Happy Halloween!

One of the first places I visited after moving to Ottawa in the 1980s was Watson’s Mills in Manotick. The mill is where the ghost of Ann Crosby Currier, the second wife of Joseph Currier, co-owner of the mill, supposedly haunts it to this day. 

Here are a couple of sites which tells the story about Watson’s Mill 

The Ghost of Watson's Mill 

http://www.rideau-info.com/canal/tales/ghost-watsons.html

Watson’s Mill

http://www.watsonsmill.com/Home.html

New post about the Archives of Ontario (AO)

Have you ever read Jane MacNamara’s blog Where the story takes me:Tales of family and local history research and folk I meet along the way?

If it isn’t on your reading list, maybe it should be, because she always has subjects that are interesting to genealogists.

Her latest post is worth reading if you have Ontario ancestors – because it is a post about the Archives of Ontario (AO).

In the post, she explains what the AO holds, and what you can find within the different archival material – and there is tons of material for you to research.

Let me say that the AO does live up to Jane’s review. I found it very centrally located to where I was staying, had good access for parking, excellent facility to eat your lunch or to just take a break away from researching. There is a very good a shopping centre which is a short distance from the archives.

There is one thing that I would add, and that is, be sure to read the information first onsite at the archives website before going there. Become familiar with the holdings, and it will be so helpful when you start researching. I printed the material off before I went there, and had it in a folder for easy reference. And if it is the first time that you will be there, be sure to register to your pass online, and then pick it up at the front desk once you get there.

Jane’s blog is at http://wherethestorytakesme.ca/

The website for the Archives of Ontario is Tracing your ancestry at the Archives of Ontario at http://www.archives.gov.on.ca/en/tracing/index.aspx

Joint presentation this Sunday in Ottawa

UK Rockstar Genealogist Kirsty Gray will give two lectures in Ottawa on Sunday November 2nd from 2 – 4 pm at the Woodroffe United Church, Banquet Hall, 207 Woodroffe Ave.

The two lecture will be -

1. Searching for Names: Challenges, Pitfalls and the Downright Ridiculous

2. Solving Problems Through Family Reconstruction

Admission is $10 per person at the door. A break with light refreshments will be held between the two lectures.

The Ottawa Genealogical Society (OGS) is at http://ogsottawa.on.ca/

British Isles Family History Society of Greater
Ottawa (BIFHSGO)is at http://www.bifhsgo.ca/

The Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/pages/British-Isles-Family-History-Society-of-Greater-Ottawa/149788348437126

The lectures will be sponsored by the Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society and the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa (BIFHSGO).

GANS to host meeting tonight

There will be a meeting of the Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia tonight at the Akins A/V Room, Nova Scotia Archives, 6016 University Avenue, Halifax, NS at 7:30 when Irene Schofield, GANS Programme Convener, will talk about the Canadian Census and The 1940 National Registration. 

She will show us samples of the information that can be found for your ancestors.

Everyone is welcome. Light refreshments will be served. Hope to see you there!

The website is at http://www.novascotiaancestors.ca 

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

Family History Library Announces Free Classes

We received this email this morning –

The Family History Library Announces Free Classes for November 2014

Nov. 1 Recursos en linea adema̍s de FamilySearch is a class for Spanish-speaking guests and starts at 1:00 p.m. 

Nov. 5-26 Russian Print and Handwriting Series. There are 4 parts to this series of classes, taught every Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. 

Nov. 8 Norway Research Series. The classes include “How to Use Church Records in Norway,” “How to Search Death Notices in Norway,” and “Exploring Probate Records in Norway.” These classes run from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. 

Nov. 8 American Indian Series. Classes include: “American Indian Research and the FamilySearch Wiki,” and “American Indian Case Study.” Classes are held at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. 

Nov. 15 Boy Scout Genealogy Merit Badge Workshop. This workshop begins at 10:00 a.m. Register for this 90-minute class at least one week prior to the workshop to find out which requirements should be completed before attending. Email FHLClassReg@familysearch.org 

Nov. 15 ¿Mis antepasados vinieron de . . . ? This class is for Spanish-speaking guests and starts at 1:00 p.m. 

Nov. 15 Reading Spanish Handwriting will be taught at 3:00 p.m. 

*Registration is required for classes with an asterisk. 

Register by 9:00 p.m. the Thursday before the class date by sending an email to FHLClassReg@familysearch.org or calling 1-801-240-4950.

Go to https://familysearch.org/locations/saltlakecity-library for additional information. 

