Lesley Anderson from Ancestry.ca and Brian Glenn from BIFHSGO rounded out this special evening with a very informative talk on where to search for an immigrant ancestor.
Lesley stressed that you should start your search in the land that they migrated to - in this case, Canada.
She had listed 19 records she would check, but the two most important are BMDs (birth, marriage & death certificates) and census. One can use both of these records to cross-check against each other to verify birthdays, where the person was living, whether the person was married or not, his occupation, etc.
She explained that Ancestry.ca was launched in January 2006, and to date, close to 410-million records have been put on the site.
The Vital Statistics of Ontario can be checked on Ancestry.ca. This summer, two more years will be added to the end date of each one - births will go from 1909 to 1911, marriages will go from 1924 to 1926, and deaths will go from 1934 to 1936.
The most impressive non-pay site that she has encountered is the one by the Library and Archives Canada, which has very good Irish-Canadian databases and information.
Brain Glenn told us that the LAC and the National Archives of Ireland is in the process of digitizing the census of 1901 and 1911, and they will be made free on the National Archives of Ireland website.
Lesley ended the session by talking about the Boston Pilot, a newspaper which had a section on looking for missing Irish people in the U.S. and Canada (from 1831-1921).
Ruby Cusack has mentioned her experience with this database on her website.
A daily blog about Canadian genealogy, heritage, and history
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Irish Genealogy Night - Part II
Mike More, Chairman of the Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogy Society, told us about the society, the area it covers, and its projects. He then gave a talk on what he perceives are the Eight Golden Rules of Genealogy.
1. Work Backwards
I think we all know this by now, but there are still some who try to circumvent the process and try to work from the past to the present.
People have been researching genealogy since the 1800s, and over 200 years of research has told us something - that if we want success - we have to start with ourselves.
2. Never Assume
Always check for facts. If it is down on a piece of paper that your great-grandmother was born on a certain date, you can never assume it is the right date - you must check the birth or baptismal certificates to see if it is correct.
3. Spelling of Names
Never completely trust the spelling of first and last names.
There have all been variants in the spelling, and if your ancestor spelled the surname SMITH one way and the Canadian census taker spelling it SMYTH - then you have a problem, unless you know that the names can be spelled differently.
Fortunately these days, there are programs with SOUNDEX capabilities to help you with surnames.
4. Search for Information to Confirm a Fact
Always try to find three pieces of information that confirm the fact that you have in front of you.
Everything is only speculation until it is confirmed.
5. Write Everything Down
Cite your sources!
Information closer to the date the event happened is usually more correct than information that is later recorded.
For example, birth information would be more correct close to the birth than information recorded 20 years after the birth.
6. Join a Genealogical Organization
When you join a group, it gives you a sense of belonging. You will be with people who have the same interest as yourself, and you can ask them questions about their experiences with genealogical problems.
7. Do Your Homework for a Trip
Remember to put down the five questions to be answered - why, where, when, who, and what. Once done, go to the local library, archives, or churches, for instance, to look for the answers.
8. Share Your Information
Publish your family history either on the Internet, e-books, GEDCOM, scrapbooks, or photo albums, for example. Just publish it.
And if I can add my own piece of advice - do not forget to put a copy in the local archives so that when it comes time for someone else to add to your genealogy, a copy of your work will be waiting for them.
1. Work Backwards
I think we all know this by now, but there are still some who try to circumvent the process and try to work from the past to the present.
People have been researching genealogy since the 1800s, and over 200 years of research has told us something - that if we want success - we have to start with ourselves.
2. Never Assume
Always check for facts. If it is down on a piece of paper that your great-grandmother was born on a certain date, you can never assume it is the right date - you must check the birth or baptismal certificates to see if it is correct.
3. Spelling of Names
Never completely trust the spelling of first and last names.
There have all been variants in the spelling, and if your ancestor spelled the surname SMITH one way and the Canadian census taker spelling it SMYTH - then you have a problem, unless you know that the names can be spelled differently.
Fortunately these days, there are programs with SOUNDEX capabilities to help you with surnames.
4. Search for Information to Confirm a Fact
Always try to find three pieces of information that confirm the fact that you have in front of you.
Everything is only speculation until it is confirmed.
5. Write Everything Down
Cite your sources!
Information closer to the date the event happened is usually more correct than information that is later recorded.
For example, birth information would be more correct close to the birth than information recorded 20 years after the birth.
6. Join a Genealogical Organization
When you join a group, it gives you a sense of belonging. You will be with people who have the same interest as yourself, and you can ask them questions about their experiences with genealogical problems.
7. Do Your Homework for a Trip
Remember to put down the five questions to be answered - why, where, when, who, and what. Once done, go to the local library, archives, or churches, for instance, to look for the answers.
8. Share Your Information
Publish your family history either on the Internet, e-books, GEDCOM, scrapbooks, or photo albums, for example. Just publish it.
And if I can add my own piece of advice - do not forget to put a copy in the local archives so that when it comes time for someone else to add to your genealogy, a copy of your work will be waiting for them.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Irish Genealogy Night
I went with my husband and a friend to the first-ever "Genealogy Night" sponsored together by the city's genealogical societies and the Irish Society of the National Capital Region. Unfortunately, our camera was not working last night, so there aren't any pictures.
We were a bit late but arrived in time to join several dozen interested people hear the last of the talk given by Kyle Browness of the Library and Archives Canada. He talked about how the Library and Archives Canada (LAC) has taken the initiative by putting on the Irish Studies Symposia of 2006 and 2008 at www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/irish-history and also by visiting The Shamrock and the Maple Leaf, which contains photos, letters, books, and music on the website at www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/ireland.
