Tomorrow is our 22nd wedding anniversary, and to celebrate, we are going to take a circular trip through the Quebec side of the Ottawa River towards Montreal (in the Outaouais region), then cross the river to Hawkesbury (on the Ontario side) to celebrate its 150th birthday, and then we will return to Ottawa via Eastern Ontario.
Some of the places we plan to stop at are Thurso, Papineauville, and Montebello on the Quebec side, and Hawkesbury (of course), Vankleek Hill (they have a special museum there), and various towns along the way back.
For those not familiar with the area, let me assure you that it is very scenic — as our pictures will show — and historic in nature.
As usual, I am packing my notebook, pencil, and camera, and will gather information for the various publications I write for, and for the blog.
It's supposed to be fair tomorrow - sunny and warm - so here's hoping for a nice trip, and a lovely supper!
A daily blog about Canadian genealogy, heritage, and history
Friday, July 3, 2009
Canada's New Tombstone Project
We are invited to drop by the Canadian Headstone Photo Project, where digital images of tombstones will be put online <www.canadianheadstones.com>.
The founders of the project say that the stones are becoming harder to read, and in order to read the inscriptions, they are archiving the images.
The website covers all provinces and territories, as well as Ireland and the United States.
So I checked Canada's section, and found nothing yet, but that understandable because it is a new service.
You can do either a surname or cemetery search - or both.
The service is free - both to upload and download.
But if you check Ireland, you will see tombstones for County Tyrone and County Farmanagh, and a transcription is right under the picture.
The date which the transcription was done is also given.
The founders of the project say that the stones are becoming harder to read, and in order to read the inscriptions, they are archiving the images.
The website covers all provinces and territories, as well as Ireland and the United States.
So I checked Canada's section, and found nothing yet, but that understandable because it is a new service.
You can do either a surname or cemetery search - or both.
The service is free - both to upload and download.
But if you check Ireland, you will see tombstones for County Tyrone and County Farmanagh, and a transcription is right under the picture.
The date which the transcription was done is also given.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Nipissing University, North Bay
I've been researching Nipissing University in North Bay and their Institute for Community Studies and Oral History, and discovered that they have a robust interest in the social history of the area.
Not only is it a "robust interest", but over the past few years, have been sending their students to collect local history stories about the people and places of the Near North in Ontario, from the earliest times to the present.
Current interests include Family Rituals, the Early Families Project, and the history of local townships.
So if you have any ancestors living in the Near North of Ontario, consider contacting them at <icsoh@nipissingu.ca> or go to their website at <www.nipissingu.ca/icsoh>.
Not only is it a "robust interest", but over the past few years, have been sending their students to collect local history stories about the people and places of the Near North in Ontario, from the earliest times to the present.
Current interests include Family Rituals, the Early Families Project, and the history of local townships.
So if you have any ancestors living in the Near North of Ontario, consider contacting them at <icsoh@nipissingu.ca> or go to their website at <www.nipissingu.ca/icsoh>.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Happy Canada Day!
The 142nd birthday of Canada (July 1st) has rolled around again, and it is raining with thunderstorms in Ottawa - but it's a birthday!
I remember when it was Dominion Day, for it was only changed to Canada Day in 1983, and it took a bit of getting used to the new name.
Typically, everyone has the day off, and although it is a day for picnics, and having fun in the great outdoors in the summer time, it is also a time to remember our ancestors - the French and Anglo-Celtic peoples who first came here in the 1600s and 1700s, and the hard times they had in making a life for themselves in an often unforgiving land.
We also remember the Irish Potato Famine Immigrants who came here in the 1800s, and what a difficult time they had settling in their new land; of the Eastern Europeans who, in a great way, settled and tamed the Prairie Provinces in the early 20th century with nothing more than hard work and an unswerving dedication; and of the Chinese, who came and developed the railway, and in so doing, opened up the West to the rest of Canada.
And, of course, all these new immigrants came and built upon a land originally settled by the Aboriginal peoples, who themselves came here thousands of years ago.
And to all the other immigrants who have come to Canada, and have found a home and prosperity here - welcome to Canada!
There are only eight more years before Canada's 150th anniversary, and I hear that planning for it has started already.
So Bonne Fête, Canada - Happy Birthday, Canada!
I remember when it was Dominion Day, for it was only changed to Canada Day in 1983, and it took a bit of getting used to the new name.
Typically, everyone has the day off, and although it is a day for picnics, and having fun in the great outdoors in the summer time, it is also a time to remember our ancestors - the French and Anglo-Celtic peoples who first came here in the 1600s and 1700s, and the hard times they had in making a life for themselves in an often unforgiving land.
We also remember the Irish Potato Famine Immigrants who came here in the 1800s, and what a difficult time they had settling in their new land; of the Eastern Europeans who, in a great way, settled and tamed the Prairie Provinces in the early 20th century with nothing more than hard work and an unswerving dedication; and of the Chinese, who came and developed the railway, and in so doing, opened up the West to the rest of Canada.
And, of course, all these new immigrants came and built upon a land originally settled by the Aboriginal peoples, who themselves came here thousands of years ago.
And to all the other immigrants who have come to Canada, and have found a home and prosperity here - welcome to Canada!
There are only eight more years before Canada's 150th anniversary, and I hear that planning for it has started already.
So Bonne Fête, Canada - Happy Birthday, Canada!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Newfoundland Memorial Day - July 1st
Not only is it Canada Day tomorrow (July 1) in Newfoundland and Labrador, it is also their Memorial Day.
Memorial Day is held in memory of those Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that lost their lives in combat, especially during World War I.
Members of the Newfoundland Regiment fought and died at Beaumont-Hamel in France during the opening day of the Battle of the Somme on July 1, 1916.
Because Newfoundland and Labrador was not yet a part of Canada until 1949, they were still considered a British colony.
They went to war in August, 1914.
The first day of the Battle of the Somme was particularly hard for the Newfoundland Regiment because only 68 of 801 soldiers survived. All of the others were either killed, wounded, or went missing in action.
You can visit the trenches at Beaumont-Hamel and see the statue of a caribou - the Newfoundland Regiment's emblem.
For more on their history, visit the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial website at <www.vac-acc.gc.ca/remembers/sub.cfm?source=memorials/ww1mem/beaumonthamel>.
Memorial Day is held in memory of those Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that lost their lives in combat, especially during World War I.
Members of the Newfoundland Regiment fought and died at Beaumont-Hamel in France during the opening day of the Battle of the Somme on July 1, 1916.
Because Newfoundland and Labrador was not yet a part of Canada until 1949, they were still considered a British colony.
They went to war in August, 1914.
The first day of the Battle of the Somme was particularly hard for the Newfoundland Regiment because only 68 of 801 soldiers survived. All of the others were either killed, wounded, or went missing in action.
You can visit the trenches at Beaumont-Hamel and see the statue of a caribou - the Newfoundland Regiment's emblem.
For more on their history, visit the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial website at <www.vac-acc.gc.ca/remembers/sub.cfm?source=memorials/ww1mem/beaumonthamel>.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Hattie Perry Passes Away
I received word that Hattie Perry died this weekend.
Who was Hattie Perry?
Well, Hattie was a writer in Barrington on the southwestern shore of Nova Scotia.
She wrote about her adopted town, and it happened to be the place where my maternal family lived (the Blades-Hichens family), and they included such notables as Mary Hichens, a savior of many people who shipwrecked on Seal Island ("Mary Hichens and her Namesake"), and Annie Elizabeth Hichens ("Mrs. Mary and Others: Women of Barrington") both originally from England who married into the Hitchens family from Barrington.
Phil Verge—who had done Hattie's website for her—has agreed to keep the site up for an extra few days, and you can go to <http://rootsweb.ancestry.com/~canbrnep/ordeals.htm> to see what she has written.
Who was Hattie Perry?
Well, Hattie was a writer in Barrington on the southwestern shore of Nova Scotia.
She wrote about her adopted town, and it happened to be the place where my maternal family lived (the Blades-Hichens family), and they included such notables as Mary Hichens, a savior of many people who shipwrecked on Seal Island ("Mary Hichens and her Namesake"), and Annie Elizabeth Hichens ("Mrs. Mary and Others: Women of Barrington") both originally from England who married into the Hitchens family from Barrington.
Phil Verge—who had done Hattie's website for her—has agreed to keep the site up for an extra few days, and you can go to <http://rootsweb.ancestry.com/~canbrnep/ordeals.htm> to see what she has written.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Canada Day (July 1) is a Free Day!
Be sure to catch Ancestry.ca's Free Day on July 1st - Canada Day.
Actually, it's free until July 3rd.
The only catch is that the immigration records are the only records which are free - but check them out anyway.
They cover Immigration Records from 1865 to 1935.
This is the press release I received -
Actually, it's free until July 3rd.
The only catch is that the immigration records are the only records which are free - but check them out anyway.
They cover Immigration Records from 1865 to 1935.
This is the press release I received -
Happy Hunting!"Happy Canada Day Elizabeth!
Canada Day is not only a great day to spend with family - it's the perfect time to get together and learn more about how your family came to be Canadian.
For the first time ever, Ancestry.ca is making available The Canadian Passenger Lists Collection, 1865 to 1935, FREE* until July 3rd, 2009.
Don't miss this great opportunity to discover your Canadian story in The Canadian Passenger Lists today."
Friday, June 26, 2009
Pier 21 - Now a National Museum
Yesterday, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that Pier 21 will become Canada's second national museum outside of Ottawa (the first one will be the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, Manitoba).
Pier 21 is located on the waterfront in Halifax <www.pier21.ca>.
From 1928 until 1971, Pier 21 saw 1.5-million immigrants pass through its doors - 50,000 War Brides and 22,000 of their children of the Second World War, and more than 100,000 refugees. Of these, a large number were British Home Children.
And Pier 21 is ten years old this year!
What better way to celebrate than to be named a national museum.
Congratulations, Pier 21!
Pier 21 is located on the waterfront in Halifax <www.pier21.ca>.
From 1928 until 1971, Pier 21 saw 1.5-million immigrants pass through its doors - 50,000 War Brides and 22,000 of their children of the Second World War, and more than 100,000 refugees. Of these, a large number were British Home Children.
And Pier 21 is ten years old this year!
What better way to celebrate than to be named a national museum.
Congratulations, Pier 21!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Tracing Your Irish Ancestors
"Tracing Your Irish Ancestors"
I just received a notice from Margaret Gervais of BIFHSGO that John Grenham from Dublin will be in the city on August 9th to present an afternoon of talks on Irish ancestry.
Here is the press release I received -
==================
The British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa — with the cooperation of the Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society, the Irish Society of the National Capital Region, and the Monterey Inn Resort & Conference Center — presents:
When: Sunday, 9th August 2009 – 1:30 p.m.
Where: The Chamber, Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Drive in Nepean (Ottawa)
Free Parking on site.
Admission: $10/person at the door.
