CANADIAN Newspaper Articles Every Monday

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

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

I also check on the latest Canadian blogs, and websites to see what is new in them.his week, I also highlight a Video too!

So don’t miss the New/Updated Websites, Blogs, and Newspaper Articles blog on Monday March 11th.

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

Elizabeth

Discovery Saturday - Celtic Fest 2013

On Saturday March 16, 2013 at the Surrey Museum, 17710 - 56A Avenue, Surrey, BC,  from 1 – 4 pm, there will be an Experience all things Celtic at this Discovery Saturday Event !

Wear some green and join us at the Surrey Museum for captivating Celtic music and dancing, learn about Celtic history through local community groups, and get creative with Celtic crafts.

All ages are welcome. Donations are accepted.

To contact them, go to www.surrey.ca/culture-recreation/12276.aspx

REMINDER: New/Updated CANADIAN Websites, Blogs, Facebook, and Newspaper Articles Blog

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

There will be newspaper articles that will cover such stories as Library and Archives Canada deal with Ancestry.ca leaves personal information vulnerable, and government cancels public viewing of designs for War of 1812 monument plus Blogs, Facebook, and Websites – and even a Video about a piece of Canadian history sent home from Kirriemuir (Scotland).

There is something of interest for everyone!

Elizabeth

Dick Eastman’s Blog: Finding Acadian Resources in Books and Online

In Dick's blog this morning, there is news about a newspaper column written by Roxanne Moore Saucier in which she tells us about a great way to discover and read about our Acadian ancestors – through books and online.

As he says, “the term French Canadian describes those with Quebec ancestry, while Acadian refers to the French who occupied what is now Nova Scotia and parts of New Brunswick until the British deported them in Le Grand Derangement of 1755”.

You can read Dick’s full article at http://blog.eogn.com/eastmans_online_genealogy/2013/03/finding-acadian-resources-in-books-and-online.html

To read Roxanne Moore Saucier column, see the Living Section of the Bngor Daily News at http://bangordailynews.com/community/finding-acadian-resources-in-books-and-online

And don’t forget the more than 100 family reunions scheduled for Aug. 8-24, 2014, during the World Acadian Congress, visit http://cma2014.com/rencontres-de-familles-prog.

Atwater Library Luncheon Series Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day

On Friday, March 15 at 12:30 p.m, Dr. Dana Hearne presents readings from the best of Irish poetry and fiction, accompanied by the music magic of Andriu MacGabhann (Belfast Andi) and Patrick Hutchinson.

And on Thursday, March 21 at 12:30 p.m., there will be a talk On D'Arcy MCGee with David A. Wilson Professor of History at the University of Toronto.

Prof. Wilson will give a talk on D'Arcy McGee, based on his award-winning two-volume biography, Thomas D'Arcy McGee: Passion, Reason, and Politics, 1825–1857 and Thomas D'Arcy McGee: The Extreme Moderate, 1857-1868.

He will end his presentation by playing the Lament for the Death of the Hon. D'Arcy McGee, composed by James Stephens.

These talks will be presented at the Atwater Library and Computer Centre, 1200 Atwater Ave. at Ste-Catherine (métro Atwater), Montreal. With funding for the author from the Canada Council for the Arts.

Free admission; donations invited. Everyone is welcome.

The Atwater Library website is at www.atwaterlibrary.ca

Descendants of Francis Harris of Sandy Cove, Nova Scotia, United Empire Loyalist

Just received a note from Ross W. McCurdy in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, that he is putting together a companion piece to recently published Descendants of James & Anna (Rice) McDormand of Brier Island, Nova Scotia.

Francis was originally from Dutchess County, NY being baptized there 9 May 1740, s/o Joseph & Catharina (Hegeman) Harris. As may be expected, descendants are numerous and are spread over the U.S., Canada, and beyond.

He and fellow descendant, John Blythe Dobson, FASG, have been busy putting the compilation together, and they would like to hear from anyone who would have information on the Harris family.

Anyone with questions or wishing to contribute material may contact either party: Ross W. McCurdy at rwmccurdy@comcast.net or johnblythedobson@gmail.com

Cosy Homesteads: The Life and Lore of Traditional Irish Dwellings

The next monthly meeting will be held on Saturday March 9, 2013 at the Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa.

There will be a pre-meeting that will start at 9:00 to 9:30, and it will be a Before BIFHSGO Educational Talk on Tracing Your House History by Dr Bruce Elliott.

