Monday, November 10, 2014

Canadian Week in Review - 10 November 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.


Social Media

(Blog) 120th birthday of William George Barker, Canadian flying ace and Victoria Cross recipient
   November 3rd marked the 120th anniversary of the birth of William George Barker, Canadian First World War flying ace and Victoria Cross recipient.
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(Photos) From trenches and beyond: Six books illuminate Canadian military history
   Six books have been released by Canadian authors detailing Canada’s role in military conflicts from the War of 1812 to the First World War.
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(Video) WATCH: Former Canadian senator donates piece of WWI history to Okanagan Military Museum
   It was a momentous day for the Okanagan Military Museum Thursday as they welcomed a new piece of history into their collection.
   Just days before Remembrance Day, Senator Ross Fitzpatrick and his family donated a set of World War I medals to the museum.
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(Photos) Letters from First World War soldiers posted online through U of M project
   One Manitoba soldier named Fred Baragar was particularly prolific in his writing. He had studied English at the University of Manitoba, and wrote hundreds and hundreds of pages to home, most addressed “from the somewhere.”

Newfoundland

Author traces Newfoundland regiment's path 100 years later
   Michael Winter takes us along the winding path the men of the Newfoundland Regiment followed during the First World War. Winter's book, Into the Blizzard: Walking with the Newfoundland Dead, is part history, part travelogue, and part author's musings on how our modern minds contemplate the past.

Quebec

Half of Canadians learned 'a lot' about WW2 in high school: poll 
   The results of the Leger survey contradict longstanding concerns that we've largely forgotten our military history.

Ontario

Conservatives support NDP bill to make Remembrance Day a national holiday
   The Conservative government is throwing its support behind an NDP private member’s bill that would make Remembrance Day a national statutory holiday, as Canadians mourn the death of two Canadian soldiers killed in separate attacks on home soil.

Fighting in Flanders - Gas. Mud. Memory: New exhibition explores Canadian experience in Belgium during First World War
   This exhibition examines the challenges Canadian soldiers encountered while serving in the last region of Belgium still in Allied hands. It also delves into the memories that remain and highlights the iconic poem In Flanders Fields.

Untold 'story of ‘bravery': Heritage Minute chronicles Winnipeg Falcons, torn apart by WWI and reunited in pursuit of Olympic gold 
   Heritage Minute has created more than 70 short films on moments and characters taken from history. Many vignettes have become ingrained in memory — either from their content or from the frequency with which they run on Canadian television — and have emerged as a sort of national history teacher.

Honouring heroes with a history 
   The Montreal native and Brockville resident has a basement full of books and other information, scores of photographs and other memorabilia, documenting the Second World War and Korean War. 
   He is currently assisting in providing information for a revised history for his Second World War regiment, the Royal Regiment of Canada.

The Alton Mill’s contribution to Canada's efforts during the Second World War 
   During the Second World War, Canada contributed nearly $10 billion in manufactured goods towards the Allied effort.

It’s really a hometown story': John McCrae honoured in Guelph 
   Every year on Nov. 11, Lt. Col. John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields” is recited as Canadians remember those lost in the line of duty and honour those who continue to serve. 
   The poem continues to resonate in Canada and Britain on Remembrance Day. On Thursday, a ceremony took place to honour McCrae in his hometown of Guelph, Ontario.

Manitoba

Manitoba soldier’s remains identified 96 years after WWI death
   Private Sidney Halliday, who lived on a farm near Minto, Manitoba before shipping off, has been identified as one of the soldiers whose remains were found in Hallu, France, in 2006.

Saskatchewan

Saskatoon to unveil war memorial honouring WWI soldiers 
   On Thursday at the City Archives, Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison will be unveiling a World War Book of Remembrance that documents every solider from Saskatoon and student at the University of Saskatchewan who enlisted and died while engaged in combat from 1914 to 1918.

Alberta

Flags of Remembrance fly in central Alberta 
   In the brisk October air of early morning on a dark highway in central Alberta, a quiet group of men and women stood sentinel alongside 116 Canadian flags waving in the breeze in remembrance of 116,000 Canadian war dead from 1900 to 2014.

11 Days of Remembrance: A salute to the history of salutes 
   Showing the public your palm in a salute goes all the way back to knights.
   “It started with knights raising their visor and saying ‘I have no weapons in my hand’,” said Capt. (retired) Jason Watt, South Alberta Light Horse regiment.

