Canadian News in Review (CWR) 03 August 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 1793, General John Graves Simcoe, lieutenant-governor of Upper Canada, began clearing land for the site for the city of York. Why is that important? Because today, York is known as Toronto, the capitol of Ontario. Worried about a possible war with the Americans, Simcoe moved the capital from Newark, Niagara, to the Toronto Bay area. 

For further information, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/York,_Upper_Canada

In 1962, Prime Minister John Diefenbaker officially opened the Trans-Canada Highway to traffic at ceremonies at Rogers Pass, British Columbia. The opening of the 7,821-km road, the longest national highway in the world, meant Canadians could drive directly from St. John's, Newfoundland to Victoria, British Columbia.  

To read more about the Trans-Canada Highway, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-Canada_Highway


Social Media

(Photos) Hants HISTORY (July 30, 2015 edition)

http://www.hantsjournal.ca/Opinion/Columnists/2015-07-30/article-4230737/HANTS-HISTORY-(July-30,-2015-edition)/1

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

(Video) Port Coquitlam's core reopens after blaze collapses four buildings

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/port-coquitlam-s-core-reopens-after-blaze-collapses-four-buildings-1.3174016

Downtown Port Coquitlam—including City Hall— had begun to reopen on Thursday afternoon after flames scorched four buildings and caused millions of dollars damage earlier in the day.

Newspaper Articles

Quebec

Gatineau woman fights to change baby's name to recognize infant's deceased father

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/gatineau-woman-fights-to-change-baby-s-name-to-recognize-infant-s-deceased-father-1.3176847

A Gatineau woman is fighting to get her child's name changed to recognize the baby's father, who died of flesh-eating disease before the little girl was born.

Ontario

Rockton's Westfield Heritage Village to receive $42,214 from Canada 150 fund

http://www.flamboroughreview.com/news-story/5764861-rockton-s-westfield-heritage-village-to-receive-42-214-from-canada-150-fund/

On Tuesday, Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale MP David Sweet, on behalf of Minister of the Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario Gary Goodyear, announced more than $847,000 in funding for six projects, including three in Flamborough. 

Bringing history to life at Lost Villages 

http://www.standard-freeholder.com/2015/07/28/bringing-history-to-life-at-lost-villages

Fundraising efforts are underway to build a first-ever National War Monument dedicated to Canadian soldiers who fought along-side Americans during their Civil War. President of the Lost Villages Historical Society Jim Brownell said the monument will be the first of its kind in Canada and will be prominently displayed at the Lost Villages.

Manitoba

Guest Post: The Top 10 Reasons Icelanders Should Attend Manitoba’s ‘Íslendingadagurinn’ Party

http://grapevine.is/mag/column-opinion/2015/07/28/guest-post-the-top-10-reasons-icelanders-should-attend-manitobas-islendingadagurinn-party/ 

The Icelandic Festival of Manitoba—Íslendingadagurinn—celebrates Icelandic culture and heritage through a fun, family-friendly four-day event, held every August long weekend in Gimli, Manitoba, Canada. 

Alberta

Military museum offers a glimpse at history

http://www.sunnysouthnews.com/uncategorized/2015/07/28/military-museum-offers-a-glimpse-at-history/

One way for military history to be preserved is to ask for pictures or artifacts passed down from generation to generation from family members throughout the county, southern Alberta, the province, the country and across the globe. The Lethbridge Military Museum does just that - it preserves the stories of veterans.

British Columbia

B.C. Ferries names new vessels leaving name calling in its wake

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-ferries-names-new-vessels-leaving-name-calling-in-its-wake-1.3171204

After a choppy start to B.C. Ferries name search for their new ferries, three new titles were chosen today, in honour of West Coast Salish history and its legends - Salish Raven, Salish Orca and Salish Eagle.

Rossland to Host Heritage Conference -- Tickets Now Available 

http://thenelsondaily.com/news/rossland-host-heritage-conference-tickets-now-available-38702#.VbjOjqPD-H8

Heritage BC, a charitable non profit, announces the opening of registration for their annual conference, taking place October 2-3 in Rossland, B.C.