The Discovery Tables – Ireland will be open from 9:15 to 10:00 am, and Keith Hanton and the Irish Society of the National Capital Region will be there to answer your questions about Ireland, and the monthly meeting will take place at 10:00, and will end at 11:30.

The speaker will be Dr. Rhona Richman Kenneally, and she will talk about Cosy Homesteads: The Life and Lore of Traditional Irish Dwellings.

The aim of this presentation is to overlay the experience of the Irish “cottage” as a physical space, with the symbolic associations it has been granted over time.

Dr. Richman Kenneally talks about cozy cottages, architecture and food in an interview with Brian Glenn at www.bifhsgo.ca/cpage.php?pt=106

If you wish to go the website at BIFHSGO, you  may go to www.bifhsgo.ca

Family Tree is Live on FamilySearch.org for All Users

In a blog entitled Family Tree is Live on FamilySearch.org for All Users, Tara Bergeson wrote about the new Family Tree on FamilySearch.org.

She writes that “Much has been written about Family Tree, the first of several site enhancements for FamilySearch.org, and the replacement for new.familysearch.org. We’re happy to report that Family Tree is now live on FamilySearch.org and is available to all users. This opens up the contribution, collaboration, editing, and sourcing tools of Family Tree to researchers—including potential family members— around the world”.

You can

Connect and collaborate with others on shared family lines

Edit and delete incorrect data, including relationships

Provide sources and links to online information that shows where you found family information

Preserve family tree information for future generations

Use Family Tree on behalf of someone else (helper)

Print pedigree charts, family group records, and other reports

Go to the https://familysearch.org site and click on Family Tree at the top of the page. They also have a training website to view tutorials, and access a user guide that you can check.

Breaking the Silence –British Home Children in Canada

On Saturday April 6th 2013 from 1pm to 4pm there will be a special meeting in which the Ontario East British Home Child Family in cooperation with British Home Children Advocacy & Research Association, otherorganizations and individuals from across Ontario will be presenting information on British Home Children at the Ottawa Public Library.

They will provide assistance in finding the stories associated with the over 120,000 children, who came to Canada between the 1860s and the1940s as indentured servants.

Ranging in age from 1-16 years, these impoverished children from all parts of the British Isles came to our country in hopes of a chance at a better life. It was with these hopes that many philanthropic organizations working in tandem with the government to bring these children to Canada and other British Colonies.

Hear how their stories have lay hidden for decades due to the stigma attached to them. Only now many Canadians are learning that their family member was a British Home Child.

Join us as we give these children a voice and place in Canadian History.

If you suspect that your ancestor was a Home Child, this is a meeting that you should attend. Many people were Home Children, although their family never knew that they were – and there are such great resources that have been put on the Internet by genealogists from Ottawa.

Check out the Home Children website at www.bifhsgo.ca/cpage.php?pt=4

Toronto Tax Assessment Rolls for 1853

The Toronto Branch of the OGS has produced an indexed transcription of the Toronto tax assessment rolls for 1853. The original assessment rolls for 1853 are at the City of Toronto Archives.

There are two parts of the assessment rolls -

The first part of the project is a searchable online index available on this web site www.ontarioroots.com/ogs

The index (more than 9,000 names of owners and occupiers) and images is available free of charge to researchers around the world.

The second part of the project is a book and CD version of the index with lots more information for researchers with interests in mid-19th century Toronto.

There are maps and descriptions of the wards and streets, vital records, religious records and cemeteries, land records, immigration, directories, published sources and historical background.

You can order the book or CD version Toronto in the 1850s: A transcription of the 1853 tax assessment rolls and guide to family history research. The ordering instruction are on www.torontofamilyhistory.org/otherpubs.html#assessrolls

Niagara Peninsula Branch Supports Canadian Headstones Project

Steve Fulton, the Chair of the Niagara Peninsula Branch of the OGS, tells us that the Niagara Peninsula Branch is making great progress in putting gravestones onto the CanadianHeadstones website.

Currently, they are working on the Fonthill Cemetery. In the spring, they will be looking for people who enjoy taking pictures or people who can get involved from the comfort of their home, and training is available

So if you live in the Niagara Peninsula, or you have information that you would like to share with the people at the Niagara Peninsula Branch,     don’t hesitate to contact them.