Their Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/familysearch

Canadian Week in Review - 27 October 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 (October 20 – October 27, 2014) 

Did you know that in 1864, a group of Confederate soldiers based in Canada attacked the town of St. Alban's, Vermont? The soldiers robbed a bank of $200,000 and killed one man in their escape. The incident strained Canadian-American relations already weakened by the events of the American Civil War.

You can read about the robbery at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada_in_the_American_Civil_War

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In 1818, Canada and the U.S. signed the Convention of London. The treaty established the 49th Parallel as the boundary from Rainy River, Ontario to the Rockies.

To read further on the subject, you can go to http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3406400208.html

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What an interesting history Canada has had in its moving from Niagara to Quebec to Toronto and finally to Ottawa in search of a place to seat the Canadian government. In 1855, it was moved to Toronto from Quebec City.

To read more, please go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legislative_Assembly_of_the_Province_of_Canada

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In 1876, the first shipment of wheat from Western Canada to Ontario left Winnipeg, and this blog posted the story of Peel's Prairie Province releasing Grain Elevators in Canada books online.

To read more about the grain elevators, go to http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2014/10/peels-prairie-province-releases-grain.html
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In 1926, magician Harry Houdini—appearing at the Princess Theatre in Montreal—received a fatal blow to the stomach. When a McGill University student asked him if he could shrug off blows to the body; Houdini said “Yes”, but before he could brace himself, the blow was dealt. He died of a ruptured appendix 10 days later in Detroit.

To read more about this story, go to http://www.snopes.com/horrors/freakish/houdini.asp

Social Media

(Video) Iconic Saskatoon hotel general manager set to retire

http://globalnews.ca/news/1630167/iconic-saskatoon-hotel-general-manager-set-to-retire
The Delta Bessborough is an iconic building in Saskatoon, and its general manger, Andrew Turnbull, will retire at the end of the month.

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(Video) The First World War: Excerpts from the diary of Woodman Leonard
http://www.ottawasun.com/2014/10/23/the-first-world-war-excerpts-from-the-diary-of-woodman-leonard
Read about Lt. Col. Leonard's observations during the week of March 20th.

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French In Name Only

http://www.frenchino.com/

This new blog explores the family history of the surname of French/ffrench and the surname of Grace. It also demonstrates, through family stories, the close connections between Canada and the United States.

Nova Scotia

Demolition crews dig up piece of naval history in Halifax
http://metronews.ca/news/halifax/1188486/anchor-a-wow-demolition-crews-dig-up-piece-of-naval-history-in-halifax-2/
The discovery of an anchor in Halifax’s dockyards believed to have belonged to Canada’s first naval warship. The director of the Naval Museum of Halifax said he’s “85 to 90 per cent certain” it belonged to HMCS Niobe, the first Canadian warship to enter the country’s territorial waters, on Oct. 21, 1910.

RBC Black History Month Student Essay Competition continues to grow in its sixth year
http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1430406/rbc-black-history-month-student-essay-competition-continues-to-grow-in-its-sixth-year/
Students can now earn one of 20 scholarships, up from three, including grand prizes of up to $5,000 that will help make their someday a reality. The competition gives students an opportunity to learn about the contribution black people have made to Canadian history.

Windsor’s Hockey Heritage Museum shoots for expanded hours
http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1244887-windsor-s-hockey-heritage-museum-shoots-for-expanded-hours
The museum season now runs from June 15 to October 05, but during the pumpkin regatta, held Thanksgiving weekend, the tourist bureau in Windsor gets hundreds of inquiries about the hockey museum.

Maritime voyage: Halifax to Prince Edward Island
http://www.jpost.com/Not-Just-News/Maritime-voyage-Halifax-to-Prince-Edward-Island-379142
Read a Jerusalem Post writer’s travels from Nova Scotia to Prince Edward Island.

Ontario

Genealogical journey yields results
http://www.orilliapacket.com/2014/10/17/genealogical-journey-yields-results
For Orillia resident Phil Jenkinson, his work following his genealogy led to the realization one of his relatives played a role in the First World War.

Union Gas donation will help with historic chapel restoration
http://www.napaneeguide.com/2014/10/23/union-gas-donation-will-help-with-historic-chapel-restoration
Union Gas presented a cheque for $20,000 to the committee that is fundraising to restore Her Majesty’s Royal Chapel of The Mohawks, located on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.

Royal Canadian Air Force squadron returns to RAF Leeming to take part in exercise for first time since it was based there in WWII

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/11545048.Royal_Canadian_Air_Force_squadron_returns_to_RAF_Leeming_to_take_part_in_exercise_for_first_time_since_it_was_based_there_in_WWII/

A Royal Canadian Air Force squadron has returned to RAF Leeming more than 70 years after using it as a base during World War Two.

