Monday, November 21, 2016

Canadian Week in Review 21 November 2016


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 

Canadian in Hong Kong Battle in 1941

In 1941, the Royal Rifles of Canada and the Winnipeg Grenadiers arrive in Hong Kong to back up the British garrison. The 1,975 Canadian troops were sent even though they were not considered fit for action. Of the Canadians units sent to Hong Kong, 557 were killed in action or died in prison camps. 

In 2009, the Hong Kong Veterans Memorial Wall was unveiled in Ottawa. It lists the names of the 1,975 men and women that helped defend Hong Kong. The 17-day battle was Canada’s first military engagement of the Second World War.

To read more, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C_Force 

Social History 

(Vidoe) UP NORTH ; The untold history of Northern Ontario's soldiers  


Despite northerners contributions — and sacrifices — during both World Wars, two Laurentian University professors have found that very little has been recorded about the men and women from Northern Ontario who served.  

(Photos) On the waterfront -- Toronto's “landmark” 

Trying to preserve at large piece of a Toronto “landmark” 


Over the past few months whenever my wife and I have had an occasion to drive along the busy Queen’s Quay, I take a moment to pull over to the curb at the foot of Yonge St.

Summary of Newspaper Articles 

Prince Edward Island 

Trail at Green Gables closed for upgrade next week

The Haunted Wood Trail at Green Gables in Cavendish, P.E.I., will be temporarily closed as the bridge on the trail is replaced starting Monday.  

New Brunswick  

Historic Saint John church building up for sale again 


The oldest church building in Saint John is back on the market, 18 months after it was last sold. 

St. George's Anglican Church on the west side was first put up for sale in 2014 after the parish cited financial problems and a decline in its congregation. 

Ontario 

REMEMBERING OUR YESTERDAYS: Canadian Naturalization Index one of greatest tools for those looking for ancestors from outside British Commonwealth  


Were your immigrant ancestors citizens of the British Commonwealth before coming to Canada between roughly 1915 and 1951?  

Lest we forget: Why Remembrance Day must become a legal statutory holiday 


On November 11, Canadians collectively paused to pay tribute to citizens who have defended this country. However, Remembrance Day is a statutory holiday for only some parts of Canada, as not all provinces recognize the day as a ‘day off.’ Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia all have policies surrounding the observance of Remembrance Day, but they have not recognized it as a full statutory holiday. 

Oh Canada? Gallery 6500 exhibit marks country's 150th birthday 


From Nov. 20 to Jan. 6, Gallery 6500 presents its second juried exhibit, “Oh Canada?”, at the Steelworkers Hall.  

Almonte lecture to probe history close to home — Nov. 25 


History is what happens day to day, the little facts, people and places that make up the fabric of our lives. On Friday, November 25, Randy Boswell, former journalist at the Ottawa Citizen and professor of Journalism & Communication at Carleton University, will delve into the fascinating stories found in newspapers, the old Almonte Gazette in particular. 

Historic quilt stitches together Confederation story 


Dressmaker Fannie Parlee couldn't have known, as she stitched a richly-textured quilt, that she was piecing together fragments of Canada's history. 

Historical drama Frontier tells story of 'invasion' of Northern Ontario 


The James Bay Lowlands are the setting for a new TV drama that aims to tell Canada's history from a First Nations perspective. 

Manitoba

Lights, sounds, action: Upper Fort Garry interactive display ready 


The birthplace of Manitoba is coming alive Wednesday night with a unique, high-tech and totally immersive sensory experience. 

Brandon University to save MPE archives  


A huge collection documenting the entire history of Manitoba Pool Elevators is being put in order through a project at Brandon University’s (BU) S.J. McKee Archives. 

Alberta  

A Danish delight: Central Alberta museum highlights Danes’ arrival in Alberta 


A venue that features a Viking ship, a children’s “Garden of Imagination” based on the beloved stories of Hans Christian Andersen, and artifacts marking the arrival of the Danes to central Alberta over a century ago is a “treasure in the middle of nowhere”. 

Saskatchewan 

Métis history in Saskatchewan recognized in naming of new Stonebridge public library branch

http://thestarphoenix.com/news/local-news/metis-history-in-saskatchewan-recognized-in-naming-of-new-stonebridge-public-library-branch 

The Saskatoon Public Library drew inspiration from the Métis people of Saskatchewan when naming its newest branch. 

Saskatoon's old parking meters get vibrant new lives 


A few of Saskatoon’s old parking meters have had colourful lives after their decommissioning and sale last year. 

