Library and Archives Canada’s Transcription Service

Do you know that until the early 2000s, people and members of organizations such as the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec (LHSQ) travelled to Europe to scour records in British and French archives for any mention of Canada – and they copied them? 

They say that some of these “transcriptions” are on the Héritage website but they don't say which microfilm are copied. At least, I cannot find them and I would like to know. Does anyone know whichones are copied?

Read about the process in the Library and Archives Canada blog at http://thediscoverblog.com/2014/09/09/borrowing-the-blocks-nation-building-in-the-archives-and-libraries-of-great-britain-and-france/ 

Ontario Genealogical Society Conference 2015 - Tracks through Time

Just a note to remind you that the deadline for papers at next year’s OGS conference is September 12, 2014.

The annual conference will be held on 29-31 May 2015 at Georgian College Campus, Barrie, ON, Canada. 

The conference theme will be Tracks through Time, and it originates from the 130th Anniversary of the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway across Canada. Many family historians have their roots in the immigrant laborers who built this railway across our vast country. 

As they say “Other ancestors were tempted by the transportation routes and migration opportunities allowed by its completion. Still others worked for the railway company itself over the years to follow. As researchers, we track our family history through time in many ways, always attempting to ensure we are tracking the right people from the right line". 

The variations on the theme Tracks through Time are endless.

You can read more about the process at http://www.ogs.on.ca/conference/call-for-speakers/

Culture Days 2014

On September 27, 2014 the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec will present Behind the Scenes of Canada’s Titanic ― The Empress of Ireland exhibition.

Go behind the scenes into the Museum’s Objects Lab and get the inside story of the making of this major exhibition. Join curator John Willis and conservator Amanda Gould and discover the historical significance behind some of the treasured artifacts from the Empress of Ireland collection.

A unique opportunity not to be missed. This is suitable for ages 10+.

Space is limited. Free. Register as soon as possible by calling 819-776-7000.

For details, go to http://www.historymuseum.ca/empress 

Canadian Week in Review 08 September 2014

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

History Week in Canada

Genealogists will remember that on 02 September 1752, the Gregorian calendar was adopted in England. And it changed everything: the ‘double date’ found its way into our lexicon.

For a history, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregorian_calendar

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In 1909, the Scarborough Beach Park, in suburban Toronto, hosted North America's first air show. However, the American plane, "The Flyer," was forced to make an emergency landing in Lake Ontario seconds after taking off. In 1995, seven British military airmen were killed when their RAF Nimrod jet slammed into Lake Ontario at the Canadian National Expedition Air Show in Toronto. 

To read about these events, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_International_Air_Show

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Social Media

The First World War: Excerpts from the dairy of Woodman Leonard

http://www.ottawasun.com/2014/09/04/the-first-world-war-excerpts-from-the-diary-of-woodman-leonard

This is the third installment in the diary of Woodman Leonard.

For the first installment, go to http://www.ottawasun.com/2014/08/15/the-first-world-war-excerpts-from-the-diary-of-woodman-leonard from the Canadian Week in Review 18 August 2014 http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2014/08/canadian-week-in-review-18-august-2014_18.html

For the second installment, go to http://www.ottawasun.com/2014/08/21/the-first-world-war-excerpts-from-the-diary-of-woodman-leonardhttp://www.ottawasun.com/2014/08/21/the-first-world-war-excerpts-from-the-diary-of-woodman-leonard from the Canadian Week in Review 25 August 2014 http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2014/08/canadian-week-in-review-25-august-2014.html

(Blog) The 200th Birthday of Sir George-Étienne Cartier, a Prominent Father of Confederation

http://thediscoverblog.com/2014/09/05/the-200th-birthday-of-sir-george-etienne-cartier-a-prominent-father-of-confederation/

Last week marked the 200th birthday of one of Canada’s most important historical figures, Sir George-Étienne Cartier, a leading Father of Confederation. Cartier was born on September 6, 1814 in Sainte-Antoine-sur-Richelieu, Lower Canada.