The website for the Canadian Headstone Project is at http://canadianheadstones.com

The website for the Niagara Peninsula Branch OGS is at www.ogs.on.ca/niagara

Irish Ancestry

A meeting of the Genealogical Association of Novs Scotia will be held on Saturday March 23rd, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm at the Akins A/V Room, Nova Scotia Archives, University Ave, Halifax, NS

The presented entitled “Irish Ancestry” will be given by by Dr. Terrence M. Punch, CM, D. LITT., FIGRS, FRSAI.

Join them and the esteemed genealogical expert, Terry Punch, as he discusses his research on Irish Ancestry. Terry’s lecture will dive into the migration routes from the homeland to Nova Scotia. He will explain what can be done using records here in the province and will also provide an up to date survey of major resources in Ireland.

Terry’s latest book, North America’s Maritime Funnel: The Ships That Brought the Irish 1749-1852 was released in the fall and a few copies will be available for purchase at the meeting. The price is $33.00 payable by cash or cheque.

Light refreshments to follow.

The Website of the Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia is www.novascotiaancestors.ca/events.php

UPDATE: Saskatchewan Catholic Church Records

Julia Adamson at saskgenweb@yahoo.com wrote a blog on FamilySearch.org yesterday about the announcement of Saskatchewan Catholic Church Records on Family Search.

She gives a very good history of the Catholic records (baptisms, confirmations, marriages, burials) in Saskatchewan, and other records between 1846 -1957.

If you have any ancestors in Saskatchewan, you should read the blog https://familysearch.org/blog/en/announcing-saskatchewan-catholic-church-records-family-search

Quebec Family History Society – Public Lecture

The Quebec Family History Society (QFHS) will be hosting a Public Lecture on Saturday, March 9, 2013.

From 10:30 am to 12:00 pm at the Briarwood Presbyterian Church Hall, 70 Beaconsfield Blvd., Beaconsfield (Montreal), Quebec, QFHS members will share their stories about their great genealogical discovery and describe the steps that led them to that exciting moment.

Hear how one member's research took her abroad, while the other member's discoveries were local.

Members and non-members are invited to attend and stay afterwards for conversation and light refreshments.

Admission is free.

Visit www.qfhs.ca

New/Updated Websites, Blogs, Facebook, and Newspaper Articles - 04 March 2013

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

Websites

There aren’t any websites this week.

Blog

Legislative History of Prince Edward Island Online http://ancestraldiscoveries.blogspot.ca/2013/02/legislative-history-of-prince-edward.html As Janice Sellers points out, the digitization and posting of legislature documents from March 1894 (the beginning of the modern legislature) through 2011 is now online.

I remember you... http://itsagenealogistslife.blogspot.ca This blogger has the surnames of Jordan, Norton, McMahon, Stewart, Quigley, Norton, Jillings, Jeffery, Tipper, Dever, Loftus, McCue, Moran, Harrop, Stickle, Hodgins, Casey, Reddy, Pendergast, McGuinness, Murray, Melody, Cheatley.

Amherstburg council to consider properties to heritage registry http://blogs.windsorstar.com/2013/02/18/amherstburg-council-to-consider-addition-of-properties-to-heritage-registry The Windsor Star has a blog this week about the town council that will get its first look Tuesday at an extensive report outlining properties of “cultural heritage interest” in the downtown area.

Facebook

Historic PEI http://www.facebook.com/HistoricPEI
You are encourages to place your own historic photos, general nostalgia and viewers personal memories that capture the history of Prince Edward Island.

Newspaper Articles

He preserved Canadian soldiers’ stories http://m.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/he-preserved-canadian-soldiers-stories/article9057231/?service=mobile Reginald Roy, a military historian, has passed away at the age of 90. The military oral history collection established by Mr. Roy now comprises more than 700 interviews with veterans who fought in wars from the First World War to Afghanistan.

The University of Victoria, British Columbia has his Military Oral History Collection, and his Lecture Series online at http://library.uvic.ca/spcoll/military/miloral.html#_Toc242253681

Cookbook An Exploration of Nova Scotia’s Food History http://zesterdaily.com/world/cookbook-an-exploration-of-nova-scotias-food-history Besides exploring Nova Scotia food history, the article has a recipe too – Blueberry Grunt.

