Monday, January 11, 2016

Canadian Week in Review 11 January 2016




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

This Week in Canadian History

Sir John A. Macdonald birthday today

It is our first prime minister's birthday today (11 January), and there are many events which are taking place in Canada to celebrate the event.

For more information, go to http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1363182861019/1363182934447 

Last year, when the 200th birthday was celebrated, the article was published called 6 Sir John A. Macdonald facts to mark his 200th birthday at http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/6-sir-john-a-macdonald-facts-to-mark-his-200th-birthday-1.2895312



Muggins, the Red Cross Dog 

A small white dog called Muggins raised money for the Red Cross in Victoria, British Columbia, during the First World War. The dog collected a remarkable $21,000 in donations during the war.

For more information, go to http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/cseh-twih/index_e.asp

 Social Media 

(Photos) Manitoba photographer captures province's remaining grain elevators 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-photographer-captures-province-s-remaining-grain-elevators-1.3392241

McManus, a retired Winnipeg nurse, set out with her camera in June 2014 to take one nice photo of an old grain elevator for a photo contest she wanted to enter.

Upcoming Canadian Events 

Conferences 

NEW! 32nd Gene-O-Rama of the Ottawa Genealogical Society 

The conference will be held from April 1 – 2, 2016 at the Confederation Education Centre, 1645 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario which is at the corner of Hunt Club & Woodroffe Streets.

The program is at http://ogsottawa.on.ca/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/GOR16Brochure.pdf

Registration is at http://ogsottawa.on.ca/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/GOR-2016-Fee-Calculator.pdf

If you need further information, go to http://ogsottawa.on.ca/Gene-O-Rama/

UNLOCKING THE PAST 2016 

International Genealogy Conference UNLOCKING THE PAST 2016 will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the The Beach Club Resort, Parksville, British Columbia of the Qualicum Beach Family History Society in British Columbia.

The featured speakers will be Colleen Fitzpatrick and Chris Paton, and registration is now open at http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/international-genealogy-conference-unlocking-the-past-2016-tickets-18765135024. It includes an early bird price.

The website is located at http://www.qbfhs.ca/

Genealogy on the Cutting Edge 2016 

The Ontario Genealogical Society will be holding its annual conference from June 3rd to 5th at the Toronto’s International Plaza Hotel, Toronto.

Speakers and agenda has been announced this past week. Registration will open in January. Keep up-to-date with the latest news by following their website at http://www.ogs.on.ca/conference/, or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/171812826485725/

Our Canada – Your Family: Building a Nation 2017 

The Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society will host the 2017 annual conference, and they have a call out for presentations.

The conference will be held in Ottawa on June 16-18, 2017 at Algonquin College. The theme of the conference is Our Canada – Your Family: Building a Nation.

DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS IS FEBRUARY 15, 2016

To submit proposals or ask questions, please contact the Conference 2017 Program Committee at: program.conference2017@ogs.on.ca. For more information about OGS or Ottawa Branch respectively, please visit: www.ogs.on.ca or www.ogsottawa.on.ca.

Great Canadian Summit 

The summit will be held in Brampton, Ontario from October 21 to the 23, 2016 at the Courtyard Marriott.

It will be three days of genealogy by speakers such as CHRISTINE WOODCOCK | Director, Genealogy Tours of Scotland; RUTH BLAIR, PLCGS | Professional Genealogist; KATHRYN LAKE HOGAN, UE, PLCGS | Professional Genealogist at Looking 4 Ancestors; and MIKE QUACKENBUSH | Professional Genealogist - Research Coach, to name a few.

Registration has opened at http://www.cangensummit.ca/product/full-weekend-registration/

Newspaper Articles 

Nova Scotia 

Heritage trust trying to save BMO building 

http://www.cumberlandnewsnow.com/News/Local/2016-01-07/article-4396846/Heritage-trust-trying-to-save-BMO-building/1

Members of the heritage trust appeared before council in October asking for several months so it could raise the money and in-kind donations required to restore the building that has been left to the elements over 20 years.

The Buckley tradition: A family history in photos 

http://www.guysboroughjournal.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=80:the-buckley-tradition-a-family-history-in-photos&catid=42:front-page-stories 

It is rare these days to find a family continuing in the same line of business as their forefathers. There are the occasional merchants that pass down the family business but with the wide world calling, most families spread out and away from traditional occupations. But that is not the case for the Buckley – Corkum line with roots here in Guysborough.

'Birthplace of hockey' trademark holder reaches deal with Windsor, N.S. 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/windsor-rebrand-birthplace-of-hockey-1.3390616

A small town in Nova Scotia has come to an agreement over a dispute with the Windsor Hockey Heritage Society, which owns the copyright to the phrase "birthplace of hockey."

Quebec

Inside the vault: Quebec's hidden artifacts

http://montreal.ctvnews.ca/inside-the-vault-quebec-s-hidden-artifacts-1.2726220

One of the largest and diverse collection of artifacts in the country is stored in a warehouse in an industrial park in Quebec City.

It's home to everything from relics of Montreal's former wax museum, to old snowmobiles.

Lost in Quebec City 

http://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/lost-in-quebec-city/

Narrow cobblestone streets stuffed with charming vendors, galleries, sidewalk cafes, picturesque churches, historic inns and wonderful restaurants, have helped Quebec City earn the moniker, “Paris without the jetlag.”