He talked about how they have put the full symposia onsite. You can go to the website and choose over 40 or so presentations to read, to listen to, or watch them on video.
Kyle said that the music content in The Shamrock and the Maple Leaf will triple over the summer, and that the photos on Flickr.com have doubled since they were first put on in November, 2008.
He also noted that the response to all of these resources that the LAC has put on the Internet has been good, and they are very hopeful that this reaction will continue in the future.
He said they did this because the presenters want everyone to share in the knowledge that was extended during the two days of each of the symposiums about Irish-Canada, which covered a wide range of topics. They are important to family history researchers because they give a historical context to Ireland and to the Irish-Canadian immigration.
Tomorrow, I will cover the first of the talks given by Mike More, the Chairman of the Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society. And the day after, I will cover the presentations given by Brian Glenn of the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa and Lesley Anderson of Ancestry.ca.
We were a bit late but arrived in time to join several dozen interested people hear the last of the talk given by Kyle Browness of the Library and Archives Canada. He talked about how the Library and Archives Canada (LAC) has taken the initiative by putting on the Irish Studies Symposia of 2006 and 2008 at www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/irish-history and also by visiting The Shamrock and the Maple Leaf, which contains photos, letters, books, and music on the website at www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/ireland.
He talked about how they have put the full symposia onsite. You can go to the website and choose over 40 or so presentations to read, to listen to, or watch them on video.
Kyle said that the music content in The Shamrock and the Maple Leaf will triple over the summer, and that the photos on Flickr.com have doubled since they were first put on in November, 2008.
He also noted that the response to all of these resources that the LAC has put on the Internet has been good, and they are very hopeful that this reaction will continue in the future.
He said they did this because the presenters want everyone to share in the knowledge that was extended during the two days of each of the symposiums about Irish-Canada, which covered a wide range of topics. They are important to family history researchers because they give a historical context to Ireland and to the Irish-Canadian immigration.
Tomorrow, I will cover the first of the talks given by Mike More, the Chairman of the Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society. And the day after, I will cover the presentations given by Brian Glenn of the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa and Lesley Anderson of Ancestry.ca.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Genealogy Night
Genealogy Night, the first of its kind, will be held at the Library and Archives Canada this coming Thursday night, 12 March, starting at 7 p.m..
It will feature talks on Irish genealogy by Mike More, who is the chairman of the Ottawa Genealogical Society www.ogsottawa.on.ca; Brian Glenn, who is a member of the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa www.bifhsgo.ca; and Lesley Anderson of Ancestry.ca.
It is being organized by Bill Tobin, Past-President of the Irish Society of the National Capital Region as part of the activities of the Ottawa Irish Festival, to be held from March 10th to the 17th www.irishsocietyncr.com.
He said last week that there were a few dozen people already pre-registerd for the event. so it should be a good group for the evening.
Starting at 5:30, there will be two presentations given by Kyle Browness and Jean-Sebastin Potvin of the Library and Archives Canada.
The first presentation will be In Quarantine: Life and Death on Grosse Île, 1832-1937 (in French), and the second one will be the Irish-Canadian Project on social networking websites, Flickr.com and YouTube.com.
These two presentations were given at the Irish Studies Symposium in November last year which I attended, and found very useful in my work. They are worth seeing if you are interested in the Irish Diaspora.
It will feature talks on Irish genealogy by Mike More, who is the chairman of the Ottawa Genealogical Society www.ogsottawa.on.ca; Brian Glenn, who is a member of the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa www.bifhsgo.ca; and Lesley Anderson of Ancestry.ca.
It is being organized by Bill Tobin, Past-President of the Irish Society of the National Capital Region as part of the activities of the Ottawa Irish Festival, to be held from March 10th to the 17th www.irishsocietyncr.com.
He said last week that there were a few dozen people already pre-registerd for the event. so it should be a good group for the evening.
Starting at 5:30, there will be two presentations given by Kyle Browness and Jean-Sebastin Potvin of the Library and Archives Canada.
The first presentation will be In Quarantine: Life and Death on Grosse Île, 1832-1937 (in French), and the second one will be the Irish-Canadian Project on social networking websites, Flickr.com and YouTube.com.
These two presentations were given at the Irish Studies Symposium in November last year which I attended, and found very useful in my work. They are worth seeing if you are interested in the Irish Diaspora.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Canadian Air and Space Museum / Canada Aviation Museum
In February, the Canadian Air and Space Museum www.casmuseum.org unveiled a new $2-million capital campaign which will see the first full-size model of theAvro Arrow onsite , as well as the addition of new galleries and classrooms to the museum. In addition, a home will be made for the Lancaster X Bomber.
The expansion was announced as we celebrate the Canadian Centennial of Powered Flight on the Bras D'Or Lakes in Nova Scotia, when Alexander Graham Bell oversaw the flying of the Silver Dart.
Many supporters were there to launch the "new" museum, and the Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, said, "This launch celebrates the many achievements of the Canadian aerospace industry. I am pleased to be present for this new chapter in the museum's development and to see it supported so enthusiastically be the aerospace, airline and space industries, as well as the military and other proud Canadian supporters."
After visiting the Canadian Air and Space Museum, go and visit the Canada Aviation Museum in Ottawa www.aviation.technomuses.ca, which is home to over 130 aircraft. It re-opened in November after extensive renovations.