Professional Genealogist, Fellow of the Irish Genealogical Research Society, and well-known author from Dublin, Ireland
Visit: www.Johngrenham.com and www.IrishTimes.com/ancestor
Few large sets of Irish genealogical records are available online; however, there are many highly valuable local or partial record-sets, which can be difficult to track down. The presentation starts with an outline of the main Irish records and where any on-line transcripts can be found.
Brief summary of better-known substitutes, but focuses on more useful and lesser-known records, including: Loan Funds, Charleton Marriage Fund, agricultural surveys, official petitions and electoral records. Since the range is infinite, a complete account is impossible; the aim is to sketch the main areas in which these records are being uncovered, to show how they can be used, and to bring hope to those who have run out of the standard Irish sources.
For more information or queries, contact BIFHSGO at:
Email: queries@bifhsgo.ca / Website: www.bifhsgo.ca / Tel. 613-234-2520
Postal address: BIFHSGO, PO Box 38026, Ottawa ON K2C 3Y7
==================
I'll be there and hope to see you there, too!
I just received a notice from Margaret Gervais of BIFHSGO that John Grenham from Dublin will be in the city on August 9th to present an afternoon of talks on Irish ancestry.
Here is the press release I received -
==================
The British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa — with the cooperation of the Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society, the Irish Society of the National Capital Region, and the Monterey Inn Resort & Conference Center — presents:
IRISH TALKS
When: Sunday, 9th August 2009 – 1:30 p.m.
Where: The Chamber, Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Drive in Nepean (Ottawa)
Free Parking on site.
Admission: $10/person at the door.
"Tracing Your Irish Ancestry" with John Grenham, M.A.
Professional Genealogist, Fellow of the Irish Genealogical Research Society, and well-known author from Dublin, Ireland
Visit: www.Johngrenham.com and www.IrishTimes.com/ancestor
Chasing Shadows: Irish Genealogy Online
Few large sets of Irish genealogical records are available online; however, there are many highly valuable local or partial record-sets, which can be difficult to track down. The presentation starts with an outline of the main Irish records and where any on-line transcripts can be found.
Whatever you’re having yourself: Irish Census Substitutes
Brief summary of better-known substitutes, but focuses on more useful and lesser-known records, including: Loan Funds, Charleton Marriage Fund, agricultural surveys, official petitions and electoral records. Since the range is infinite, a complete account is impossible; the aim is to sketch the main areas in which these records are being uncovered, to show how they can be used, and to bring hope to those who have run out of the standard Irish sources.
For more information or queries, contact BIFHSGO at:
Email: queries@bifhsgo.ca / Website: www.bifhsgo.ca / Tel. 613-234-2520
Postal address: BIFHSGO, PO Box 38026, Ottawa ON K2C 3Y7
==================
I'll be there and hope to see you there, too!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
QFHS Newsletter - Summer 2009
The summer issue is here!
The 2009 Spring/Sumer issue of the Quebec Family History Society's newsletter, Connections, is here, and once again it is full of articles plus notes on upcoming events.
"Of Stones Sheds and Firemen" is another article by Robert N. Wilkins, and this time he writes about the St. Urbain Street Fire of 1877.
"A Basic Guide to Using Quebec Protestant Church Archives" is written by Jody Robinson, the archivist at the Eastern Townships Research Centre, a private research centre in Southeastern Quebec.
I look forward to "Lower Canada in the 1790s and Early 1800s" in every issue because I find that I learn so much every time I read it.
Did you know that the city of Lévis was known as New Liverpool from 1759 to 1850?
In "The Legend of William Doleman" by James Barclay, the article tells of an amateur golfer from Scotland who was the first person to play his game on the Plains of Abraham.
I had a couple of lunches with Gary Schroder, the President of the QFHS while he was attending the OGS Conference '09. At the time, he said that they haven't set a date for their conference in June of next year - but I see by their site they now have the dates - the 11th to the 13th of June, 2010.
Roots Heritage 2010 will be held in downtown Montreal, with all lectures in English.
The list of speakers, topics, events, and registration will be on the QFHS webpage at <www.qfhs.ca>.
The 2009 Spring/Sumer issue of the Quebec Family History Society's newsletter, Connections, is here, and once again it is full of articles plus notes on upcoming events.
"Of Stones Sheds and Firemen" is another article by Robert N. Wilkins, and this time he writes about the St. Urbain Street Fire of 1877.
"A Basic Guide to Using Quebec Protestant Church Archives" is written by Jody Robinson, the archivist at the Eastern Townships Research Centre, a private research centre in Southeastern Quebec.
I look forward to "Lower Canada in the 1790s and Early 1800s" in every issue because I find that I learn so much every time I read it.
Did you know that the city of Lévis was known as New Liverpool from 1759 to 1850?
In "The Legend of William Doleman" by James Barclay, the article tells of an amateur golfer from Scotland who was the first person to play his game on the Plains of Abraham.
I had a couple of lunches with Gary Schroder, the President of the QFHS while he was attending the OGS Conference '09. At the time, he said that they haven't set a date for their conference in June of next year - but I see by their site they now have the dates - the 11th to the 13th of June, 2010.
Roots Heritage 2010 will be held in downtown Montreal, with all lectures in English.
The list of speakers, topics, events, and registration will be on the QFHS webpage at <www.qfhs.ca>.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Canada Has Three of the 101 Best Genealogy Sites in 2009
How about that!
Family Tree Magazine <www.familytreemagazine.com> has just put out its 2009 list — the 10th year of doing so — and Canada has three websites on the top "101 Best Web Sites 2009".
The first one I must mention is the Canadian Genealogy Centre website <www.collectionscanada.gc.ca>.
It came in second on the list for the "10 Best Virtual Library Sites" and it got a special nod for its census work and the other databases it has published online.
And this is the second time the site has been chosen - the first time was in 2003 when the CGC first opened.
A tip of the hat goes to Sylvie Tremblay, Chief, Project Manager, and her crew for doing such hard work. She is always thinking of new ways to present the information they have - and they do have a lot. We all want those databases to come faster, don't we?
Credit: Mario Lapointe, CD
Here is a picture taken of Sylvie two years ago at the OGS Conference in Ottawa. She was there with (now just recently-retired) Librarian and Archivist Canada, Ian Wilson (left), along with Don Harris (right) and Tim Sullivan of The Generations Network (far right) to announce a partnership between the Library and Archives Canada (LAC) and Ancestry.ca.
The second on the "10 Best Sites for Vital Statistics" list is the Nova Scotia Historical Vital Statistics website <www.novascotiagenealogy.com>.
If you have ancestors in Nova Scotia, be sure to check this index because it will give you all sorts of information, and will tell you where you can send for the certificates.
With my family being one of the founding ones for Nova Scotia, I have used it on a number of occasions, and it has not failed me yet.
And the third one is in the "10 Best Sites for International Searches" and it is the Programme de Recherche en Demographie Historique website, and it came 8th in the list <www.genealogie.umontreal.ca>.
It has 750,000 entries from 1621 to 1850, and although you have to pay for a full search, you can search the index for free.
So, there are the winning websites for this year.
Congratulations to all!
Let's wait and see who will be on next year's list!
Family Tree Magazine <www.familytreemagazine.com> has just put out its 2009 list — the 10th year of doing so — and Canada has three websites on the top "101 Best Web Sites 2009".
The first one I must mention is the Canadian Genealogy Centre website <www.collectionscanada.gc.ca>.
It came in second on the list for the "10 Best Virtual Library Sites" and it got a special nod for its census work and the other databases it has published online.
And this is the second time the site has been chosen - the first time was in 2003 when the CGC first opened.
A tip of the hat goes to Sylvie Tremblay, Chief, Project Manager, and her crew for doing such hard work. She is always thinking of new ways to present the information they have - and they do have a lot. We all want those databases to come faster, don't we?
Credit: Mario Lapointe, CDHere is a picture taken of Sylvie two years ago at the OGS Conference in Ottawa. She was there with (now just recently-retired) Librarian and Archivist Canada, Ian Wilson (left), along with Don Harris (right) and Tim Sullivan of The Generations Network (far right) to announce a partnership between the Library and Archives Canada (LAC) and Ancestry.ca.
The second on the "10 Best Sites for Vital Statistics" list is the Nova Scotia Historical Vital Statistics website <www.novascotiagenealogy.com>.
If you have ancestors in Nova Scotia, be sure to check this index because it will give you all sorts of information, and will tell you where you can send for the certificates.
With my family being one of the founding ones for Nova Scotia, I have used it on a number of occasions, and it has not failed me yet.
And the third one is in the "10 Best Sites for International Searches" and it is the Programme de Recherche en Demographie Historique website, and it came 8th in the list <www.genealogie.umontreal.ca>.
It has 750,000 entries from 1621 to 1850, and although you have to pay for a full search, you can search the index for free.
So, there are the winning websites for this year.
Congratulations to all!
Let's wait and see who will be on next year's list!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Ancestry.ca Publishes Canadian Census Records
Today - June 10th - marks the day that the 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891, 1901, 1911 and 1916 Canadian censuses are published online at <www.ancestry.ca>.
It includes more than 32 million names, of which 50% of Canadians will find their ancestors in these historical records.
I just did a cursory check on my ancestors to see if they were all there - and they were! It appears that it is quite well done and it contains 1.3-million images. The images matched the names, and the information was correctly transcribed for my ancestors.
Lesley Anderson and Glenn Wright are going to put on a Webinar next Thursday, June 18th at 8:30 p.m..
If you have the chance, you should register for it now. If it is anything like the talk that they gave last month at the FHC in Ottawa, you are in for an educational and interesting talk on the census.
Read my review of the talk they gave on the blog that I posted at <http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2009/05/saturday-was-treat.html>.
P.S. I just received notice from Daniel Rencher, the Chief Genealogical Officer of FamilySearch, that they have put online the 1851, 1861 and 1871 census in addition to the 1881 census already online at <www.familysearch.org>.
It includes more than 32 million names, of which 50% of Canadians will find their ancestors in these historical records.
I just did a cursory check on my ancestors to see if they were all there - and they were! It appears that it is quite well done and it contains 1.3-million images. The images matched the names, and the information was correctly transcribed for my ancestors.
Lesley Anderson and Glenn Wright are going to put on a Webinar next Thursday, June 18th at 8:30 p.m..
If you have the chance, you should register for it now. If it is anything like the talk that they gave last month at the FHC in Ottawa, you are in for an educational and interesting talk on the census.
Read my review of the talk they gave on the blog that I posted at <http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2009/05/saturday-was-treat.html>.
P.S. I just received notice from Daniel Rencher, the Chief Genealogical Officer of FamilySearch, that they have put online the 1851, 1861 and 1871 census in addition to the 1881 census already online at <www.familysearch.org>.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Toronto Branch of OGS Hosts Twenty Ten Conference
At the end of this year's conference, Jane MacNamara gave us all a special presentation on next year's conference.
Dubbed "Essentials, Innovations and Delights", the conference will be held in the Doubletree Hilton at the Toronto Airport. According to the organizers, it is very easy to get to, and the rooms will cost the same as they did in 2004(!), the last time it was held there. It will be sponsored by The Toronto Branch of the OGS.