Ontario 

Ottawa historian seeks proper burials for Canadians killed at Vimy Ridge 

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ottawa-historian-seeks-proper-burials-for-canadians-killed-at-vimy-ridge/article28050411/

An Ottawa historian has undertaken a mission to give proper burials to more than 40 Canadian soldiers killed at Vimy Ridge.

Norm Christie, an author and History Television host, says that on April 9, 1917, a unit of the Canadian Scottish regiment attacked across a field in northern France.

Brigid's Well pub opens in former Lowertown church basement 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/brigids-well-pub-in-old-church-basement-1.3393110

If you're looking for a drinking hole that feels like a cave, the new pub in the basement of the former Saint Brigid's church might be your kind of setting. The pub is located next to the Byward Market in Ottawa.

MLSE lets heritage sculptures crumble at Air Canada Centre, artist charges 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/mlse-acc-art-temporale-heritage-1.3395714

Louis Temporale runs his hand over a striking Art Deco scene carved into the south side of the Air Canada Centre. He's enraged as pebbles rain down.

Manitoba 

Manitoba marks 100-year anniversary of women’s suffrage 

http://mytoba.ca/news/manitoba-marks-100-year-anniversary-of-women-voting/

The Manitoba government is marking the 100th anniversary of voting and political milestones for women with a series of special events and initiatives in January.

Women missing on bank notes 

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/analysis/Women-missing-on-bank-notes-364533151.html

Apparently the Royal Canadian Mint wishes to produce a one dollar coin commemorating the 100th anniversary of female suffrage in Canada and it has been recently authorized by the Governor General.

Time may get better for Times Change(d) club 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/time-may-get-better-for-times-change-d-club-1.3392812

An effort to save an iconic Winnipeg cultural space and a building some say is loaded with historical significance now has a serious financial backer.

Alberta

Local sign shop restoring piece of Alberta history

http://www.drumhellermail.com/news/27912-local-sign-shop-restoring-piece-of-alberta-history

Fred Makowecki has been handed a piece of Alberta history, to mold, restore and be a part of.

Handed might not be the best description, as the sign on the Fairmont Palliser in downtown Calgary measures more than seven feet and weighs hundreds of pounds.

Preserving history in Stony Plain

http://www.stonyplainreporter.com/2016/01/08/preserving-history-in-stony-plain

The Heritage Agricultural Society in Stony Plain has received a grant that will play a big part in getting restoration work started on the Multicultural Heritage Centre.

British Columbia

Cranbook clock tower parts in good hands with history society

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/cranbrook-clock-tower-parts-1.3394691

The Cranbrook History Centre is thrilled about the latest addition to their collection: the gears from the clock in downtown Cranbrook.

According to volunteer Dave Humphrey, the clock parts have quite a bit of history behind them.

Canadian Stories this Week 

Whose family history is it anyway?

If you don't read anythimg else in the newspaper, you have to read this article in the Globe and Mail - Kate Taylor: In copyright law, who owns a family’s history? 

In the article, she gives the short history of copyright infrigment in Canada, and its narrow interpution be the surpreme court in other cases, and it will remains to be seen if it will apply in this case.

The story behind the story is that the book, My Mother’s Secret, encroached on the story told in the documentary by American-Israeli journalist Judy Maltz, in which it documentated a family’s escape from the Nazis in the Second World War, called No. 4 Street of Our Lady.

So is the the book, written by Canadian author, Jenny Witterick, and her publisher - Penguin Random House Canada – which Maltz says have some parts of its plot and its central characters from the documentary a copyright infringement?

It is interestimg to note that Witterick self-published the book first as a fiction novel, and then Penguin Random House Canada published it as a non-fiction book under another title.

So the court case asks that question – is this a new and original book that has been “inspired by a story that is a matter of historical record”?

So what do you think? Is what happened to your family a matter of historical fact, or private events that just happened in their lives? What if you publish it? Does it become “historical fact?”

To read the whole article, go to http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/kate-taylor-when-it-comes-to-copyright-law-who-owns-a-familys-history/article28080773/

Ramp-up Family History

And we are starting to ramp up Family history in view that 2017 will be the 150th birthday of Canada.

And we see that other people are starting to get into the swing of things this year, like the Yorkton branch of the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society will be holding their next meeting on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at 7:00 PM at the Yorkton Public Library.

In a program called Fast Forward to the Past - Discover the joy of geneology this year, the yorktown branch is willing and able to help you start your genealogy, and make 2016 the year of discovery for your family!

If you want more information as to how to start your own genealogy, go to https://sgsyorktonchapter.wordpress.com/

And that was the week in Canadian news!
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Monday, January 4, 2016

Canadian Week in Review 04 January 2016




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

This Week in Canadian History

St. Lawrence Steamboat Company

In 1763, brewer-banker-steamship builder-politician John Molson was born in Spalding, England. He died in 1836.

John Molson, & Sons, was the first company to start the St. Lawrence Steamboat Co. , and provided many of the emigrants passage from Quebec City down to Montreal. 

For more information, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Molson  



Yonge Street, Toronto 

In 1795, plans for building Toronto's Yonge Street were first proposed. The 48-kilometre road, from York (now Toronto) north to Lake Simcoe, was one of the earliest highways in Canada and is still one of the most important roads in Ontario. It was named for Sir George Yonge, then secretary of state for war in the British government. The road was completed in April, 1796. 

For more information, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yonge_Street

Calixte Paquet dit Lavallée

In 1842, Calixte Paquet dit Lavallée, the composer of our national antham, O Canada, was born in Vercheres, Lower Canada (now Quebec). The song, with words by Judge A.B. Routhier, was composed for a national convention of French Canadians held in Quebec City in June, 1880. 