The Canada Aviation Museum has its own library and archives onsite, which you can visit and look at the over 12,000 books they have, as well as over 200 periodicals and the many technical manuals which are there.
They also have photographs and archives from Air Canada, Canadair, and Avro Canada.
The private collections include log books from the aviators of the First and Second world Wars; correspondence from the bush pilot,Stuart Graham; and the collection of Kenneth M. Molson, the first curator of the Canada Aviation Museum.
The expansion was announced as we celebrate the Canadian Centennial of Powered Flight on the Bras D'Or Lakes in Nova Scotia, when Alexander Graham Bell oversaw the flying of the Silver Dart.
Many supporters were there to launch the "new" museum, and the Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, said, "This launch celebrates the many achievements of the Canadian aerospace industry. I am pleased to be present for this new chapter in the museum's development and to see it supported so enthusiastically be the aerospace, airline and space industries, as well as the military and other proud Canadian supporters."
After visiting the Canadian Air and Space Museum, go and visit the Canada Aviation Museum in Ottawa www.aviation.technomuses.ca, which is home to over 130 aircraft. It re-opened in November after extensive renovations.
The Canada Aviation Museum has its own library and archives onsite, which you can visit and look at the over 12,000 books they have, as well as over 200 periodicals and the many technical manuals which are there.
They also have photographs and archives from Air Canada, Canadair, and Avro Canada.
The private collections include log books from the aviators of the First and Second world Wars; correspondence from the bush pilot,Stuart Graham; and the collection of Kenneth M. Molson, the first curator of the Canada Aviation Museum.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Ottawa Branch News
A hefty version of the Spring edition of the Ottawa Branch News reached me today.
I say hefty because the last 19 pages of the News is taken up by the listing of surnames in the Index to Names Volume 41 (2008). The list contains the surname, the given name(s), and the page number.
The articles are very included in this edition are "Research at Salt lake City - Preparation", which talks about Elizabeth Kipp's trip to Salt Lake City researching Palatines; "Early Residents of Ottawa's Sandy Hill Neighbourhood"; "Online Genealogy Dictionaries and Lists"; and "The City of Ottawa Archives - a Wonderful Resource".
An intriguing article is one of changes in format coming to the News.
The format is going to change to a 8.5" x 11" journal style and the name is going to change.
Do you have a name for the new newsletter? They have received some suggestions already. For example: Ottawa/Bytown/Carleton - Roots, Genealogy, Ancestors, Families, Relations, Happenings. Suggestions are welcome!
And the editor is looking for someone to design the cover of the new journal. He is looking for someone with layout experience, and he says that it would only take a few hours to do this in consultation with the editor.
If you can help, please contact Edward Kipp at editor@ogsottawa.on.ca.
I say hefty because the last 19 pages of the News is taken up by the listing of surnames in the Index to Names Volume 41 (2008). The list contains the surname, the given name(s), and the page number.
The articles are very included in this edition are "Research at Salt lake City - Preparation", which talks about Elizabeth Kipp's trip to Salt Lake City researching Palatines; "Early Residents of Ottawa's Sandy Hill Neighbourhood"; "Online Genealogy Dictionaries and Lists"; and "The City of Ottawa Archives - a Wonderful Resource".
An intriguing article is one of changes in format coming to the News.
The format is going to change to a 8.5" x 11" journal style and the name is going to change.
Do you have a name for the new newsletter? They have received some suggestions already. For example: Ottawa/Bytown/Carleton - Roots, Genealogy, Ancestors, Families, Relations, Happenings. Suggestions are welcome!
And the editor is looking for someone to design the cover of the new journal. He is looking for someone with layout experience, and he says that it would only take a few hours to do this in consultation with the editor.
If you can help, please contact Edward Kipp at editor@ogsottawa.on.ca.
Monday, March 2, 2009
My "Genealogical" Schedule - Part II
Saturday, I finished writing my "genealogical" schedule for March, and I posted the frist part for you to read. Now is the second part, and maybe you will be able to join me in some of the events I will attend or read some of the happenings that I will write about.
March 21st - The Beginners Course in Genealogy — held at the Library and Archives Canada and sponsored by BIFHSGO and the Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS) — will be held from 9:00 a.m. until noon. There are four great speakers -
- John D. Reid (of Anglo-Celtic Connections fame) will talk about the Seven Great Rules
- Glen Wright will talk about Census Records
- Allison Hare will talk about Civil Registrations
- Terry Findley will talk about Local Resources
Afterwards, I plan to go to Lansdowne Park to the Green Conference and do a couple of interviews for magazine articles.
March 27th - The opening night of this year's Gene-O-Rama!
Registration will open at 7:00 p.m., and the official opening will take place at 7:30. Like last year, it will be held at Ben Franklin Place in Nepean.
The speaker at the Pat Horan Memorial Lecture will be Dr. Bruce Curtis, and he will talk about "Locating, Identifying, Knowing: Census Making in Canada to 1871".
March 28th - The second day of Gene-O-Rama, with nine lectures, a banquet, a marketplace, and genealogy computing. Phew!
It sounds like a lot of thing to go to, but Mike More, the Chairperson, has everything under control, and it should go off without a hitch.
I plan to attend a lecture on "The Canadian Genealogy Centre in 2009"; "Getting the Most from City Directories and Their Next of Kin"; and "Cold Cases: Hot Tips".
March 31st - I will send in another article to GenealogyToday.com for my column, "Canadian Connections". I hope you will drop by for a visit, and read some of my past articles.