Harry Holman is retiring from government after years of preserving the past www.theguardian.pe.ca/News/Local/2013-03-02/article-3188968/Harry-Holman-is-retiring-from-government-after-years-of-preserving-the-past/1 He has spent 10 years as provincial archivist and director of libraries with the Government of P.E.I., and as director of culture, heritage and libraries for the next 13 years before he recently retired.

Professional success is worth celebrating www.northumberlandtoday.com/2013/02/27/professional-success-is-worth-celebrating The Lakeshore Genealogical Society in Cobourg took the tine to celebrate the ‘professional success’on  behalf of their forebears, at their annual Mystery Ancestor Night in January.

Look for more articles next Monday March 11th.

Newspaper Articles Every Monday

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

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

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

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

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

Elizabeth

UPDATE: FamilySearch Adds British Columbia Records

FamilySearch has added 6.6 million indexed records and images in the last two weeks, and included in this, is an update to the British Columbia, Crown Land Grant Records, 1851-1874.

These records describe the sale or transfer of specific parcels of Crown land from the provincial government to private persons and organizations. Includes Hudson's Bay Company grants.

You can search by the name of ancestor, or by the place of residence.

The district/town in this collection are –

Boston Bar

Yale Colony of British Columbia: Alexandria District

Colony of Vancouver Island: Esquimalt District

Victoria District Colony of Vancouver Island: Leech River

Colony of Vancouver Island: Maple Bay

Colony of Vancouver Island: Newcastle

Colony of Vancouver Island: Newcastle

Nanaimo District Colony of Vancouver Island: Victoria Douglas

There are more than 4,567 images that can be search at
https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2138499

REMINDER: New/Updated Websites, Blogs, Facebook, and Newspaper Articles

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

There will be newspaper articles that will cover such stories as Harry Holman, an archivist from Charlottetown, PEI. who is retiring from government after years of service, an article that looks at Nova Scotia’s food history, and a storyteller that has gathered the stories of Canadian soldiers, plus Blogs, Facebook, and Websites.

There is something of interest for everyone!

Elizabeth

Set Sail on a Voyage of Discovery

Further to my post on Thursday February the 28th in which I wrote about Ancestry.ca Update: Free Indexes, this morning I checked their Facebook page, and found out more about the passenger lists in Set Sail on a Voyage of Discovery.

The Facebook page contains puzzles, a "Did You Know" section, and a Word Scramble – plus lots of information about immigration to Canada.

The Facebook page is at www.facebook.com/Ancestry.ca

The free indexes are –

Canadian Passenger Lists, 1865-1935 http://search.ancestry.ca/search/db.aspx?dbid=1263

Canada, Ocean Arrivals (Form 30A), 1919-1924
http://search.ancestry.ca/search/db.aspx?dbid=1588

Irish Canadian Emigration Records, 1823-1849 http://search.ancestry.ca/search/db.aspx?dbid=1553

What Lies Beneath: Cantley Before the Great Flood

Please join us for a joint meeting of the Gatineau Valley Historical Society and Cantley 1889 Society.

President, Marc Cockburn, will take us on multimedia voyage up the Cantley side of Gatineau river, using Google Earth and archival photos and maps to reconstruct how the river looked before much of its natural and built environment was flooded in 1927, as a result of the construction of the hydro dams at Chelsea and Farmer’s Rapids.

Come early to see a display of artifacts and images from the river and the logging era, and to stroll along, or view, the Gatineau River shoreline of La Grange.

WHEN: Monday, April 15, 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: La Grange de la Gatineau, 80 chemin Summer, Cantley (just northeast of Ottawa)

The web site of the Gatineau Valley Historical Society is www.gvhs.ca

The website of the Cantley 1889 Society is www.cantley1889.ca/english/index.html

FamilySearch Library Changes Hours

If you are going to Salt Lake City after April 13th, the Family History Library will change its Saturday hours to 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Previously, it had been open from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

“This change is being made so that valuable staff and volunteer resources can be allocated to other busier times during the week that have greater patron demand,” said Don Anderson, director of the Family History Library. “This change will facilitate better service to patrons during the high-demand hours.”

To see the hours that the library is open during the week, ifhttps://familysearch.org/locations/library_hours

National Institute for Genealogical Studies Announces New Course: Creating Genealogy Programs for Adults & the Younger Generation.

Just read this press release from Louise St. Denis –

The National Institute for Genealogical Studies is proud to announce its newest course, Creating Genealogy Programs for Adults & the Younger Generation. This course was written by genealogist Jennifer Holik, author of numerous books about developing genealogy programs for children, societies, and libraries. The first course start date is Monday, March 4, 2013 and will be offered every three months.