11 Days of Remembrance: Citizens of Burdett fought hard in First World War
   When the call came to fight for King and Country, small rural communities in Alberta were on side, perhaps accounting for proportionately more soldiers than larger towns and cities, because of their close ties to Britain, says a historian.

Story of the Week


The Archives of Ontario is offering a New WWI Speakers Series

The first speaker, Jane E. MacNamara from the Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS), will talk about Inheritance Interrupted: WWI reflected in Ontario Estate Files. The date of her talk will be Thursday, November 13, 2014.

The Great War cut short many lives and disrupted the expected passing of property and goods to the next generation. Laws were changed, society changed, the world changed. Drawing from estate files from across the province; this presentation will show examples of these changes and demonstrate how reading between the lines and understanding the process and implications of inheritance records can enhance family and local history—in any era.

The second speaker will be Stewart Boden, Outreach Officer & Exhibit Curator, Archives of Ontario, and the title of the talk will be Curating Dear Sadie: Love, Lives and Remembrance from Ontario’s First World War, from the current AO's onsite exhibit of the same name, which he researched and curated.

 The date of the talk will be Thursday, February 5, 2015, 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm.

Through Stewart’s presentation, the audience will hear about challenges that came from researching the Archives records, and taking different paths while curating the exhibit.

The series will be held in the George Spragge Classroom at the Archives of Ontario.

Admission is free, and a tour will be given of the new exhibit.

You can register online at http://www.archives.gov.on.ca/en/about/speaker_series.aspx

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 the country!

The next post will be on 17 November 2014.

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Part I: The Canadian War Record Office

The Canadian Light Horse going into action at Vimy Ridge, April 1917
Reference Number: IKAN 3194785, 3624863
Credit: William Ivor Castle. Canada. Department of National Defence. Library and Archives Canada, PA-001111

The Library and Archives Canada recently sent out this press release, stating that its people have been busy cleaning up some famous photos taken of the First World War, for instance, the two most famous one photos that we all know as “Going over the Top” and the “29th Battalion advancing over No Man’s Land during the Battle of Vimy Ridge.”
“They have been made more accessible to Canadians by enhancing their descriptions through thematic organization in the online database. This has been part of a much larger project to organize and describe the entire Department of National Defence’s photograph collection at LAC to ensure that the records are accurate, complete and accessible to the public. When the war began in 1914, most photographers and journalists were ordered away from the front. The First Canadian Division entered the European war theatre the following year. Finally, in 1916, millionaire press baron Max Aitken was granted permission to start the Canadian War Records Office (CWRO) and it became Canada’s ‘eyewitness to war’ sending reports home from the front. Soon, these reports were also accompanied by photographs and paintings.”
To see LAC’s Flickr photo set entitled “Canada and the First World War”, go to https://www.flickr.com/photos/lac-bac/sets/72157622565188207/

Saturday, November 8, 2014

FREE Access to Ancestry.ca and FindMyPast


Recently, Ancestry.ca took a survey, with the results showing that 36% of Canadians didn’t know if they had ancestors who fought in either the First or Second World War.

In an effort to help rectify this, from November 8 to 11, Ancestry is giving Canadians the chance to discover the military heroes in their family by providing free access to more than 3.6 million online military records at http://www.ancestry.ca/cs/ca/world-war-1?o_iid=63120&o_lid=63120&o_sch=Web+Property.

This year, Remembrance Day is especially poignant for those with ancestors who fought during the First World War, as 2014 marks the 100th Anniversary of the start of the conflict.

And if your Canadian ancestor was from Britain, which many were, FindMyPast is also offering free access to you this weekend.
“To commemorate Veterans weekend, from today until 7am on Monday (EST) our records are FREE to access. If you’ve already got a World subscription, we’ll credit your account with 3 extra days. 
There’s never been a better time to explore your family history and bring your past to life.”