He died in Boston in 1891. 



 Social Media 

(Video) Rebuilding Montreal's cobblestone history, brick by brick 


On St-Gabriel St. in Old Montreal, Françis Lemaire and his team of mortar-stained men are slowly rebuilding the street as it was done 200 years ago, one granite stone at a time. 

(Video) Former Sydney Steel mill park launches YouTube history lessons


Visitors at the former Sydney Steel site will be able to explore the plant's memories using smartphones.

The site turned into a commercial and recreational park with walking trails and playground after the plant closed 15 years ago.

Upcoming Canadian Events 

Conferences

UNLOCKING THE PAST 2016 

International Genealogy Conference UNLOCKING THE PAST 2016 will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the The Beach Club Resort, Parksville, British Columbia of the Qualicum Beach Family History Society in British Columbia.

Registration will be open very soon, but I am writing you now to let you know that we have just issued a supplementary call for presentations on late-breaking cutting-edge developments. 

The Supplementary Call can be found online at www.ogs.on.ca/conference/new-call/, and the full text of the Call is also set out below for your convenience. 

The featured speakers will be Colleen Fitzpatrick and Chris Paton, and registration is now open at http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/international-genealogy-conference-unlocking-the-past-2016-tickets-18765135024. It includes an early bird price. 

The website is located at http://www.qbfhs.ca/

Genealogy on the Cutting Edge 2016

The Ontario Genealogical Society will be holding its annual conference from June 3rd to 5th at the Toronto’s International Plaza Hotel, Toronto. 

Speakers and agenda has been announced this past week. Registration will open in January. Keep up-to-date with the latest news by following their website at http://www.ogs.on.ca/conference/, or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/171812826485725/ 

Our Canada – Your Family: Building a Nation 2017

The Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society will host the 2017 annual conference, and they have a call out for presentations. 

The conference will be held in Ottawa on June 16-18, 2017 at Algonquin College. The theme of the conference is Our Canada – Your Family: Building a Nation. 

DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS IS FEBRUARY 15, 2016 

To submit proposals or ask questions, please contact the Conference 2017 Program Committee at: program.conference2017@ogs.on.ca. For more information about OGS or Ottawa Branch respectively, please visit: www.ogs.on.ca or www.ogsottawa.on.ca.

Great Canadian Summit

The summit will be held in Brampton, Ontario from October 21 to the 23, 2016 at the 
Courtyard Marriott. 

It will be three days of genealogy by speakers such as HRISTINE WOODCOCK | Director, Genealogy Tours of Scotland, RUTH BLAIR, PLCGS | Professional Genealogist, KATHRYN LAKE HOGAN, UE, PLCGS | Professional Genealogist at Looking 4 Ancestors, and MIKE QUACKENBUSH | Professional Genealogist - Research Coach, to name a few. 


Newspaper Articles 

Nova Scotia

Southwestern NS pushing for legacy funding


With Canada's 150th birthday a little over a year away, regional municipalities are stepping up efforts to promote the heritage of southwestern Nova Scotia. 

History on parade


Hants County’s 84th Regiment of Foot granted freedom of the town. 

Windsor - With an official proclamation in hand, the 84th Regiment of Foot can now officially walk through the Town of Windsor. 

Ontario 

Remembering Canadians' sacrifices in Hong Kong 


Christmas Day 2015 marked the 74th anniversary of the fall of Hong Kong to Japanese invading forces. 

Unionville heritage experts to speak at Cookstown seminar 


Two experts who helped develop Unionville’s heritage area will speak during a one-day seminar about Cookstown’s new heritage district on 16 January 2016. 

New Year's Day levee an annual Armoury affair 


A military tradition centuries in the making continued on New Year’s Day in Thunder Bay.

Members of the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment opened the doors of the O’Kelly Armoury to the public on Thursday, toasting Queen Elizabeth II while looking back on the past year and ahead to 2016. 

Manitoba

Farm journals a record of Prairie history 


If you want to know from what direction the wind was blowing in Deloraine, Man., in 1895-96, 1922 and 1924, you’re in luck. 

A set of journals written by William C. White, held in the archives of Manitoba, contains daily entries from those years. 

Saskatchewan 

Underground history: A look at Saskatoon's streetcars


It’s a piece of local history that’s gone underground only to occasionally resurface 

Alberta 

7 names for Calgary before it became Calgary


Calgary was incorporated as a town in 1884, but it was known by many names before that.

Canadian Stories this Year 

Top 5 Stories This Year 

From my vantage point in Canada's capitol area, five top stories that have occupied our minds this year has made the list, and they are - 

1 . Remember this? In January, Canada was atwitter with the news that we would have a new National Genealogy Conference in Canada at Historic Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia on July 17 - 19, 2015. But as time progressed, and the cost was revealed to be more than the average Canadian could afford, enthusiasm started to wane for the conference. By June, it had been cancelled. So much for that idea. 

But then, in December, another conference had been announced. This time, it came from southern Ontario, and it would be the Great Canadian Genealogy Summit. This time, it is being put on by a trio of Canadian genealogists and I think stands a better chance of making a success of it this time. The cost is reasonable, and it has stuck with some genealogy 'truesms” like, a day of pre-conference workshops. 

