Brian Gilchrist, Ontario genealogist, passes away

It is with a heavy heart that I read this morning that Brian Gilchrist has passed away. His passing leaves a big void in Ontario genealogy.

He was the Reference Archivist at PAMA (Peel Art Gallery, Museum & Archives), and a founding member of Halton-Peel Branch, OGS.

I first met Brian in the early 1990s when I was starting out in genealogy, and he brought an energy and interest to the subject that I had to admire. I always went to his lectures, and always came away recommitted to the world of genealogy.

The last conversation I had with Brian was about a month ago when I was asking him about a family in Peel County, and he said that he had been sick, but things were looking up, and that he had returned to work. So the news this morning really caught me off guard.

His knowledge, and understanding on Ontario genealogy will be missed.

His funeral will be held at St. James Church in Toronto next week.   

The news is on Gail Dever’s Facebook page at Genealogy à la carte at http://genealogyalacarte.wordpress.com/2014/05/01/canadian-genealogist-j-brian-gilchrist-passes-away and on the Halton-Peel Branch of the OGS Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/HaltonPeelBranchOGS

British Columbia, Canada, Estate Files, 1859-1949

 Another case of the partnership between Ancestry and FamilySearch. 

Ancestry has the browsable images on their site, and you can browse by Judicial District/Locality, whereas FamilySearch has the background information that could help you to search estate files in British Columbia. plus browsable images.

So how is this system working? It brings the holdings of the FamilySearch site to a different audience, but Ancestry isn’t adding any new records by doing this. Are you satisfied with this change?

At one time apparently, Ancestry would only put on indexed records, now it appears that they have moved to include browsable images.

You can search the site at Ancestry http://search.ancestry.ca/search/db.aspx?dbid=9806

You can read the information at FamilySearch at https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/British_Columbia_Estate_Files_(FamilySearch_Historical_Records)

The images are at FamilySearch at https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2014768

OGS new website

What do you think of the new website that the OGS has just put on the Internet?

For myself, I don’t know what to think.

It seems like they have lost their focus – Ontario genealogy.

And what do they mean by Help Save Library & Archives Canada? What do they mean? When you open the tab, it talks about Donations to the library at the OGS, not the LAC!

Could they have been too hasty in putting this on the Internet right now? Even the copyright for the website is for 2013 – it hasn’t been changed to 2014!

It is my feeling that the site needs some tweaking before it is put out to there for public consumption. What do you think?

The website is https://www.ogs.on.ca

RCMP obituary card index and notices, 1876-2007

Here is an instance which demonstrates the co-operative partnership that exists between Ancestry and Family Search these days with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) obituaries card and notices between 1876 and 2007. 

You can Browse this collection on Ancestry at http://search.ancestry.ca/search/db.aspx?dbid=9930, while at FamilySearch, you can read the background information about the RCMP collection at https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Royal_Canadian_Mounted_Police_obituary_card_index_and_Notices_(FamilySearch_Historical_Records)

Here’s your chance to participate!

You can ask a question to the Social Media panel at the Ontario Genealogical Society this weekend. All you have to do is to go to the website https://plus.google.com/u/0/events/cgkbikrmmec7hi1irnenf5jmqbc?cfem=1

To get you started, I have asked the first question, and I leave the other questions to you. 

And you can watch the Social Media panel (which will be comprises of Tony Bandy, Kirsty Gray, Daniel Horowitz, Chris Paton, Marian Press, and John D Reid) as it will be a Google Hangout On Air. It will start at 8:00 am Saturday morning on May 3rd. 

Let me know how you found it? Will you be watching any of the Live Streaming that they will be doing from the conference? Do you think that Social Media, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ Hangouts On Air have any place in Canadian genealogy? 

Canadian Week in Review 28 April 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 

Toronto 1914 

https://toronto1914.wordpress.com

A new history blog put together by students in Dr. Jessica van Horssen’s History 4570 class at Toronto’s York University called Canada in War and Peace, 1911-1952. (Reported by CWR Special Correspondent, Gail Dever, of Genealogy à la carte blog fame - https://genealogyalacarte.wordpress.com)

Jeannie M. Martin

http://www.literatureandgenealogy.com

Jeannie M. Matine is “tracing genealogy in Canadian literature” on her new blog, and is doing a fine job. She evens cites the works that she writes about. Excellent blog! (Reported by Gail Dever)

The Saskatchewan Virtual War Memorial

http://svwm.ca

Started in 2006, it is hoped that photographs of geo-memorial locations and/or plaques and grave location information will be added as well. The intent is to provide a rich source of information to honour our war dead.

Canadian War Museum completes collection of Saving Life at Sea medals awarded to Canadians in Halifax Explosion

http://ottawastart.com/story/23100.php

The Canadian War Museum is pleased to announce that it now possesses both Albert Medals for Saving Life at Sea awarded to Canadians in the Halifax Explosion of 1917. The medals testify to the devastation and consequent heroism that followed the wartime collision between the munitions carrier Mont-Blanc and the collier Imo in the city’s harbour.

News Articles

Counties council asked to back naming County Road 34 'British Home Children Commemorative Highway'

http://www.cornwallseawaynews.com/News/2014-04-25/article-3702205/Counties-council-asked-to-back-naming-County-Road-34-British-Home-Children-Commemorative-Highway/1

Jim Brownell who is the director of the Ontario East British Home Child Family (OEBHCF), wants to rename the roadway that goes through the towns of Lancaster, Green Valley, and Alexandria on County Road 34 as the ‘British Home Children Commemorative Highway.' (Reported by Gail Dever)

Rewriting the pages of history Shelburne student corrects foggy account of war crime
http://www.orangeville.com/news-story/4476061-rewriting-the-pages-of-history

Learn how a student changed history by researching a soldier in their Second World War and discovering the story of how he been executed with six other soldiers near the small town of Mouen, France.