Engaging adults in genealogy has typically been a concern of genealogical societies rather than libraries. Today however, many libraries are creating adult genealogy groups and programs. Attendance for these programs is easier to obtain than perhaps a youth program in genealogy. But, these libraries are also looking for ways to engage the youth in genealogy. The problem lies in how to capture their interest and create a program that will convey the basics of research in a way that is both meaningful and engaging.

This course provides an example of creating an adult genealogy program first, as a way to lay the foundation for a youth program. It follows with examples of youth programs for those in grades one through twelve. The examples are laid out into one hour, one and a half-hour, half-day, and full-day workshops and cover the basics of research while also incorporating social and local history. The final result is a rich and useful youth genealogy program. Requirements and suggestions on assisting youth who are earning Scout badges follows and finally, you will take the youth workshop beyond the classroom. Suggestions for continuing your own genealogical education, create and provide additional resources for your organization, and connect with others.

About this course, instructor Jennifer Holik remarked, “This course is important because we should be reaching out to the next generation and passing down our history, stories, research skills, and love of genealogy so these things won't be lost. Through the many examples presented, students will be walked through creating various programs which will make it easier for them to get started.”

“Creating Genealogy Programs for Adults & the Younger Generation would make an excellent choice as an elective to our librarianship certificate program” says National Institute for Genealogical Studies Director, Louise St Denis. Not just limited to librarians, this course is also suitable for genealogy society leaders, archivists, professional genealogists, or teachers.

For more information, contact Louise St Denis by going to the website  www.genealogicalstudies.com or email her at
admin@genealogicalstudies.com 1-800-580-0165 (North American)416-861-0165039 018 5544 ( Australia and New Zealand)020 3239 3835 (United Kingdom)Skype: louisestd

Ancestry.ca Update: Free Indexes

Ancestry.ca has the following FREE indexes online –

Canadian Passenger Lists, 1865-1935 http://search.ancestry.ca/search/db.aspx?dbid=1263

Canada, Ocean Arrivals (Form 30A), 1919-1924
http://search.ancestry.ca/search/db.aspx?dbid=1588

Irish Canadian Emigration Records, 1823-1849 http://search.ancestry.ca/search/db.aspx?dbid=1553

PEI Diaries, Family Histories, and Memoirs

The Island Register, a newsletter from Dave Hunter of Prince Edward Island, has put on Diaries, Family Histories, and Memoirs on his online site.

Some of them are -
1939 Travel Diary of John Winsloe - diary of an 80 year old Guernsey Cove man's ten thousand mile trip"

J. Henri Gaudet's series, Tignish Tellings - a history of the town and people of Tignish posted with the permission of his brother, Charlie Gaudet

The Murder of Robert C. Cudmore

The Yorston Family of PEI

A Northport Kitchen Table Interview: Reg MacLellan and Wilf Gaudin on Alberton and Rumrunning Times - taped interview transcribed by Faye Pound.

History Of Greenwich, P.E.I. - by Beverly Sanderson

History Of The Myers Family In Hampton, P.E.I. - by Raymond Myers in about 1972

The Lauretta Brooks Diaries - Summaries from 1929, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1933, and 1935

1900 Trip to Europe From P.E.I. - Albert Prowse, Merchant, Murray Harbour

My Connections to the Andrews, Day, and Smith Families - Eda Pearl (Nicholson) Pursey

There is an additional 20+ interviews, and family histories on this particular web site.

Go to http://www.islandregister.com/diaryindex.html

UPDATE: New Brunswick GenWeb

New Brunswick GenWeb has put on 55 cemeteries and has another 16 cemeteries updates - mostly in Albert County.

Thanks to Helena Lewis for doing this update!

You can go to New Brunswick Cemeteries at http://cemetery.canadagenweb.org/NB

UPDATE: Vancouver, British Columbia, Mountain View Cemetery Index, 1887-2007

Ancestry.ca has put on a “third-party database” of the burials from the Mountain View Cemetery.

You can also go to 

http://former.vancouver.ca/commsvcs/NONMARKETOPERATIONS/MOUNTAINVIEW/burials/burials.htm

139, 897 records have been added.