2. Ancestry is going to drop the production of their popular sofyware package, Family Tree Maker, effective December 31, 2016. This struck us like a ton of bricks in December! We were't even pre-warned of this coming. 

So we have exactly one year to decide what we are going to do. One thing is for sure, even if we didn't already have our tree on our device of choice before this was announced, we will have it on our computer now. 

3. The continuing drop in membership for genealogical societies and the moth-balling of a number of branches of the Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS) is not good news. What shall we do? This has been going on for at least five years now, and is doesn't look like it is stopping. Which leads to the question – will there be the genealogical societies in Canada five years from now? If so, what will they look like? Who will be the members? Will they exist only on the Internet, like the Waterloo Branch of the OGS does now? 

4. The advent of crowdsourcing for genealogical societies and for special events. As you know, I have been covering the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society this year, and they were successful in revealing their 2015 goal. They quite plainly told people that if they did not reach their goal, they would have to close. And the Centre for Scottish Studies at the University of Guelph tried crowdsourcing for their work in having a special place put aside for digitizing your family history. It is crowdsourcing with a purpose – so give it serious consideration when genealogical organizations ask for your help. 

5. Reduction of social media in 2015. Well, at least this is so in new blogs. Geneabloggers used to list at least a dozen new blogs every Saturday, now it is something if there are 2 or 3, so blogs have definitely dropped in popularity. I just checked, and today (Saturday, 2 January 2016) there is 1 new blog! Facebook is still holding its own, but is more of a 'greet and meet' exchange medium, rather than an exchange of genealogical information, and Twitter, I find the same way. So has social media really changed the genealogy scene that much? I don't think so.

And a special mention should be made of this special announcement in December, which is that the information amassed by the Aboriginal Truth and Reconciliation Commission has necessitated the opening a NEW archives at the University of Manitoba called the National Research Centre. 

The centre will hold thousands of video and audio-recorded statements that the Commission has gathered from the survivors and others affected by the schools. In addition. there will be millions of digitized archival documents and photographs it is collection.

And that was the week in Canadian news!

 Canada's ONLY genealogy, heritage and history newspaper since 2012. 
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Sunday, January 3, 2016

Belated Blogiversary to us!


We’ve been so buy over the holiday season with genealogy research that we missed our own blogiversary! 

Yes, it’s been 8 years, since 02 January 2008, that we set up shop as a blog. This is equal to 2298 posts, as of last count, equal to more than 287 posts a year! 

It became an extension of our website, www.GenealogyCanada.com, offering the latest in Canadian genealogy, history, and heritage news!

Thank you for being a part of our readership. We appreciate you taking the time to visit.

Wishing you and yours all the best for a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

And remember, read the Canadian Week in Review (CWR) tomorrow morning! It has been published every Monday since 2012!

Sincerely,

Mario & Elizabeth Lapointe
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Monday, December 28, 2015

Canadian Week in Review 28 December 2015


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

This Week in Canadian History

First Message transmitted by radio

In 1900, "One Two Three Four -- is it snowing where you are Mr. Thiessen? If it is, telegraph back to me." 

This was the massage sent to Canadian Reginald Fessenden, as they were the first words ever transmitted by radio from a site on Cobb Island in the middle of the Potomac River, near Washington. 

It was six years later, after much fine-tuning, that radio's potential was demonstrated. Fessenden presented radio's first program on Christmas Eve 1906, from Boston.

For more information, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reginald_Fessenden

Youngest Man to receive Victoria Cross

In 1918, Pte. Thomas Ricketts of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment became the youngest soldier ever to be awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery in battle. The 17-year-old was decorated for running through enemy fire to get vital ammunition during the Allied advance through Belgium during the recently-ended First World War.

For more information, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Ricketts 

Social Media

(Photos) Hants History: Dec. 24, 2015 edition 


Here's a look at what was making the news 25 and 50 years ago in the Hants Journal.

(Video) Join David Farrell in a Journey to New Scotland on STV this January


Join David Farrell as he explores the special bond between our country and Nova Scotia in a Journey to New Scotland this January 3 on STV. 

(Photos) Tragic history of ‘Canada’s Titanic’ arises 


It is only a set of faded and stained mauve-striped men’s pyjamas. 

Displayed inside a glass case at Halifax’s Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, exactly as worn a century ago.

The clothes that represent the living — of which there were very few — on the foggy early morning of May 29, 1914.

Upcoming Canadian Events

Conferences

UNLOCKING THE PAST 2016

International Genealogy Conference UNLOCKING THE PAST 2016 will be held on 
Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the The Beach Club Resort, Parksville, British Columbia of the Qualicum Beach Family History Society in British Columbia. 

The featured speakers will be Colleen Fitzpatrick and Chris Paton, and registration is now open at http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/international-genealogy-conference-unlocking-the-past-2016-tickets-18765135024. It includes an early bird price. 

The website is located at http://www.qbfhs.ca/ 

Genealogy on the Cutting Edge 2016

The Ontario Genealogical Society will be holding its annual conference from June 3rd to 5th at the Toronto’s International Plaza Hotel, Toronto. 

Speakers and agenda has been announced this past week. Registration will open in January. Keep up-to-date with the latest news by following their website at http://www.ogs.on.ca/conference/, or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/171812826485725/

Our Canada – Your Family: Building a Nation 2017

The Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society will host the 2017 annual conference, and they have a call out for presentations. 

The conference will be held in Ottawa on June 16-18, 2017 at Algonquin College. The theme of the conference is Our Canada – Your Family: Building a Nation. 

DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS IS FEBRUARY 15, 2016

To submit proposals or ask questions, please contact the Conference 2017 Program Committee at: program.conference2017@ogs.on.ca. For more information about OGS or Ottawa Branch respectively, please visit: www.ogs.on.ca or www.ogsottawa.on.ca.

Great Canadian Summit

The summit will be held in Brampton, Ontario from October 21 to the 23, 2016 at the
Courtyard Marriott. 

It will be three days of genealogy by speakers such as CHRISTINE WOODCOCK | Director, Genealogy Tours of Scotland, RUTH BLAIR, PLCGS | Professional Genealogist, KATHRYN LAKE HOGAN, UE, PLCGS | Professional Genealogist at Looking 4 Ancestors, and MIKE QUACKENBUSH | Professional Genealogist - Research Coach, to name a few.


Newspaper Articles

Prince Edward Island

RCMP Veterans' Association of P.E.I. locates graves of all deceased members 


A group of former Mounties on P.E.I. who take care of the gravesites of deceased members has now located the graves of all those who have died over the past century. 

The RCMP Veterans' Association of P.E.I. maintains 100 headstones in 45 graveyards across the province.

Nova Scotia

Roman Sword Found Near Oak Island, Nova Scotia May ‘Rewrite’ North American History [Updated] 


While it is has become more widely accepted that the Norse visited the North American continent about 1,000 years ago, according to Smithsonian Magazine, Johannessen and researcher J. Hutton Pulitzer believe that Romans may have visited even earlier. Pulitzer believes that a known, but unexplored, shipwreck near Oak Island has Roman origins. 

Christmas card makes 72nd trip between McGuire and Seller families 


A Christmas tradition involving two families, one Christmas card and 72 years of mail delivery shows no signs of stopping, at least for another generation. 

The 1917 explosion in Halifax that reverberated in Boston 


A massive explosion on the waterfront had rocked the city on December 6, 1917. The event is recorded in photographs, letters and documents at the Nova Scotia Archives.

Amherst gives extension to BMO building 


The town of Amherst has decided to delay the demolition of the former BMO building to give the Nova Scotia Heritage Trust time to come up with a sustainable plan. 

Ontario 

Emma, Liam top 2015 list of Canadian baby names 


Emma and Liam were the most popular names of 2015 chosen by Canadian parents, but names like Nova, Taylor, and even Legend are all gaining fast, according to a website that tracks baby names. 

After 127 years, St. Matthias Anglican parish prepares for final Christmas


An Anglican congregation that's called west Ottawa home for more than a century is celebrating its final Christmas this month.

St. Matthias Anglican Church on Parkdale Avenue is expected to close in February, as declining attendance numbers are forcing parishioners to merge with another Anglican church in Westboro.

Manitoba

Centennial gala to mark momentous occasion


A momentous Canadian human rights milestone will take place on Jan. 28, 2016: 100 years ago on that day, Manitoba women were the first in Canada and the British Commonwealth to be awarded the right to vote and to hold provincial office. 

Saskatchewan

Saskatoon Club steeped in history, focused on the future 


The names on the Saskatoon Club’s founding document — Sutherland, Clinkskill, Ashworth and others — are now familiar as streets and avenues rather than people. But the 108-year-old club they built remains. 

A history worthy of preservation 


To preserve our heritage, we must first know what we have that’s worth preserving.

That’s the basic concept behind Saskatoon’s Register of Historic Places, a list constructed over the course of three years and formalized by city council in October. 

Alberta 

History: New Road to an Old Fort 


From the latter part of the seventeenth century, the Peace River has been known as a wide and kind waterway. Alexander MacKenzie wintered just above the present town of Peace River, and in the following May of 1793, pushed his birch bark canoes up the Peace and across the divide until he discovered Canada’s Pacific Coast. 

British Columbia 

Seaforth cadets recreate Ortona Christmas meal 


Each December, the 2277 Seaforth Highlanders Army Cadets Corps re-enacts the famous Seaforth Regiment Christmas meal enjoyed by Canadian soldiers in Italy during the Second World War, as a fierce battle waged all around them.

Citizen's historical record nearly complete 


The Prince George Citizen is looking to 2016 to finish the newspaper's digitization project current, which was started in 2007 by the Prince George Public Library. Right now, the online accessible digital archive on the library's website covers the paper from 1916 to 1991.

Canadian Stories this Week 

Happy New Year!

It has been our please to bring to you the stories which have made genealogy, heritage and history news in Canada every Monday morning with the Canadian Week in Review (CWR) since April 2012. 

And, we will celebrate the 8th blogiversary of our blog on January the 2nd, and it has been a busy, but rewarding time.

So as we count our blessing for 2015, we hope that 2016 will be a happy, healthy time for everyone, and that your interest in the news will continue to be as exciting as it has been for us. 

And that was the week in Canadian news!
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Monday, December 21, 2015

Canadian Week in Review 21 December 2015





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

This Week in Canadian History

The first North American credit union

In 1900, the first North American credit union was founded in Levis, Quebec by Alphonse Desjardins. "La Caisse Populaire de Levis" ((The Peoples' Bank of Levis) opened for business the following January 23rd, 1901.

Organized to operate out of his home, in 1901, it was the first Credit Union on the North American Continent. Under his leadership, other credit unions came into being across Canada. 
Dawson City, Yukon, was incorporated

In 1901, Dawson City, Yukon, was incorporated. 