Twin Towns History - Growth of Channel

http://www.gulfnews.ca/News/Local/2014-04-21/article-3693534/Twin-Towns-History---Growth-of-Channel/1
Read the development of the towns of Channel and Port aux Basques in the mid-to-late 1800s.

A historical mystery solved: Historical society owns site marking Acacia Villa School
http://www.novanewsnow.com/Living/2014-04-18/article-3691714/A-historical-mystery-solved%3A-Historical-society-owns-site-marking-Acacia-Villa-School/1

There was a question (now answered) of who owned the site on which stands a cairn marking the Acacia Villa School in Hortonville, Nova Scotia.

Bringing culture and history to life
http://www.theaurora.ca/News/Local/2014-04-18/article-3693969/Bringing-culture-and-history-to-life/1
Grade 8 students from Labrador City and Churchill Falls showed off their blasts from the past at Menihek High School’s annual heritage fair, which took place Tuesday, April 15.

New head faces challenges at Library and Archives Canada
http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/head+appointed+Library+Archives+Canada/9752598/story.html
Do you think that the new head of the LAC faces challenges, or is it too soon to tell? He will take over in June of this year.

Fisheries museum in Lunenburg to reopen May 17
http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1200484-fisheries-museum-in-lunenburg-to-reopen-may-17
The Fishery Museum had been closed so that the foundation on the west end of the building could be stabilized. It will reopen May 17.

Bay Roberts shows off its First World War connections http://www.cbncompass.ca/News/Local/2014-04-22/article-3697653/Bay-Roberts-shows-off-its-First-World-War-connections/1
The Royal Canadian Legion in Bay Roberts was where people around the Trinity-Conception-Placentia region brought in pieces of history from the First World War.

Expert pieces together the fabric of Canadian history through quilting http://www.bramptonguardian.com/community-story/4479612-expert-pieces-together-the-fabric-of-canadian-history-through-quilting
Pauline Grondin, a professional storyteller, historical interpreter, and heritage performer, shared stories and anecdotes about the history of quilting at the monthly meeting of the Brampton Historical Society (BHS).

Story of the Week

The Métis Flag was first used by Métis resistance fighters in Canada prior to the Battle of Seven Oakes in 1816. There are two versions of the flag - The blue flag is used to associate the Métis employees of the North West Company, while the red represents the Métis who worked for the Hudson's Bay Company. 

Court of Appeal upholds landmark ruling on rights of Métis

The Métis who are of mixed heritage, were among Canada’s First People. They were documented in the 1600s as children born of the union between a European fisherman and his Native wife.

But it was not until the French-Canadian fur traders moved out west in 1700s and 1800s to the land known today as the Prairies, that the people became known as Western Métis.

Today, there are around 400,000 Métis in Canada.

They have been trying for years to gain recognition in Canada as native people under the Constitution Act, and this week the Supreme Court of Canada upheld the decision – that they were “Indians” under a section of the Constitution Act.

On Thursday, the appeals court upheld part of the decision. It ruled that while Métis should remain Indians under the Constitution, extending that recognition to non-status Indians should be done on a case-by-case basis since it is a separate issue.

Canada’s First people
http://firstpeoplesofcanada.com/fp_metis/fp_metis1.html
This site provides a good, basic history of the Métis in Canada.

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 May 5, 2014.

GANS office in open this afternoon

Here is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon -

Genealogy is a great past time on a rainy day. Drop into the office this afternoon and work on your family tree.

Sunday, April 27
GANS Office Open
1:00 pm to 5:00 pm - 3258 Isleville Street, Halifax, NS

The Office is open to everyone. Stop by to chat, do some internet research, check out our library or buy a publication or membership. Bring a friend!

Web: http://www.NovaScotiaAncestors.ca

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NovaScotiaAncestors

Twitter: @NSAncestors

Canadian Week in Review

Check the Canadian Week in Review tomorrow morning for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada. 

It has the latest news covered in New/Updated Websites, Social Media, and Newspaper Articles.

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

The Canadian Week in Review is now in its third year of bringing you the Canadian take on genealogy, heritage and history news. It has been a regular post every Monday morning since April 23, 2012.  

University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies Toronto’s is offering a 6-week course

The University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies is offering the six week course called Toronto’s Past, Your City, Your House, Your Family starting May 6th. 

The press release says "Are you interested in discovering the history of your house or neighbourhood, the history of your family once in Toronto, or a Toronto business or institution? Are you exploring another aspect of Toronto history? Or are you a writer or researcher? 

This course introduces established principles of local and family history research as taught worldwide, and suggests how to apply them in the Toronto context. We work our way through a variety of research projects, representative of the expressed interests of participants. In support of these practical case studies we review, in an integrated way, remarkable resources which we can draw upon, including some little-known ones. Watch yourself start to become a local history sleuth! "

For more information and to register for this course, please visit the course website at http://2learn.utoronto.ca/uoft/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=1701461

McDonald family holds a community reunion in Lanark County, Ontario

I just received this notice from the Lanark County Genealogical Society -

“When John McDonald, his wife Isabel Maclaine and their children emigrated from Mull, Scotland, and settled the 10th Concession of Ramsay, Lanark County, Canada in 1822, they brought with them, among other possessions, a cast-iron porridge pot. The pot has been handed down through generations of McDonald descendants, to Mary Lennox and her husband Barrie, who have donated it to the North Lanark Regional Museum. Nearly two centuries later McDonald descendants are returning to the Almonte region for this joyous occasion.

You are most cordially invited to attend this jointly sponsored celebration by the Lanark County Genealogical Society, the North Lanark Regional Museum and Archives Lanark on Thursday June 5th, 2014.

It’s a once in a lifetime chance to meet John and Ishbel descendants, from international locations returning to Almonte for this occasion. Other family members will be familiar, as they reside in the area, such as McPhail, Cameron, NcNaughton, Ellis, Smith, McLean, Dickson, Little, Taylor, and Finlay.