The website is http://search.ancestry.ca/search/db.aspx?dbid=70665

UPDATE: LAC Release of a New Version of the Census of Canada, 1911 Database

This bit of positive news came from the LAC today -

Library and Archives Canada is pleased to announce the release of a new version of the Census of Canada, 1911 database. This fifth general census covered the nine provinces and two territories that were then part of Confederation: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Yukon and the Northwest Territories.

Previously, users could search only by geographical information, such as province, district and sub-district. Now, they can also search by nominal information, such as the name, given name(s) and age of an individual.

I decided to look for my maternal grandfather Lester Blades in East Pubnico, Nova Scotia and he was there when I looked at the jpg of the census report. It was very easy to do. I just put his name in the search box, as well as the province of Nova Scotia. You should give this a try. You can either view it as a jpg or pdf – and it is FREE!

It is at http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/census/1911/Pages/1911.aspx

Newspaper Records of Births, Marriages and Deaths

The people at Alberta Family History Society have added more information to their BMD newspaper records. There is a total of 31,500 newspaper records to search. This database is growing all the time so check back regularly.

The newspaper that the BMD are taken from are the Calgary Herald, Calgary Herald Daily, Calgary Herald Weekly, and The Albertan.

The people at the Alberta Family History Society have put the Last and First Names, Event, Location, Date, Notes, Name of the Paper, Publication Date, and Page in the index.

You can go to www.afhs.ab.ca/data/bmd/search.php

Meanwhile, word has reached us that the Alberta Genealogical Society is currently redesigning the AGS home page. No date of when it will be finished, but you can still go to the home page at http://abgensoc.ca

Regina Saskatchewan Family History Centre (FHC) News

John Williams, FHC Director, has sent us the following news story -

The Family History Centre at 550 Sangster Blvd. in Regina has recently undergone a “high-tech barn raising” to help individuals and groups succeed in their genealogical research efforts. Here are some of the changes we have made:

• New Computers: We recently set up four new Dell Optiplex 9010 AIO computers. With 4 GB of RAM and i5 processors, these machines offer considerably more speed and shorter processing times than their predecessors.

• New Printers: We have installed two new printers: a Lexmark E460dn and a Lexmark X466de. The X466de is a multifunction unit with copy, scan, fax and printing capabilities.

• New Software: Every Family History Centre computer now has a large selection of genealogy software including Roots Magic, PAF Companion, Ancestral Quest and Legacy Family Tree. For more details, see www.familysearch.org/products and the attached spreadsheet. The software provides new ways of organizing family information and enables the generation of a wide variety of reports including pedigree charts, family group sheets, relationship charts, wall charts and timeline charts.

• New Inventory List: For the first time, the FHC has published an electronic catalogue of its inventory including more than 1500 in-stock microfilms, 100 books and 150 maps.

• Premium Websites: The Family History Centre provides researchers with free access to a wide range of genealogy research websites that make it possible to search for an ancestor by typing in a name. Available sites include Ancestry, Find My Past, Heritage Quest and World Vital Records.

• Family Tree Training: In conjunction with the recent release of the New FamilySearch and Family Tree to the public, the Family History Centre offers its patrons free training on the use of these websites.

• Microfilm Ordering: Family History Centre patrons have access to the world’s largest collection of microfilms and microfiche. Films can be ordered online at https://familysearch.org/catalog-search Both 60 day & permanent loans are available.

The Family History Centre is open on Tuesdays from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM and on Thursdays from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. The Centre closes at 12:00 PM on Thursdays in July and August.

As always, Family History Centre staff offer one-on-one assistance to individuals pursuing their own genealogical research.

If you have any questions regarding the Family History Centre, please do not hesitate to contact me at http://inbox463@hotmail.com

Check your Family History Centre on a regular basis because there is always something new. You can get the address of your local FHC by going to https://familysearch.org/locations

New/Updated Websites, Blogs, Facebook, and Newspaper Articles - 25 February 2013

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

Websites

Black History Month www.cic.gc.ca/english/multiculturalism/black/index.asp I gone to this website quite a bit over the past month because February is Black History Month, and I specially liked the Key Historic Events, and Games and Quizzes.

Blogs

Antiquated Canada: A Canadian history blog http://antiquatedcanada.com/category/everyday-life Read the short stories set in Toronto`s post-war Polish immigrant community

Facebook

OurDigitalWorld www.facebook.com/OurDigitalWorld OurDigitalWorld has a Facebook page, and it is interesting reading for a genealogist. See what they have to say about the Newmarket Public Library and Whitby Public Library newspaper projects.