Postscript:  Wayne Macvicar from Cape Breton has written to say that he has just completed an update to his Cape Bretoners in World War One website at https://sites.google.com/site/cbinww1/.
“The site now includes enlistments to the end of 1915. It contains an additional 557 individuals for a total of 2732. The time between updates this time has been exceptionally long due to the increasing amount of information going online, in particular Library and Archives Canada, which I am trying to include in my database. Hopefully the next update will come much sooner. The website is still limited to a nominal roll and chronology but in time I hope to include as much detail as I can find on each individual. I invite everyone to have a look at my site and if they have any information they would like to share to fill out the form I have provided on my general Cape Bretoners at War site <https://sites.google.com/site/cbatwar/>.”
If you have additional information, you can write to Wayne at cbww2@seaside.ns.ca

Reminder: Each year, GenealogyCanada sponsors a contest, and this year in honour of the 100th anniversary of the First World War, the question is – Which province in Canada sent the largest number of men and women to fight in the First World War?

Send your answer to genealogyresearch@aol.com

Hint: You will find the answer in this week’s Canadian Week in Review post at http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2014/11/canadian-week-in-review-03-november-2014.html

I am offering the winner of the contest a detailed research consultation report on an ancestor who fought for Canada in the Great War, or who was involved in the war effort.

The winner will be announced November 12th.

    Friday, November 7, 2014

    OGS First World War Heritage Society

    Credit: Library and Archives Canada, Acc. No. 1983-28-826

    To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War, OGS has launched a new Heritage Society. The First World War Society is a lineage Society open to anyone who can show direct descent from a person who served in a documented capacity on the Allied side of the First World War.

    To qualify for this Society, your research must show that your named ancestor(s) fits in the category above, and then show the line of descent from that ancestor(s) to you or the person you wish named on the certificate.

    For more information and an application form, visit the Heritage Societies area on the OGS website http://www.ogs.on.ca/heritage_societies.php#WW1

    And here is a heartwarming story —

    It is how social media is being used so that Canadian flags can be placed on soldier’s graves in Italy.


    And they have a Facebook page called Flag from Home at

    Reminder: Each year, GenealogyCanada sponsors a contest, and this year in honour of the 100th anniversary of the First World War, the question is – Which province in Canada sent the largest number of men and women to fight in the First World War?

    Send your answer to genealogyresearch@aol.com

    Hint: You will find the answer in this week’s Canadian Week in Review http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2014/11/canadian-week-in-review-03-november-2014.html

    I am offering the winner of the contest a detailed research consultation report on an ancestor who fought for Canada in the Great War, or who was involved in the war effort.

    The winner will be announced November 12th.

    Thursday, November 6, 2014

    Canada - Strong, Proud and Free!


    From November 5 to November 11th, and for the fourth year running, GenealogyCanada is showcasing Veterans’ Week.

    It is an opportunity for all Canadians to recognize the contribution that our veterans have made, and to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of Canada.

    Here are some ways to mark your remembrance -

    • You can buy and wear a poppy
    • You can attend a local Remembrance Day ceremony on November 11th
    • You can talk to a friend or relative who served with the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan or in other areas of conflict.

    You can watch the Heroes Remember videos and listen to veterans talk about their experiences at http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/those-who-served/heroes-remember

    Each year, GenealogyCanada sponsors a contest, and this year in honour of the 100th anniversary of the First World War, the question is – Which province in Canada sent the largest number of men and women to fight in the First World War?

    Hint: You will find the answer in this week’s Canadian Week in Review http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2014/11/canadian-week-in-review-03-november-2014.html

    I am offering the winner of the contest a detailed research consultation report on an ancestor who fought for Canada in the Great War, or who was involved in the war effort.

    The winner will be announced November 12th.

    Good luck to all!

    Tuesday, November 4, 2014

    Canadian Week in Review - 03 November 2014


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

    History Week in Canada (October 28 – November 03, 2014)

    In 1899, the first 1,300 Canadian troops left Quebec City to fight with the British in the Boer War in South Africa.

    =============================================
    In 1915, Sir Charles Tupper, the last surviving Father of Confederation, died in England at age 94. He took part in the Charlottetown, Quebec, and London conferences, and was prime minister for a short period in 1896.

    To read a short history of Charles Tupper, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Tupper

    Nova Scotia

    WWI propaganda posters on display at Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
    http://thechronicleherald.ca/artslife/1246895-wwi-propaganda-posters-on-display-at-art-gallery-of-nova-scotia
    Vivid, colourful posters urged Canadians to enlist or put money into victory bonds.

    New Brunswick

    Hope Restored announced as theme for Heritage Week 2015
    The theme for Heritage Week 2015 will be Hope Restored, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Canada’s national flag, as well as the 50th anniversary of New Brunswick’s provincial flag.