The day’s program includes:

Bus tour: Number of seats available 55. Cost $20 per person.

A guided tour made possible by Barr Bus Lines Ltd. Pakenham, Ontario. Bus leaves from the North Lanark Regional Museum (Appleton), 647 River Rd, Mississippi Mills, ON at 10:15 a.m. The Museum opens at 9:00 allowing time to view their holdings and sip a morning beverage while waiting for the buses to arrive.

The bus will stop at the original McDonald property and the family cemetery. This cemetery is recognized as one of the first cemeteries in the Town of Mississippi Mills, with the first burial in 1823.

The bus continues with short tour of historical highlights in the area. We will travel to

Blakeney and the Park, an area well loved by twins Jessie and Katie McDonald and your chance to view nature unspoiled.

Bennie’s Corners, the village honored by a visit from the Prince of Wales (King Edward) in 1860 and the One-Room Rural school area where the Inventor of Basketball, Dr. James Naismith brought honour to the school, the community and to Canada.

Mill of Kintail, the home of Canadian-born sculptor, doctor, soldier, physical educator, athlete and scouter Dr. Robert Tait McKenzie.

High Falls, Almonte’s Historic Main Street, and the R. Tait McKenzie’s bronze sculpture, The Volunteer.

Returning to the museum in Appleton for your vehicles so you can attend the lunch and remainder of the event at the Social Hall of the United Church, 160 Elgin Street, Almonte.

United Church Social Hall, 106 Elgin Street, Almonte (seating for 100 people)

Buffet Lunch at 12:30 by The LeatherWorks Catering Cost per person $10

Includes,

North Lanark Regional Museum display featuring the historic MacDonald family Porridge Pot donated by Mary and Barrie Lennox.

Minister: Rev. Mary Royal Duczek’s family blessing through a “Commemorative Sand Ceremony Dedicated to the McDonald Family Generations

McDonald and McPhail settler’s family history displays.

Farm related displays, family photos, farm photo, some historical artifacts and treasures from life on the farm.

Archives Lanark display includes documents related to the 10th concession farms and a display announcing their soon to be released “One Room Schools of Ramsay Township” book.

Ramsay Women’s Institute representatives will be there with the Tweedsmuir History Books.

Mississippi Valley Textile Museum Curator will enlighten us on a new research opportunity with over 100 years of Almonte Gazette on-line.

And we may even get a chance to hear a musical interlude with bagpipes, and taste some oatmeal crisps, peas’ brose, haggis, Scottish eggs and poor man’s pudding, from recipes that during the 1800s and 1900s provided nourishment on the table in a Scottish household.

The purpose of this note is to extend to you an invitation to attend this historic event and help make this event a lasting family memory.

Tickets for the full day $30 or in part, bus tour $20 or lunch $10 can be purchased in advance by mailing your cheque, payable to Lanark County Genealogical Society to Lanark County Genealogical Society, c/o Frances Rathwell, Treasurer, Attention: McDonald Event, 68 Beckwith St E Perth ON K7H 1C1

Or you can contact them at the Lanark County Genealogical Society at http://www.globalgenealogy.com/LCGS

Call for Speakers - The Toronto Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society and the Canadiana Department of the North York Central Library

                                                                                                                                                         

 Gwyneth Pearce, Secretary of the Toronto Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society, has sent me the following notice -

“The Toronto Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society and the Canadiana Department of the North York Central Library will be co-hosting a one-day workshop on the above theme of Industrial England. The time period we are particularly interested in is 1750 to 1870 although later times could also be relevant. 

We are looking for speakers who would like to be part of this workshop. We want to receive proposals from professional genealogists, historians, family historians, librarians and archivists. 

You are invited to submit proposals for lectures on topics such as migration to the cities, changes in occupations, effects of industrialization on rural communities, and changes in social organizations, cultural life, religion and education. Lectures can be about a family, an industry or about a place in England (e.g., Manchester), a county (e.g., Cornwall), a region (e.g., the Midlands) or relevant to the whole country. 

Workshop attendees will be most interested in lectures emphasizing sources and research techniques that might be useful in their own family history research. We need lectures suitable for all levels of experience. 

Each lecture session will be an hour or half-hour long, including 10 or 5 minutes for questions. Presentations should be illustrated; we will provide a computer projector or an overhead projector. Speakers will be expected to provide a handout of supporting material (up to four pages), which we will photocopy for all registrants. 

Speakers will be paid an honorarium of $100 per lecture hour ($50 for a half-hour lecture). Speakers living in the Greater Metropolitan Area of Toronto will receive an allowance of $35 for travel and incidental expenses. For speakers living further away, modest travel expenses, accommodation and incidental expenses will be reimbursed on an individual basis. 

Please submit your lecture proposals by e-mail. Please keep them brief and informal at this time. Be sure to include your mailing address, phone number and a brief biography”. 

DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS: FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. 

The workshop will be held NOVEMBER 1, 2014 at the NORTH YORK CENTRAL LIBRARY AUDITORIUM, 5120 Yonge Street, Toronto

Proposals must be sent to: courses@torontofamilyhistory.org 

For more information about the Toronto Branch of the OGS, please go tohttp://torontofamilyhistory.org                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

GANS to hold their Annual General Meeting & Lecture

  

The Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia will hold its Annual General Meeting & Lecture on Saturday, May 10 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Akins A/V Room, Nova Scotia Archives, University and Robie Strrets, Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

The lecture will be given by Terrence M. Punch, and Terry will be talking about his latest publication, Montbeliard Immigration to Nova Scotia, 1749-1752. Do you have the surnames Bailley, Burgoyne, Boutilier, Dorey, Jodrey, Patriquin, Dauphinee, Jollimore, Langille, or Tattrie somewhere in your family background? 