In August 1896 Joseph Ladue, a trader and prospector, staked the flat as a town in anticipation of a rush into the Klondike Valley – the Klondike Gold Rush. 

For more information, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawson_City 

Nunavut became the third territory

In 1991, the Canadian government agreed to create a third territory in the North called Nunavut. It officially became a territory on April 1, 1999, and is the newest, largest, northernmost, and least populous territory in Canada. 

The capital Iqaluit was formerly known as Frobisher Bay, and it is located on Baffin Island.

For more information, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nunavut  

Social Media

(Twitter) Ontario Genealogical Society

There will be a new Ontario Genealogical Society Twitter account @OntGenSociety at: https://twitter.com/OntGenSociety. The old account will remain open until January 8th to give our current followers time to move over to the new one. 

If you haven't followed us yet, you welcomed you to do so. 

(Photos) HANTS HISTORY: Dec. 10, 2015 edition 


Here's a look at what was making the news 25 and 50 years ago in the Hants Journal, Nova Scotia. 

(Video) Victims of communism monument should be moved off controversial site, government says


The federal government is asking for the planned monument for victims of communism to be moved off a controversial site near the Supreme Court of Canada and back to the originally planned site at the Garden of the Provinces and Territories, farther west of Parliament Hill.

Upcoming Canadian Events

Conferences

UNLOCKING THE PAST 2016

International Genealogy Conference UNLOCKING THE PAST 2016 will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the The Beach Club Resort, Parksville, British Columbia of the Qualicum Beach Family History Society in British Columbia. 

The featured speakers will be Colleen Fitzpatrick and Chris Paton, and registration is now open at http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/international-genealogy-conference-unlocking-the-past-2016-tickets-18765135024. It includes an early bird price. 

The website is located at http://www.qbfhs.ca/ 

Genealogy on the Cutting Edge 2016 

The Ontario Genealogical Society will be holding its annual conference from June 3rd to 5th at the Toronto’s International Plaza Hotel, Toronto. 

Speakers and agenda has been announced this past week. Registration will open in January. Keep up-to-date with the latest news by following their website at http://www.ogs.on.ca/conference/, or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/171812826485725/ 

Our Canada – Your Family: Building a Nation 2017 

The Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society will host the 2017 annual conference, and they have a call out for presentations. 

The conference will be held in Ottawa on June 16-18, 2017 at Algonquin College. The theme of the conference is Our Canada – Your Family: Building a Nation. As 2017 will be the 150th anniversary of the birth of Canada, Ottawa Branch OGS will host the annual OGS conference and give the Conference a national flair, bringing together genealogists and family historians from all over Canada. We are looking for speakers and talks of interest to genealogists from all provinces. 

DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS IS FEBRUARY 15, 2016 

To submit proposals or ask questions, please contact the Conference 2017 Program Committee at: program.conference2017@ogs.on.ca. For more information about OGS or Ottawa Branch respectively, please visit: www.ogs.on.ca or www.ogsottawa.on.ca.

Great Canadian Summit

The summit will be held in Brampton, Ontario from October 21 to the 23, 2016 at the
Courtyard Marriott.

It will be three days of genealogy by speakers such as HRISTINE WOODCOCK | Director, Genealogy Tours of Scotland, RUTH BLAIR, PLCGS | Professional Genealogist, KATHRYN LAKE HOGAN, UE, PLCGS | Professional Genealogist at Looking 4 Ancestors, and MIKE QUACKENBUSH | Professional Genealogist - Research Coach, to name a few. 


Newspaper Articles 

Prince Edward Island

N.S. to discuss options for controversial Cornwallis statue in Halifax


The name of a British military officer once lauded as Halifax’s founder is splashed across the capital city, serving as a constant reminder to the Mi’kmaq community of their ancestors who died under his scalping proclamation more than 260 years ago, says Mi’kmaq elder Daniel Paul.

Nova Scotia

Troublesome history, characters, and their names 


In retrospect, should some people and historical figures be honoured with place names?

Let’s take the name Cornwallis. After a mitigated military career in Europe and the near massacre of Scots at Cullodon, Edward Cornwallis was appointed as Governor of Nova Scotia in 1749.

He chose the site and immediately began establishing the city to be called Halifax. His stay was not long though, leaving in 1752.  

Nazi Germany coin found during CFB Greenwood home demolition


A Nova Scotia man working on a demolition job got the surprise of his life this week -
a Nazi German coin – a 1 Reichspfennig. 

Mother Canada monument a true expression of appreciation for a debt that remains unpaid by most Canadians 


At the risk of using up more than my fair share of space in the Cape Breton Post, I would like to respond to the letter by Dr. Lee-Anne Broadhead ('Memorial would hijack true remembrance,' Nov. 30). 

Cape Breton University to offer Mi'kmaq 'Knowledge Keepers' course 


A new course being launched at Cape Breton University in the new year will try to share Mi'kmaq history, culture and wisdom with the world.

It's called Learning from Knowledge Keepers of Mi'kma'ki and is CBU's response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, many of the whose 94 recommendations relate to education. 

Quebec 

Rare archives offer glimpse into evolution of Montreal Jewish culture 


Deep in the crevices of the Jewish Public Library’s archives lie fascinating ephemera of a Montreal from decades and even centuries past. 

Ontario 

How a statue debate can (re)write history 


The debate over whether to knock statues of controversial figures off their pedestals has erupted again in Canada, as history writers and academics in two cities differ over how the present should influence the honouring of the past.

