Day 3 - Conference '09

This is the last day, and although a bit tired because of yesterday's hectic schedule and last night's banquet, we are here early this morning at the computer room, still searching for ancestors.



I am going back to the Marketplace to get information on next year's conference in Toronto, to be held May 14 to 16. This afternoon, at 2:15, the closing remarks and final goodbyes will be held.

I am going to spend some time at the OGS Publications Table (as editor of NewsLeaf and its sister email publication, e-NewsLeaf).

And as a representative of the International Society of Family History Writers and Editors (ISFHWE) — in my capacity as International Director — I am letting others know what a great organization it is for writers http://isfhwe.org/

I will posting more on this conference in the next few days.

**NEWSFLASH** - OGS Accepts Fee Increase

Just a few minutes ago, the attending members of the Ontario Genealogical Society, at their AGM, voted overwhelmingly to increase membership dues from $45 to $60 a year, beginning next year.

More to follow on this ...

''Accident" Today at OGS Conference '09

... what you get when you mix a conference, a festive atmosphere, rabid genealogists, a graduation ceremony, a librarian, coffee, and a chair ...


Conference attendee, Marian Press, reacts to casualty.

Friday Afternoon at OGS Conference '09

Up-and-coming blogging superstar, John D. Reid (on the right), of the Anglo-Celtic Connections blog <http://anglo-celtic-connections.blogspot.com>—fresh from his trip from Ottawa—is enjoying a fine cold-plate supper with fellow genealogist and guest speaker, Gary Schroder of the Quebec Family History Society <http://www.qfhs.ca>.

This is the culmination of a very exciting afternoon, filled with a visit to the Marketplace (again) to see more newly-arrived exhibitors, the chance to meet more acquaintances, a workshop hosted by the Irish Palatine special Interest Group (IP-SIG), and the graduation ceremony of the National Institute for Genealogical Studies <www.genealogicalstudies.com> (more to follow on these activities).

We're now off in a mad rush to the opening ceremonies!

Conference '09 - Marketplace - Day 1

So, here is an update on the Marketplace, and some pictures.



Dr. Fraser Dunford, Executive Director of the OGS, putting in some work at the conference, setting up the OGS kiosk -

- and John Becker, editor of OGS journal, Families, is putting final touches on his display at our OGS Publications Table.

Finally! Conference '09 Begins!

It began with a bit of a rocky start, with breakfast not to begin until 8 o'clock, and people were expecting it to begin at 7, but a compromise was reached, and it was started after 7:30. However, once started, it was a lovely breakfast, served in the cafeteria of the College - a very tasty continental breakfast, fuelling hungry genealogists ready for their morning's activities.

Ticket takers for this morning's breakfast were: (L) Joan Phillips and (R) Judy Payne, both from the Peel Branch.

Then we went to register, which was well-organized and efficient, and we were out of there in less than a minute. Lines were going fast.

We met a few old friends, and introduced ourselves to some new ones.

Now to go through the bag to check all the goodies, and then we're off to the Marketplace to check on the OGS Publications Table, to see how John Becker, editor of the OGS journal, Families, and Grace Jewell, OGS Webmaster, are doing. I will be there Sunday.

Note that there are two (2) Marketplaces this year, and we are starting with Marketplace #1. Can't wait to see what awaits us!

FLASH! LAC Announces New Genealogy Collections

From Slyvie Tremblay, Chief, Canadian Genealogy Centre (as of 1130 hrs, 28 May 2009)

“Greetings,

I am pleased to announce that new pages are available on the Canadian Genealogy Centre website as of this morning.

You will now find information on Jewish (http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/genealogy/022-905.008-e.html) and Polish (http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/genealogy/022-905.007-e.html) in the What to Search : Topics : Ethno-cultural and Aboriginal Groups section.

Also, we now have a page about Heraldry (http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/genealogy/022-914.006-e.html) in the What to Search : Topics : Other Topics section.”