Come hear about where they, and other Montbeliardais, came from. You may learn some surprising facts; for example, at the time of the immigration to Nova Scotia from 1749 to 1752, Montbeliard was an independent Lutheran state. 

Light refreshments to follow. 

2nd Annual Book Sale 

We will be selling back issues of the Nova Scotia Genealogist, duplicates from our library, surplus Royal Nova Scotia Historical Society publications, and much more. Bring along your cash and pick up some great bargains! 

You can check their website at http://www.NovaScotiaAncestors.ca, and their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/NovaScotiaAncestors. Twitter is available @NSAncestors

RootsTech 2015 Call for Papers

RootsTech 2015 will be held in Salt Lake City from February 11–14, 2015, and the RootsTech Content Committee is calling for dynamic presentations that inform and educate both those seeking to begin and those continuing to discovering their family story through technology.

They say that presentation submissions will be accepted June 2 to June 27, 2014, through the Call for Presentations portal on RootsTech.org

They are looking for presentations such as -

· Finding and Organizing: search tactics, resources, specialized tools, methodologies, solutions, metadata, apps and software

· Preserving Your Work And Legacy: family trees, digital migration, audio and video solutions

· Sharing: social media, and tools for collaboration, wikis, crowd sourcing, community building, blogs

· Stories and Photos: storytelling and interviewing, capturing stories, preserving stories, enhancing stories with photos, photo restoration, movies and presentations, photo editing, oral histories

· Tools: technology introductions, gadgets, genetic research, DNA, breaking down barriers,

· General: family history topics in general including geographic research, time-period research, inspirations, market trends, research trends, adjacent industries, record types. (Please note, there is still an expectation in this category that technology is a part of the presented topic.)

· Family Traditions And Lifestyle: cultural arts, handicrafts, food, influential historical events, everyday living standards, social customs, pastimes, artifacts. (Please note there is still an expectation in this category that this knowledge assists the learner in family history and that technology is a part of the presented topic.)

And at the Innovator Summit, they would like the following presentations -

· Developer: standards and API’s, mobile app development, social applications, record imaging and visualizations, apps for youth, software and tools that enable the work of family history.

· Business: funding and investment, startups- success stories and tips, opportunities and market trends, networking and partnerships, insights and entertainment

The complete Call for Presentations document is present at https://familysearch.org/blog/en/files/2014/04/RT15-CFP-041614v.2.pdf. It includes presentation and evaluation criteria, the submission timeline, and process details.

Questions regarding the RootsTech 2015 call for presentations can be emailed to the Content Committee at info@rootstech.org.

Good Luck!

Canadian Week in Review 21 April 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

Elgin County Ontario Canada and Talbot Times Genealogy Blog http://elgincountyogs.blogspot.com/2014_04_01_archive.html
If you have ancestors in Elgin County, this is a blog that you should put in your reader to keep abreast of the historical documents that are online.

The CRA and LAC

http://www.cha-shc.ca/english/news/the-cha-and-lac.htm#sthash.JtyLWN2N.dpbs

The Canadian Historical Association / La Société historique du Canada is pleased with the appointment of Dr. Guy Berthiaume as the new head of Library and Archives Canada.

News Articles 

St. James church building in Gatineau damaged by fire. Century-old building, being turned into furniture store, suffers only smoke damage.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/st-james-church-building-in-gatineau-damaged-by-fire-1.2608674
The 113-year-old building St. James Anglican Church in Gatineau was engulfed in flames, but the fire was contained to the church lobby.

The Story of Indian Immigration to Canada

http://www.cicnews.com/2014/04/story-indian-immigration-canada-043365.html

This article gives a brief history of Indo-Canadian immigration to Canada which started in 1904 with a few immigrants landing ashore at Vancouver, British Columbia. 

Potato Month sales provides boost to Potato Museum

http://www.atlanticfarmfocus.ca/NB-NL-NS-PEI/2014-04-16/article-3691925/Potato-Month-sales-provides-boost-to-Potato-Museum/1

In February, Sobeys grocery stores in Atlantic Canada made a 25-cent contribution to the Potato Museum in Prince Edward Island for every specially marked 10-pound bag of Heritage Russet potatoes sold in Sobeys stores.

Visit the Canadian Potato Museum at http://www.peipotatomuseum.com

Talk about the early African Nova Scotia experience planned in Wolfville
http://www.kingscountynews.ca/Living/2014-04-10/article-3681450/Talk-about-the-early-African-Nova-Scotia-experience-planned-in-Wolfville/1

Karolyn Smardz Frost gave a talk to the Wolfville and Area Historical Society entitled Black Loyalists: the Early African Nova Scotia Experience in King's County. Between the founding of Halifax and the end of the American Revolutionary War, at least 600 people of African descent were brought to Nova Scotia.

Wolfville Historical Society
Their website is at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfville_Historical_Society 

From Paris auction block to B.C. First Nation's museum, rare artifact comes home http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/From+Paris+auction+block+First+Nations+museum+rare+artifact/9719573/story.html

The Chilkat ceremonial blanket was recently discovered on the auction block in Paris and was purchased by the U'mista Cultural Society with a $27,368 grant from Canadian Heritage. Made some time between 1865 and 1871, the blanket is now on display at the U'mista Museum in Alert Bay, on the northern tip of Vancouver Island.

Canadian Sikh Billionaire Acquires Maharaja Ranjit’s Sword

http://www.sikh24.com/2014/04/indo-canadian-acquires-maharaja-ranjits-sword 

In addition to the sword, Bob Dhillon, reportedly the first Sikh billionaire in Canada, has acquired a number of manuscripts, and miniature paintings.

Western Development Museum celebrates 65 years of living history. WDM uses modern methods to keep history alive.

http://cjme.com/story/western-development-museum-celebrates-65-years-living-history/306125 

What started off as a museum in a airport hanger has since grown to four locations in North Battleford, Saskatoon, Yorkton, and Moose Jaw.

Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canada Burnt to Ashes, No Injury Reported 
http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/546844/20140407/ukraine-catholic-church-burnt-ontario-canada-toronto.htm
A Ukrainian church was burned to ashes due to a two-alarm fire in Ontario, Canada. The Catholic Church, which was completely destroyed due to the fire, was situated on Heritage Road north of Bovaird Drive West in Brampton, outside Toronto.

Historic building in Halifax being torn down for new condos
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/historic-building-in-halifax-being-torn-down-for-new-condos/article17840515/?cmpid=rss1

Everyone who has lived in Halifax has at one time or another has been in the Roy Building on Barrington Street, and now the 120-year old building is being town down to make way for a new condo.

What really happened to the Bell of Batoche 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/aboriginal/what-really-happened-to-the-bell-of-batoche-1.2605937 

Researchers at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) have uncovered the story of the real Bell of Batoche.

Visit Quebec City, Canada, on e of North America’s oldest cities http://www.perthnow.com.au/travel/world/visit-quebec-city-canada-one-of-north-americas-oldest-cities/story-fnjjva7e-1226881044655 

It is the only North American fortified city north of Mexico whose walls still exist.

Montrealer wants national day for Terry Fox on April 12. Eddy Nolan wants federal recognition for the day Fox launched his historic Marathon of Hope in 1980 http://www.cbc.ca/m/touch/canada/montreal/story/1.2608744

Do you realize that Terry Fox ran the equivalent of a full marathon every day for 143 days. He completed this before his cross-Canada trek was cut short by the return of his cancer near Thunder Bay, Ont. He died nine months later on June 28, 1981, at the age of 22. 

Story of the Week

World Book and Copyright Day

World Book and Copyright Day is an annual event, celebrated all around the world to promote reading and the cultural aspects of books. It is celebrated on April 23rd.

You would be well-advised to read Dr. Margaret Ann Wilkinson's (Canada’s answer to genealogy and the law) article, Recent Developments in Canadian Law Affecting Genealogists, in the May 2014 issue of Families, the journal of the Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS).

She gives a full explanation of Canadian law as it pertains to privacy and copyright for other people’s work, and for your own work, as you put family trees in software and on the Internet. 

If you are not a member of the OGS, you may be able to access this article at your local genealogical society library, or you can contact the OGS at https://www.ogs.on.ca/membership.php to see if a half-year membership could include this issue of Families.

Writers' Trust of Canada

http://www.writerstrust.com 

Formed in 1976 by Margaret Atwood, Pierre Berton, Graeme Gibson, Margaret Laurence, and David Young. its mission is to “advance, nurture, and celebrate Canadian writers and writing”. 

The International Edible Book Festival

http://www.books2eat.com

Here is an interesting idea to try. Make a book and then eat it! You make a “book cake”, decorate it as you wish, and then celebrate Canada’s Book and Copyright day by toasting your accomplishment, and then eating a piece of cake. And, of course, read a good Canadian genealogy book that 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 country! The next post will be on April 28, 2014.

Canadian Week in Review

Check the Canadian Week in Review tomorrow morning for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada.

It has the latest news covered in New/Updated Websites, Social Media, and Newspaper Articles. 

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

Next week, the Canadian Week in Review will start its third year in bringing you the Canadian take on genealogy, heritage and history news. It has been a regular post every Monday morning since April 23, 2012.

Happy Canadian Easter!

It is a beautiful Sunday morning here in the Ottawa area, with sunshine and pleasantly warm temperatures. We give thanks that we made it through a terrible winter - where we had a plenty of snow, very cold temperatures (one of coldest in Canadian history), and power outages.

But today, we are “hopping” with joy. Buds are appearing on trees, and tulips are starting to come up through the ground. There is a lightness in the air, genealogical societies are getting their spring/summer activities on the go, and our thoughts are turning toward what looks to be an exciting and rewarding summer.

So Happy Easter everyone!

Enjoy this wonderful day, and "Happy Hunting!" in your genealogy (and eggs)!

Ancestry.ca releases Lower Canada and Canada East Census Records

  

Ancestry.ca has announced the release of more than 120,000 Canadian Census records from Lower Canada (now Quebec). These records document the lives of Canadians living in Lower Canada in 1825 and 1842 – before Canada was officially a country. 

As they say in their press release “The first national Canadian census was taken in 1871; however, many local and colonial censuses were taken before this date. The 1825 Census of Lower Canada and the 1842 Census of Canada East highlight the names of heads of the family, occupation, the number of people living in the house and other information that can help people discover more about their Canadian roots. 

Lower Canada and Canada East were vibrant and rapidly growing areas during the mid-1800s. Wheat and timber had replaced the fur trade as the main industries for export, creating a booming local economy and leading to a population that expanded by approximately 300,000 between 1784 and 1825. 

“These records shed new light on the lives of people who helped build Quebec and can help countless Canadians discover more stories about their ancestors living in Pre-Confederation Canada,” says Lesley Anderson, genealogist and Content Specialist for Ancestry.ca. “We’re excited to be offering Canadians the chance to explore these new records and adding to what is the largest online collection of historical Canadian records available anywhere in the world.””

The website for the 1825 Census of Lower Canada is at http://search.ancestry.ca/search/db.aspx?dbid=9807

The website for the 1842 Census of Canada East is at
http://search.ancestry.ca/search/db.aspx?dbid=9808

Heritage Gaspe/Heritage Gaspesie presents “Generation Sacrificed – The Gaspe Soldiers of the Great War 1914-1918”.

Tom Eden will present a photo and information exhibit, which will be held at St. James Anglican Church, from July 28-August 2nd. It will consists of 10 panels, each with a different theme outlining the activities of the war and the sacrifice of the lives of these young Gaspesians. Tom will also be available to share his project with the community at a conference to be held on August 2nd. 