March 21st - The Beginners Course in Genealogy — held at the Library and Archives Canada and sponsored by BIFHSGO and the Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS) — will be held from 9:00 a.m. until noon. There are four great speakers -
- John D. Reid (of Anglo-Celtic Connections fame) will talk about the Seven Great Rules
- Glen Wright will talk about Census Records
- Allison Hare will talk about Civil Registrations
- Terry Findley will talk about Local Resources
Afterwards, I plan to go to Lansdowne Park to the Green Conference and do a couple of interviews for magazine articles.
March 27th - The opening night of this year's Gene-O-Rama!
Registration will open at 7:00 p.m., and the official opening will take place at 7:30. Like last year, it will be held at Ben Franklin Place in Nepean.
The speaker at the Pat Horan Memorial Lecture will be Dr. Bruce Curtis, and he will talk about "Locating, Identifying, Knowing: Census Making in Canada to 1871".
March 28th - The second day of Gene-O-Rama, with nine lectures, a banquet, a marketplace, and genealogy computing. Phew!
It sounds like a lot of thing to go to, but Mike More, the Chairperson, has everything under control, and it should go off without a hitch.
I plan to attend a lecture on "The Canadian Genealogy Centre in 2009"; "Getting the Most from City Directories and Their Next of Kin"; and "Cold Cases: Hot Tips".
March 31st - I will send in another article to GenealogyToday.com for my column, "Canadian Connections". I hope you will drop by for a visit, and read some of my past articles.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
I'm-a "Twitter"
For those of you on Twitter - I'm on Twitter, too!
I went on last night between periods in the hockey game and came away with a few followers ... but no genealogists.
So I'm asking all those genealogists with Canadian family connections to follow my "comings and goings" on at http://twitter.com/GenealogyCanada, as I intend to use Twitter as a place to post the events I attend and the blogs I write.
So hop on over to Twitter, or to the blog, and get your genealogical fix for the day!
I went on last night between periods in the hockey game and came away with a few followers ... but no genealogists.
So I'm asking all those genealogists with Canadian family connections to follow my "comings and goings" on at http://twitter.com/GenealogyCanada, as I intend to use Twitter as a place to post the events I attend and the blogs I write.
So hop on over to Twitter, or to the blog, and get your genealogical fix for the day!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
My "Genealogical" Schedule - Part I
I just finished doing my "genealogical" schedule for March, and here is the first part of it - maybe you will be able to join me in some of the events I will attend or read some of the happenings that I will write about.
e-Newsleaf - The e-NewsLeaf celebrates its first anniversary this month!
It is a publication of the Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS) for which I am the editor. It is sent out to the members by email for the months that the print edition, NewsLeaf, is not published. This means that it is sent to OGS members every month except February, May, August, and October.
It usually comes out on the 15th of the month in which it is published. This month, the topics include:
• Establishment of Irish Special Interest Group at the OGS
• Simcoe 25th Anniversary
• Online Obituary Index
• Other news items
Ancestry.ca - This is the first month that I will appear on the Ancestry.ca blog with two articles.
The first one will be about tracking down surnames that have a different spelling in the 1891 Canadian Census, and how I solved a problem of my own.
March 14th - This will be the meeting of the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa (BIFHSGO), and will feature speaker Sharon Moor. It will start at 10:00 a.m. at Library and Archives Canada in Ottawa.
She will talk about all the different resources that helped her crash through three (3) walls in different branches of her family history.
I am excited already! Sounds like an interesting topic!
March 17th - St. Patrick's Day! In honour of this day, I will attend a meeting of the Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society to hear Larry Cotton's talk, "Whiskey & Wickedness".
Larry, a retired teacher, is going to tell us stories about the Temperance Movement and the licensing of taverns in the Ottawa Valley.
The talk starts at 7:30 p.m. in Room 156 of the Library and Archives Canada.
I will be back with Part II tomorrow.
e-Newsleaf - The e-NewsLeaf celebrates its first anniversary this month!
It is a publication of the Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS) for which I am the editor. It is sent out to the members by email for the months that the print edition, NewsLeaf, is not published. This means that it is sent to OGS members every month except February, May, August, and October.
It usually comes out on the 15th of the month in which it is published. This month, the topics include:
• Establishment of Irish Special Interest Group at the OGS
• Simcoe 25th Anniversary
• Online Obituary Index
• Other news items
Ancestry.ca - This is the first month that I will appear on the Ancestry.ca blog with two articles.
The first one will be about tracking down surnames that have a different spelling in the 1891 Canadian Census, and how I solved a problem of my own.
March 14th - This will be the meeting of the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa (BIFHSGO), and will feature speaker Sharon Moor. It will start at 10:00 a.m. at Library and Archives Canada in Ottawa.
She will talk about all the different resources that helped her crash through three (3) walls in different branches of her family history.
I am excited already! Sounds like an interesting topic!
March 17th - St. Patrick's Day! In honour of this day, I will attend a meeting of the Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society to hear Larry Cotton's talk, "Whiskey & Wickedness".
Larry, a retired teacher, is going to tell us stories about the Temperance Movement and the licensing of taverns in the Ottawa Valley.
The talk starts at 7:30 p.m. in Room 156 of the Library and Archives Canada.
I will be back with Part II tomorrow.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Ancestry.ca Posts 1916 Canadian Census Online
Ancestry.ca really surprised me by releasing the 1916 Census for Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
More than 1.7-million names and over 38,000 images are in this census, and is well worth the look if you suspect, or know of, anyone there in 1916.