    Quebec

    (Press Release) Gilmour Hill to Be Open Year-Round
    Gilmour Hill is a 1.1-kilometre steeply sloped path running through Battlefields Park between Champlain Boulevard and Québec's Upper Town. Built around 1910, the road was not designed for winter travel.

    Ontario

    Shaw Media to Honour Canada's Veterans
    This November, Shaw Media commemorates 100 Years of Remembrance with a commercial-free hour-long live Global News special on Remembrance Day, and four days of special programming on the HISTORY Channel.

    C.P. Champion: How the Crimean War of 1853 helped shaped the Canada of today
    It was the world’s first “media war,” with extensive reporting on the battles, and therefore quite interesting to follow in the newspapers. Thousands of Canadians did exactly that.

    Stratford, Ontario cenotaph gets security cameras to curb vandalism
    City officials have installed three security cameras at the cenotaph in this southern Ontario town to help curb vandalism at the site.

    Manitoba


    Students learn about Canada's history, people at city cemetery
    Go along with the students of Iyvan Michalchyshynès social studies class as they tour a cemetery in the city.

    Ancient Thule site in northern Manitoba still used by Kivalliq Inuit
    Because of the abundance of animals, Hubbard Point, as it’s known in English, is a popular hunting ground and stopping point for Inuit on the west coast of Hudson Bay, an eight-hour boat ride south of Arviat, and just north of Churchill, in northern Manitoba.

    Saskatchewan

    Remembering WW II: new television series about Sask. vets premieres
    http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/remembering-ww-ii-new-television-series-about-sask-vets-premieres-1.2816067
    World War II veterans gathered at the provincial legislature on Tuesday for the premiere of a video series documenting a special part of Saskatchewan and Canadian history.

    Walking With Our Sisters installation opening in Saskatoon
    More than 1,700 beaded moccasin tops representing missing and murdered indigenous women at Wanuskewin Heritage Park.

    Top 10 historic Canadian moments
    http://www.mjtimes.sk.ca/News/Local/2014-10-26/article-3916768/Top-10-historic-Canadian-moments/1Canada has had its fair share of attention-grabbing moments, with many of them etched into the memories of Canadians far beyond when they occurred.

    New memorial near Saskatoon honours First World War internees
    On Tuesday, that daughter, 69-year-old Pat Mialkowsky, helped helped unveil a plaque at the Saskatchewan Railway Museum commemorating the 8,579 Western Canadians of Eastern European and German descent who were interned during and after the First World War. A larger concrete memorial will replace it in the spring.

    Alberta

    11 Days of Remembrance: Citizens of Burdett fought hard in First World War
    When the call came to fight for King and Country, small rural communities in Alberta were on side, perhaps accounting for proportionately more soldiers than larger towns and cities, because of their close ties to Britain, says a historian.

    British Columbia


    Spy who intercepted Nazi communications retired to Saltspring Island
    Records released by the British National Archives reveal the identity of the spy code-named Jack King as Eric Roberts, an unassuming banker who retired and came to Canada in 1956. He died on the island in 1972 at the age of 65.

    Story of the Week




    Veterans' Week

    Just a reminder that I will be featuring Veterans' Week (November 5 to November 11th) on the blog from November 5 to November 11th, as I have done for the past three years.

    Please use the blog archives link on the right side of this blog - choose the year, month, and day you wish to view the post. Here are links to a few of the archived postings -
    This year is special since it honours the men and women who served in the First World War.

    To get us started, I will be offering a contest which will involve your direct line Canadian ancestor who was involved in the First World War.

    You will, of course, have to answer a skill-testing question which will appear November 5th.

    For more on Veterans' Week in Canada, please visit http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance and http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/get-involved/remembrance-day

    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 the country!

    The next post will be on 10 November 2014.

    2015 membership drive has begun

     
    November is the beginning of the 2015 membership season for the Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS), and it is time every year when I take a look at my genealogical needs and budget for the next year.

    There is no question that I will continue my membership at the OGS, but I think that I will expand my membership to include a number of branches that I have not previously belonged to – at least three more branches that I am considerating.

    To learn more about the benefits of membership, go to http://www.ogs.on.ca/joinogs.php

    Your membership is valid until December 2015. New members take advantage of a bonus two months of membership by joining now and activating your membership immediately.