A tour of the old Wakeham cemetery will take place as well as a pamphlet on the history of the church will be made available. The exhibit is free of charge but a good will offering would be appreciated. All proceeds will go towards St. James Church.

The conference will be held August 2nd at 1:30 p.m. in St-James Church, Wakeham. The photo exhibit will be held July 28 to August 2, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. also at St-James Church, Wakeham.

Foe information, go to http://gaspesie.quebecheritageweb.com/attractions-and-tours

Parish registers: Manitoba

Heritage Canada has put more digital records online, and one of the records that you may find helpful are the parish records for Manitoba. 

Government registration of vital statistics (baptism, marriage and death) for Manitoba did not begin until the late 1800s. In this collection can be found parish registers and other church records from various churches in the province of Manitoba. 

There are three microfilm rolls - 

H- 1344

H-1812

H - 1813

 

Make sure that you read the first few pages before you start you search. It looks like they in alphabetical order, but in case you do not find the person you are looking for, you will have to go page by page to see if the person is there. Many of the records include the people of the Red River Settlement. 

To go to the records click on the website http://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_mikan_115731

Guy Berthiaume appointed as Librarian and Archivist of Canada

The LAC has finally filled the position of the Head of Library and Archives Canada -

The Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages Shelly Glover announced yesterday that the appointment of Guy Berthiaume as the Librarian and Archivist of Canada will be for a term of five years, effective June 23, 2014. 

Dr. Berthiaume has been President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec since 2009. Before this, he spent thirty years as a senior university administrator. 

Dr. Berthiaume holds a doctorate in history from the École pratique des hautes études and the Université de Paris VIII, a Master of Arts degree from the Université Laval in Québec City and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Université du Québec à Montréal. He has published a number of articles and has served on the boards and committees of numerous organizations.

Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages say that “Having a person of Dr. Berthiaume’s calibre leading Library and Archives Canada will be a solid asset to the organization. His extensive experience in the management of large cultural organizations and his strong leadership are important qualifications for this position.” 

Please go to the LAC website at http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca 

Parish registers have been put online

 

Irene Schofield just sent a notice that the registers of St. Ann Roman Catholic Church, Guyborough, Nova Scotia has just been transcribed and have been put on http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~saintann/Records/home.html

The parish was established in 1819. A team transcribed these records, all entries were proofread and sent back to the original transcriber for review. Every record went through several rounds of review and comments until they all agree that it was the best that they could do. 

Book 1 contains the birth, marriage, and death registers for the years 1819 to 1838, and Book 2 contains the birth, marriage, and death registers for the years 1839 to 1890.

Here is a sample taken from Burials Book 1 

Patrick Walsh 

age [blank], burial date 20 Aug 1821, death date [blank],

parents: [blank]; spouse [blank];

witnesses [blank]; clergyman John Loughnan.

Notes: Buried in Goose Harbour Church. From County Kilkinny Ireland.

Scan: 001_01_X1_0166, pg. 336 item no. 1 

From reading the website, it look like there will be other books added when they are transcribed in the future. 

Say "thank you" to the volunteers who transcribed these records.

Heritage Dinner at Huronia Museum, Midland, Ontario

Jack Granatstein will be the guest speaker at the 24th annual Heritage Dinner on May 2, 2014 at 5:30 pm. at the Huronia Museum, Midland, Ontario. 

He will talk about  his current work on the last 100 days of World War I, its losses and the unbelievable impact these days had on Canada. 

In addition to a sit-down and served dinner, there will be a silent auctions and dessert auctions taking place. 

Tickets are $75 with a $40 tax receipt available. Tickets can be purchased online at  http://huroniamuseum.com/2014/03/26/3702 or at the museum directly at 549 Little Lake Park Road, Midland Ontario. 

You call 705.526.2844 for more information.

Canadian Week in Review 14 April 2014

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

 

Websites

Ancestor Seekers of Kenora

http://askgen.ning.com

A very bright and lively website that just started this year.

A list of FREE Canadian databases online

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~gaelynn/links.htm

Links to early Canadian documents at Canadiana.org.

The Friends of the Loyalist Collection at Brock University

http://www.brockloyalisthistorycollection.ca

A detailed, descriptive catalogue has been put on the site that covers the Loyalist Collection at Brock University.

Social Media

Deborah Morrison to leave as publisher of Canada's History magazine to run national youth travel exchange program

http://canadianmags.blogspot.com/2014/03/deborah-morrison-to-leave-as-publisher.html

Congratulations, Deborah, as you embark upon a new venture!

Interviews on The Genealogist Professional Podcast – Such an Honour!http://olivetreegenealogy.blogspot.com/2014/03/interviewed-on-genealogy-professional.html

One of own is interviewed by Marian Pierre Louis on her Blog Radio Show.

News Stories

Heritage Acres: We did credit the Boss

http://www.pinchercreekecho.com/2014/04/01/heritage-acres-we-did-credit-the-boss

Heritage Acres Farm Museum moved a barn from a property to the award winning museum grounds at Pincher Creek, Alberta.

Black History Enriches Canadian History

http://www.stouffvillefreepress.com/articles-2/featured/black-history-enriches-canadian-history

Stouffville’s Claudette Zabsonre is on a mission to make the achievements of black people more commonly known.

100th Anniversary of Sealing Disasters

http://www.vocm.com/newsarticle.asp?mn=2&id=44817&latest=1

Two hundred and fifty-four Newfoundland sealers lost their lives in two separate disasters (1914), within the same few days. A memorial service was held this week at George Street United Church in St. John's to commemorate those who perished.

Cy Becker a part of local history

http://www.edmontonsun.com/2014/03/31/cy-becker-a-part-of-local-history

A new master-planned community in Edmonton’s north end is named after Cy Becker, a bush pilot and wartime flying ace.