From 1906 to 1950, a separate census was taken of the Prairie Provinces five years after every national census, and according to the law, 92 years had to pass before the census would be released.
If you look at the census, you will find the name of the person, their gender, and marital status.
You will also find their age, birthdate, and place where that person was born.
The place of residence will be given as it was in 1916, and also provide a list of members of the family.
You can also see the image of the actual census return. I learned that a person I had been following from New Brunswick to Manitoba, and to Alberta, listed his wife as being from Manitoba.
But when I checked, her father — who now lived with them — was originally from New Brunswick, as was her husband, the head of the household. Question - answered!
The 1916 Census is free with a 14-day trial from Ancestry.ca for those who wish to take a look at it.
More than 1.7-million names and over 38,000 images are in this census, and is well worth the look if you suspect, or know of, anyone there in 1916.
From 1906 to 1950, a separate census was taken of the Prairie Provinces five years after every national census, and according to the law, 92 years had to pass before the census would be released.
If you look at the census, you will find the name of the person, their gender, and marital status.
You will also find their age, birthdate, and place where that person was born.
The place of residence will be given as it was in 1916, and also provide a list of members of the family.
You can also see the image of the actual census return. I learned that a person I had been following from New Brunswick to Manitoba, and to Alberta, listed his wife as being from Manitoba.
But when I checked, her father — who now lived with them — was originally from New Brunswick, as was her husband, the head of the household. Question - answered!
The 1916 Census is free with a 14-day trial from Ancestry.ca for those who wish to take a look at it.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Ancestry.ca and the World Archives Project
Ancestry.ca let us know yesterday that the World Archives Project has already started in Canada with the soon to be released "Ontario, Canada Marriage Registers by Clergy, 1896-1948."
If you go on Ancestry.ca, a mnetion is made that the project is 80% done already, so I guess they are trying to make sure that people know about it and will help them make it over the top.
They have said that it will be free when completed, and will include approximately 24,000 names as registered by the clergy under the Resignation Act of 1896.
No where do they say that this is already available at the Ontario Archives by microfilm (it is) and is also available by the Mormons - but it will be available on the Internet for the first time when it is completed by Ancestry.ca.
You can go to the site to access the download page and for instructions on how to use the indexing tool.
As Karen Peterson, Marketing Director of Ancestry.ca says, "Historical record preservation and access go hand-in-hand so it is important that institutions, business and individuals all play an active role to ensure that as many Canadian records are preserved for future generations as possible."
If you go on Ancestry.ca, a mnetion is made that the project is 80% done already, so I guess they are trying to make sure that people know about it and will help them make it over the top.
They have said that it will be free when completed, and will include approximately 24,000 names as registered by the clergy under the Resignation Act of 1896.
No where do they say that this is already available at the Ontario Archives by microfilm (it is) and is also available by the Mormons - but it will be available on the Internet for the first time when it is completed by Ancestry.ca.
You can go to the site to access the download page and for instructions on how to use the indexing tool.
As Karen Peterson, Marketing Director of Ancestry.ca says, "Historical record preservation and access go hand-in-hand so it is important that institutions, business and individuals all play an active role to ensure that as many Canadian records are preserved for future generations as possible."
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Quebec Family History Spring Meetings
I just received an email from Jackie Billingham of the Quebec Family History Society www.qfhs.ca telling me about the free spring programe of events to be held at St. Andrew's United Church, 75-15th Avenue in Lachine (near Montreal), Quebec.
The meetings will be held every second Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m., with the first one on March 14th when QFHS members will host "Show & Tell: Photos", and will give themselves an opportunity to display and talk about their genealogical research collection.
At the second meeting on April 18th, QFHS members will host "Show & Tell: Items of Interest" and discuss what they have collected in their genealogical research.
And finally, the last meeting in their spring series, entitled "Meet the Experts Panel", will be held on May 9th, where you will be able to question them about your own research.
Anyone wishing to participate in either of these events, contact Raye Fraser at ruthrays@total.net.
The meetings will be held every second Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m., with the first one on March 14th when QFHS members will host "Show & Tell: Photos", and will give themselves an opportunity to display and talk about their genealogical research collection.
At the second meeting on April 18th, QFHS members will host "Show & Tell: Items of Interest" and discuss what they have collected in their genealogical research.
And finally, the last meeting in their spring series, entitled "Meet the Experts Panel", will be held on May 9th, where you will be able to question them about your own research.
Anyone wishing to participate in either of these events, contact Raye Fraser at ruthrays@total.net.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Some Blogs that Elizabeth Follows ...
Since Diane named my blog for the Kreativ Blogger Award, I have agreed to list some of my favorite blogs. They are on my list to read every morning to see "what's what" and who has been doing what genealogical things since I last checked the day before.
As Diane knows, I can't let anything pass without a comment. I have put my comments beside the blogs I have picked here, too. Some, but not all, of the blogs have Canadian content as the main focus, and aren't in any particular order.
(In the December 2008 article on GenealogyToday.com, I wrote an article on Canadian genealogy blogs called "All-Canadian Blogs of 2008")
1. Dick Eastman's Blog (blog.eogn.com) - This was the first blog that I had followed, and I think (although I am not sure) he was the first to change from an electronic newsletter to a blog.
It has posting of genealogical significance from all over the world, and I do find Canadian information on there most of the time. I even wrote an article for him many moons ago.
He was at Conference '08 (for the Ontario Genealogy Society) and I had a sit-down interview with him. I found that he was a very nice man, and knew his genealogical "stuff" to the letter.