Newspaper Articles

P.E.I.'s Province House on track for Confederation celebration

Repairs to historic building total about $2M  www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2013/02/21/pei-province-house-reno-584.html The CBC News has the story of the PEI Province House is getting ready for the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference.

Native group wins heritage award www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2013/02/22/pei-church-heritage-lennox-island-584.html Click on to the video and see how a group from Lennox Island First Nation in PEI has won a provincial heritage award for its repairs and renovation of a 19th-century church.

African history is Canadian history www.wellandtribune.ca/2013/02/22/african-history-is-canadian-history Read how the Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural Centre held a celebration on Friday, marking Black History Month.  

Headstone inscription puts spotlight on municipal bylaw www.parisstaronline.com/2013/02/20/headstone-inscription-puts-spotlight-on-municipal-bylaw See how one city in Brant County, Ontario is dealing with the Korean tradition of putting genealogy on the rear of tombstones.

Falls honeymoon registries going digital www.wellandtribune.ca/2013/02/20/falls-honeymoon-registries-going-digital If Ancestry.ca doesn't do it, then the Niagara Falls Tourism in Niagara Falls, Ontario will make available their honeymoon registry which date back to 1949. Niagara Falls Tourism hopes to digitize the records and make the database available to the public

Rental fees for Library and Archives building threaten to freeze out community groups www.ottawacitizen.com/entertainment/Rental+fees+Library+Archives+building+threaten+freeze+community+groups/7973170/story.html#ixzz2LoghbjU8 More and higher fees mean bad news for genealogical groups in Ottawa.

Six Nations plans 'more than a library' www.brantfordexpositor.ca/2013/02/14/six-nations-plans-more-than-a-library The Six Nations in Brant County, Ontario plans a $15-million facility that will be far more than a place to check out books – it will be the hone to a genealogy centre.

Look for more articles about new/improved Blogs, Websites, Facebook, and Newspaper Articles next Monday March 4^th . 

Newspaper Articles Every Monday

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

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

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

This week, I also highlight a Facebook pages too!

So don’t miss the New/Updated Websites, Blogs, and Newspaper Articles blog on Monday February 25th.

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

Elizabeth

UPDATE: Alberta, Manitoba & Saskatchewan Cemeteries

GenWeb Canada has put on the following updates –

ALBERTA

Barrhead:

- St Anne Roman Catholic Cemetery

Ponoka:

- Bismark Lutheran Cemetery

MANITOBA

Brokenhead RM:

- St Mary's Roman Catholic Cemetery

Lansdowne RM:

- Arden Cemetery

Westbourne RM:

- Gladstone Cemetery

Winnipeg City:

- Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens

SASKATCHEWAN

Birch Hills RM:

- Holy Trinity Cemetery

Corman Park RM:

- First Saskatchewan Cemetery

- Kirilowka Cemetery

- Memorial Cemetery

Insinger RM:

- Theodore Cemetery

Torch River RM:

- Corner Lake Cemetery

To go to the above cemeteries, click on to
http://canadacems.blogspot.ca/2013/02/alberta-manitoba-saskatchewan-update.html

GenWeg Canada recognizes the following people, who do this work for free. They are Flora Stewart, Patricia Green and Julia Adamson for their help indexing. Flora Stewart, George Fedyck, Gloria MacDonald, Gordon Neish, Linda Doran, Patricia Green, Roy Hermanson, and Wayne Sys for photos.

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

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

There will be newspaper articles that will cover such things as the P.E.I.'s Province House on track for Confederation celebration, native group wins heritage award, news about a blog, and a Facebook group that may interest you.

There is something of interest for everyone!

Elizabeth

JewishGen Canada Database

The JewishGen Canada database is a multi-database search facility containing nearly a quarter of a million records of Jews living in Canada.

A list of the different "JewishGen Canada Databases" include -

The JewishGen Family Finder (JGFF) - More than 3,800 surnames and towns of Jewish families of interest to genealogists researching Canadian Jewry.

The JewishGen Online Worldwide Burial Registry (JOWBR) - There are 68,000 records of Jewish burials in cemeteries in Canada. It has records in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Ontario, Québec, and Saskatchewan.

The JewishGen Memorial Plaques Database - Information from synagogue yahrzeit plaques.