Gas bar canopy under consideration for heritage designation

http://www.thespec.com/news-story/4439215-gas-bar-canopy-under-consideration-for-heritage-designation

The canopy of the Canadian Tire gas bar at 304 Main St. E. as an entry on the city’s buildings of heritage interest list. We stopped at that gar bar when we were in Hamilton in 2011, and remarked on the uniqueness of the structure.

Bridgetown will file an application to dissolve town

http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/bridgetown-will-file-an-application-to-dissolve-town-1.1754879

Bridgetown in the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia will have a new governance structure in place by April 1, 2015. The town of 1,000 people was incorporated in 1897.

Story of the Week 

April is Sikh Heritage Month

Bramalea-Gore-Malton NDP MPP Jagmeet Singh’s Private Member’s Bill entitled, Sikh Heritage Month, has passed third reading in the legislature, and the month of April has been declared as Sikh Heritage Month.

April was chosen as the month to celebrate Sikh Heritage Month because it is the time that the community celebrate Vaisakhi, which marks the creation of the Khalsa and the Sikh articles of faith. Sikh Canadians widely celebrate Vaisakhi, also known as Khalsa Day, across Ontario.

The Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada (SHMC), located in Toronto, held the opening of the Gallery as a first major step forward towards its goal of having a permanent museum on Saturday, April 5th. 

Each family who attended the museum received a commemorative Sikh Heritage Month Poster. 

The museum is located at 2980 Drew Road, Unit 125, Mississauga, ON L4T 0A7 (It is at the Great Punjab Business Centre, next to Malton Gurdwara).

The website of the museum is at http://shmc.ca, and the Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/events/652770224758332 

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 21 April 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. 

It has the most recent news about New/Updated Websites, Social Media, and Newspaper Articles.

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

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

N.B. The CWR was not published last Monday due to the fact that I was down in Toronto attending a full-day workshop conducted by Dr. Thomas Jones, and spent two days in the Archives of Ontario.

Mennonite Migration to Ontario

The Oxford County Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society will meet on Monday April 14th at 6:45 pm at the Woodstock Public Library, 445 Hunter St., Woodstock, and the speaker will be Laureen Harder-Gissing. 

Her topic will be Mennonite Migration to Ontario and Resources available in the Mennonite Archives. Ms. Harder-Gissing is the Historian of the Mennonite Church of Eastern Canada and is currently Archivist at the Mennonite Archives at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo.

Contact information is available at http://oxford.ogs.on.ca/eventspg.html

The Mennonite Archives is online at https://uwaterloo.ca/mennonite-archives-ontario

The Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario http://www.mhso.org/index.shtml

Give a VIMY for Vimy Campaign

The 100th anniversary of the Canadian victory at the Battle of Vimy Ridge in France will take place in 2017. 

A foundation called The Vimy Foundation was started in 2006 to honor the remembrance of the battle. They have been involved in producing education resources for thousands of teachers and schools across Canada and been involved in more than 10,000 student ‘pilgrimages’ to Vimy. They also have plans to build a state- of-the-art Education Centre to be unveiled in France on April 9, 2017 on the grounds adjacent to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. 

The Government of Canada has committed $5 million to the project, but The Vimy Foundation is committed to match that commitment through the generosity of Canadians, and they have come up with a rather unique was that this can be accomplished.

The back of a $20.00 dollar bill has an image of the towering Vimy Ridge battlefield memorial in France, so the foundation is asking Canadians to donate $20 to the VIMY for Vimy Campaign. 

In exchange for your donation, you will receive a Vimy Pin and your name will be added to the list of Vimy 2017 supporters. 

To go to their site, please click https://vimyfoundation.ca/vimy2017

The Sinking of the Empress of Ireland

The Empress of Ireland was in a collision with the Norwegian collier SS Storstad in the early hours of 29 May 1914. Of the 1,477 persons on board the ship, 1,012 died. 

The Beaurepaire-Beaconsfield Historical Society will meet on Thursday April 17th at 7:30 p.m. at the Centennial Hall, 288 Beaconsfield Blvd, Beaconsfield (Montreal). The lecture will be in English, but there will be a bilingual question period. 

The lecture will be on the RMS Empress of Ireland, and the speaker will be Derek Grout who has written a book on the ill-fated liner Empress of Ireland which sank in the Gulf of St Lawrence, in front of Pointe-au-Père, in a collision in 1914. 

The hundredth anniversary of the sinking is May 29 and the book's release in Canada is scheduled for early April, in advance of the anniversary. Canada Post is supposed to be issuing two stamps to commemorate the event, and various museums across the country have scheduled special exhibitions, most notably the Canadian Museum of History (formerly Canadian Museum of Civilization) in Gatineau, across from Ottawa. 

At this lecture, you will be able to buy the book RMS Empress of Ireland, Pride of the Canadian Pacific's Atlantic Fleet by Derek Grout, at the price of $35.00. 

Everyone welcome. Free for members and $2 for non-member. You can become a member for just $5 per year. 

You can call 514-695-2502 for information, or you can go to http://www.shbbhs.ca 

For more information about the Empress of Ireland, you can go to
RMS Empress of Ireland http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RMS_Empress_of_Ireland 

Although this is a pay site, there is the passenger and crew list (FREE) at http://www.sea-viewdiving.com/shipwreck_info/empress_home/passengerindex.htm

Field Trip to the LAC

The Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society is planning their second field trip to the Library and Archives Canada on May 3rd.

This field trip will take place on Saturday May 3, 2014 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm and this time the LAC and OGS members will focus on the process of requesting retrieval of documents. After the meeting, members will be welcome to stay and do some research. The LAC is open until 6 pm on Saturdays

As part of this trip, attendees will obtain their LAC User Card (required for anyone wishing to undertake research or to consult the holdings at LAC facilities), there will be a tour of the resources on both the 2nd and the 3rd floor.