It will be held from the 14th to the 16th of May, 2010. They have entered an agreement with the Librarian Association of Ontario, and the Association is going to put on a specific day of talks on the 13th of May for genealogical librarians at the same venue as the conference.
Next year, they will also have special lunches hosted by some of the speakers (as they do in the States). There will also be unique presentations for those people with roots in Italy and the Netherlands.
They will present three full days of talks and will have short speeches of 20 minutes each around the venue on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. One of the speakers will be Thomas W. Jones, FASG, the co-editor of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly.
As a special giveaway, Jane presented the winner of the first attendee with a free enrollment to three full days of intensive learning!
Basic information is available at <www.ogs.on.ca>.
They are also starting a conference blog at <www.torontofamilyhistory.org/2010>.
Dubbed "Essentials, Innovations and Delights", the conference will be held in the Doubletree Hilton at the Toronto Airport. According to the organizers, it is very easy to get to, and the rooms will cost the same as they did in 2004(!), the last time it was held there. It will be sponsored by The Toronto Branch of the OGS.
It will be held from the 14th to the 16th of May, 2010. They have entered an agreement with the Librarian Association of Ontario, and the Association is going to put on a specific day of talks on the 13th of May for genealogical librarians at the same venue as the conference.
Next year, they will also have special lunches hosted by some of the speakers (as they do in the States). There will also be unique presentations for those people with roots in Italy and the Netherlands.
They will present three full days of talks and will have short speeches of 20 minutes each around the venue on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. One of the speakers will be Thomas W. Jones, FASG, the co-editor of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly.
As a special giveaway, Jane presented the winner of the first attendee with a free enrollment to three full days of intensive learning!
Basic information is available at <www.ogs.on.ca>.
They are also starting a conference blog at <www.torontofamilyhistory.org/2010>.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Some Closing Thoughts ...
In summary, I came away with the thought that a sea-change had just taken place in doing genealogy.
We have been given the challenge to "fill in the dash" when we do genealogy from now on. We will have to use, as Jane MacNamara so aptly put it, the "whole-family" approach - it will push us to write the family's history, not to merely record the birth and death dates of a person's life.
Some closing thoughts on the conference -
1. On Friday night, we were introduced to our new patron, The Honourable Vivienne Poy, a Senator in the Canadian Parliament, by OGS President Don Hinchley.
She spoke very eloquently about tracing her roots back though Hong Kong to China and she hopes to bring the same enthusiasm to her new position with the OGS.
She replaces Senator Lorna Milne, who did such great work in bringing the 1911 Canadian Census to the people so that everyone can research their family history.
2. On Friday afternoon, I attended the Irish Palatine workshop in which Hank Jones (right) received the first Eula C. Lapp Award in front of a sell-out crowd from Denis Jones for his work on the Irish Palatines.
I learned that the group is putting together a book of genealogies of the Irish Palatines in Ontario, and Ruth Chernia of the OGS Publications Branch is helping out with the gathering and proofreading of the manuscript.
If you have Irish Palatines in your family, would you please contact her at <publications@ogs.on.ca>.
3. On Saturday morning, at the awful hour of 8:00 a.m. (we were tired due to a reception after the Opening Ceremonies), we gathered to hear Brian Gilchirst talk about "Pedigree and Progress: Making connections in the digital age from the printed page".
He talked about the progress that has been made in digitizing the information, but said that indexing it is falling behind. Of what use is it to scan and yet not prepare an index so that people can put in their family names to see if there is anything on them?
He also talked about saving our own research in the local archives or library. How many of us make a copy for our local archives or library?
Right after Brian's speech, we had the AGM, and it was supercharged this year with the request for an increase in membership dues.
After much discussion and various amendments, the vote was taken, and it was a "yes" vote for the increase of the basic membership fee to $60.00 from the current $45.00, starting next calendar year.
The OGS also put out a call for people to index the OGS Library, which is going to be digitized and put online.
It will include over 3,000 family genealogies, but they need to be indexed so that they can be searchable online.
If you wish to help, please contact Dr. Fraser Dunford, Executive Director, OGS at <ed@ogs.on.ca>.
4. On Saturday afternoon, I went to the panel discussion on "From the Printed Page to the Digital Age ... The Professionals' Perspective".
The audience that was there asked many questions of the panel, which included Susanna de Groot, Janice Nickerson, Ruth Burkholder, Tammy Tipler-Priolo, and Brian Gilchist. It was moderated by Sharon Murphy.
It was sponsored by the Ontario Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists <http://ocapg.org>.
From the answers they gave, I gather it's quite a lonely life being a genealogist, looking at a computer screen all day long (something like a writer) and how important listserves are so that genealogists can talk over their research problems.
They talked about how the Internet has changed the way they do research, and people are asking different types of questions these days - more away from, "When was he born?", and more towards, "What can you tell me about his life as a grocer in Toronto in the 1850s?"
5. On Saturday night, we went to a local banquet hall to hear Charlotte Gray talk about what it is like being a biographer - which is where genealogy is heading. She is being introduced by Halton-Peel Chairman, Bob Crawford.
She gave us a sound footing of how to research history to write a biography, and she has written many, including one of Alexander Graham Bell.
At present, she is working on the people of the Klondike and she will be at the BIFHSGO conference this September, and at that time will give a talk on Sir John A. Mcdonald and his women!
6. On Sunday, I spent some time at the OGS Publications table to talk to people as they came by and generally got good reviews of the work I do on NewsLeaf and e-NewsLeaf.
All-in-all, another great conference, and well-worth both the fatigue of doing so much, and the sadness of having to say good-bye to old friends and acquaintances for yet another year.
We have been given the challenge to "fill in the dash" when we do genealogy from now on. We will have to use, as Jane MacNamara so aptly put it, the "whole-family" approach - it will push us to write the family's history, not to merely record the birth and death dates of a person's life.
Some closing thoughts on the conference -
1. On Friday night, we were introduced to our new patron, The Honourable Vivienne Poy, a Senator in the Canadian Parliament, by OGS President Don Hinchley.
She spoke very eloquently about tracing her roots back though Hong Kong to China and she hopes to bring the same enthusiasm to her new position with the OGS.
She replaces Senator Lorna Milne, who did such great work in bringing the 1911 Canadian Census to the people so that everyone can research their family history.
2. On Friday afternoon, I attended the Irish Palatine workshop in which Hank Jones (right) received the first Eula C. Lapp Award in front of a sell-out crowd from Denis Jones for his work on the Irish Palatines.
I learned that the group is putting together a book of genealogies of the Irish Palatines in Ontario, and Ruth Chernia of the OGS Publications Branch is helping out with the gathering and proofreading of the manuscript.
If you have Irish Palatines in your family, would you please contact her at <publications@ogs.on.ca>.
3. On Saturday morning, at the awful hour of 8:00 a.m. (we were tired due to a reception after the Opening Ceremonies), we gathered to hear Brian Gilchirst talk about "Pedigree and Progress: Making connections in the digital age from the printed page".
He talked about the progress that has been made in digitizing the information, but said that indexing it is falling behind. Of what use is it to scan and yet not prepare an index so that people can put in their family names to see if there is anything on them?
He also talked about saving our own research in the local archives or library. How many of us make a copy for our local archives or library?
Right after Brian's speech, we had the AGM, and it was supercharged this year with the request for an increase in membership dues.
After much discussion and various amendments, the vote was taken, and it was a "yes" vote for the increase of the basic membership fee to $60.00 from the current $45.00, starting next calendar year.
The OGS also put out a call for people to index the OGS Library, which is going to be digitized and put online.
It will include over 3,000 family genealogies, but they need to be indexed so that they can be searchable online.
If you wish to help, please contact Dr. Fraser Dunford, Executive Director, OGS at <ed@ogs.on.ca>.
4. On Saturday afternoon, I went to the panel discussion on "From the Printed Page to the Digital Age ... The Professionals' Perspective".
The audience that was there asked many questions of the panel, which included Susanna de Groot, Janice Nickerson, Ruth Burkholder, Tammy Tipler-Priolo, and Brian Gilchist. It was moderated by Sharon Murphy.
It was sponsored by the Ontario Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists <http://ocapg.org>.
From the answers they gave, I gather it's quite a lonely life being a genealogist, looking at a computer screen all day long (something like a writer) and how important listserves are so that genealogists can talk over their research problems.
They talked about how the Internet has changed the way they do research, and people are asking different types of questions these days - more away from, "When was he born?", and more towards, "What can you tell me about his life as a grocer in Toronto in the 1850s?"
5. On Saturday night, we went to a local banquet hall to hear Charlotte Gray talk about what it is like being a biographer - which is where genealogy is heading. She is being introduced by Halton-Peel Chairman, Bob Crawford.
She gave us a sound footing of how to research history to write a biography, and she has written many, including one of Alexander Graham Bell.
At present, she is working on the people of the Klondike and she will be at the BIFHSGO conference this September, and at that time will give a talk on Sir John A. Mcdonald and his women!
6. On Sunday, I spent some time at the OGS Publications table to talk to people as they came by and generally got good reviews of the work I do on NewsLeaf and e-NewsLeaf.
All-in-all, another great conference, and well-worth both the fatigue of doing so much, and the sadness of having to say good-bye to old friends and acquaintances for yet another year.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
"Filling in the Dash"
At the graduation ceremony of the National Institute for Genealogical Studies <www.GenealogicalStudies.com> on Friday afternoon, Todd Poertner gave an entertaining speech to the 40 graduates and their invited guests in which he said his wife, Rebecca, was prone to taking genealogical vacations.When he asked her why she was doing this, she said she was gathering information to "fill in the dash". That is that “-” sign we have all come across in our research that denotes a lifetime spent between birth and death. What type of life did this person live?
And the way to this type of research — filling in the dash — was exactly what Kory Meyerink spoke about in his speech that evening.
Keynote speaker Kory L. Meyerink — during the opening ceremonies of this year's Ontario Genealogical Society's Conference '09 — gave the J. Richard Houston Memorial Lecture on Friday evening."It's time for genealogists to become family 'biographers' and get beyond just names, dates, and places," was how he started in his lecture, "Beyond the Begats: Developing Biographies from Paper and Digital Sources."
He said we call it family history for a reason, and the reason is - because it is not JUST genealogy!
We just don't copy down a series of dates and say, "That's it, I am finished with it now!", or at least he hopes we don't. He encourages us to write a "Family Biography", and he gave us a list of sources to check as we start our biographies.
Continue to use the traditional sources, as we all do, like census records, BMDs, etc, but go beyond them, gathering the "extra" information like local histories, military files, court and civil records, and newspapers.
He said we have to train ourselves to focus on the "what" rather than ask "why". For example, why a person migrated can be somewhat easy to find, but what did they migrate from, and what did they migrate to, can be more difficult to determine.
He also advise us to become "miners" of databases.
This term these days is becoming rather dated in Internet times, but it still applies if you are doing genealogical research.