Canada’s grand western loop around British Columbia is prime for a road trip  

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/canadas-grand-western-loop-around-british-columbia-is-prime-for-a-road-trip/2016/11/17/3f661668-9ba8-11e6-9980-50913d68eacb_story.html

Everyone loves a grand circle, and this was mine: A 2,200-mile loop through British Columbia that showcased water, mountains, remnants of volcanoes and the storied sites of Canada’s gold-rush and fur-trade eras. 

Canadian Stories this Week 

North Cumberland Historical Society

Although these was difficulty in accessing their new website last week, I was successful in contacting it this weekend, and it's the new website of the North Cumberland Historical Society in Pugwash, Nova Scotia.

This is a very good website which echoes the town of Pugwash's interest in genealogy and history. They have collections of extensive Family Files, cemeteries, original grantees of North Cumberland County, and obituaries.

Plus, the site gives the history of Alleton, Middleton, Conn's Mills, Victoria, Gulf Shore, and Wentworth.

The new website is at http://ncumbhistorical.wixsite.com/genealogyhistory and their

Facebook page is at is on https://www.facebook.com/ncumbhistorical/  

Soldiers of the First World War 

As of last week, 361,236 of 640,000 files are now available online at the Library and Archives Canada. 

Library and Archives Canada is digitizing the service files systematically, from box 1 to box 10,686, which roughly corresponds to alphabetical order. So far, we have digitized the following files: Latest box digitized: Box 6052 and the surname of Mattineau.  

Please check the database regularly for new additions and if you still have questions after checking the database, you may contact the LAC directly at 1-866-578-7777 for more assistance, or you may contact myself at genealogyresearch@aol.com to photocopy the complete service record, or explain certain records for you.


Sir Wilfrid Laurier

Do you know that Sir Wilfrid Laurier had the largest unbroken term of office as Canada’s seventh prime minister? He was one of the most colourful prime ministers of his time, and his passion for the office and for Canada can be seen in the numerous letters that he wrote to his wife, Zoe. 

This year is the 175th anniversary of his birth and as such, the Library and Archives Canada, which houses his papers and memorabilia, now has over 60,870 records and more are continually being added. They can be accessed in person at the Library and Archives Canada. 


And that was the week in Canadian news! 

This e-newspaper has been published since April 2012! 

Be sure to tell your friends about us. 

If you would like to subscribe, please send your email to genealogycanada@aol.com 

Publishers Elizabeth and Mario Lapointe 

Sponsored by Elizabeth Lapointe Research Services. To learn more about the research services offered by ELRS, go to www.elrs.biz 

(c)2016 All rights reserved.
Posted by at 29 comments:
Labels:

Monday, November 14, 2016

Canadian Week in Review 14 November 2016



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 

John McKenzie became the second Prime Minister of Canada

In 1873, John McKenzie became the second Prime Minister of Canada. He introduced the secret ballot, established the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston in 1874, created the Office of the Auditor General in 1878, and struggled to continue progress on the national railway. 


He was also in power during the economic depression that had grown out of the Panic of 1873 - The depression took place from 1873 until 1879, and even longer in some countries. The Panic was also known as the "Great Depression" until the depression in the late 1930s. 

For more information, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panic_of_1873 

Social Media 

(Video) An oral history of Sobeys' 'Star of Christmas' holiday commercial  


In the late 1980s and early 1990s, it was the Christmas TV jingle that was instantly recognizable to people across the Maritimes: 

Days of Christmas now are here
Everyone is full of cheer
It's the very best time of the year... 

Canadian Letters and Images Project captures first-person history of veterans 


The Canadian Letters and Images Project—an initiative begun by the Nanaimo University’s department of history—started in 2000 with the mission to create an online archive of soldiers’ letters and photographs, from any war, in order to give those brave souls a dimension often lost to the passages of time. 

Newspaper Articles 

Newfoundland 

Why Newfoundland and Labrador always remembers 


The First World War was deserving of its title as “The Great War.” This was the first time industrial warfare swept across a global scale. 

Prince Edward Island 

Green Gables Heritage Place redevelopment underway, says Parks Canada 


Phase one of a major redevelopment of Green Gables Heritage Place in Cavendish, P.E.I., has begun, with work taking place this fall and over the winter to support construction and on-site operations during the 2017 tourism season. 

Anglican church congregation takes down church upon closure 


After closing down its 175 year-old church, the congregation of 12 people at St. Mark's Anglican Church in South Rustico, P.E.I., made the decision to take down the building.  

Nova Scotia 

From whence we came: Learning from our history 

Any conversation with a Nova Scotian will eventually arrive at the ocean. We all carry beliefs and memories about our province’s oceanic nature, most of which are rooted in stories about stormy tragedies, majestic tall ships, or the exploitation of what seemed like an endless, bottomless resource. 