This year’s conference, The Main Thing follows on the national Heritage Week theme promoting main streets as an vital part of heritage conservation and economic stimulation. 

Nunavut

Fort Conger, historic High Arctic fort, to be preserved in 3D

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/fort-conger-historic-high-arctic-fort-to-be-preserved-in-3d-1.3173750

A historic fort threatened by melting permafrost in one of the most remote locations on Earth might be preserved thanks to 3D technology.

Fort Conger on Ellesmere Island was established in 1875 by British explorers looking for the North Pole.

The Stories This Week 

An abbreviated version of Canadian Week in Review (CWR) has been produced this week due to vacation. I will return from vacation the 11 of August.

Thank you.

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Check the Canadian Week in Review (CWR) every Monday morning for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada.

If you missed last week’s edition, it is at
http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2015/07/canadian-week-in-review-cwr-27-july-2015.html

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

Canadian Genealogy News (CGN) 01 Aug 2015

Here are some news items which have come across the desk this morning -

Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival 

This weekend marks the opening of Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival, which takes place from July 31 to August 2, 2015, in Dauphin, Manitoba. 

It showcases the richness of Ukrainian culture and the history of Canada’s Ukrainian community. This year’s Festival is especially significant as we celebrate its 50th anniversary.

To see what events are happening, go to http://www.cnuf.ca/

The Family History Library Announces Free Classes for AUGUST 2015

These classes and workshops are designed to help individuals and families find their ancestors and teach others family history techniques.

August 01 1:00 P.M. Reading Spanish Handwriting (in English) Webinar

August 05 10:00 A.M. Advancing Your Polish Genealogy: 300 Years of Records Webinar 

August 13 6:00 P.M. Planning a Research Trip Webinar

August 12 1:00 P.M. Genealogía Descendente Webinar

August 27 6:00 P.M. Immigration into the United States Webinar

To register for the courses, go to https://familysearch.org/blog/en/family-history-library-announces-free-classesaugust-2015/

Edmonton Heritage Festival turns 40

1974, the Alberta government declared the first Monday in August an annual holiday for recognizing and celebrating the ethnic heritage of Alberta residents. Two years later, the first Heritage Festival attracted 20,000 people.

This year's festival will include a Heritage History Tent in the middle of Hawrelak Park to celebrate the festival's four-decade run.

The tent will be staffed by former presidents and chairs of the festival board, and will feature a visual tour of past festivals. 

The 11 original pavilions were Arab, Caribbean, Chile, Philippines, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Scandinavia and Wales.

This year's lineup of 61 pavilions representing more than 80 cultures will include five new countries - Haiti, Lebanon, Morocco, Rwanda and South Sudan.

For further information, go to http://www.heritage-festival.com/

Note: I will be on vacation until the 11th of August. The Canadian Week in Review (CWR) will still be printed every Monday morning, but there may be some Canadian Genealogy News (CGN) not posted during the week. 

Have a nice day researching!

Canadian Genealogy News 31 July 2015

Here are some news items which have come across the desk this morning

Irish Ancestors? 

Come hear Richard Doherty speak in Uxbridge, Ontario  on 17 September 2015 at 7 pm.

Those of you who have attended Ontario Genealogical Society Conferences know that Dick's lectures are always well-attended and full of valuable information.

Exciting Developments in Ireland and Northern Ireland Online Research will be the topic.

Presentation will be held at the Uxbridge Seniors Centre, 75 Marietta St., Uxbridge.

For more info email info@uxgen.net. 

Up To Rawdon (Quebec)

Some years ago, this book Up To Rawdon was reviewed in Families, and Daniel has since written a few essays for Families over the years, so I know him well, and he is a great genealogical researcher and writer.  

His latest update on his website at www.uptorawdon.com was to tell us that he had attended the 20th Annual Rawdon Family Fair hosted by the United and Anglican Churches of the community on July 11. 