Some of the databases he suggests in "mining" are <www.Ancestry.com> (they have over 1,400 databases of Canadian records), <www.WorldVitalRecords.com>, <www.Footnote.com>, <www.FamilySearch.org>, and <www.CollectionsCanada.gc.ca>, which includes the Canadian Genealogy Centre.
He left us with a two page bibliography, which I intend to research. I am sure that I will come across some books that will pique my interest, and I will read them - especially the books about immigration histories.
John Becker, the editor of the OGS journal, Families, tells me that this lecture will be reprinted in a future issue. Be sure to watch for it!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
OGS Conference '09 Ends!
Well, the fun is over - Conference '09 ended at 3:00 this afternoon, with the news that next years' conference will be held May 14-16 at the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Toronto Airport.
So it's farewell to Oakville and the many friends I leave behind for yet another year.
I'll be on the road all day tomorrow, going back to Ottawa, and I will blog more about the conference and its sessions the rest of the week.
Day 3 - Conference '09
This is the last day, and although a bit tired because of yesterday's hectic schedule and last night's banquet, we are here early this morning at the computer room, still searching for ancestors.
I am going back to the Marketplace to get information on next year's conference in Toronto, to be held May 14 to 16. This afternoon, at 2:15, the closing remarks and final goodbyes will be held.
I am going to spend some time at the OGS Publications Table (as editor of NewsLeaf and its sister email publication, e-NewsLeaf).
And as a representative of the International Society of Family History Writers and Editors (ISFHWE) — in my capacity as International Director — I am letting others know what a great organization it is for writers http://isfhwe.org/
I will posting more on this conference in the next few days.
I am going back to the Marketplace to get information on next year's conference in Toronto, to be held May 14 to 16. This afternoon, at 2:15, the closing remarks and final goodbyes will be held.
I am going to spend some time at the OGS Publications Table (as editor of NewsLeaf and its sister email publication, e-NewsLeaf).
And as a representative of the International Society of Family History Writers and Editors (ISFHWE) — in my capacity as International Director — I am letting others know what a great organization it is for writers http://isfhwe.org/
I will posting more on this conference in the next few days.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
**NEWSFLASH** - OGS Accepts Fee Increase
Just a few minutes ago, the attending members of the Ontario Genealogical Society, at their AGM, voted overwhelmingly to increase membership dues from $45 to $60 a year, beginning next year.
More to follow on this ...
More to follow on this ...
Friday, May 29, 2009
''Accident" Today at OGS Conference '09
... what you get when you mix a conference, a festive atmosphere, rabid genealogists, a graduation ceremony, a librarian, coffee, and a chair ...
Conference attendee, Marian Press, reacts to casualty.
Friday Afternoon at OGS Conference '09
Up-and-coming blogging superstar, John D. Reid (on the right), of the Anglo-Celtic Connections blog <http://anglo-celtic-connections.blogspot.com>—fresh from his trip from Ottawa—is enjoying a fine cold-plate supper with fellow genealogist and guest speaker, Gary Schroder of the Quebec Family History Society <http://www.qfhs.ca>.
This is the culmination of a very exciting afternoon, filled with a visit to the Marketplace (again) to see more newly-arrived exhibitors, the chance to meet more acquaintances, a workshop hosted by the Irish Palatine special Interest Group (IP-SIG), and the graduation ceremony of the National Institute for Genealogical Studies <www.genealogicalstudies.com> (more to follow on these activities).
We're now off in a mad rush to the opening ceremonies!
Conference '09 - Marketplace - Day 1
So, here is an update on the Marketplace, and some pictures.
Dr. Fraser Dunford, Executive Director of the OGS, putting in some work at the conference, setting up the OGS kiosk -
- and John Becker, editor of OGS journal, Families, is putting final touches on his display at our OGS Publications Table.
Dr. Fraser Dunford, Executive Director of the OGS, putting in some work at the conference, setting up the OGS kiosk -
- and John Becker, editor of OGS journal, Families, is putting final touches on his display at our OGS Publications Table.
Finally! Conference '09 Begins!
It began with a bit of a rocky start, with breakfast not to begin until 8 o'clock, and people were expecting it to begin at 7, but a compromise was reached, and it was started after 7:30. However, once started, it was a lovely breakfast, served in the cafeteria of the College - a very tasty continental breakfast, fuelling hungry genealogists ready for their morning's activities.
Ticket takers for this morning's breakfast were: (L) Joan Phillips and (R) Judy Payne, both from the Peel Branch.
Then we went to register, which was well-organized and efficient, and we were out of there in less than a minute. Lines were going fast.
We met a few old friends, and introduced ourselves to some new ones.
Now to go through the bag to check all the goodies, and then we're off to the Marketplace to check on the OGS Publications Table, to see how John Becker, editor of the OGS journal, Families, and Grace Jewell, OGS Webmaster, are doing. I will be there Sunday.
Note that there are two (2) Marketplaces this year, and we are starting with Marketplace #1. Can't wait to see what awaits us!
Ticket takers for this morning's breakfast were: (L) Joan Phillips and (R) Judy Payne, both from the Peel Branch.Then we went to register, which was well-organized and efficient, and we were out of there in less than a minute. Lines were going fast.
We met a few old friends, and introduced ourselves to some new ones.
Now to go through the bag to check all the goodies, and then we're off to the Marketplace to check on the OGS Publications Table, to see how John Becker, editor of the OGS journal, Families, and Grace Jewell, OGS Webmaster, are doing. I will be there Sunday.
Note that there are two (2) Marketplaces this year, and we are starting with Marketplace #1. Can't wait to see what awaits us!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
FLASH! LAC Announces New Genealogy Collections
From Slyvie Tremblay, Chief, Canadian Genealogy Centre (as of 1130 hrs, 28 May 2009)
“Greetings,
I am pleased to announce that new pages are available on the Canadian Genealogy Centre website as of this morning.
You will now find information on Jewish (http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/genealogy/022-905.008-e.html) and Polish (http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/genealogy/022-905.007-e.html) in the What to Search : Topics : Ethno-cultural and Aboriginal Groups section.
Also, we now have a page about Heraldry (http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/genealogy/022-914.006-e.html) in the What to Search : Topics : Other Topics section.”
“Greetings,
I am pleased to announce that new pages are available on the Canadian Genealogy Centre website as of this morning.
You will now find information on Jewish (http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/genealogy/022-905.008-e.html) and Polish (http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/genealogy/022-905.007-e.html) in the What to Search : Topics : Ethno-cultural and Aboriginal Groups section.
Also, we now have a page about Heraldry (http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/genealogy/022-914.006-e.html) in the What to Search : Topics : Other Topics section.”
Pre-OGS Conference '09 (Post 1)
We finally made it to Oakville!
It took us all day yesterday (Wednesday) to get here, but we’re settled in now, and are ready to do a day of research at the neighbouring city of Burlington.
This morning, while having breakfast, we met some fellow OGS members. They were talking about the conference, and this morning’s Chairs Meeting, where they will talk about what has happened over the year in their individual branches, and will discuss this year’s upcoming year.
One Chair has completely digitized her branch’s newsletters, and they will appear on the OGS website for interested parties to buy <http://www.ogs.on.ca/>.
Another woman talked about going to the “new” Ontario Archives <http://www.archives.gov.on.ca/> yesterday, and was looking for her uncle, which she, unfortunately, did not find. But she gave the Archives top marks for having the information organized, in a much better fashion than found at their old location.
So it’s off to Burlington with our friend, June Coxon, to search for her ancestor, Charles HALES. The first place we’ll hit will be the library, and with any luck, will then head for the cemetery, with the hopes of finding his gravestone and tying up the loose ends of that family, thus making the trip a success!
‘til the next blog …
It took us all day yesterday (Wednesday) to get here, but we’re settled in now, and are ready to do a day of research at the neighbouring city of Burlington.
This morning, while having breakfast, we met some fellow OGS members. They were talking about the conference, and this morning’s Chairs Meeting, where they will talk about what has happened over the year in their individual branches, and will discuss this year’s upcoming year.
One Chair has completely digitized her branch’s newsletters, and they will appear on the OGS website for interested parties to buy <http://www.ogs.on.ca/>.
Another woman talked about going to the “new” Ontario Archives <http://www.archives.gov.on.ca/> yesterday, and was looking for her uncle, which she, unfortunately, did not find. But she gave the Archives top marks for having the information organized, in a much better fashion than found at their old location.
So it’s off to Burlington with our friend, June Coxon, to search for her ancestor, Charles HALES. The first place we’ll hit will be the library, and with any luck, will then head for the cemetery, with the hopes of finding his gravestone and tying up the loose ends of that family, thus making the trip a success!
‘til the next blog …
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
OGS Conference '09 - Day 3
On day 3 at the conference (Sunday), my wandering days will be over for me as I will be at the OGS Publications Table all day - well, until the conference closes at 2:15 in the afternoon.
It has been a busy week for me, doing my regular work plus helping to plan the table - but I think we are ready to go.
This will be my last blog from home, but we are ready to try a new smartphone during this trip and conference - so I will be in touch.
We will wrap up on Sunday afternoon and then it will be a travelling day for me on Monday. We have to be back, as my husband is going to a conference the next weekend.
See you at the conference!
It has been a busy week for me, doing my regular work plus helping to plan the table - but I think we are ready to go.
This will be my last blog from home, but we are ready to try a new smartphone during this trip and conference - so I will be in touch.
We will wrap up on Sunday afternoon and then it will be a travelling day for me on Monday. We have to be back, as my husband is going to a conference the next weekend.
See you at the conference!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Plans for OGS Conference '09 - Day 2
Day 2 will find me in the Plenary Session at 8:00 in the morning. Will I be awake enough to see what's going on? That is the question!
I know that it will be at this session that the dreaded "rate increase" — as John Reid at his Anglo-Celtic Connections blog <http://anglo-celtic-connections.blogspot.com/2009/05/are-genealogical-society-fees-too-high.html> has been writing about — will be brought up.
The proposed increase for yearly membership will be $15.00 (making it $60.00 per year), and I wondered what the reaction will be because I don't know - I suspect that people already have made up their minds. We shall see. You will be the first to know - I will be Twittering from the conference!
After that session is over, I will be going to hear a panel discussion on "From the Printed Page to the Digital Age: The Professionals", which will be moderated by Sharon Murphy. Panelists include Susanna de Groot and Tammy Priolo — both graduates from the National Institute for Genealogical Studies; Brian Gilchrist, the Archivist at the Region of Peel Archives; Janice Nickerson, who has her M.A. in History and a website at <www.uppercanadagenealogy.com>; and author and lecturer, Ruth Burkholder.
The rest of the day I will be in the Marketplace talking to people and seeing what is new this year. Then, I will be at the banquet to hear Charlotte Gray talk about Alexander Graham Bell and his love of genealogy.
Sounds like a full day to me!
I know that it will be at this session that the dreaded "rate increase" — as John Reid at his Anglo-Celtic Connections blog <http://anglo-celtic-connections.blogspot.com/2009/05/are-genealogical-society-fees-too-high.html> has been writing about — will be brought up.