    And there is news for renewing members who renew before Dec. 31, 2014 . They will be entered into a draw for $900 worth of courses from the National Institute for Genealogical Studies at http://www.genealogicalstudies.com/

    You can join online by going to http://www.ogs.on.ca/integrated/integrated_account_new_step1.php or you can mail in your membership by downloading the membership form at http://www.ogs.on.ca/integrated/integrated_account_new_step1.php 

    I will also renew my membership in the British Isles Family History Society of Great Ottawa (BISFHGO) at http://www.bifhsgo.ca/, the National Genealogical Society (NGS) http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/, the Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia (GANS) http://www.novascotiaancestors.ca/, and I already belong to the Quebec Family History Society (QFHS) http://www.qfhs.ca/

    To what societies are you planning to join.  

    Saturday, November 1, 2014

    Genealogy Workshop



    There will be a starter genealogy workshop at The Grange called Beginning Genealogy will be presented by the Halton-Peel Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society and Heritage Mississauga on Thursday, November 6th, 2014 from 10 am to 3 pm. 

    The workshop leader will be professional genealogist and lecturer Ruth Blair 

    The cost is $25.00, and register early because space is limited. 

    The Heritage Mississauga website is at http://www.heritagemississauga.com/ 

    The Halton-Peel Branch OGS is at http://www.haltonpeel.ogs.on.ca/ 

    The Halton-Peel Branch OGS Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/HaltonPeelBranchOGS

    Meanwhile, I am attending the Virtual Institute of Genealogical Research for the next two Saturday's where I will take the four-course session Writing Logical Proof Arguments with Michael Hait, CG.

    The website of the Virtual Institute of Genealogical Research is http://vigrgenealogy.com/

    Friday, October 31, 2014

    Happy Halloween!



    One of the first places I visited after moving to Ottawa in the 1980s was Watson’s Mills in Manotick. The mill is where the ghost of Ann Crosby Currier, the second wife of Joseph Currier, co-owner of the mill, supposedly haunts it to this day. 

    Here are a couple of sites which tells the story about Watson’s Mill 

    The Ghost of Watson's Mill 


    Watson’s Mill

    Thursday, October 30, 2014

    New post about the Archives of Ontario (AO)


    Have you ever read Jane MacNamara’s blog Where the story takes me:Tales of family and local history research and folk I meet along the way?

    If it isn’t on your reading list, maybe it should be, because she always has subjects that are interesting to genealogists.

    Her latest post is worth reading if you have Ontario ancestors – because it is a post about the Archives of Ontario (AO).

    In the post, she explains what the AO holds, and what you can find within the different archival material – and there is tons of material for you to research.

    Let me say that the AO does live up to Jane’s review. I found it very centrally located to where I was staying, had good access for parking, excellent facility to eat your lunch or to just take a break away from researching. There is a very good a shopping centre which is a short distance from the archives.

    There is one thing that I would add, and that is, be sure to read the information first onsite at the archives website before going there. Become familiar with the holdings, and it will be so helpful when you start researching. I printed the material off before I went there, and had it in a folder for easy reference. And if it is the first time that you will be there, be sure to register to your pass online, and then pick it up at the front desk once you get there.

    Jane’s blog is at http://wherethestorytakesme.ca/

    The website for the Archives of Ontario is Tracing your ancestry at the Archives of Ontario at http://www.archives.gov.on.ca/en/tracing/index.aspx

    Wednesday, October 29, 2014

    Joint presentation this Sunday in Ottawa


     
    UK Rockstar Genealogist Kirsty Gray will give two lectures in Ottawa on Sunday November 2nd from 2 – 4 pm at the Woodroffe United Church, Banquet Hall, 207 Woodroffe Ave.

    The two lecture will be -

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

    2. Solving Problems Through Family Reconstruction

    Admission is $10 per person at the door. A break with light refreshments will be held between the two lectures.

    The Ottawa Genealogical Society (OGS) is at http://ogsottawa.on.ca/

    British Isles Family History Society of Greater
    Ottawa (BIFHSGO)is at http://www.bifhsgo.ca/

    The Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/pages/British-Isles-Family-History-Society-of-Greater-Ottawa/149788348437126

    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).