(Video) Sharing Prince Edward Island's black history

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/Living/Entertainment/2014-09-05/article-3859194/Sharing-Prince-Edward-Islands-black-history/1

It’s a stage production called Tales from the Old Stock: Stories and Songs of P.E.I Black History, and after it finishes its runs at the Confederation Centre, it will be shown in Island schools.

(Video) Saskatoon landmark little known part of province’s history

http://globalnews.ca/news/1537913/saskatoon-landmark-little-known-part-of-provinces-history/

Forestry Farm Park little-known part of Saskatchewan’s history.

(Blog) A Forgotten Hero of World War I 

http://spectator.org/articles/60358/forgotten-hero-world-war-i

A blog about the First World War has been written in which the author recognizes that it was an “arduous endeavor for Canada and very nearly tore it apart. But when the war was over, Canada would emerge as a stronger country even if the rest of the world’s attention was directed elsewhere”.

Newfoundland

Newfoundland’s ‘Blue Puttees’ made a name for themselves in historic First World War battles 

http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/08/31/newfoundlands-blue-puttees-made-a-name-for-themselves-in-historic-first-world-war-battles/

The former British colony and dominion raised the volunteer Newfoundland Regiment, or First 500, without official government involvement, such was the zeal to enlist.

Beothuk homes, fireplace unearthed on Exploits River 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/beothuk-homes-fireplace-unearthed-on-exploits-river-1.2752622

An archeological dig on an island in the middle of Newfoundland's Exploits River is shedding light on how the Beothuk people cooked, lived, and socialized.

Nova Scotia

Gold River, Nova Scotia
http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/celebrating-aboriginal-arts-and-heritage-1943950.htm
The Acadia First Nation will present its 30th annual Pow Wow from September 12 to 14 in the Chester Municipal District, Nova Scotia. Aboriginal people and members of the broader community will come together to take part in activities such as traditional dancing, drumming, and a smudging ceremony. Workshops and demonstrations will highlight Mi'kmaq culture, and a sweat lodge will be open.

Quick Facts

• Acadia First Nation is located in southwestern Nova Scotia and is made up of five Mi'kmaq reserves: Gold River, Medway, Ponhook Lake, Wildcat, and Yarmouth. These were established between 1820 and 1887.

• Pow wows celebrate Aboriginal music, dance, crafts and food, and provide an opportunity for participants—which include Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people—to appreciate Aboriginal culture.

• About 3,000 people are expected to attend the 2014 Gold River Pow Wow.

Sable Island: A Living Treasure

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/sable-island-a-living-treasure-1.2754715

Sable Island is Canada's newest national park reserve, identified as a national treasure, preserved in legislation for future generations to enjoy. Make sure you take the time to look at the photos.

New Brunswick

New Ireland: How Maine almost became part of Canada at the end of the War of 1812

http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/09/03/new-ireland-how-maine-almost-became-part-of-canada-at-the-end-of-the-war-of-1812/
Did you know that pre-Confederation Canada seized Northern Maine during the final months of the War of 1812, sensing little local ability to resist and well aware of the strategic value of controlling the region separating Quebec and New Brunswick?

Ontario

Canada Post celebrates the Charlottetown Conference 150th anniversary with commemorative envelope

http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1405288/canada-post-celebrates-the-charlottetown-conference-150th-anniversary-with-commemorative-envelope

Today, Canada Post is issuing a new commemorative envelope to recognize the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference that began on September 1, 1864 – a historic milestone in Canadian history, marking the discussions of representatives from the colonies of British North America.

Cross-Canada relay salutes unit’s history

http://www.lfpress.com/2014/08/29/cross-canada-relay-salutes-units-history
Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry is running a reply as they retrace the same steps their forefathers marched on the eve of their entrance into the war.

How Toronto’s Labour Day parade began

http://www.thestar.com/business/2014/09/01/the_start_of_the_march.html

In 1872, 10,000 people took to Toronto’s streets to fight for a nine-hour workday. And labour leaders say there’s still a reason to walk.

Ontario Creates Five New Provincial Parks

http://news.ontario.ca/mnr/en/2014/09/ontario-creates-five-new-provincial-parks.html

Ontario, in partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, is opening five new provincial parks and expanding three others.