Quebec 

From the ashes of the Quebec City armoury fire to coin of honour 


Lt.-Col. Jonathan Chouinard was there the night the of the armoury fire on April 4, 2008, like so many other members of the Voltigeurs who heard the news and came to see it for themselves. 

Ontario 

Newmarket ready to designate three properties under Ontario Heritage Act 


Three more Newmarket properties may be given historical designation. 

On Monday, council is expected to designate three sites under the Ontario Heritage Act. The properties are 379 Botsford Drive, 411 Millard Avenue, and 17030 Yonge Street. 

Regional contribution to war 'way high' 


Historian Phil Miller, one of three padres at Branch 25, Royal Canadian Legion, said given the 4,000 in the First World War and 3,000 in the Second World War, “We’re way high”.  

Remember This? 'Bill' Merrifield, Northern Ontario's only Victoria Cross recipient  
https://www.sootoday.com/columns/remember-this/remember-this-bill-merrifield-northern-ontarios-only-victoria-cross-recipient-457271  

One of Sault Ste. Marie’s greatest war heroes, William Merrifield, or “Bill” as he preferred to be called, was the recipient of six medals during the First World War, including the British Victoria Cross.  

Remembering a black soldier in a 'white man's war'  


Kathy Brooks doesn't have too many memories of her grandfather, but the ones she does have stand out. 

Henry Thomas Shepherd was a big, strong military man who took pride in his posture. "No slouching!", Brooks remembers him saying.

Nipissing creates museum exhibit using GIS mapping, 3D modelling 

A virtual exhibit developed in North Bay will be used to transport users back in time to the Battle of Vimy Ridge. 

History: Nov.7, 1900 – 3 Victoria Crosses for Canada 


One of Canada’s oldest regiments, the Royal Canadian Dragoons, has for it’s regimental badge, a South African springbok. 

It might seem strange for a Canadian military unit to have an African animal as its symbol, but it goes back to 1900 and an action that saw three Canadians awarded the Empire’s highest honour for valour, the Victoria Cross. 

A service of remembrance – a Canadian first at Ontario’s Gursikh Sabha Canada 


For the first time in Canadian history, a Canadian Armed Forces unit held their annual Remembrance Day exhibit at a Sikh place of worship – the Gurdwara. 

Air Canada swiftly reverses poppy stand after outcry from staff, union

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/air-canada-poppy-ban-reverse-remembrance-day-1.3839879 

Air Canada has reversed an edict advising flight attendants against wearing poppies on their uniforms, hours after a company vice-president issued it. 

How Ontario’s Mennonite pacifists remember 


Most Mennonites in Ontario didn’t fight in the Second World War, but they helped build Canada in other ways. Here are the stories of one group of conscientious objectors 

Manitoba 

Agriculture project receives heritage grant  


An essential record of Manitoba’s agricultural history is being organized through a project at Brandon University’s S.J. McKee Archives.

10 children to war: McCreary, Man., family believed to have sent more kids to war than any other

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/cantin-family-mccreary-1.3841995  

The walls of the legion in McCreary, Man., like others across Canada, bear photos of the men and women who served our country and secured our freedom. 



But take a closer look and you'll find one wood-framed Second World War memorial with 10 photos that isn't like the rest. 

Alberta 

Alberta Main Street Seeks Stories on African American History  


The public is invited to an informational community meeting from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Cerimon House, 5131 NE 23rd Ave., to talk about the Alberta Main Street’s storytelling project.  

Film examines wartime sacrifice  


The docu-drama is inspired by the true events of Lt. George T. Davidson, a privileged and wealthy Medicine Hat lawyer who gave it all up to serve in the trenches during the First World War. 

British Columbia 

SOOKE HISTORY: Sooke Royal Canadian Legion, 1927 


The Remembrance Day parade always brings our servicemen and servicewomen and the Sooke Royal Canadian Legion to the forefront of our minds. 

New Westminster heritage homes stir up debate at council 


Two heritage homes, two different results. On Monday, city council considered heritage alteration permits for 215 Manitoba St. and 105 College Crt., ultimately voting four to two in favour of allowing the Manitoba Street home to be demolished and unanimously opposing demolition of the home on College Court.

Sikh Pioneers in BC Recognized In New Stop of Interest Sign 


Early Sikh pioneers in Golden were recognized today with a new Stop of Interest sign next to the viewpoint off Golden View Road in British Columbia. 

The sign recognizes the contributing role Sikhs have played in Golden’s History. 

Amateur WWI history database getting overhaul from UVic 


A massive amateur history project about the thousands of Canadians who took part in World War I is getting assistance from the University of Victoria this Remembrance Day. 