He had some photo albums on display and reference material available and sat in the shade of an open-sided tent on the Anglican Rectory Grounds, to answer inquiries from those who came by.

Please email him if you have ancestors who came from Rawdon, Quebec. You can email him at daniel@uptorawdon.com

Explore Life Under Canvas at Heritage Fair Free 

The first Monday in August is a civic holiday in Ontario.  

The Niagara Historical Society and Museum will host its third annual The Past is Present Heritage Fair, featuring plenty of activities for people of all ages as well as free admission to the museum and the exhibits inside.

To read about the events that will take place at the museum, go to the website at http://www.niagarahistorical.museum/

Their Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Niagara-Historical-Society-Museum/190558827718950

Until tomorrow, have a nice day researching!

Canadian Genealogy News 30 July 2015

Here are some news items which have come across the desk this morning

Facebook York County Branch

The York Region Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society has recently joined the Facebook Group.

The Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/groups/364817400304048/

And I notice that the York Branch has changed their meetings to 4 times per year – September, November, April, and June.

For the September meeting, they will have Patricia Blackstock who will talk about 1837 Rebellion in York Region Who were the People?

Patricia will introduce the Rebellion database and talk about some of the people in it, what charges were laid, the punishment and impact on families, as well as other information.

The website is http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~onyrbogs/

Do you have Mennonite ancestors? 

Do you want to know who your first Mennonite ancestor was and when he or she arrived in Canada? Are you curious about your Mennonite origins?

If so, the website at Library and Archives Canada is a great place to begin your research. Here you will find a page dedicated to genealogical research on the Mennonites at http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/immigration/history-ethnic-cultural/Pages/mennonites.aspx.

This page provides you with historical information, archival documents and published material from the Library and Archives Canada collection, as well as links to other websites and institutions.

Divorce Orders

The British Columbia Archives have put on a finding aid entitled How to Obtain a Copy of Your Divorce Order at http://royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/bcarchives/divorce-orders/ 

If the divorce was finalized in British Columbia before 1983, contact us in writing and include the following:

The names of the parties to the divorce

The date of the divorce (approximate date is sufficient)

A phone number that you can be reached at during the day

Your mailing address

If the divorce was finalized in British Columbia after 1983, contact us in writing and include the following:

The name of the court registry where the application for divorce was filed

The date that the final divorce order was entered at the court registry

The volume and folio number of the final order if applicable

The file number 

A phone number that you can be reached at during the day

Your mailing address

All requests for copies of divorce orders must be made in writing by email (preferred method), by regular mail or by fax. We do not accept requests for divorce orders by phone. Please let us know if you require a certified copy.

Email address: access@bcarchives.bc.ca

Until tomorrow, have a nice day researching!

Canadian Genealogy News 29 July 2015

Here are some news items which have come across the desk this morning 

The Family History Guide

If you have been putting off researching your Canadian ancestors because you don't know where to start, how about giving this new website a try? 

A guide has been prepared to help you through the different stages of doing family history, and they do have a Canada course.

Their website is http://www.thefhguide.com/get-started.html

The Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/TheFamilyHistoryGuide?_rdr=p

Getting Started in Genealogy Workshop

There was one thing amiss in the Bytown Days that was posted Sunday 26 July 2015. 

And that was that the Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society will also be giving a Getting Started in Genealogy Workshop on Sunday at 1 pm in the Bytown Days Tent. 

This is something that you should not miss. They will tell you about how to do your genealogy, and where you can find records! 

For more information, go to http://www.bytowndays.ca/

The website of the OGS is at http://ogsottawa.on.ca/

Until tomorrow, have a nice day researching!

Canadian Genealogy News 28 July 2015

Here are some news items which have come across the desk this morning -

Ontario genealogist takes top billing

The Toronto Time Capsule (TTC) has been in existence since this spring, and they have just released their seven top articles. The most read article is by Janice Nickerson. Congratulations, Janice!

Her article GENEALOGY WITH JANICE: 7 fun genealogy games for kids aims to get younger generations interested in family history with a list of games to try at home.