The proposed increase for yearly membership will be $15.00 (making it $60.00 per year), and I wondered what the reaction will be because I don't know - I suspect that people already have made up their minds. We shall see. You will be the first to know - I will be Twittering from the conference!
After that session is over, I will be going to hear a panel discussion on "From the Printed Page to the Digital Age: The Professionals", which will be moderated by Sharon Murphy. Panelists include Susanna de Groot and Tammy Priolo — both graduates from the National Institute for Genealogical Studies; Brian Gilchrist, the Archivist at the Region of Peel Archives; Janice Nickerson, who has her M.A. in History and a website at <www.uppercanadagenealogy.com>; and author and lecturer, Ruth Burkholder.
The rest of the day I will be in the Marketplace talking to people and seeing what is new this year. Then, I will be at the banquet to hear Charlotte Gray talk about Alexander Graham Bell and his love of genealogy.
Sounds like a full day to me!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
OGS Conference '09
As many of you know, I will be Twittering and blogging from this year's conference! The first time an OGS conference has been covered in this manner!
The conference will be held from May 29th to June 1st in Oakville (part of Toronto), with well over 700 attendees.
Friday morning — after we register — I will be off to the marketplace while other people will be going on a tour of the NEW Ontario Archives.
In the afternoon, I will be covering the Irish Palatines, where Hank Jones will speak (he has written much about the Palatines), and after that, I will attend the graduation ceremony of the National Institute for Genealogical Studies, which is, by the way, celebrating its 10th anniversary.
The opening ceremonies will be held in the evening, and well-known genealogist Kory L. Meyerink will give the J. Richard Houston Memorial Lecture, with a reception to follow.
So watch for my Twitters and keep an eye for the blogs - I'll see you at the conference!
The conference will be held from May 29th to June 1st in Oakville (part of Toronto), with well over 700 attendees.
Friday morning — after we register — I will be off to the marketplace while other people will be going on a tour of the NEW Ontario Archives.
In the afternoon, I will be covering the Irish Palatines, where Hank Jones will speak (he has written much about the Palatines), and after that, I will attend the graduation ceremony of the National Institute for Genealogical Studies, which is, by the way, celebrating its 10th anniversary.
The opening ceremonies will be held in the evening, and well-known genealogist Kory L. Meyerink will give the J. Richard Houston Memorial Lecture, with a reception to follow.
So watch for my Twitters and keep an eye for the blogs - I'll see you at the conference!
Friday, May 22, 2009
OGS "NewsLeaf" is here
The pre-Conference NewsLeaf is here!
This is a long issue (30+ pages) as it contains a report from each of the branches, plus a report from each of the regional directors, plus financial statements, plus a report on all the things that went on at last year's Conference, plus, plus, plus. Phew!
To say the least, I am usually spent by the time it is done and I take a couple of days off to recover, but this year, I was totally booked in writing magazine articles - so no time off for me!
They are good publications (if I must say so myself) - Families and NewsLeaf. This November, I will have been the editor for three years - it seems like I just put out my second edition, but in truth, it will be my 10th one!
And if you are coming to Conference 2009, be sure to drop by our table. Yes, we will have a table this year. It will be alongside the OGS table, but we will be clearly marked as "OGS Publications".
Grace Jewell, the OGS Webmaster, and John Becker, the editor of Families, will be there on Saturday. And I (Elizabeth Lapointe), the editor of NewsLeaf and e-NewsLeaf, will be there on Sunday.
If you haven't signed up to receive e-Newsleaf, be sure to do that - it is included in your yearly membership dues. There will be a sheet that you can put your email address on it if you haven't already subscribed at the "Members Only" section of the OGS website <www.ogs.on.ca>.
So far, only about 80% of members have sent in their addresses, and we would like to see everybody join up, as there are links for access to the great databases that the OGS has already published, and for the new ones that will be coming soon. So sign up - you'll be glad you did!
This year, I will be representing the International Society of Family History Writers and Editors in my capacity as the International Director, and it's a great organization. I will have a handout available for all, detailing the ISFHWE group, and its benefits. The website address is <http://isfhwe.org>.
So come on over and say "Hello!" to myself, John, and Grace. We would be pleased to see you.
If you would like to send in an article or a family history to be published, be sure to come and see us.
This is a long issue (30+ pages) as it contains a report from each of the branches, plus a report from each of the regional directors, plus financial statements, plus a report on all the things that went on at last year's Conference, plus, plus, plus. Phew!
To say the least, I am usually spent by the time it is done and I take a couple of days off to recover, but this year, I was totally booked in writing magazine articles - so no time off for me!
They are good publications (if I must say so myself) - Families and NewsLeaf. This November, I will have been the editor for three years - it seems like I just put out my second edition, but in truth, it will be my 10th one!
And if you are coming to Conference 2009, be sure to drop by our table. Yes, we will have a table this year. It will be alongside the OGS table, but we will be clearly marked as "OGS Publications".
Grace Jewell, the OGS Webmaster, and John Becker, the editor of Families, will be there on Saturday. And I (Elizabeth Lapointe), the editor of NewsLeaf and e-NewsLeaf, will be there on Sunday.
If you haven't signed up to receive e-Newsleaf, be sure to do that - it is included in your yearly membership dues. There will be a sheet that you can put your email address on it if you haven't already subscribed at the "Members Only" section of the OGS website <www.ogs.on.ca>.
So far, only about 80% of members have sent in their addresses, and we would like to see everybody join up, as there are links for access to the great databases that the OGS has already published, and for the new ones that will be coming soon. So sign up - you'll be glad you did!
This year, I will be representing the International Society of Family History Writers and Editors in my capacity as the International Director, and it's a great organization. I will have a handout available for all, detailing the ISFHWE group, and its benefits. The website address is <http://isfhwe.org>.
So come on over and say "Hello!" to myself, John, and Grace. We would be pleased to see you.
If you would like to send in an article or a family history to be published, be sure to come and see us.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
LAC Appoints New Librarian/Archivist
The Library and Archives Canada (LAC) has appointed the new Chief Librarian and Archivist. It is Dr. Daniel J. Caron, who transferes to the job from being the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister. He has been with the LAC since its inception a number of years ago.
His appointment was effective April 27, 2009.
Meanwhile, I see where the former Librarian/Archivist, Ian E. Wilson, has taken an appointment with the University of Waterloo at their new research facility in Stratford, Ontario.
He will be a strategic advisor to the new University of Waterloo Startford Institute of Arts and Culture. It will build the next generation in technology to digitize media products and services.
Both Dr. Caron and Ian are to be congratulated on their new positions.
His appointment was effective April 27, 2009.
Meanwhile, I see where the former Librarian/Archivist, Ian E. Wilson, has taken an appointment with the University of Waterloo at their new research facility in Stratford, Ontario.
He will be a strategic advisor to the new University of Waterloo Startford Institute of Arts and Culture. It will build the next generation in technology to digitize media products and services.
Both Dr. Caron and Ian are to be congratulated on their new positions.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
AGM and Genealogy Fair in Brockville
Brockville, Ontario — on the shore of the lovely St. Lawrence River — was the city where the AGM of Region VIII of the Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS) and Genealogy Fair was held Saturday, 25 April at St. Lawrence College. It was hosted by the Leeds and Grenville Branch of the OGS <www.leedsandgrenvillegenealogy.com>.
The first presentation was by Kees Van Den Heuval and he gave a talk on the options available to genealogists for digitizing and restoring photographs entitled, "A Primer on Digitizing and Restoring Photographs for Genealogists".
He went into quite a bit of detail on how to restore photographs, which was of interest to us, for I have a number of photos that have to be restored. My husband and I were madly taking notes, and afterwards, members asked quite a few questions as everybody seemed quite interested in how to restore old photos.
Patti Mordasewicz, Chair of the Leeds and Grenville Branch of the OGS, thanks Kees Van Den Heuval for his presentation at the Genealogy Fair.
After lunch, we listened to Jessica Squires from the Library and Archives Canada (LAC) give a talk on the "Indian Affairs" RG 10 Records held at the LAC, called "Aboriginal and Natural Resources Division on Aboriginal Research". The website for these records is located at <www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/genealogy/022-905.003-e.html>.
She said that among other things, they have treaty paylists, band membership paylists, and enfranchisement lists at the LAC. They also have military records, census records, vital records, and social records.
She also gave a short history of the department and the reclassification of regional offices within the department, and steps to use to overcome this challenge.
She suggested that we all consult the book by Bill Russell entitled, "Records of The Federal Department Of Indian Affairs At The National Archives Of Canada".
Patti Mordasewicz, Chair of the Leeds and Grenville Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society, thanks Jessica Squires after her talk to the people at the Brockville Genealogy Fair.
The third and final presentation was by Professor Tim Abel, who presented a very lively talk on a special archeology dig he did a couple of years ago for a large Realtor who wanted to build on the outskirts of Watertown, Jefferson County, New York — right across the river from Brockville.
The city requested that a survey be done on the land first and it was known that a farm land had been there before, but very little evidence had been found about what had happened to it.
Tim was hired to go start an archaeology dig there, and found the house had caught on fire in the late 1800s and burnt down!
He was unable to find the descendants of the Earl family but he was able to take over 6,000 objects from the area. They have been classified and put in a museum in the area.
The Realtor built its store on the property - but in front of the store there is a spot where the farm house once stood. It is undeveloped, with uncut grass growing there in the summertime.
Patti Mordasewicz, Chair of the Leeds and Grenville Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society, says her "thank you's" to Tim Abel for his interesting talk at the Brockville Genealogy Fair.
We had an enjoyable trip to Brockville and found St. Lawrence College quite easily and went in to register. There were a dozen or so vendors and groups represented in the marketplace, and they seemed to be doing a brisk business.
We had a wonderful lunch of hot soup and sandwiches served in the cafeteria. And at a table just as you entered the marketplace, there were homemade squares of every description, and coffee and tea that you could have at anytime.
It was a most wonderful day, and we had a nice trip back to town in about an hour and a half. That night, we had a most terrific storm with wind and thunder that caused trees to fall and much damage to roofs on houses and barns, in Ottawa and surrounding area. It was later classified as a tornado.
The first presentation was by Kees Van Den Heuval and he gave a talk on the options available to genealogists for digitizing and restoring photographs entitled, "A Primer on Digitizing and Restoring Photographs for Genealogists".
He went into quite a bit of detail on how to restore photographs, which was of interest to us, for I have a number of photos that have to be restored. My husband and I were madly taking notes, and afterwards, members asked quite a few questions as everybody seemed quite interested in how to restore old photos.
Patti Mordasewicz, Chair of the Leeds and Grenville Branch of the OGS, thanks Kees Van Den Heuval for his presentation at the Genealogy Fair.Credit: J.M. Lapointe, CD
After lunch, we listened to Jessica Squires from the Library and Archives Canada (LAC) give a talk on the "Indian Affairs" RG 10 Records held at the LAC, called "Aboriginal and Natural Resources Division on Aboriginal Research". The website for these records is located at <www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/genealogy/022-905.003-e.html>.