Canadian Stories this Week 

Hamilton Branch Loyalist Cemetery Plaquing Project 

Kudos to the people who have been placed a Loyalist plague at their ancestors grave sites in Ontario since 2009. 

The article entitled Hamilton Branch Loyalist Cemetery Plaquing Project on the United Empire Loyalists page at http://www.uelac.org/Loyalist-Projects/Hamilton-Loyalist-Burial-Plaquing-Project.php says that they “chose a plaque with two layers of polymer resin with white background and blue lettering. The armourial bearings are on the plaque painted with acrylic paint. We have a nice royal blue 2 inch metal post, 8 feet high with a cap on it, to which the plaque is attached”. 

So check the page to see if any people are your ancestor. And while you are there, go to the Loyalists Directory to see if your ancestor is there at http://www.uelac.org/Loyalist-Info/Loyalist-Info.php 

Brock University Digitization Collection 

Have you ever visited Brock University Digitization Collection at the James A. Gibson Library? 

They have The Special Collections and Archives houses some of the more unique, rare and valuable collections in the Brock University Library. Primary collecting interests include The Niagara Collection, The Loyalists Collection, The Masonic Book Collection, and the War of 1812 Materials. 

This is a great resource, growing everyday, it seems. 

I needed to see the maps of the Welland Canal the other day, and I fell upon the site, and was impressed! 

They are very user-friendly, and there is a free tutorial to show how you should view the maps at https://brocku.ca/maplibrary/WellandCow 

Take a look at what's available, it may surprise you. 


And that was the week in Canadian news! 

This e-newspaper has been published since April 2012! 

Be sure to tell your friends about us. 

If you would like to subscribe, please send your email to genealogycanada@aol.com 

Publishers Elizabeth and Mario Lapointe 

Sponsored by Elizabeth Lapointe Research Services. To learn more about the research services offered by ELRS, go to www.elrs.biz 

(c)2016 All rights reserved.
Posted by at No comments:

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Remembrance Day Webcast Ceremony

The Canadian War Museum invites all Canadians from across the country and around the world to view one of the most moving Remembrance Day ceremonies in Canada.

On November 11 at exactly 11 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, sunlight shines through a single window in the War Museum’s Memorial Hall to illuminate the headstone of Canada’s Unknown Soldier through the webcast. This is the first year that a webcast has been offered.

The webcast will remain available online until noon on November 12

Anyone wishing to watch the webcast can visit one of the links as of 10:45 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. Go to the http://www.warmuseum.ca/remember/ or the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/warmuseum

For those who can go to the museum in person, a limited number of free tickets will be available as of 9:30 a.m. at the Information Desk. No reservations are permitted.
Posted by at 1 comment:

Monday, November 7, 2016

Canadian Week in Review 07 November 2016



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 

 James Naismith, the inventor of basketball

06 November 1961, the US Post Office issued a stamp honoring the 100th birthday of Canadian James Naismith, the inventor of basketball. 

He was born at Almonte, Ontario, the son of John Naismith and Margaret Young. In 1883, he entered McGill University in Montreal where he earned a BA in Physical Education, and in 1890, he left for Springfield College in Massachusetts, where he invented basketball. The first game was played in 1891 at the school. 

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

Social Media 

(Photo) Royal Canadian Mint unveils its 2017 Canada 150 circulation coin series 


The Royal Canadian Mint has unveiled its 2017 Canada 150 circulation coin series featuring the work of five Canadians selected by popular vote to design the tails side of the new coins. 

(Photos) A sneak peek at the Canada Science and Technology Museum's $80 M rebuild 


The Crazy Kitchen site is still less-than-looney, and the giant locomotives are still under wraps (literally), but the rebuilt Canada Science and Technology Museum is starting to take shape off St. Laurent Boulevard. 

Newspaper Articles 

Ontario 

Restoration work finished, Ottawa's National War Memorial is open to the public again 


After being closed for repairs and restoration since early April, the National War Memorial on Elgin Street was reopened to the public Friday. 

When Bathurst was Blackhurst: the Black history of Mirvish Village 


Three years ago, when the news broke that Honest Ed's department store would be torn down and turned into residential buildings, most of the stories focused on that store and its history. Honest Ed's is an icon, to be sure, but in the process another part of Toronto's history was glossed over. 

Kingston releases proposed plans for redesign of penitentiary and harbour 


The city of Kingston released four different plans for the redesign of the Kingston Penitentiary and Portsmouth Olympic Harbour on Thursday, based on input gathered from the community in October
Poll: Most Canadians agree fallen soldiers should be honoured beyond Nov. 11 


The study commissioned by Historica Canada found a vast majority of respondents would like to see a national monument to soldiers who died in combat in modern times. 