Manitoba

Park to celebrate Upper Fort Garry: A Significant part of Manitoba's history

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/park-to-celebrate-upper-fort-garry-279699702.html
Friends of Upper Fort Garry unveiled the first of a three-phase development that will celebrate the fort's singular significance in the province's history.

Alberta

Local honoured by Alberta Historical Resources Foundation
http://www.camrosecanadian.com/2014/10/23/local-honoured-by-alberta-historical-resources-foundation
The outstanding efforts of Alberta’s “heritage heroes” and the work of local organizations to preserve the province’s rich history were recognized October 16 with the announcement of the 2014 Alberta Historical Resources Foundation Heritage Awards.

Story of the Week

Canadian Library Month 

In October, the inspiration created in and by libraries is celebrated during Canadian Library Month with the theme “Libraries Inspire!”.

Did you know that “over 21-million Canadians hold a public library card, making public libraries the most popular cultural institution in the country? Over 97 percent of Canadians live in communities served by a public library, and the library adds to the vitality of every one of these communities.”

And don’t forget genealogical libraries!

In Ottawa, we are fortunate to have many genealogical libraries in the city, and we should take advantage of them.

They hold maps, directories, books, and those ever so important family files that may hold clues to our ancestors, census, and cemetery records.

For more information Library Month, go to http://librarymonth.ca/

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 03 November 2014.

Canada's First History Youth Forum in Ottawa

Twenty-two students from communities all across Canada have earned themselves a trip to Ottawa later this month during the first Canada's History Youth Forum.

The students were selected following their regional heritage fairs, and tasked with making a short video that demonstrated the historical significance of their topic. 

The videos were all posted online and a public vote encouraged Canadians to watch and support their favourite student flicks. After a combined total of over 34,000 votes, a panel of judges selected twenty-two winners for this year's program. 

The recipients of the 2014 Young Citizens program are: 

Abby Peterson, Rocky Mountain House, AB — Canada & Titanic
Dominic Shoop, Okotoks, AB —The Flintlock Pistol
Dylan Lee, Vancouver, BC — The Chinese Head Tax
Alexandra Mines, Vancouver, BC — Les Réfugiés Indésirables du Canada
Jenna Allison, Winnipeg, MB — Nellie McClung
Rachel Teller, Winnipeg, MB — Sir Frederick Banting
Maude Couturier, Fredericton, NB — Les infirmières militaires canadiennes
Emma Morehouse, Lincoln, NB — Patrick Owens Covered Bridge
Jasmine Rahman, St. John's, NL—The Newfoundland Conscience: A History of Giving
Jack Goldsworthy, Torbay, NL —Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: The Original Way of Life
Ben Strickland, Bridgewater, NS —The Mosquito
Sam Rogers, Lower Onslow, NS — The Black Devil's Brigade
Eastyn Klages, Chatsworth, ON — A Little Taste of Home
Paris Snake, Rama, ON — Residential Schools: The Intergenerational Impacts
Karla McCallum, Charlottetown, PEI —The Journey of the Potato
Harrison Duffy, Kinkora, PEI — History Of the PEI Railway
Élodie Chamberland, Sainte-Hélène-de-Kamouraska, QC — La Seconde Guerre mondiale
Andréanne Girard-Lemieux, Saint-Gédéon-de-Beauce, QC — Reproduction de mocassins amérindiens
Dylan Donald, Regina, SK — Chuckwagon Racing
Ella Forrest, Regina, SK — My Oma's Story
Duncan Snooks, Whitehorse, YT— Jacques Cartier
Maximilian Wanner, Whitehorse, YT — North West Mounted Police 

Honourable mentions include: 

Cauren Bale. De Winton, AB — The Evolution Of Canadian Figure Skating

Amina Guo. Vancouver, BC — Japanese Canadian internment
Olivia Richards. Vancouver, BC — 1961 train smoke eaters
Siya Johal. Delta, BC — My Sikh Family History
Luke Harris. North Vancouver, BC — Vimy Ridge
Jacob Grant, Winnipeg, MB — Andrew Charles Mynarski
Luke Battcock, Paradise. NL — Gros Morne
Griffin Fancy, Bridgewater. NS — Prestigious Provo
Julia McNeaney. ON — Ridley College
Turner Clarke, Port Colborne. ON — The Wainfleet Bog
Clara Sismondo. Kingston, ON — KCVI : a history
Lise Charles, Charlottetown. PEI — Un pėcheur madelinot
Karine Champagne, Saint-Honoré-de-Shenley. QC — Le patrimoine des Jésuites en Nouvelle-France
Makayla Kaye. Whitehorse, YT — Yukon First nation 

To see more about the Young Citizens Program, visit their website at www.YoungCitizens.ca