2. John Reid's Anglo-Celtic Connections (anglo-celtic-connections.blogspot.com)- John is a fellow Ottawa blogger (he has been at it longer than I) , although he blogs mostly about Anglo-Celtic genealogical news, with news about the Library and Archives Canada thrown in for good measure.
3. Leland Meitzler Genealogy Blog (www.genealogyblog.com) I have followed Leland's blog since he first started it a few years ago.
I write on a annual basis for Everton's Genealogical Helper (Leland is the editor) and I'm always interested in what he has found on a daily basis.
He was off of the blogs for a couple of months, but is now back on, and I always check his writings because he always has a personal take on things genealogical.
4. Jane's Your Aunt (canadagenealogy.blogspot.com) I consider Diane a friend. I read her blog every day and although I do not blog as much as she does, we do our best to cover Canada (she on the West Coast and me in the middle of the country), and I think we do a pretty good job.
I met Diane last summer and we had a lovely time together. We went out one Friday night and showed her some of Ottawa's treasures.
5. Dear Myrtle (blog.dearmyrtle.com) I did a radio interview with her about five years ago, and have kept up with her genealogical happenings ever since.
I listen to what she says, as she has been doing this for a long time and know her genealogy to a "T".
6. Olive Tree Genealogy (http://olivetreegenealogy.blogspot.com) - Like many others, Laura started her blog after she had been on the Internet for a number of years.
She has a great interest in Loyalist, Canadian, and Palatine history, and you can find it on her site.
7. Randy's Genealogical Musings (http://www.geneamusings.com) - I like Randy's blog for two reasons - one, I've got relatives in the San Francisco area of California (and Randy lives in Chula Vista, California), and second - he writes about going on genealogy cruises/conferences and about his own genealogical club, which I love to read.
8. And the last one is a blog that I will write twice a month for Ancestry.ca, starting March 1st.
The blog will cover things I have discovered in doing my own blog or from what people have asked me in my genealogical career that now covers 15 years.
The first blog will appear March 1st.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Honours! A Kreativ Blogger Award!!
I received a very surprising — and very pleasant — comment from M. Diane Rogers, of "Jane's Your Aunt" fame, advising me that I was a proud recipient of the Kreativ Blogger Award, and that she was the nominator!
Thank you, Diane, for this honour!
For a list of the other lucky winners, please visit Diane's site at http://canadagenealogy.blogspot.com/2009/02/kreativ-blogger-award-for.html
And since I'm eighth on the list, I'd also like to thank her Na for giving Diane that great piece of advice -
"I have chosen to nominate 8 - one extra for good measure as my Na always said to do:"
Come back soon to see the blogs I will nominate - so many choices ... (now I know what a judge at the Oscars goes through!)
Friday, February 20, 2009
LAC Reports Major System Interruption
The Library and Archives Canada is reporting a serious system interruption today (Friday) which has affected all LAC internal and external websites, as well as all email services.
Take note that the system will be down from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. due to maintenance on the system.
It means that no databases can be accessed during this time, and you cannot send an email to them. Wait until the system is back up at noontime.
They have also said that the system will be down on the following dates:
Saturday, March 21st, 2009
Saturday, April 18th, 2009
Saturday, May 23rd, 2009
Saturday, June 20th, 2009
Saturday, July 18th, 2009
Saturday, August 15th, 2009
Saturday, September 19th, 2009
Saturday, October 17th, 2009
Saturday, November 21st, 2009
Saturday, December 19th, 2009
Take note that the system will be down from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. due to maintenance on the system.
It means that no databases can be accessed during this time, and you cannot send an email to them. Wait until the system is back up at noontime.
They have also said that the system will be down on the following dates:
Saturday, March 21st, 2009
Saturday, April 18th, 2009
Saturday, May 23rd, 2009
Saturday, June 20th, 2009
Saturday, July 18th, 2009
Saturday, August 15th, 2009
Saturday, September 19th, 2009
Saturday, October 17th, 2009
Saturday, November 21st, 2009
Saturday, December 19th, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Wiki for Chinese-Canadian Roots
I first heard about this last year when I attended a conference at the Library and Archives Canada, and subsequently wrote an article about Chinese-Canadian immigration for Internet Genealogy Magazine last fall.
At that time, Janet Tomkins, Genealogy Librarian of the Vancouver Public Library, said that the wiki which was under development at that time — ccgwiki.vpl.ca — would soon be added to the page on which had been set-up by the library she works for, with the Library and Archives Canada
According to a press release, "The goal of the wiki is to create a portrait of the early Chinese-Canadian community by collecting and sharing the stories of individuals of Chinese origin who were born in Canada in the 19th century."
If you go to the wiki, you will see that already there are 461 indiduals in the database, with a separate profile on each one.
It is hoped that people whose ancestor inmmigrated to Canada can now go to the wiki where they can register for free and contribute to the profiles by adding biographical details, photographs, and document images.
At that time, Janet Tomkins, Genealogy Librarian of the Vancouver Public Library, said that the wiki which was under development at that time — ccgwiki.vpl.ca — would soon be added to the page on which had been set-up by the library she works for, with the Library and Archives Canada
According to a press release, "The goal of the wiki is to create a portrait of the early Chinese-Canadian community by collecting and sharing the stories of individuals of Chinese origin who were born in Canada in the 19th century."
If you go to the wiki, you will see that already there are 461 indiduals in the database, with a separate profile on each one.