Although this trip is geared towards anyone who has never done any research at Library and Archives Canada, or to anyone who hasn't been to the LAC in a while

This special event is only open to a maximum of 15 people so reserve your spot early!

The Library and Archives Canada is located at 395 Wellington Street, Ottawa.

Also, there is a meeting on April 26 at the Ottawa City Archives on 100 Tallwood Drive, Ottawa, and the talk will be about the subject of Using Social Media for Genealogy Research and it will be given by Ken McKinlay.

The meeting will be live streamed, and details are available on their website at http://ogsottawa.on.ca

Some OGS Branches Live Stream their meetings

More and more OGS Branches are Live Streaming their monthly meeting.

Niagara Peninsula Branch was the first one to try the new technology couple of years ago, then Ottawa Branch tried it, and then the Lambton County Branch, and the Kent County signed on so. Members at a distance can hear the meeting also, as well as members close at hand. And don’t forget the OGS Conference this year, as it will be Live Streaming some sessions as well. 

I attend the Ottawa Branch Live Streaming monthly meetings held on a Saturday of each month (except July, and August) especially in the winter time, because I can’t get to the meetings during the snowy season. But I don’t miss anything because I can see the PowerPoint presentation, hear the speakers, and have the ability to ask questions – so I am quite satisfied with the process. 

So, if you are a member of any of these societies, be sure to give it a try. 

Here are the meetings to be held in April – 

Niagara Peninsula Branch Meeting

Date: Thursday, April 10, 2014

Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Location: First Grantham United Church, 415 Linwell Rd., St. Catharines

Speakers: Marjorie Stuart & Diane Clendenan

Topic: “Unregistered Cemeteries”

Brief Overview: Marjorie and Diane are the highly respected “Cemetery Ladies” for both the OGS & the Ontario Historical Society

Contact Info: http://www.ogs.on.ca/niagara 

Lambton County Branch Meeting

Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Time: 7:30 – 9:30 pm

Location: 1400 Murphy Road, Sarnia, Ontario

Speaker: Lynn Clark

Topic: Adoption Update. Drop by and learn what’s new when searching for info regarding adoptions in Ontario.

Contact Info: http://www.ogs.on.ca/lambton/index.html 

Kent County Branch Meeting 

Date: Friday, April 11, 2014

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: St. Andrew’s Residence 99 Park St., Chatham, ON

Speaker: Elise Harding-Davis

Topic: BLACK MILITIA OF KENT COUNTY

Brief Overview: Elise Harding-Davis will discuss the involvement of the Black Militia in the War of 1812.

Contact Info: http://ogs.on.ca/kent 

Ottawa Branch Meeting

Date: April 26, 2014

Time: 1:00 pm

Location: City of Ottawa Archives, Room 115,

Topic: Using Social Media for Genealogy Research

Speaker: Ken McKinlay

Brief Overview: Ken will be talking about the various social media sites, such as Facebook, Google+, Twitter and blogs to name just a few places, that can be used to help in your own research through interacting online with others around the world via the world wide web.

Contact information: http://ogsottawa.on.ca

Fort Howe – Fort-Howe on Flickr

Credit: Library and Archives Canada, Acc. No. 1986-19-1
Fort Howe in New Brunswick, during the American Revolution, experienced continuous pressure from American forces including attacks on the colony and its inhabitants. 

After the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which ended the war between Britain and the United States, there were calls from both the citizens of Saint John and incoming loyalists for better protection of the area, and the existing and damaged fort was replaced by Fort Howe. 

Sir William Howe, replaced General Thomas Gage as Commander-in-Chief of British North America, 1775-1778. He was present at the sieges of Louisbourg, Quebec and Montreal, and he defeated the American rebel forces in Fort Washington, Fort Lee, Brandywine and Gemantown before his resignation in 1778.

Over 200 people have viewed Flickr already. 

You may view it at https://www.flickr.com/photos/lac-bac/sets/72157641274749775

Canadian Week in Review

Check the Canadian Week in Review tomorrow morning for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada.

It has the latest news covered in New/Updated Websites, 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.

From Aberdeen to Albany: How Our Scott Family Ancestors Became United Empire Loyalists in Canada

The British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa (BIFHSGO) will be holding its monthly meeting next Saturday at the Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington Street, Ottawa. 

The meeting will start at 9:00 a.m. with the Before BIFHSGO Education Talk which will be given by Ken McKinlay and he will talk about Using Evernote for Genealogy Research. He will provide an overview of the online tool and how it can help with genealogy tasks.

From 9:30 until 10:00 a.m. you will be able to browse the Discovery Tables and talk to Ken McKinlay about the online tool Evernote. (Since I am a recent covert to Evernote, I will be interested to hear what Ken thinks about this newer research tool for genealogy.)

At 10:00 a.m.. Ken Harley will give a talk in which he will build on an earlier presentation he made to BIFHSGO in December 2009 during which he established how his wife Maxine's family arrived in Manitoba as original homesteaders. The first presentation traced the Scott family roots back to UEL settlers in Prince Edward County. Ontario. 

This talk will track Maxine's GGGG-grandfather's emigration from Inverurie, in Aberdeenshire Scotland through Ireland and on to the American Colonies in the early 1700s. In addition to how William Scott followed his dream, Ken tries to establish why our ancestors would emigrate to what was essentially an unsettled wilderness. 

Dave Cross’s interview with Ken Harley has been added to the BIFHSGO Podcast page. Through this interview, Ken provides you with the structure of his upcoming presentation, a bit about the research he has done with the Scott family and some of the interesting stories which might yet be uncovered.

The podcast is available at http://www.bifhsgo.ca/cpage.php?pt=106 

All monthly meetings are open to the general public, and they are free of charge.

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