About 76 per cent of them said they'd like to see a memorial similar to the United States' Vietnam Wall, which lists the names of those who have died while serving in their country's military. 

Guitar crafted from Canadian history 


With every chord, countless stories of Canadian history echoed through the auditorium.  

Each strum of the Six String Nation guitar is made possible by 64 unique pieces of wood, bone, metal, stone and fabric that make up the instrument and embody the country’s culture, heritage and traditions. 

War Museum acquires artifacts related to last Canadian soldier killed during First World War 


The medal set and the memorial plaque in honour of Private George Lawrence Price, the last Canadian soldier killed during the First World War, have been donated to the Canadian War Museum. Private Price died at 10:58 a.m. on November 11, 1918 — two minutes before the armistice went into effect. 

Explore history with new lecture series at LMC 


Dr. Howard Fredeen, recently awarded the 2016 Outstanding Achievement Award at the annual Alberta Historical Resources Foundation Heritage Awards for his dedication to preserving Lacombe’s rich history, spoke to a crowd at the Lacombe Memorial Centre about pioneering in the area. 

Saskatchewan 

Sept. 7 will now be Ukrainian-Canadian Heritage Day in Alberta 


Alberta will now designate Sept. 7 as Ukrainian-Canadian Heritage Day, starting in 2017. 

On Tuesday afternoon, MLAs from all parties at the Alberta legislature unanimously passed Bill 26, the Ukrainian-Canadian Heritage Act, through first, second and third readings.  

The North 

HISTORY: Yellowknife’s Robertson Headframe comes down 


A landmark of Yellowknife’s 70 years of gold mining heritage disappeared at 5 PM Saturday afternoon, when the 25-storey high (76 meter) Robertson Headframe shuddered and toppled in a controlled explosive demolition. 

Canadian Stories this Week  

Veteran's Week 

It is Veteran's Week, a week in which we honour our veterans from November 5 to 11. The Government of Canada, as well as Veterans’ organizations, youth groups, and individuals throughout the country hold hundreds of commemorative ceremonies and events to honour Canada’s Veterans, those still-serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, the RCMP, as well as those who have fallen in the line of duty. 

Since Confederation (the founding of Canada in 1867), more than 2.3 million Canadians have served in Canada’s armed forces to defend freedom and democracy—with more than 118,000 having given their lives.

Remembrance Day will be November 11th. 


Ancestry.ca is now on Twitter

 Lesley Anderson sent us a note last week to let us know that Ancestry.ca has now a Twitter handle - @AncestryCA. She says that they hope this “ will become your trusted source for curated genealogy, Canadian history and DNA-related news shared through a uniquely Canadian lens, sprinkled in with some fun facts, good humour, and captivating images. We’ll also be sure to keep our followers updated on the latest Ancestry news”. 

So give it a try! 


New Books 

There are several new books in the Genealogy and Family History Room located on the 3rd floor of the Library and Archives Canada building at 395 Wellington Street, and they are - 

Church, Cemetery and Newspaper Indexes - there are 11 new books 

Military – there are 2 books 

Family Histories – there are 3 books 


And that was the week in Canadian news!

This e-newspaper has been published since April 2012!

Be sure to tell your friends about us. 

If you would like to subscribe, please send your email to genealogycanada@aol.com 

Publishers Elizabeth and Mario Lapointe 

Sponsored by Elizabeth Lapointe Research Services. To learn more about the research services offered by ELRS, go to www.elrs.biz 

(c)2016 All rights reserved.
Posted by at No comments:
Labels:

Monday, October 31, 2016

Canadian Week in Review 31 October 2016



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 railroad spans the country 

07 November 1885 – The government passed the National Transcontinental Railway Act, to giving the Grand Trunk Railway the right to expand into Western Canada, building a line from Moncton, New Brunswick to Quebec, and then to a point on the British Columbia Coast, which will be named Prince Rupert. 

The section between Moncton and Winnipeg to be known as the National Transcontinental Railway and built by the government; the line west of Winnipeg, to be known as the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, to be built by the Grand Trunk itself by 01 December 1911. 

To read more about the railway, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Trunk_Railway  

Charlottetown, PEI

25 October 1768 - Port La Joie, the major town in Prince Edward Island, founded by the French, is renamed Charlottetown in honour of Queen Charlotte, wife of George III. 

On 17 April 1855, Charlottetown was incorporated as a city, and on 01 July 1873, the island became a province in the country of Canada. 

To read more about Charlottetown, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlottetown  


The Red River Rebellion

31 October 1869 – The Red River Rebellion occurred when Canada's Governor designate William McDougall receives a letter signed by the members of the National Committee of the Métis of Red River, ordering him not to enter the territory without the permission of the Committee. 