British Columbia

Peace Region buildings vie for best in B.C.

http://www.alaskahighwaynews.ca/news/local/peace-region-buildings-vie-for-best-in-b-c-1.1339641

A jail, a re-imagined Post Office, a nearly century-old pub, and a grain elevator-turned-art gallery are representing the Peace Region in the BC’s Best Buildings contest put on by the Architecture Foundation of British Columbia.

Story of the Week

(Editorial) Another OGS Branch to fold?

The news in Canada this week has been full of concern as another Ontario Genealogical Society Branch may have to fold its doors. The Norfolk Branch may close.

You can get more of the story at http://www.simcoereformer.ca/2014/09/04/genealogy-society-could-fold

The news in Canada this week has been full of concern as another Ontario Genealogical Society Branch may have to fold its doors. The Norfolk Branch may close.

You can get more of the story at http://www.simcoereformer.ca/2014/09/04/genealogy-society-could-fold

The closing of the Norfolk Branch will be the second to close in recent months (the Haldimand County Branch declared itself dormant), and it is hoped that Norfolk will choose the same option. The website is at http://www.ogs.on.ca/norfolk/

And now I wonder if the new word will be ‘consolidation’. Will some Branches consolidate into larger branches because the membership just isn’t there? So a Branch that has 200 members may consolidate with another Branch who has 300 members in hopes that the new Branch with 500 members can survive.

But where will it end? Will the OGS return to the way it was back in the 1960s when it first started with no branches. I feel that a conversation must be started to stop the eroding.

The word has to get out to the public that they should join these branches if they want to solve their brick walls, as they are holders of the material which will enhance what is available online, or is the material on which the online content is based. Either way, you can't do without the branches, and their holdings.

Any suggestions?

Reminder: Check the Canadian Week in Review next Monday for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada. It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in country!

The next post will be on 15 September 2014.

Reminder: Canadian Week in Review

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

If you missed last week’s edition, it is at http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2014/09/canadian-week-in-review-01-september.html 

It has the most up-to-date news items covered in New/Updated Websites, History, Social Media, and Newspaper Articles. 

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

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

Edmonton City as Museum Project

The Edmonton City as Museum Project will tell the ‘stories of the people, places, and things’ that make up the city of Edmonton. 

So far, the site has explored the North Saskatchewan River, told the story of the Edmonton’s Pioneer Photographers, and they will host a special exhibit on Freedom this month. 

They would like you to recommend songs that will create a sense of freedom for the visitors to the exhibit. 

The songs will be compiled into the Freedom Playlist and will be shared in the exhibit and on line. 

The last day to submit is September 27, 2014 and the exhibit will take place on September 28th from 1 – 4 pm at the Prince of Wales Armoury. 

And they want your stories! So if you have a story to contribute, you can email them at 

mroberts@edmontonheritage.ca 

The website is at http://citymuseumedmonton.ca/ 

The Facebook page is on https://www.facebook.com/YEGCityasMuseum

Family history courses at the Surrey Library System

The Cloverdale Library (a branch of the Surrey Library System) is having a FREE introduction session called An Introduction to Family History on Sept 13 from 10:30 to noon.

This free session will show participants what's available, where to find it, and how to document your search. Learn some of the tips and tricks that are unique to genealogy research.

There will be workshop in five lessons called Start Searching Your Family History. 

It will be a series of five, three-hour classes, developed by writer and researcher Brenda Smith.

It starts Mondays from Sept. 22 to Nov. 17 (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.), the cost is $100, and participants must commit to all five sessions.

Learn How to Navigate Ancestry and Heritage Quest is a single session scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 27 (10:30 a.m. to noon). Ancestry Library Edition and Heritage Quest are free to use for anyone visiting the Cloverdale Library. Find out how these tools work, and how to interpret what you find.

The Cloverdale Library is at 5642 176A Street, Surrey, British Columbia. It is home to one of the largest Canadian family history collections in the country, with extensive resources, programs and expertise.

Register for these programs at 604-4598-7327 or email familyhistory@surrey.ca.

The website for Family History at the Surrey Library System is at http://www.surreylibraries.ca/programs-services/4815.aspx