    Tuesday, October 28, 2014

    GANS to host meeting tonight


    There will be a meeting of the Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia tonight at the Akins A/V Room, Nova Scotia Archives, 6016 University Avenue, Halifax, NS at 7:30 when Irene Schofield, GANS Programme Convener, will talk about the Canadian Census and The 1940 National Registration

    She will show us samples of the information that can be found for your ancestors.

    Everyone is welcome. Light refreshments will be served. Hope to see you there!

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

    Family History Library Announces Free Classes




    We received this email this morning –

    The Family History Library Announces Free Classes for November 2014

    Nov. 1 Recursos en linea adema̍s de FamilySearch is a class for Spanish-speaking guests and starts at 1:00 p.m. 

    Nov. 5-26 Russian Print and Handwriting Series. There are 4 parts to this series of classes, taught every Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. 

    Nov. 8 Norway Research Series. The classes include “How to Use Church Records in Norway,” “How to Search Death Notices in Norway,” and “Exploring Probate Records in Norway.” These classes run from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. 

    Nov. 8 American Indian Series. Classes include: “American Indian Research and the FamilySearch Wiki,” and “American Indian Case Study.” Classes are held at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. 

    Nov. 15 Boy Scout Genealogy Merit Badge Workshop. This workshop begins at 10:00 a.m. Register for this 90-minute class at least one week prior to the workshop to find out which requirements should be completed before attending. Email FHLClassReg@familysearch.org 

    Nov. 15 ¿Mis antepasados vinieron de . . . ? This class is for Spanish-speaking guests and starts at 1:00 p.m. 

    Nov. 15 Reading Spanish Handwriting will be taught at 3:00 p.m. 

    *Registration is required for classes with an asterisk. 

    Register by 9:00 p.m. the Thursday before the class date by sending an email to FHLClassReg@familysearch.org or calling 1-801-240-4950.

    Go to https://familysearch.org/locations/saltlakecity-library for additional information. 

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

    Monday, October 27, 2014

    Canadian Week in Review - 27 October 2014


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

    History Week in Canada (October 20 – October 27, 2014) 


    Did you know that in 1864, a group of Confederate soldiers based in Canada attacked the town of St. Alban's, Vermont? The soldiers robbed a bank of $200,000 and killed one man in their escape. The incident strained Canadian-American relations already weakened by the events of the American Civil War.

    You can read about the robbery at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada_in_the_American_Civil_War
    =============================================
    In 1818, Canada and the U.S. signed the Convention of London. The treaty established the 49th Parallel as the boundary from Rainy River, Ontario to the Rockies.

    To read further on the subject, you can go to http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3406400208.html
    =============================================
    What an interesting history Canada has had in its moving from Niagara to Quebec to Toronto and finally to Ottawa in search of a place to seat the Canadian government. In 1855, it was moved to Toronto from Quebec City.

    To read more, please go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legislative_Assembly_of_the_Province_of_Canada
    =============================================
    In 1876, the first shipment of wheat from Western Canada to Ontario left Winnipeg, and this blog posted the story of Peel's Prairie Province releasing Grain Elevators in Canada books online.

    To read more about the grain elevators, go to http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2014/10/peels-prairie-province-releases-grain.html
    =============================================
    In 1926, magician Harry Houdini—appearing at the Princess Theatre in Montreal—received a fatal blow to the stomach. When a McGill University student asked him if he could shrug off blows to the body; Houdini said “Yes”, but before he could brace himself, the blow was dealt. He died of a ruptured appendix 10 days later in Detroit.

    To read more about this story, go to http://www.snopes.com/horrors/freakish/houdini.asp

    Social Media


    (Video) Iconic Saskatoon hotel general manager set to retire
    http://globalnews.ca/news/1630167/iconic-saskatoon-hotel-general-manager-set-to-retire
    The Delta Bessborough is an iconic building in Saskatoon, and its general manger, Andrew Turnbull, will retire at the end of the month.
    =============================================
    (Video) The First World War: Excerpts from the diary of Woodman Leonard
    http://www.ottawasun.com/2014/10/23/the-first-world-war-excerpts-from-the-diary-of-woodman-leonard
    Read about Lt. Col. Leonard's observations during the week of March 20th.
    =============================================
    French In Name Only
    This new blog explores the family history of the surname of French/ffrench and the surname of Grace. It also demonstrates, through family stories, the close connections between Canada and the United States.