This was done by the Métis in an attempting to force Canada to negotiate the entry of their territory into Confederation. 

The headquarters of the National Committee of the Métis of Red River was in Pembina, Manitoba. 

To read more about the Red River Rebellion, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_River_Rebellion  

Social Media  

(Audio) St. Stephen council approves repurposing of old town hall 


The old town hall in St. Stephen could be getting a new purpose, after previously being considered for demolition. 

Town council voted this week to move ahead with an agreement with the Moncton firm, Heritage Developments, to restore the national historic building. 

Newspaper Articles  

Newfoundland 

Lower Churchill's cultural history should be protected, says archaeology professor 


A Memorial University archaeologist says the province should do more to protect the intangible cultural history of the area being flooded to create the Muskrat Falls reservoir in central Labrador.
Mapping out Gander's WW II history 


As an aviation and military town, Gander is surrounded by airplane crash locations and other historical sites.  

Some are easy to reach, such as the Second World War American Boeing B-17G crash site in the Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest. But unless you have some local knowledge, other spots are harder to find.  

Nova Scotia 

Kentville’s Gladys Porter a political pioneer 


She was the first woman in Nova Scotia history to offer for the mayoralty of any town. Porter beat her male opponent by a two-to-one margin to become mayor of Kentville in 1946 and Eastern Canada's first female mayor. She was re-elected mayor, serving for 11 years, until 1960, when she became the first female MLA in the Maritimes, representing the constituents of Kings North. 

History of the half hull 


When is half of something worth more than the whole thing? It’s when that half is the model of a ship, mounted on a backboard, where the history of the ship is recorded. 

Shipbuilding is one of the core historical elements here in Atlantic Canada. Wooden ships sailed to exotic ports of the world, with famous Nova Scotia sea captains at the helm. 

Hants History: Oct. 24, 2016 edition 


HANTS COUNTY - Here's a look at what was making the news 35 and 50 years ago in the Hants Journal. 

Acadia pop-up museum provides new view of WWI 


A pop-up museum at Acadia University in Wolfville brought together African Nova Scotians whose relatives went to the First World War. 

New Brunswick 

In Saint John in Canada, Exploring the Legacy of the Loyalists 


If you wanted to describe Saint John in just one word, I would suggest: pleasant. The city starts at Market Square, down by the harbo(u)r, which has been restored and repurposed à la South Street Seaport in New York or Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, and extends up a hill, the spine of which is King Street. 

Prince Edward Island 

Founders Hall should be provincial museum: Bevan-Baker 


The Green Party leader is urging the provincial government to turn Founders Hall into a provincial museum. 


With some legions across Canada making the switch to collection boxes that are harder to steal, those on P.E.I. are sticking to the old ones, and hoping for a profitable poppy campaign. 

Ontario 

October To Be Declared Hindu Heritage Month in Ontario, Canada 


A bill to proclaim October as Hindu Heritage Month annually in Canada's Ontario province has been introduced in the provincial assembly. 

Ontario is home to more than 700,000 Indo-Canadians 

Legion hopes to revive history of First World War with launch of poppy campaign 

http://globalnews.ca/news/3031425/legion-hopes-to-revive-history-of-first-world-war-with-launch-of-poppy-campaign/

The ceremonial poppy pinning is an annual traditional for Branch 14 of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Veterans, both old and young, as well as dignitaries, kicked off the drive to officially launch the poppy campaign. 

Manitoba 

New book uncovers places left behind in Manitoba's past 


A new book by Winnipeg historian Gordon Goldsborough takes the reader to places that few Manitobans have ever been — at least not anytime recently. 

St. Boniface residents rally to preserve one of its oldest trees 


The Brigade de la Rivière Rouge, a non-profit organization that commemorates the history and lifestyle of the Voyageurs, wants to see the tree saved or, failing that, turned into a commemorative tree sculpture. 

Alberta 

Open house at Royal Alberta Museum; heritage group hopes to save old site 


Advocates are encouraging the public to come out for an open house in Glenora to urge government to save the old Royal Alberta Museum site. 

Heritage Forward is a community-driven advocacy group that focuses on preserving heritage buildings in Edmonton. 

Witch history takes flight in rare manuscript 


U of A finds lost treasure in its vaults 

It is a book of remarkable beauty — and unspeakable evil. 

It’s testament to timely artistry, and to the eternal dangers of hate and fear. 

British Columbia 

Friends of the Archives let history be their guide 


I (Patrick A. Dunae) recently became president of the Friends of the British Columbia Archives. It’s a non-profit society that aims to foster awareness and appreciation of the B.C. Archives and the documentary heritage of our province. 