She said that among other things, they have treaty paylists, band membership paylists, and enfranchisement lists at the LAC. They also have military records, census records, vital records, and social records.
She also gave a short history of the department and the reclassification of regional offices within the department, and steps to use to overcome this challenge.
She suggested that we all consult the book by Bill Russell entitled, "Records of The Federal Department Of Indian Affairs At The National Archives Of Canada".
Patti Mordasewicz, Chair of the Leeds and Grenville Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society, thanks Jessica Squires after her talk to the people at the Brockville Genealogy Fair.Credit: J.M. Lapointe, CD
The third and final presentation was by Professor Tim Abel, who presented a very lively talk on a special archeology dig he did a couple of years ago for a large Realtor who wanted to build on the outskirts of Watertown, Jefferson County, New York — right across the river from Brockville.
The city requested that a survey be done on the land first and it was known that a farm land had been there before, but very little evidence had been found about what had happened to it.
Tim was hired to go start an archaeology dig there, and found the house had caught on fire in the late 1800s and burnt down!
He was unable to find the descendants of the Earl family but he was able to take over 6,000 objects from the area. They have been classified and put in a museum in the area.
The Realtor built its store on the property - but in front of the store there is a spot where the farm house once stood. It is undeveloped, with uncut grass growing there in the summertime.
Patti Mordasewicz, Chair of the Leeds and Grenville Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society, says her "thank you's" to Tim Abel for his interesting talk at the Brockville Genealogy Fair.Credit: J.M. Lapointe, CD
We had an enjoyable trip to Brockville and found St. Lawrence College quite easily and went in to register. There were a dozen or so vendors and groups represented in the marketplace, and they seemed to be doing a brisk business.
We had a wonderful lunch of hot soup and sandwiches served in the cafeteria. And at a table just as you entered the marketplace, there were homemade squares of every description, and coffee and tea that you could have at anytime.
It was a most wonderful day, and we had a nice trip back to town in about an hour and a half. That night, we had a most terrific storm with wind and thunder that caused trees to fall and much damage to roofs on houses and barns, in Ottawa and surrounding area. It was later classified as a tornado.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Anglo-Celtic Roots Arrives!
The spring edition of Anglo-Celtic Roots arrived the other day, and I can see by the advertisement put in the latest issue that plans for the fall conference are well underway.
This year's conference is to be held from Sept 18th to the 20th and will feature a Scottish focus this year. Duncan Macniven, Registrar General for Scotland, will speak on two topics - "Scotland's Demographic History since Victorian Times" and "How to Find Your Own Scottish Ancestors".
Colleen Fitzpatrick from California is the author of Forensic Genealogy. I heard her speak at last year's OGS Conference in London, and she is fantastic.
There will be many other speakers, as well. And on Friday, there will be a special intermediate course given in genealogy, a tour of the Library and Archives of Canada, and a Family Tree Maker workshop.
This will be their 15th Annual Fall Conference, and according to President Mary Ann Sharpe, many are taking advantage of the "on-line" membership and conference registration available at the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa website <www.bifhsgo.ca> - almost 40 percent!
Meanwhile, there are five articles in this issue of Anglo-Celtic Roots and they are -
"The Luck of the Scots" - an article by Carol Annett in which she writes about her husband's grandfather, John Alexander (Jack) MacKinnon, and the finding of his gravemarker besides the ruins of St. Raphael's Church.
"Doors Open and There is My Great-great-grandfather", by Irene Kellow Ip, tells the story of how she discovered the baptismal and marriage record of Patrick Mackin by telling a fellow researcher about him at an "Doors Open" event in Ottawa.
"Simplified Publishing of Military Research" by Norma O'Toole is an article about Norman Johnson of the 405 Pathfinder Squadron of Vancouver and how Norma discovered his war service.
"Don't Believe All You Read" by John Sayers is about an article read by John in the 1922 issue of the Montreal Gazette in which four children were drowned near Grosse Île.
"Secret Secretaries" by Ilana Reimer is an article about Dorothy May Helm about her grandmother who worked as a Secret Secretary for William Stephenson (the man who ran the Second World War Office, called the British Security Coordination, or BSC).
This year's conference is to be held from Sept 18th to the 20th and will feature a Scottish focus this year. Duncan Macniven, Registrar General for Scotland, will speak on two topics - "Scotland's Demographic History since Victorian Times" and "How to Find Your Own Scottish Ancestors".
Colleen Fitzpatrick from California is the author of Forensic Genealogy. I heard her speak at last year's OGS Conference in London, and she is fantastic.
There will be many other speakers, as well. And on Friday, there will be a special intermediate course given in genealogy, a tour of the Library and Archives of Canada, and a Family Tree Maker workshop.
This will be their 15th Annual Fall Conference, and according to President Mary Ann Sharpe, many are taking advantage of the "on-line" membership and conference registration available at the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa website <www.bifhsgo.ca> - almost 40 percent!
Meanwhile, there are five articles in this issue of Anglo-Celtic Roots and they are -
"The Luck of the Scots" - an article by Carol Annett in which she writes about her husband's grandfather, John Alexander (Jack) MacKinnon, and the finding of his gravemarker besides the ruins of St. Raphael's Church.
"Doors Open and There is My Great-great-grandfather", by Irene Kellow Ip, tells the story of how she discovered the baptismal and marriage record of Patrick Mackin by telling a fellow researcher about him at an "Doors Open" event in Ottawa.
"Simplified Publishing of Military Research" by Norma O'Toole is an article about Norman Johnson of the 405 Pathfinder Squadron of Vancouver and how Norma discovered his war service.
"Don't Believe All You Read" by John Sayers is about an article read by John in the 1922 issue of the Montreal Gazette in which four children were drowned near Grosse Île.
"Secret Secretaries" by Ilana Reimer is an article about Dorothy May Helm about her grandmother who worked as a Secret Secretary for William Stephenson (the man who ran the Second World War Office, called the British Security Coordination, or BSC).
Sunday, May 17, 2009
IOOF Database
The Ontario Genealogical Society <www.ogs.on.ca> has recently put the Independent Order of Oddfellow (IOOF) index online. Nearly thirteen years ago, the application papers were donated to the OGS. It represents nearly 60,000 Canadian men who obtained life insurance from this plan.
This is the third database that the Ontario Genealogical Society has made available to their "Members only" site, the two other being the Strays Database and the Church Histories of the London Roman Catholic Diocese.
Each application is four pages long and includes such genealogical information as the name of a beneficiary and the person's relationship to the applicant, the age and health of siblings and parents (although their names are rarely mentioned), and other letters and notes attached to the applicants.
The database contains the applicant's name, date of birth, and location when the application was made, and the application date and number.
I checked the database for a couple of surnames and found that you can write to the OGS if you want any of the files on the database (the 100 year rule applies for health reasons, so only papers piror to 1909 can be released) for $10.80, which includes tax. The money will go to the preservation of the project.
You can write to them at 40 Orchard View Blvd, Suite 102, Toronto, ON M4R 1B9, or send them an email at <research@ogs.on.ca>.
This is the third database that the Ontario Genealogical Society has made available to their "Members only" site, the two other being the Strays Database and the Church Histories of the London Roman Catholic Diocese.
Each application is four pages long and includes such genealogical information as the name of a beneficiary and the person's relationship to the applicant, the age and health of siblings and parents (although their names are rarely mentioned), and other letters and notes attached to the applicants.
The database contains the applicant's name, date of birth, and location when the application was made, and the application date and number.
I checked the database for a couple of surnames and found that you can write to the OGS if you want any of the files on the database (the 100 year rule applies for health reasons, so only papers piror to 1909 can be released) for $10.80, which includes tax. The money will go to the preservation of the project.
You can write to them at 40 Orchard View Blvd, Suite 102, Toronto, ON M4R 1B9, or send them an email at <research@ogs.on.ca>.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Saturday was a Treat!
We were in for a treat last Saturday when we attended the annual FHC Genealogy Fair at their location on Prince of Wales Drive near Dow's Lake and the Experimental Farm. The website for the Family History Center in Ottawa is <www.OttawaStakefhc.on.ca>.
The treat turned out to be a dual presentation by Ottawa genealogists Glenn Wright (BIFHSGO member) and Lesley Anderson (with Ancestry.ca) on the Canadian Census.
They made the comment that they didn't think it had been done before - and I honestly don't think it has. They have taken a rather dull subject and have turned it into something fun and interesting - and if they present it again (which I hope they will), you should not miss it.
As Glenn and Leslie pointed out, census have been taken in Canada since 1666! They went through the history of the census as it was in Canada, paying special attention to the censuses since 1871 - the first national census in Canada.
The 1871 Canadian Census is still complete at the Library and Archives Canada (it wasn't discarded after it was microfilmed), and it has many different schedules of interest (e.g. the agricultural and industrial census is attached).
They stopped and looked at the 1906 and 1916 censuses of Western Canada (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta) and noticed how complete they are - they are on Ancestry.ca.
In the 1916 census, it has who was away on the First World War overseas, and people were asked the country of their birth to make sure the government was keeping track of immigration.
The 1911 Canadian Census was the last one made public before the next census of 1921 (which is due to be made public in 2013 - 92 years after it was taken) is also on Ancestry.ca. It is the year when people were asked what year they came to Canada - again, to keep track of immigration.
Leslie said that all Canadian census will be on the Internet at Ancestry.ca next month - the 10th of June.
I spent my break times answering questions on the Loyalists who came to Canada because I am descendent for them on both sides of the family, and also answered questions about the Ontario Genealogical Society because I am their newsletter editor.
Therefore, I didn't have time to go to the "cultural room" to see who was there at the table, although my husband went there, and said that BIFHSGO and the City of Ottawa Archives were there, to name a few.
It was time very well-spent, and Shirley Ann Pyefinch and her group are to be congratulated for putting together another successful fair, and for making us feel at home.
They should go "on the road" with their presentation, which they gave Saturday at the FHC Genealogy Fair in Ottawa.
Credit: Mario Lapointe, CD
The treat turned out to be a dual presentation by Ottawa genealogists Glenn Wright (BIFHSGO member) and Lesley Anderson (with Ancestry.ca) on the Canadian Census.
They made the comment that they didn't think it had been done before - and I honestly don't think it has. They have taken a rather dull subject and have turned it into something fun and interesting - and if they present it again (which I hope they will), you should not miss it.
As Glenn and Leslie pointed out, census have been taken in Canada since 1666! They went through the history of the census as it was in Canada, paying special attention to the censuses since 1871 - the first national census in Canada.
The 1871 Canadian Census is still complete at the Library and Archives Canada (it wasn't discarded after it was microfilmed), and it has many different schedules of interest (e.g. the agricultural and industrial census is attached).
They stopped and looked at the 1906 and 1916 censuses of Western Canada (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta) and noticed how complete they are - they are on Ancestry.ca.
In the 1916 census, it has who was away on the First World War overseas, and people were asked the country of their birth to make sure the government was keeping track of immigration.