The Canadian Jewish Heritage Network (CJHN) - There are more than 67,000 records from Canadian Jewish archival sources, including Jewish Colonization Association (JCA) - settler reports from western Canada and Québec (1906-1951), obituaries from the "Keneder Adler" (Montreal, 1908-1932), all text, translated from the Yiddish, Hebrew Sick Benefit Association of Montreal - membership listings from 1897-1945, Canadian Jewish Casualties in the Canadian Armed Forces, and so forth.
Montreal Jewish General Hospital Archives - More than 4,000 records, such as contribution cards from 1929.

The "JewishGen Canada Database" can be found at
www.jewishgen.org/databases/Canada

Hostages Along the Border!

On Wednesday, February 27, the Morrin Centre in Quebec City will host a presentation on what American history often refers to as the French and Indian War. While many writers have focused on the trauma and homesickness experienced by the captives during their journey north, fewer have told the story of those who chose not to return to New England and subsequently integrated into life in Quebec.

Several of these former captives played an important role in the early history of Quebec, where their descendants live today. This presentation will be an opportunity to learn more about their story.

With words and pictures Jack Bryden will tell the fascinating story of the hundreds of English-speaking men, women and children captured in New England and brought as prisoners to New France before 1760.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 27 at 7:00 p.m. at the Morrin Centre, 44 Chaussée des Écossais, Quebec City.

Admission is free.

For more information or to reserve your seat, call 418-694-9147 or visit www.morrin.org

John D. Reid and Glenn Wright are at WDYTYA Conference

I learned last week that John D. Reid, and Glenn Wright, will give a special 45- minute talk at the Who Do You Think You Are Live genealogy conference in London, UK on Saturday afternoon.

The talk will be entitled Finding English Emigrants to Canada and Their Descendants.

John said that because of the time constraint “it will be a once over lightly” talk, but if you are going to the conference, both John and Glenn hope that you can stop by, and say ‘Hello’.

You can check John's blog at http://anglo-celtic-connections.blogspot.ca, and Glenn is president of the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa, and their web site is at www.bifhsgo.ca

All information about the event is at www.whodoyouthinkyouarelive.com

With Only a Suitcase

Ellen Adamsons will talk about her family’s escape from their native Latvia after World War II, their settlement in Kars, Ontario, and the process of writingYou have recently attended a genealogy program at Ottawa Public Library, and this upcoming program may also be of interest to you.

This program will appeal to anyone with an interest in the local history of Kars, Ontario and North Gower Township, or in European history after World War II. It will also be attractive to anyone who wants to hear about telling family stories or writing about family history.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 6, 2:00 – 4:00 pm, Room 1B, Nepean Centrepointe Library Branch, Ottawa.

Please register at biblioottawalibrary.ca/program

If you want to learn more about Canadian immigrants from Latvia, you can go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latvian_Canadian

Kensington Market (Toronto) Historical Society Inaugural Public Event

On Wednesday, March 20, 2013 the Kensington Market Historical Society will be pleased to present two distinguished speakers and authors - Jean Cochrane who wrote the book Kensington (Boston Mills Press, 2000), and Rosemary Donegan who wrote Spadina Avenue (Douglas & McIntyre, 1985).

The meeting will be held at 6:00 pm, and it will be at Lillian H. Smith Library, 239 College St. (at Huron), Toronto.

Admission to this event is free, and light refreshments will be served.

If you want to find out more about this famous area of Toronto, please go to the Kensington Market Historical Society’s website at www.kmhs.ca

Film Screening of the Coffin Ship Hannah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One More River to Cross: Tales of the Underground Railroad

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

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

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

Ottawa Genealogy 2013

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

The lectures that I will be attending are -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you there!

Canadian Blogger Supports Canada Census 1921 Indexing Project

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heritage Property Resource at the Nova Scotia Archives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community Historical Recognition Program

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

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

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

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

Join QFHS at Celebrating “Our Canadian Roots Day”!

This press release was sent to me over the weekend –

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

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

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

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

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

Visit www.qfhs.ca/events.php

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

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

Websites

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

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

Blogs

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

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

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

Facebook

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

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

Newspaper Articles

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

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

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

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

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

Newspaper Articles Every Monday

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

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

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

This week, I also highlight two Facebook pages!

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

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

Elizabeth

British Columbia Celebrates Heritage Week

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

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

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

Many heritage organizations are hosting events during Heritage Week.

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

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

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

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

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