings.

Open to the general public. All are welcome.

The website is http://novascotia.ca/archives/

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