The 1911 Canadian Census was the last one made public before the next census of 1921 (which is due to be made public in 2013 - 92 years after it was taken) is also on Ancestry.ca. It is the year when people were asked what year they came to Canada - again, to keep track of immigration.
Leslie said that all Canadian census will be on the Internet at Ancestry.ca next month - the 10th of June.
I spent my break times answering questions on the Loyalists who came to Canada because I am descendent for them on both sides of the family, and also answered questions about the Ontario Genealogical Society because I am their newsletter editor.
Therefore, I didn't have time to go to the "cultural room" to see who was there at the table, although my husband went there, and said that BIFHSGO and the City of Ottawa Archives were there, to name a few.
It was time very well-spent, and Shirley Ann Pyefinch and her group are to be congratulated for putting together another successful fair, and for making us feel at home.
They should go "on the road" with their presentation, which they gave Saturday at the FHC Genealogy Fair in Ottawa.Credit: Mario Lapointe, CD
Friday, April 24, 2009
Going to Brockville Tomorrow
Tomorrow, I am going down to Brockville, a city about an hour and a half away from here (Ottawa) to attend the Region VIII AGM and Genealogy Fair being hosted by Leeds and Grenville Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society.
The day-long meeting starts at 9:00 a.m., so we shall leave around 6:00 a.m., stop and have coffee, pick up another person and then travel along Highways 416 & 401 until we come to St. Lawrence College, where the genealogical day will be held.
There will be three speakers (Kees Van Den Heuval, Jessica Squires, and Dr. Timothy Abel) plus about 16 groups in the marketplace. I will attend the lectures and take pictures for the blog (I will tell you how it went next week) and for the OGS NewsLeaf and E-NewsLeaf.
It is suppose to be an early spring day, and the temperatures are supposed to go as high as 27 degrees Celsius, with afternoon thunderstorms thrown in for good measure - so it should be an interesting day!
The day-long meeting starts at 9:00 a.m., so we shall leave around 6:00 a.m., stop and have coffee, pick up another person and then travel along Highways 416 & 401 until we come to St. Lawrence College, where the genealogical day will be held.
There will be three speakers (Kees Van Den Heuval, Jessica Squires, and Dr. Timothy Abel) plus about 16 groups in the marketplace. I will attend the lectures and take pictures for the blog (I will tell you how it went next week) and for the OGS NewsLeaf and E-NewsLeaf.
It is suppose to be an early spring day, and the temperatures are supposed to go as high as 27 degrees Celsius, with afternoon thunderstorms thrown in for good measure - so it should be an interesting day!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
The Genealogical Week in Review
I have been absent from the blog for a while because I have been busy writing articles, but here is a summary of some of the things which has happened this past week -
Ian S. Wilson Announces Retirement - Ian S. Wilson, the Chief Archivist and Librarian of the Library and Archives of Canada, is retiring April 24th.
This came somewhat as a surprise to genealogists, but he has been at the Library and Archives Canada since 1999 when he joined as National Archivist, and then became the Chief Librarian and Archivist in 2004 when the two institutions were united.
He says in his letter advising of his retirement that he will continue his work as President of the International Council of Archives.
The government will make an announcement shortly regarding his successor.
Ontario Genealogy Society's Call for Papers Conference 2010 - The Toronto Branch of the OGS will be hosting Conference 2010 and has called for papers for May 1st.
But recently, they have amended their "Call for Papers" in that the workshops they plan to hold for Italian and Dutch lecture streams will have until June 1, 2010 to submit their proposal for papers.
This extension is to allow for more complete outreach to these communities.
The deadline remains unchanged (1 May 2009) for submission of all other topics.
To read more details on Conference 2010, you should go to http://www.ogs.on.ca/conference2010.
Discount on British Columbia Membership - The Ontario Genealogy Society (OGS) has entered an arrangement with the British Columbia Genealogical Society (BCGS) in which you can belong to both societies with a $5.00 discount on your membership for both.
Remember, a couple of months ago a similar discount was announced with the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society's membership, and that seems to be going along quite nicely.
If you are a members of both societies or wish to be a member of both, you should phone 416.489.1734 or email <membership@ogs.on.ca>. BCGS members should phone 604.502.9119 or email <membership@bcgs.ca>.
Ian S. Wilson Announces Retirement - Ian S. Wilson, the Chief Archivist and Librarian of the Library and Archives of Canada, is retiring April 24th.
This came somewhat as a surprise to genealogists, but he has been at the Library and Archives Canada since 1999 when he joined as National Archivist, and then became the Chief Librarian and Archivist in 2004 when the two institutions were united.
He says in his letter advising of his retirement that he will continue his work as President of the International Council of Archives.
The government will make an announcement shortly regarding his successor.
Ontario Genealogy Society's Call for Papers Conference 2010 - The Toronto Branch of the OGS will be hosting Conference 2010 and has called for papers for May 1st.
But recently, they have amended their "Call for Papers" in that the workshops they plan to hold for Italian and Dutch lecture streams will have until June 1, 2010 to submit their proposal for papers.
This extension is to allow for more complete outreach to these communities.
The deadline remains unchanged (1 May 2009) for submission of all other topics.
To read more details on Conference 2010, you should go to http://www.ogs.on.ca/conference2010.
Discount on British Columbia Membership - The Ontario Genealogy Society (OGS) has entered an arrangement with the British Columbia Genealogical Society (BCGS) in which you can belong to both societies with a $5.00 discount on your membership for both.
Remember, a couple of months ago a similar discount was announced with the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society's membership, and that seems to be going along quite nicely.
If you are a members of both societies or wish to be a member of both, you should phone 416.489.1734 or email <membership@ogs.on.ca>. BCGS members should phone 604.502.9119 or email <membership@bcgs.ca>.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
The British Columbia Genealogist Arrives
The March 2009 issue of The British Columbia Genealogist arrived safely on my doorstep the other day.
As usual, Diane Rogers (the editor), has done a fantastic job in putting the stories together plus all the news about the BC genealogical community.
It was interesting to read the essay that won the Most Improved Contest entitled, “Nock, Nock, and Nock Again” by Brenda Smith, as well as the two follow-up essays - “David James Gill Became A Home Child in Canada in 1871” by Judy Hassall, and “The Stanborough Family” by Brenda Perfitt Jensen.
There are three cementeries covered in this issue: the Veterans Cemetery, Esquimalt; the Rock Creek Cementery at Rock Creek; and Robinson Memorial Park Cementery in Coquitlam. The pictures of the cementeries are quite nice.
This issue also contains the 2009 Price List for their publications, as well as the schedule of things going on in the chapter.
As usual, Diane Rogers (the editor), has done a fantastic job in putting the stories together plus all the news about the BC genealogical community.
It was interesting to read the essay that won the Most Improved Contest entitled, “Nock, Nock, and Nock Again” by Brenda Smith, as well as the two follow-up essays - “David James Gill Became A Home Child in Canada in 1871” by Judy Hassall, and “The Stanborough Family” by Brenda Perfitt Jensen.
There are three cementeries covered in this issue: the Veterans Cemetery, Esquimalt; the Rock Creek Cementery at Rock Creek; and Robinson Memorial Park Cementery in Coquitlam. The pictures of the cementeries are quite nice.
This issue also contains the 2009 Price List for their publications, as well as the schedule of things going on in the chapter.
Friday, April 17, 2009
A New Format!
Just like Families, the journal of the Ontario Genealogical Society, did last fall, the Spring issue of the Nova Scotia Genealogist has gone to the larger 8½” ×11” size with this issue <www.chebucto.ns.ca/Recreation/GANS>.
As usual, there is something for everyone in the issue. I found the article on the diary of Murdoch Campbell Smith of Port Williams, Kings County by Carolyn McGrath insightful because he went to Horton Academy—eventually becoming Acadia University—which I attended in the late 1960s.
Secondly, he went to Oakland, California. I had relatives that went there around the same time, so I have a definite interest in that area.
I will be getting in contact with Carolyn to see if he wrote anything on my relatives since she said he wrote about his visits to other Nova Scotian families in the area.
Other articles included one on British Home Children; Pierre Cyr and His Family of Acadia; and one which explains the PERSI Index in the Allan County Library in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.
They also mention the new “Members-Only” area of the GANS website, news items in the Bulletin Board; and their publications and reference books for sale at a very reasonable price.
I was pleased to see another genealogical journal go to the larger format - for me, it makes for easier reading and storage. I await the electronic version, which they may switch to in the future.
For the month of April, I plan to attend two genealogical meetings. The first one is the Ottawa Chapter of the Ontario Genealogical Society’s <www.ogsottawa.on.ca> meeting on April 21st, with guest speaker, Diane Burnett, the librarian of the Upper Ottawa Valley Genealogical Group <www.uovgg.ca>.
The second one will be the day-long conference and Region VIII AGM for the Leeds Grenville Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society in Brockville - about an hour and a half south of Ottawa. It will be held on Saturday, April 25th <www.leedsandgrenvillegenealogy.com/events.html>.
I will have information on both of these meetings as we get closer to the date.
As usual, there is something for everyone in the issue. I found the article on the diary of Murdoch Campbell Smith of Port Williams, Kings County by Carolyn McGrath insightful because he went to Horton Academy—eventually becoming Acadia University—which I attended in the late 1960s.
Secondly, he went to Oakland, California. I had relatives that went there around the same time, so I have a definite interest in that area.
I will be getting in contact with Carolyn to see if he wrote anything on my relatives since she said he wrote about his visits to other Nova Scotian families in the area.
Other articles included one on British Home Children; Pierre Cyr and His Family of Acadia; and one which explains the PERSI Index in the Allan County Library in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.
They also mention the new “Members-Only” area of the GANS website, news items in the Bulletin Board; and their publications and reference books for sale at a very reasonable price.
I was pleased to see another genealogical journal go to the larger format - for me, it makes for easier reading and storage. I await the electronic version, which they may switch to in the future.
For the month of April, I plan to attend two genealogical meetings. The first one is the Ottawa Chapter of the Ontario Genealogical Society’s <www.ogsottawa.on.ca> meeting on April 21st, with guest speaker, Diane Burnett, the librarian of the Upper Ottawa Valley Genealogical Group <www.uovgg.ca>.
The second one will be the day-long conference and Region VIII AGM for the Leeds Grenville Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society in Brockville - about an hour and a half south of Ottawa. It will be held on Saturday, April 25th <www.leedsandgrenvillegenealogy.com/events.html>.
I will have information on both of these meetings as we get closer to the date.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Gene-O-Rama 2009 - Wanderings
From the first break in the morning until early afternoon, I wandered around the Marketplace, and at some point, had lunch. This year, they had 30 vendors crammed into the rather small Ben Franklin Place Atrium to display their wares. I went around and visited nearly all of them in the short time I had.
====================
Here are Sue (l) and Heather (the break and lunchtime ladies) as they prepare to set up the breaks and lunch-time food at the tables.
Since the OGS shared the space with people coming to the City Library, Heather and Sue had to make sure that only people with OGS Conference nametags could partake of the goodies.