Walking Toronto through its Muslim history 


There was a walk on Sunday in Toronto called “The History of Muslims in Toronto.” 

It was a 2.5-hour walk and it included stops at the site of the city’s first mosque, established in 1961 in a Dundas St. W. storefront and where one of the city’s first halal butchers set up shop on Roncesvalles Ave. 

Chiming in on history and peace 


The bell has been a not-so-silent witness to local and national history for more than 160 years. 

The bell was initially installed on the roof at the former St. John School in Fort Erie in the 1850s. In 1918, the bell rang out to mark the end of the First World War. 

New Oji-Cree phrasebook launching in Thunder Bay 


First Nations people hoping to hold onto the traditional language of Oji-Cree will have a new tool to help them.

Pocket Oji-Cree is a phrase book being launched in Thunder Bay, Ont. on Saturday, Dec. 19.

Construction halted near Sparks Street after bones discovered 


Construction at a site on Sparks Street, Ottawa, between Metcalfe and Elgin streets, was halted over the noon hour on Thursday when workers discovered bones. 

Police stopped work on the site behind 62 Sparks St. after workers came across the remains. 

History Corner: Malcolm McCormick 


Malcolm McCormick was a native of Puslinch Township, born on August 29, 1854, the eighth child of ten, to William McCormick and Betty McMillan. His parents emigrated from Argyllshire, Scotland in 1841 and were among the original settlers of the district. 

Saskatchewan 

Mormons helping Saskatchewan bring archives to digital age


Mormons are helping Saskatchewan bring its archives into the future.

Since 2006, Robert Dilts — a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints — has taken about 650,000 pictures every year of documents at the Provincial Archives of Saskatchewan, previously known as the Saskatchewan Archives Board, so there is a stored digital form of the record. 

Alberta 

Alberta Heritage projects get $790,000 in grants 


Alberta heritage preservation projects from restoring a Second World War-era steam locomotive to studying Ismaili Muslim chants have reeled in $790,000 in government grants. 

British Columbia 

Rallying the troops to save CFB Chilliwack's history 


Carol Law is rallying the troops to help save the future of our military past. 

She may seem like an unlikely candidate to be spearheading the charge, as someone who never served in the military, but she’s a passionate advocate for those who did. 

Canadian Stories this Week

Webinar Series 2016

The Ontario Genealogists Society has changed it's view on hosting Webinars. Ever since it started, the Webinars had only been opened to the members, but now it is open to the first 100 who registrar. 

It is held the 1st Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm ET. 

Go to https://ogs.on.ca/webinars.php to register. You will receive an e-mail confirmation with your own personal link to join the webinar. Automated reminder e-mails are set for 3 days prior, and 1 hour prior to the live presentation. 

One last word about Ancestry

 And if you still need some guidance on the Ancestry matter of discontinuing the Family Tree Maker software, Dear Myrt's Genealogy Hangout on Air at https://plus.google.com/communities/104382659430904043232, is a good refresher. She points out other software which is available to use.

And fellow Canadian, Louis Kessler from Winnipeg has a few words to add also. His webpage is at https://plus.google.com/+LouisKessler/posts

Happy Holidays 


Both Mario and I would like to wish everyone the very best of the Holiday, and the Canadian Week in Review (CWR) will be in your mail box next Monday morning, as usual. 

If you would like to receive the CWR in your mailbox, just subscribe to genealogycanada@aol.com to be added to the mailing list.
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Monday, December 14, 2015

Canadian Week in Review 14 December 2015




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

This Week in Canadian History

In 1752, a government pamphlet in Halifax became the first book published in Canada.

The first known press was established in Halifax by Bartholomew Green, Jr, of Boston in 1751; his partner, John Bushell, launched the first Canadian newspaper, the Halifax Gazette, in 1752. 

Following the outbreak of the American Revolution, in 1775, a large number of United Empire Loyalists printers arrived from New England, and by the mid-1780s there were presses in Saint John, New Brunswick, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and in Shelburme, and Halifax, Nova Scotia.

To read the biography of John Bushell, go to http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/bushell_john_3E.html

In 1921, "Buzz" Beurling was born. The Canadian flying ace shot down 28 enemy planes in four months during the Second World War. 

Beurling was recognized as "Canada's most famous hero of Second World War", as "The Falcon of Malta" and the "Knight of Malta".

He died in a 1948 plane crash in Italy.

To read about Beurling, go to http://www.constable.ca/caah/beurling.htm

Social Media

(Video) Granville Street's history in under five minutes


If you click on this video, you're not in for a dreary history lesson. Instead, you'll get Granville Street's storied history in under five minutes in entertaining style.

(Video and photos) Rutherford the Time-Travelling Moose shares Edmonton history


Rutherford the Time-Travelling Moose tells the story of Robin, a young Edmontonian, who meets the rather remarkable Rutherford while on a trip to grandma's house. The two quickly hit it off and head out on an adventure through time.

(Blog) Turkeys


Mary Sutherland has written a blog about how her ancestors - great grandparents, Donald and Alice Sutherland - enjoyed eating turkeys at Christmas. 

Upcoming Canadian Events

Conferences 

UNLOCKING THE PAST 2016

International Genealogy Conference UNLOCKING THE PAST 2016 will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the The Beach Club Resort, Parksville, British Columbia of the Qualicum Beach Family History Society in British Columbia.

The featured speakers will be Colleen Fitzpatrick and Chris Paton, and registration is now open at http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/international-genealogy-conference-unlocking-the-past-2016-tickets-18765135024. It includes an early bird price. 