To read who the other six people are, go to http://www.insidetoronto.com/news-story/5750390-7-most-read-history-articles-in-the-toronto-time-capsule/ 

Vote now for Canadian genealogy websites

The best Canadian website 

John D. Reid, the blogger at Anglo-Celtic Connections asks “Which genealogy websites do you most value for Canadian content? Rather than trust the judgement of self-proclaimed experts in other countries let's follow the model used for Rockstar Genealogist and conduct a survey”.

So who do you think is the best website as far as Canadian Content is concerned.

Let you views be known at http://anglo-celtic-connections.blogspot.com/2015/07/best-canadian-genealogy-websites.html

Toronto Branch Workshops

Gwyneth Pearce, the secretary of the Toronto Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS) writes to tell us of two special events that will take place this fall. Registration is now open for:

Atlantic Canada Genealogy – a full-day workshop on Saturday 17 October to explore the resources available to help you find your Atlantic ancestors. Led by keynote speaker Terrence M. Punch of Halifax, with additional lectures by Roberta Clark and Terri Raymond, this workshop will focus on understanding the patterns and sources of immigration into the four Atlantic provinces over the past four hundred years as well as subsequent migrations from Atlantic Canada to other parts of Canada and to the United States. Early-bird rates apply until September 22 and OGS members enjoy additional discounts.

For full program and speaker details and to register online, visit http://torontofamilyhistory.org/learn/workshops/atlantic-canada-genealogy-workshop/.

Basic Genealogy and Family History – two eight-week courses led by instructor Jane E. MacNamara designed for those who are just setting out on their family history journeys or who wish to upgrade their basic research skills. One course will be held at Riverdale Public Library on Tuesday evenings from 6 October to 24 November, and the other at North York Central Library on Wednesday afternoons from 7 October to 25 November. Learn how to "think like a genealogist"! 

For details and to register online, visit http://torontofamilyhistory.org/event/basic-genealogy-and-family-history-evening/

Until tomorrow, have a nice day researching!

Canadian Week in Review (CWR) 27 July 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 Overlanders of 1862: Journeying West for Gold

Their journey had begun in southern Ontario (Niagara) and would end in the gold fields of the Cariboo Mountains, within what later became the province of British Columbia.

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

In 1915, Canada's foremost railway surveyor and construction engineer, Sir Sandford Fleming, died in Halifax at age 86. He helped devise a route for the Canadian Pacific Railway through the Rockies. Fleming also helped develop a way to divide the world into time zones and also designed Canada's first postage stamp.

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

Social Media

(Blog) Ezard – The Name and its History

https://ezardthenameanditshistory.wordpress.com/

The EZARD One-Name Study is registered with the Guild of One-Name Studies by blogger Jill Ezard. There are some names in Canada.

(Photos) Special find

http://www.trurodaily.com/News/Local/2015-07-17/article-4217944/Special-find/1

Alex Yeadon knows of the importance a military medal holds, so when his mother came across one
by chance, he took it upon himself to try and find the family. 

Newspaper Articles

Prince Edward Island 

More churches are popping up on P.E.I.'s real estate market but the buildings are proving a tough sell.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/vacant-churches-a-tough-sell-for-realtors-1.3152572

Realtor Jeff Newson has never sold a church before, but now he's trying to sell two — the United Churches in Kingston and in New Dominion. 

Nova Scotia

Amherst heritage building likely faces the wrecking ball

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/amherst-heritage-building-likely-faces-the-wrecking-ball-1.3162216

A provincially registered heritage property that's been a landmark in downtown Amherst for more than a century could soon be history.

Amherst town councillors have voted to demolish the red sandstone former Bank of Montreal building at the corner of Victoria and LaPlanche streets.

Ontario

Artist Jimi McKee wants facelift for totem pole

http://www.orilliapacket.com/2015/07/14/artist-jimi-mckee-wants-facelift-for-totem-pole

As Jimi McKee works to restore a piece of Canadian history sitting on a trailer in his yard, his thoughts also turn to a fixture in Couchiching Beach Park.