It is hoped that people whose ancestor inmmigrated to Canada can now go to the wiki where they can register for free and contribute to the profiles by adding biographical details, photographs, and document images.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Valentines for Vets
Although it is too late for this year's Valentine's Day, how about next year - making Valentines for Vets?
Started 20 years ago by the late American newspaper advice columnist, Ann Landers, it was officially adopted by Veterans Affairs Canada in 1996, They have been collecting and distributing Valentines across Canada for the past 13 years.
On the Veterans Affairs Canada website at www.vac-acc.gc.ca/youth/sub.cfm?source=feature/valentine, one can view Valentines going back to 2002, and the cards that have been sent to the veterans.
On the website, there is a special meaning giving to the word "Valentine" -
V is for Valentine for Vets
A is for All of Canada's brave Veterans
L is for Living in freedom
E is for your heroic Efforts
N is for the New Veterans Charter
T is for Teaching youth
I is for students, organizations and Individuals sending valentine tributes
N is for the Numerous ways we appreciate you
E is for thanks for Everything
S is for your valiant Sacrifices
For next year, please send your Valentine to: Valentines for Vets, Veterans Affairs Canada, Communications Division, P.O. Box 7700, Charlottetown, PE C1A 8M9 information@vac-acc.gc.ca
Started 20 years ago by the late American newspaper advice columnist, Ann Landers, it was officially adopted by Veterans Affairs Canada in 1996, They have been collecting and distributing Valentines across Canada for the past 13 years.
On the Veterans Affairs Canada website at www.vac-acc.gc.ca/youth/sub.cfm?source=feature/valentine, one can view Valentines going back to 2002, and the cards that have been sent to the veterans.
On the website, there is a special meaning giving to the word "Valentine" -
V is for Valentine for Vets
A is for All of Canada's brave Veterans
L is for Living in freedom
E is for your heroic Efforts
N is for the New Veterans Charter
T is for Teaching youth
I is for students, organizations and Individuals sending valentine tributes
N is for the Numerous ways we appreciate you
E is for thanks for Everything
S is for your valiant Sacrifices
For next year, please send your Valentine to: Valentines for Vets, Veterans Affairs Canada, Communications Division, P.O. Box 7700, Charlottetown, PE C1A 8M9 information@vac-acc.gc.ca
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Ancestry.ca Celebrates Black History Month
"In honour of Black History Month, historical records allow almost 800,000 black Canadians enhanced opportunity to uncover their heritage," says the first sentence of their press release, which was issued the 4th of February.
One of the interesting things to note is the First World War's Second Construction Battalion, the first and only all-black military battalion in Canada's history.
When the First World War began, black men who tried to enlist were turned away from recruiting stations. After lobbying the government, 605 men from across Canada formed the first segregated unit in Canada, at Pictou, Nova Scotia, on July 5, 1916. Their attestation papers can be found in the Canadian Soldiers of World war I Collection.
Karen Peterson, Marketing Director of Ancestry.ca, says that "Historical records such as attestation papers, censuses and marriage records, to name a few, are surviving documents that paint a picture of accomplishments of black Canadians and the important role they played in this country."
Ancestry.ca reminds researchers that records through the African American Research Center, www.ancestry.com/aahistory, are available for the Freedman's Bank Records (1865-1874); Slave Schedules (1850 & 1860); Afro-Louisiana History and Genealogy (1718-1820); and Slave Narratives.
Ancestry is also offering visitors a free 14-day trial at www.ancestry.ca.
One of the interesting things to note is the First World War's Second Construction Battalion, the first and only all-black military battalion in Canada's history.
When the First World War began, black men who tried to enlist were turned away from recruiting stations. After lobbying the government, 605 men from across Canada formed the first segregated unit in Canada, at Pictou, Nova Scotia, on July 5, 1916. Their attestation papers can be found in the Canadian Soldiers of World war I Collection.
Karen Peterson, Marketing Director of Ancestry.ca, says that "Historical records such as attestation papers, censuses and marriage records, to name a few, are surviving documents that paint a picture of accomplishments of black Canadians and the important role they played in this country."
Ancestry.ca reminds researchers that records through the African American Research Center, www.ancestry.com/aahistory, are available for the Freedman's Bank Records (1865-1874); Slave Schedules (1850 & 1860); Afro-Louisiana History and Genealogy (1718-1820); and Slave Narratives.
Ancestry is also offering visitors a free 14-day trial at www.ancestry.ca.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
The Canadian Census of 1891
The 1891 Canadian Census is fully online now at the Library and Archives Canada (LAC) www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/census-1891/index-e.html.
The 1891 Census was taken in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories (which, at the time, covered modern-day Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northern Manitoba, Northern Ontario, Northern Quebec, Labrador, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut).
The census was taken on April 5th, 1891, and very little change was made to the collection of the data from previous censuses. Information was gathered for 4,833,329 individuals in 1891.
Unfortunately, only Schedule I remains (a nominal list of the people in the country) - all of the other schedules (there were 8) were destroyed - and only Schedule I was microfilmed.
There are 25 columns, and you can read their definitions and explanations at www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/census-1891/001081-2000-e.html.
There are three things which struck me about this census, and I think they are really good - it's free; you get to view the complete image of Schedule I; and you can add a comment, if you wish.
Congratulations and "Thank yous" go out to the LAC and to Ancestry.ca for this much-anticipated release.
The 1891 Census was taken in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories (which, at the time, covered modern-day Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northern Manitoba, Northern Ontario, Northern Quebec, Labrador, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut).