    Nova Scotia

    Demolition crews dig up piece of naval history in Halifax
    http://metronews.ca/news/halifax/1188486/anchor-a-wow-demolition-crews-dig-up-piece-of-naval-history-in-halifax-2/
    The discovery of an anchor in Halifax’s dockyards believed to have belonged to Canada’s first naval warship. The director of the Naval Museum of Halifax said he’s “85 to 90 per cent certain” it belonged to HMCS Niobe, the first Canadian warship to enter the country’s territorial waters, on Oct. 21, 1910.

    RBC Black History Month Student Essay Competition continues to grow in its sixth year
    http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1430406/rbc-black-history-month-student-essay-competition-continues-to-grow-in-its-sixth-year/
    Students can now earn one of 20 scholarships, up from three, including grand prizes of up to $5,000 that will help make their someday a reality. The competition gives students an opportunity to learn about the contribution black people have made to Canadian history.

    Windsor’s Hockey Heritage Museum shoots for expanded hours
    http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1244887-windsor-s-hockey-heritage-museum-shoots-for-expanded-hours
    The museum season now runs from June 15 to October 05, but during the pumpkin regatta, held Thanksgiving weekend, the tourist bureau in Windsor gets hundreds of inquiries about the hockey museum.

    Maritime voyage: Halifax to Prince Edward Island
    http://www.jpost.com/Not-Just-News/Maritime-voyage-Halifax-to-Prince-Edward-Island-379142
    Read a Jerusalem Post writer’s travels from Nova Scotia to Prince Edward Island.

    Ontario

    Genealogical journey yields results
    http://www.orilliapacket.com/2014/10/17/genealogical-journey-yields-results
    For Orillia resident Phil Jenkinson, his work following his genealogy led to the realization one of his relatives played a role in the First World War.

    Union Gas donation will help with historic chapel restoration
    http://www.napaneeguide.com/2014/10/23/union-gas-donation-will-help-with-historic-chapel-restoration
    Union Gas presented a cheque for $20,000 to the committee that is fundraising to restore Her Majesty’s Royal Chapel of The Mohawks, located on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.

    Royal Canadian Air Force squadron returns to RAF Leeming to take part in exercise for first time since it was based there in WWII
    A Royal Canadian Air Force squadron has returned to RAF Leeming more than 70 years after using it as a base during World War Two.

    Manitoba

    Park to celebrate Upper Fort Garry: A Significant part of Manitoba's history
    http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/park-to-celebrate-upper-fort-garry-279699702.html
    Friends of Upper Fort Garry unveiled the first of a three-phase development that will celebrate the fort's singular significance in the province's history.

    Alberta

    Local honoured by Alberta Historical Resources Foundation
    http://www.camrosecanadian.com/2014/10/23/local-honoured-by-alberta-historical-resources-foundation
    The outstanding efforts of Alberta’s “heritage heroes” and the work of local organizations to preserve the province’s rich history were recognized October 16 with the announcement of the 2014 Alberta Historical Resources Foundation Heritage Awards.

    Story of the Week



    Canadian Library Month 

    In October, the inspiration created in and by libraries is celebrated during Canadian Library Month with the theme “Libraries Inspire!”.

    Did you know that “over 21-million Canadians hold a public library card, making public libraries the most popular cultural institution in the country? Over 97 percent of Canadians live in communities served by a public library, and the library adds to the vitality of every one of these communities.”

    And don’t forget genealogical libraries!

    In Ottawa, we are fortunate to have many genealogical libraries in the city, and we should take advantage of them.

    They hold maps, directories, books, and those ever so important family files that may hold clues to our ancestors, census, and cemetery records.

    For more information Library Month, go to http://librarymonth.ca/

    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 03 November 2014.

    Saturday, October 25, 2014

    Canada's First History Youth Forum in Ottawa


    Twenty-two students from communities all across Canada have earned themselves a trip to Ottawa later this month during the first Canada's History Youth Forum.

    The students were selected following their regional heritage fairs, and tasked with making a short video that demonstrated the historical significance of their topic. 

    The videos were all posted online and a public vote encouraged Canadians to watch and support their favourite student flicks. After a combined total of over 34,000 votes, a panel of judges selected twenty-two winners for this year's program. 