Plaque honouring William F. Sharpe unveiled in Prescott 

http://www.insidebrockville.com/news-story/5746052-plaque-honouring-william-f-sharpe-unveiled-in-prescott/

The Grenville County Historical Society held a special unveiling and dedication on Saturday for a historical plaque commemorating Lt. William F. Sharpe.

One of Canada's first military airmen during the Great War (1914-1918) 

British Columbia

McVittie House, Land Surveying Office open at Fort Steele

http://www.dailytownsman.com/ourtown/315872261.html

Dignitaries and guests gathered on Saturday July 11 at Fort Steele Heritage Town to celebrate the grand opening of McVittie House and Land Surveying Office.

The Stories This Week

Summer in Canada is our time to hold special conference, and to those who like picnic, there is that too!

On Tuesday 28 July 2015 at 6 p.m., there will be a Picnic Potluck and Cemetery Walk - Bruce and Grey Branch Ontario Genealogical Society, Owen Sound, ON at the Place: Family History Centre, 490 2nd Ave S.E. Owen Sound. 

The Picnic Potluck will start at 6 p.m. and then a Cemetery walk with Terri Jackson at Greenwood Cemetery, Owen Sound Please bring along a favorite potluck dish to share and a plate & cutlery for your dinner. After dinner join us for a cemetery walk through Greenwood Cemetery, located at 290 1st Street S.W. Owen Sound, with our own Terri Jackson as our tour guide. We invite you to join us! All are welcome!

Call 519-534-1875 for further information

Thursday 06 August to Sunday 09 August 2015, there will be the Convention: The Society for German Genealogy in Eastern Europe (SGGEE), Gatineau, Quebec and the theme will be Researching Our German Roots in Poland and the Russian Empire.

It will be located in Gatineau, Quebec just across the river from Ottawa, Ontario, and my husband and myself will be going to this convention in hopes of learning lots of information about German Roots in Poland and Russia.

To find out further information, go to https://www.sggee.org/

Friday 21 August and Saturday 22 August 2015, there will be One World, One Family Conference in Brampton Ontario. The organizers and host Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Family History Center, 10062 Bramalea Rd., Brampton, Ontario. 

Lesley Anderson - Connecting with our Ancestors is an Incredible Journey will be the keynote speaker.

To see the rest of the speakers, go to http://www.oneworldonefamily-theevent.com/

The Sir Andrew Macphail Homestead is delighted to invite guests to join in its inaugural 'Eilean an Àigh: Celebration of Island Gaelic Language and Culture' Festival, taking place on site in Orwell, Prince Edward Island at 271 Macphail Park Road, the evening of Friday, 31 July, and throughout the day Prince Edward Island on Saturday, 1 August 2015. 

This year they are delighted to host Dr. John Shaw of the School of Scottish Studies, University of Edinburgh and James Watson of the Nova Scotia Highland Village Museum, who worked together recording surviving Island Scottish Gaelic traditions in 1987 under the auspices of the Institute of Island Studies, University of Prince Edward Island. 

James Watson will be leading a workshop focusing on the regional repertoire of Scottish Gaelic songs as well as a hands-on 'thickening frolic' (luathadh) that will allow participants to join in around the table with choruses they learned in the workshop. The festival will conclude with Taigh Cèilidh 'ic Phàil (Macphail Cèilidh House) grand finale concert with special guests, including many of our talented Island musicians and singers for an evening of song, story, and foot-tapping tunes.

Spaces are limited and pre-booking is highly recommended. Full two-day festival passes, including special lunch, evening lecture and finale cèilidh concert, are available at a discounted $50. There will also be limited passes available for these events individually. 

Thigibh air chèilidh! Bidh fàilte chridheil romhaibh! (Come for a visit! A hearty welcome awaits you!)

For more information, go to http://macphailhomestead.ca/

And that was the Canadian genealogy, history, and heritage news in Canada this past week!