The census was taken on April 5th, 1891, and very little change was made to the collection of the data from previous censuses. Information was gathered for 4,833,329 individuals in 1891.
Unfortunately, only Schedule I remains (a nominal list of the people in the country) - all of the other schedules (there were 8) were destroyed - and only Schedule I was microfilmed.
There are 25 columns, and you can read their definitions and explanations at www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/census-1891/001081-2000-e.html.
There are three things which struck me about this census, and I think they are really good - it's free; you get to view the complete image of Schedule I; and you can add a comment, if you wish.
Congratulations and "Thank yous" go out to the LAC and to Ancestry.ca for this much-anticipated release.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Journal of the Quebec Family History Society Arrives!
Full of good articles, as usual, the Winter 2009 issue of "Connections" was in my mailbox the other day.
The first article was about the "Hochelaga School Fire". The school was situated just north of St. Catherine's Street, hosted 170 children.
There is a picture of the school,and the text gives a full description as to the condition of the school and the fire, which took place in 1907. The names of the teacher and sixteen pupils who perished is also published.
Another story is one that is told first-hand - "A Child's Wartime Journey" by Jane Atkinson.
It tells the story of her and her sister coming to Canada in 1940 and staying at Cobourg, Ontario, and spending her school holiday as a War Guest at the home of head girl Dagmar Hertzberg in Kingston.
And the last two articles — "Lower Canada in the 1790's and Early 1800's" and "Montreal Demography: An Historical Summary to 1900" — are ones you should not miss, especially if you are new to Quebec research.
The first article gives a summary of the original counties in Quebec. The second one gives a summary of Montreal and discusses the Lachine Canal; Railways and Bridges; the American Revolution & American Invasion; the Cession of French Canada to Britain; and in 1790s: "The French" Revolution, among other topics.
The society has a number of "Genealogy Days" this winter and spring, such as "A Genealogical Day in the British and Canadian Armies, 1660-1945" and "A Genealogical Day in Ireland", and so on. They run the full day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and are $30.00 each.
Copies of "Connections" from 1977 to 2005 have been scanned and are now available on CD from the Society.
Theie website is www.qfhs.ca.
The first article was about the "Hochelaga School Fire". The school was situated just north of St. Catherine's Street, hosted 170 children.
There is a picture of the school,and the text gives a full description as to the condition of the school and the fire, which took place in 1907. The names of the teacher and sixteen pupils who perished is also published.
Another story is one that is told first-hand - "A Child's Wartime Journey" by Jane Atkinson.
It tells the story of her and her sister coming to Canada in 1940 and staying at Cobourg, Ontario, and spending her school holiday as a War Guest at the home of head girl Dagmar Hertzberg in Kingston.
And the last two articles — "Lower Canada in the 1790's and Early 1800's" and "Montreal Demography: An Historical Summary to 1900" — are ones you should not miss, especially if you are new to Quebec research.
The first article gives a summary of the original counties in Quebec. The second one gives a summary of Montreal and discusses the Lachine Canal; Railways and Bridges; the American Revolution & American Invasion; the Cession of French Canada to Britain; and in 1790s: "The French" Revolution, among other topics.
The society has a number of "Genealogy Days" this winter and spring, such as "A Genealogical Day in the British and Canadian Armies, 1660-1945" and "A Genealogical Day in Ireland", and so on. They run the full day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and are $30.00 each.
Copies of "Connections" from 1977 to 2005 have been scanned and are now available on CD from the Society.
Theie website is www.qfhs.ca.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Ottawa Branch News is here!
The Jan/Feb 2009 newsletter arrived on my desk the other day, and as usual, it is full of news about the Branch, news about the spring and summer convention season, and some articles onfamilies within the Ottawa area.
"The Joseph Lanthier Family" is covered, as is "Early Residents of Ottawa's Sandy Hill Neighbourhood (Henry James Friel and Felix Charbonneau)", "Documentary Evidence of a Catholic Cemetery in Cumberland Village in the 1860s and 1870s", and a "Genealogy Disaster Plan: A Precaution Worth Taking".
There is information concerning the Beginners Course in Genealogy to be held March 21st and on Gene-O-Rama 2009, to be held March 28th and 29th in Ottawa.
There is the "Electronic Notebook", "Interesting Web Sites", "Gleaning from Newsletters in the Ottawa Branch Library" and "Historic Plaques and Monuments" to fill out the edition.
There is also a notice in this edition that all issues of the Ottawa Branch News from 1970 to 2008 have been digitized and will be made available on a CD early in 2009.
The address of the Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS) is: <www.ogsottawa.on.ca>.
"The Joseph Lanthier Family" is covered, as is "Early Residents of Ottawa's Sandy Hill Neighbourhood (Henry James Friel and Felix Charbonneau)", "Documentary Evidence of a Catholic Cemetery in Cumberland Village in the 1860s and 1870s", and a "Genealogy Disaster Plan: A Precaution Worth Taking".
There is information concerning the Beginners Course in Genealogy to be held March 21st and on Gene-O-Rama 2009, to be held March 28th and 29th in Ottawa.
There is the "Electronic Notebook", "Interesting Web Sites", "Gleaning from Newsletters in the Ottawa Branch Library" and "Historic Plaques and Monuments" to fill out the edition.
There is also a notice in this edition that all issues of the Ottawa Branch News from 1970 to 2008 have been digitized and will be made available on a CD early in 2009.
The address of the Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS) is: <www.ogsottawa.on.ca>.
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