B.C. Archives the place to go in search for family history 


After his marriage failed, my great-great-grandfather, John Montgomery, headed west from Manitoba, and picked up a large farm about five kilometres straight south of Fort Langley. He farmed there for a decade, until his death in 1900. 

Art theft from Vancouver church shocks local fabric artists 


Two Vancouver-area fabric artists are reeling after a number of their expensive works were stolen from a Vancouver church. 

Exhibition will highlight B.C.’s native languages 


In 2012, the First Peoples’ Cultural Council reached out to Jack Lohman at the Royal B.C. Museum after reading an article in this newspaper in which he talked about how he had been drawn to B.C. and the role of CEO at the museum as a result of his interest in First Nations culture and heritage. 

Creating a Punjabi Canadian Legacy Project in B.C.: Please work with us 


THE Royal BC Museum (RBCM), as the provincial museum and archives, is committed to preserving, exploring and sharing the history of all British Columbians. 

'Reconciliation tour' reveals dark history of Mission, B.C. school 


Cyril Pierre, 68, whacks a picnic table with a heavy leather strap. The sharp noise startles the dozens of teachers, youth workers and local politicians gathered before him. 

The group is taking part in a tour of St. Mary's Indian Residential School in Mission, B.C., built in 1863. 

History: Oct 24, 1918 – The SS Princess Sophia disaster 


It’s not the worst maritime disaster in world, or even Canadian history, but it certainly is among the most tragic. 

Over 344 people lost their lives, and knew for a day and half, waited for help that they could see, but that could not help rescue them from the icy Pacific water. 

Canadian Stories this Week  

LegacyTree answers question 


About two weeks ago, Legacy Tree asked their Facebook friends to send in a question to their first ever DNA Q & A which was to premiere on Saturday, 29 October 2016. 

I entered my question on behalf of my readers 'What would you suggest as the first DNA test to take' and it was answered by DNA expert Paul Woodbury very nicely. Mine is the last question asked, under my first name, Elizabeth. 

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


OGS membership is open 01 November

2017 will be a great year to belong to the Ontario Genealogy Society (OGS), because there is going yo be lots of exciting events that we can take part in during Canada's 150 birthday. The conference will be held in Ottawa next year, and it sounds exciting. 

And they have something new this year called Help us Grow our Family!

They are asking you to think about a friend, colleague, neighbour, or cousin who isn’t currently a member of The Society, and ask them if they wish to join at a reduced fee.When they agree, you can go to the Membership Renewal page, push the button that says Click here for “Grow our Family” discount, and enter the name of your recruit into the box which says “I encouraged someone to become a new OGS member”. 

That’s all you need to do. The fee box will automatically calculate the discount when it processes the payment. The discount has a value of $31.50 – 50% of the OGS Individual Membership fee. So you can go to https://www.ogs.on.ca/ to join or renew. 




And have a wonderful Halloween!








And that was the week in Canadian news!

This e-newspaper has been published since April 2012!

Be sure to tell your friends about us.

If you would like to subscribe, please send your email to genealogycanada@aol.com 

Publishers Elizabeth and Mario Lapointe


Sponsored by Elizabeth Lapointe Research Services. To learn more about the research services offered by ELRS, go to www.elrs.biz

(c)2016 All rights reserved.
Posted by at No comments:

Monday, October 24, 2016

Canadian Week in Review 24 October 2016



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 

22 October 1844


Louis Riel, Manotiba politician and Métis leader, was born. He led two popular Métis governments in the West, and was executed for high treason for his role in the 1885 resistance to Canadian encroachment on Métis lands. 

He was hung in 1885. 

If you want to read more, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Riel

Social Media 

(Photo) Colours of Nova Scotia's First World War fighting units repatriated 


A wish of veterans of the 25th and 85th battalions that the colours be prominently displayed has been fulfilled, said Lt.-Gov. J.J. Grant, at a ceremony on Oct. 15 in Halifax. 

Newspaper Articles 

Newfoundland 

A Haunted Hike in St. John’s Newfoundland, Canada 


Newfoundland has a long and rich supernatural history. This island, suspended in the North Atlantic, is said to be home to ghosts, fairies, and the occasional witch. 

Road Trip: One Week in Newfoundland  


Day 1: St. John’s
Start the morning by exploring Cape Spear, the place where North America receives its first ray of sunlight, and feel the unforgiving weather coming off the Atlantic.  

Nova Scotia 

Philip Pacey, Halifax heritage advocate, dies at 75 


A well-known advocate who campaigned for the preservation of many heritage buildings in Halifax has died. 

Philip Pacey, the former president of the Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia, died Thursday in hospital.  