The website is located at http://www.qbfhs.ca/

Genealogy on the Cutting Edge 2016

The Ontario Genealogical Society will be holding its annual conference from June 3rd to 5th at the Toronto’s International Plaza Hotel, Toronto.

Registration will open soon, and you can keep up-to-date with the latest news by following their website at http://www.ogs.on.ca/conference/, or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/171812826485725/

Our Canada – Your Family: Building a Nation 2017

The Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society will host the 2017 annual conference, and they have a call out for presentations.

The conference will be held in Ottawa on June 16-18, 2017 at Algonquin College. The theme of the conference is Our Canada – Your Family: Building a Nation. As 2017 will be the 150th anniversary of the birth of Canada, Ottawa Branch OGS will host the annual OGS conference and give the Conference a national flair, bringing together genealogists and family historians from all over Canada. We are looking for speakers and talks of interest to genealogists from all provinces. 

DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS IS FEBRUARY 15, 2016 

To submit proposals or ask questions, please contact the Conference 2017 Program Committee at: program.conference2017@ogs.on.ca. For more information about OGS or Ottawa Branch respectively, please visit: www.ogs.on.ca or www.ogsottawa.on.ca. 

Great Canadian Summit

The summit will be held in Brampton, Ontario from October 21 to the 23, 2016 at the 
Courtyard Marriott. 

It will be three days of genealogy by speakers such as HRISTINE WOODCOCK | Director, Genealogy Tours of Scotland, RUTH BLAIR, PLCGS | Professional Genealogist, KATHRYN LAKE HOGAN, UE, PLCGS | Professional Genealogist at Looking 4 Ancestors, and MIKE QUACKENBUSH | Professional Genealogist - Research Coach, to name a few. 


Newspaper Articles

Newfoundland

The Rooms recruit students to train like WW I soldiers


The Rooms in St. John's is challenging students across the province to train like soldiers in the First World War.

The First World War Physical Training Challenge was designed as a way for Kindergarten to Grade 9 students to connect with history.

Prince Edward Island 

Art, architecture and religion flowed through Rev. Robert Tuck’s bloodline.

The Anglican priest was a historian who wrote several books, and a preservationist who worked tirelessly to conserve Prince Edward Island’s churches and other buildings. 

Nova Scotia

Cornwallis statue should be removed from Halifax park, Stephen McNeil says


Premier Stephen McNeil says he is ready to ask Halifax city hall to consider having a statue of city founder Edward Cornwallis removed from a downtown park.

ED COLEMAN HISTORY: When the railway arrived in Kings County


One of the earliest historical books written about Nova Scotia railways was penned by William W. Clarke, a Kentville railway man who, for 50 years, worked on the trains.

Holy Cross Cemetery in Halifax damaged by headstone vandalism


The group that maintains a south-end Halifax cemetery wants to educate — not punish — the vandals who damaged some historical headstones last Monday night.

Cemetery volunteers say around 50 to 70 headstones damaged. 

Ontario

Heritage panel nixes historic Stittsville barn relocation


A developer's bid to move a Stittsville heritage barn suffered a setback Thursday, despite Richcraft Homes' argument that the structure risks being lost amid a box-store redevelopment. 

History: Dec.08, 1941- Infamy, and the Battle of Hong Kong


What is lesser known is that almost simultaneous to the attack on Pearl Harbour, the Japanese army had begun an attack on the British colony of Hong Kong, again with no prior issuing of a declaration of war.

REMEMBERING OUR YESTERDAYS: Looking to see if grandpa was a bigamist using the Ontario Archives to find out 


Although my client’s late father had always been told he had been born in Montreal, we ultimately found his birth record in Toronto. 

Crumbling heritage school may be replaced with four-storey apartment building


The decades-long saga of a derelict Lowertown school may be coming to a close.

But some people in the neighbourhood aren’t happy with the proposed solution, even if city heritage planners argue that a new four-storey apartment building across from the old St. Brigid’s church will “re-animate this corner for the first time since the school was closed decades ago.

Saskatchewan

History Matters: Abdication in Saskatchewan


Edward’s announcement came as a surprise. Canadian newspapers had provided little coverage of the king’s deepening romance with the twice-divorced American socialite Wallis Simpson through the summer and fall of 1936. The public was consequently unprepared for the December abdication crisis.

His departure as king also marked the end of a close relationship with Canada.

Canadian Stories this Week

Trees are disappearing

So, we all learned last week that Ancestry won't be the same after January next year. They won't be supporting Family Tree Maker any more after January 2016, and you won't be able to buy copies after December of this year.

It caused quite a stir in Ancestry's customers.

But if we sit back, and are smart and think about it, we should have the latest tree on our software in the cloud before it is ever loaded onto a tree on the computer! That way, we can keep in a safe place, for this very reason. 

Then, all we will have to do is switch to a new programe. And from what has crossed my desk during this past week, there is lots of companies available. 

So, the lesson to be learned from this, is to have your family tree saved on your computer, in the cloud, in case this happens again. 

FamilySearch

The second bit of news this week was that FamilySearch has put out an advert saying that we should take a “few minutes this holiday season to index so families worldwide can experience the thrill of discovery all year long! You’ll serve others while turning fascinating historical documents into freely searchable treasures online". 

To get more information on indexing, see FamilySearch.org at https://familysearch.org/indexing/get-started-indexer

And that was the week in Canadian news!


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