    The recipients of the 2014 Young Citizens program are: 

    Abby Peterson, Rocky Mountain House, AB — Canada & Titanic
    Dominic Shoop, Okotoks, AB —The Flintlock Pistol
    Dylan Lee, Vancouver, BC — The Chinese Head Tax
    Alexandra Mines, Vancouver, BC — Les Réfugiés Indésirables du Canada
    Jenna Allison, Winnipeg, MB — Nellie McClung
    Rachel Teller, Winnipeg, MB — Sir Frederick Banting
    Maude Couturier, Fredericton, NB — Les infirmières militaires canadiennes
    Emma Morehouse, Lincoln, NB — Patrick Owens Covered Bridge
    Jasmine Rahman, St. John's, NL—The Newfoundland Conscience: A History of Giving
    Jack Goldsworthy, Torbay, NL —Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: The Original Way of Life
    Ben Strickland, Bridgewater, NS —The Mosquito
    Sam Rogers, Lower Onslow, NS — The Black Devil's Brigade
    Eastyn Klages, Chatsworth, ON — A Little Taste of Home
    Paris Snake, Rama, ON — Residential Schools: The Intergenerational Impacts
    Karla McCallum, Charlottetown, PEI —The Journey of the Potato
    Harrison Duffy, Kinkora, PEI — History Of the PEI Railway
    Élodie Chamberland, Sainte-Hélène-de-Kamouraska, QC — La Seconde Guerre mondiale
    Andréanne Girard-Lemieux, Saint-Gédéon-de-Beauce, QC — Reproduction de mocassins amérindiens
    Dylan Donald, Regina, SK — Chuckwagon Racing
    Ella Forrest, Regina, SK — My Oma's Story
    Duncan Snooks, Whitehorse, YT— Jacques Cartier
    Maximilian Wanner, Whitehorse, YT — North West Mounted Police 

    Honourable mentions include: 

    Cauren Bale. De Winton, AB — The Evolution Of Canadian Figure Skating
    Amina GuoVancouver, BC — Japanese Canadian internment
    Olivia Richards. Vancouver, BC — 1961 train smoke eaters
    Siya Johal. Delta, BC — My Sikh Family History
    Luke Harris. North Vancouver, BC — Vimy Ridge
    Jacob Grant, Winnipeg, MB — Andrew Charles Mynarski
    Luke Battcock, Paradise. NL — Gros Morne
    Griffin Fancy, Bridgewater. NS — Prestigious Provo
    Julia McNeaney. ON — Ridley College
    Turner Clarke, Port Colborne. ON — The Wainfleet Bog
    Clara Sismondo. Kingston, ON — KCVI : a history
    Lise Charles, Charlottetown. PEI — Un pÄ—cheur madelinot
    Karine Champagne, Saint-Honoré-de-Shenley. QC — Le patrimoine des Jésuites en Nouvelle-France
    Makayla Kaye. Whitehorse, YT — Yukon First nation 

    To see more about the Young Citizens Program, visit their website at www.YoungCitizens.ca

    Two virtual exhibits at the Toronto Public Library


    The Toronto Public Library has two new digital exhibits, and the first one is called Frozen Ocean which is on until December 31, 2014, and the second exhibit is called Toronto: A Place of Meeting.

    Frozen Oceans tells the story about the North-west Passage and how it became for many an obsession. Browse colourful maps, beautiful illustrations, posters and books in this online exhibit. And having viewed the exhibits myself, I can say that the maps and illustrations are simply beautiful, and compelling.

    To view the exhibit, go to http://ve.torontopubliclibrary.ca/frozen_ocean/index.htm 

    Toronto: A Place of Meeting will be of particular interest to people who have ancestors who lived in Toronto. It covers the history of the city in a timeline of five distinct eras, beginning with the first human presence in the city 8000 BC and ending in 2003.

    To view the exhibit, go to http://ve.torontopubliclibrary.ca/TPM/index.html 

    Friday, October 24, 2014

    Peel's Prairie Province releases Grain Elevators in Canada books online


    Peel's Prairie Provinces, in partnership with the University of Alberta Libraries, has put online the data on grain elevators in Canada collected by the Canadian Grain Commission. The data, beginning in 1912 and ending in 1998, is now freely available online. 

    These records contain lists of licensed elevators, their locations and capacity in western and eastern Canada. 

    Peel's Prairie Provinces website is dedicated to preserving western Canadian history and Canadian prairie culture. One can find historical newspapers, bibliography of books, directories, and pamphlets online.