Saint Mary's University home to 50 years of newspaper clippings 


Nova Scotia activist Lynn Jones has collected newspaper clippings for 50 years. 

Those now have a home at Saint Mary's University's archive library, as the Lynn Jones African-Canadian and Diaspora Heritage Collection 

Prince Edward Island 

Summerside Ghost Walk reveals darker aspects of city history 


Culture Summerside is lifting the veil between the living and the dead this Thursday for its 16th annual Ghost Walk.  

The Ghost Walk will guide people to places of historic murders and tragedies in the P.E.I. city. 

Islanders invited to help shape future of national park 


Parks Canada is asking for public input on how to maintain and improve Prince Edward Island National Park — which it calls one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected natural and cultural heritage areas in the world.  

Ontario 

Canadian War Museum acquires ship’s wheel from HMCS Niobe 

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~canqbogs/index.htm  

The Canadian War Museum has acquired one of the few surviving artifacts from one of Canada’s first two warships, HMCS Niobe — the historic ship’s wheel. HMCS Niobe saw active service in the First World War, and its crew members played a significant role in responding to the 1917 Halifax Explosion. 

Chinese Canadian National Council sees road closure signs near Algonquin as 'thinly-veiled racism' 

http://www.muskokaregion.com/opinion-story/6924987-chinese-canadian-national-council-sees-road-closure-signs-near-algonquin-as-thinly-veiled-racism-/

The Chinese Canadian National Council - Toronto Chapter has been serving and supporting the Chinese-Canadian community for over 35 years promoting equity, social justice & diversity through community & civic engagement, and public education initiatives. 

View the homestead of former soldier and historian 


The community is invited to explore the childhood home of Brigadier-General Ernest Alexander Cruikshank, a First World War soldier who was born in Bertie Township and died in 1939. 

LIBRARY LINE: Tracing family history 


October is Family History Month, a month dedicated to genealogists and family historians around the globe. Genealogy is one of the fastest-growing hobbies in the world. Researching your family history and discovering where your ancestors came from can be fun and rewarding. 

After years of austerity, Library and Archives Canada is ready to (re)meet its public 


Now, following six years of austerity measures that saw massive budget cuts and a hold on new acquisitions, LAC is once again becoming an animated place and a force in the arts community. 

REMEMBERING OUR YESTERDAYS: Reclaim the Records victory helps genealogists preserve family history 


This fall, a U.S.-based grassroots organization called Reclaim the Records (RTR) celebrated its first major victory by opening a website (www.nycmarriageindex.com) to allow the public to search the indexes of New York City marriage records from 1950 to 1995 for free.

Famed Dionne quintuplets’ original home could be on the move

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2016/10/18/famed-dionne-quintuplets-original-home-could-be-on-the-move.html

More than 80 years after the Dionne quintuplets were whisked away from their family and transformed into human tourist attractions that drew millions, the home where they were born could be on the move. 

Saskatchewan 

Saskatoon seminar showcases forgotten steamboat history


In 1877, a steamboat cruised Saskatchewan waters for the first time. 

It was called the Lily — the namesake of today’s Prairie Lily that is a familiar sight on the river in Saskatoon 

Alberta 

The history of the smallpox cemetery 


Halloween is rapidly approaching. It is a time of year when attention turns to the supernatural as well as old tragedies and unsolved mysteries. There is also a lot of attention given to cemeteries, particularly ones that have been largely forgotten.  

British Columbia 

Pieces of naval history emerge during Esquimalt Harbour clean up 


The Royal Canadian Navy expected to find contamination at the bottom of Esquimalt Harbour after more than 150 years of shipbuilding and naval activity. 

Restoration work on Centennial pole eyed 


Coquitlam to consider the project for Canada's 150th, retired civil servant says First Nations people should be involved and pole possibly moved to a better location 

Canadian Stories this Week 

Do you use this database? 

As of today (14 October 2016), 347,005 of 640,000 files are available online in our Soldiers of the First World War: 1914-1919 database. 

To date, they have digitized the box 5848 and Mahony. 

Please check the database regularly for new additions and if you still have questions after checking the database, you may contact us directly at 1-866-578-7777 for more assistance. 


And that was the week in Canadian news! 

This e-newspaper has been published since April 2012! We have passed 1,000, 000 pageviews! Thanks to you, the readers, who have supported us on a weekly basis. 

Be sure to tell your friends about us. 

If you would like to subscribe, please send your email to genealogycanada@aol.com 

Publishers Elizabeth and Mario Lapointe

Sponsored by Elizabeth Lapointe Research Services. To learn more about the research services offered by ELRS, go to www.elrs.biz 

(c)2016 All rights reserved.
Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)