They both did a great job and ought to be commended for the smiling faces that greeted us every time we went to the tables.
====================
I stopped in at the Computer Room and they had a number of computers, and all were busy when I was there. People were looking for ancestors online at Ancestry.com or at Find My Past, for example. Don Ross, who was handling the people there, said that the place was busy all day and that there was a good stream of people coming and going.
Don Ross, assisting those in the Computer Room.
====================
I stopped and talked to Ana Ghia-Pereira (l) and Shirley Ann Pyefinch and at the FHL table. They are going to have a "Discovering Our Ancestors" Family History Fair on Saturday, May 2nd from 1:30 to 4:30. For more information, please visit their website at www.ottawastakefhc.on.ca
====================
And I also took a minute to visit the Moorshead Magazines table, where I said "Hi" to Ed Zapletal.
He is their new owner and editor since Halvor Moorshead retired last year. I saw where he had the latest "Google you Family Tree" book by Daniel Lynch for sale. They have the exclusive rights to sell the book in Canada, and Ed said that Daniel might come to Oakville for the OGS Conference held at the end of May. For more on this book, visit www.internet-genealogy.com.
====================
I talked to Derek Hopkins and crew at the Quebec Family History Society table and asked how the planning for the International Conference 2010, called "Roots Heritage", is coming along, and they said "just great". They are looking forward to having everybody come down next year to Montreal when the conference will be held in June.
Please note that all the lectures will be in English. For details, visit the Society at www.qfhs.ca.
====================
The Kingston Branch of the OGS www.kingston.ogs.on.ca was there, and they said that they are busy putting their cemeteries online. The Carleton Branch of the United Empire Loyalists www.carletonuel.ca was also there, and they had a great many books on Loyalists ancestors. This summer, the Loyalists conference will be held in Adolphustown, near Trenton, Ontario.
====================
And you just have to see the water flowers that were in bloom in the Atrium. I don't know what kind of flowers they are - but aren't they pretty?
Next year, the conference will be held March 26th and 27th at the Library and Archives Canada. For more on the conference, visit www.ogsottawa.ogs.on.ca.
====================
Here are Sue (l) and Heather (the break and lunchtime ladies) as they prepare to set up the breaks and lunch-time food at the tables.Credit: J.M. Lapointe, CD
Since the OGS shared the space with people coming to the City Library, Heather and Sue had to make sure that only people with OGS Conference nametags could partake of the goodies.
They both did a great job and ought to be commended for the smiling faces that greeted us every time we went to the tables.
====================
I stopped in at the Computer Room and they had a number of computers, and all were busy when I was there. People were looking for ancestors online at Ancestry.com or at Find My Past, for example. Don Ross, who was handling the people there, said that the place was busy all day and that there was a good stream of people coming and going.
Don Ross, assisting those in the Computer Room.Credit: J.M. Lapointe, CD
====================
I stopped and talked to Ana Ghia-Pereira (l) and Shirley Ann Pyefinch and at the FHL table. They are going to have a "Discovering Our Ancestors" Family History Fair on Saturday, May 2nd from 1:30 to 4:30. For more information, please visit their website at www.ottawastakefhc.on.ca Credit: J.M. Lapointe, CD
====================
And I also took a minute to visit the Moorshead Magazines table, where I said "Hi" to Ed Zapletal.
He is their new owner and editor since Halvor Moorshead retired last year. I saw where he had the latest "Google you Family Tree" book by Daniel Lynch for sale. They have the exclusive rights to sell the book in Canada, and Ed said that Daniel might come to Oakville for the OGS Conference held at the end of May. For more on this book, visit www.internet-genealogy.com.
====================
I talked to Derek Hopkins and crew at the Quebec Family History Society table and asked how the planning for the International Conference 2010, called "Roots Heritage", is coming along, and they said "just great". They are looking forward to having everybody come down next year to Montreal when the conference will be held in June.
Please note that all the lectures will be in English. For details, visit the Society at www.qfhs.ca.
====================
The Kingston Branch of the OGS www.kingston.ogs.on.ca was there, and they said that they are busy putting their cemeteries online. The Carleton Branch of the United Empire Loyalists www.carletonuel.ca was also there, and they had a great many books on Loyalists ancestors. This summer, the Loyalists conference will be held in Adolphustown, near Trenton, Ontario.
====================
And you just have to see the water flowers that were in bloom in the Atrium. I don't know what kind of flowers they are - but aren't they pretty?Credit - J.M. Lapointe, CD
====================Next year, the conference will be held March 26th and 27th at the Library and Archives Canada. For more on the conference, visit www.ogsottawa.ogs.on.ca.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Gene-O-Rama 2009 - Saturday
Saturday was going to be a fun day because I was going to hear the lectures about the "Canadian Genealogy Centre" by Sara Chatfield, "Getting the Most from City Directories ..." by Mel Wolfgang, and Terry Findley's talk on "Cold Case: Hot Tips" plus go around to various vendors and talk to them to see how business was in the Marketplace. And if I had time, I wanted to go to the computer room to see how things were going there.
The first lecture I went to was one given by the LAC's Sara Chatfield on "The Canadian Genealogy Centre in 2009".
Sara Chatfield of Library and Archives Canada
First, the room was too small, with all the people that were there. Exta chairs were needed to take care of those that came to this very popular session, and for those that popped in after it began. Luckily for those left standing, OGS volunteer Heather Oakley—ever cheerful—came through with a bunch of chairs, and they were very much appreciated!
So we settled down to hear her talk on the Centre and what was new for 2009.
Sara said that since the large databases have already been put online, they are busy now putting on the smaller ones, and filling in the gaps in the databases already online.
When asked about newspapers, she said there weren't any plans to put them on right away, which left a few of us with a somewhat unsatisfied feeling.
She also said that "tagging" was becoming more important (adding your own comments to photos and videos on YouTube.com and MySpace.com, for example) on the new Web 2.0.
There were lots of questions, especially about how to get in touch with the LAC through email. People also seemed to be a bit confused as to the available hours, and how to use the website correctly.
I then took a break (I will write about whom I visited tomorrow) until just before one o'clock, and then I went to hear Mel Wolfgang talk about "Getting the Most from City Directories ...", in which he traced the development of the directory throughout the ages.
In Canada, you can go to the Canadian Directories, 1790-1987: a Bibliography and Place-name Index. Ottawa: National Library of Canada, 1989 (3 vols) and it will give you the complete listing of directories in Canada.
Directories are very useful in the "in-between" census years, for it can tell you where they were living, what they were doing, etc.
Mel said to take the time to discover the various sections of the directories because you can learn about local government, churches, and fraternal groups. He says that you can learn much by "digging deep down" in directories.
At the end of the day, it was time to hear Terry Findley talk about "Cold Case: Hot Tips" where he discussed several instances in his own family history where he thought he had a "cold case", but through the use of "hot tips", was able to solve the mystery.
Some of the points he made were -
• Review your notes - you may have copied down the wrong placename
• Think the process - the process of seaching for someone
• Believe that the information is there - you just have to look for it
• Be aware of oral family history - often times itis folklore
• Always be aware of unsourced family histories - where did they get those dates from
• Always check the back of pictures - is there anything written on the back of it
The first lecture I went to was one given by the LAC's Sara Chatfield on "The Canadian Genealogy Centre in 2009".
Sara Chatfield of Library and Archives Canada Credit: J.M. Lapointe, CD
First, the room was too small, with all the people that were there. Exta chairs were needed to take care of those that came to this very popular session, and for those that popped in after it began. Luckily for those left standing, OGS volunteer Heather Oakley—ever cheerful—came through with a bunch of chairs, and they were very much appreciated!
So we settled down to hear her talk on the Centre and what was new for 2009.
Sara said that since the large databases have already been put online, they are busy now putting on the smaller ones, and filling in the gaps in the databases already online.
When asked about newspapers, she said there weren't any plans to put them on right away, which left a few of us with a somewhat unsatisfied feeling.
She also said that "tagging" was becoming more important (adding your own comments to photos and videos on YouTube.com and MySpace.com, for example) on the new Web 2.0.
There were lots of questions, especially about how to get in touch with the LAC through email. People also seemed to be a bit confused as to the available hours, and how to use the website correctly.
I then took a break (I will write about whom I visited tomorrow) until just before one o'clock, and then I went to hear Mel Wolfgang talk about "Getting the Most from City Directories ...", in which he traced the development of the directory throughout the ages.
Credit: J.M. Lapointe, CD
In Canada, you can go to the Canadian Directories, 1790-1987: a Bibliography and Place-name Index. Ottawa: National Library of Canada, 1989 (3 vols) and it will give you the complete listing of directories in Canada.
Directories are very useful in the "in-between" census years, for it can tell you where they were living, what they were doing, etc.
Mel said to take the time to discover the various sections of the directories because you can learn about local government, churches, and fraternal groups. He says that you can learn much by "digging deep down" in directories.
At the end of the day, it was time to hear Terry Findley talk about "Cold Case: Hot Tips" where he discussed several instances in his own family history where he thought he had a "cold case", but through the use of "hot tips", was able to solve the mystery.
Some of the points he made were -
• Review your notes - you may have copied down the wrong placename
• Think the process - the process of seaching for someone
• Believe that the information is there - you just have to look for it
• Be aware of oral family history - often times itis folklore
• Always be aware of unsourced family histories - where did they get those dates from
• Always check the back of pictures - is there anything written on the back of it
Monday, March 30, 2009
Gene-O-Rama 2009 - Friday Night
I said on my Twitter posting that I was to going to the Ottawa Genealogical Society's Gene-O-Rama, and I did - to both Friday evening's Pat Horan Memorial Lecture, and to Saturday's lectures.
The speaker Friday evening was Dr. Bruce Curtis, a professor of Sociology at Ottawa's Carleton University. His topic was entitled, "Locating, Identifying, Knowing: Census Making in Canada in 1871".
Credit: J.M. Lapointe, CD
This was an interesting and thought-provoking talk, as it showed the thought processes behind the 1871 Census. It was called "the census with the pastoral vision" because the political people wanted to show (even if it was slightly untrue) how pastoral Canada was at that time.
And, of course, we know it was the beginning of a population shift, as millions of Canadians went south looking for work in the factories of the Northeastern States and to the Northwestern States for jobs in the lumber industry. Canada was becoming more industrialized as time went on - so the country was anything but pastoral.
He told about how the 1861 Canadian Census was such a boondoggle (it was taken in the winter, sometimes the enumerator wasn't educated, the enumerator sheets weren't protected against the weather, etc.) that the government of the day vowed that the 1871 Census was not going to be the same.
Instead, enumerators were given smaller, folded sheets to record their information, they were trained to take the answers, and it was the first time a population map was drawn up of the country.
It was also the first time also that both migration and religion were recorded. No one was allowed to put down "Canada" as their answer to the question, "Where are you from?" - you had to put down the country where you or your people were originally from so that the governent knew where their people were from.
You can access the 1871 Canada Census through inter-library loan of microfilm from the LAC, or browse the Ontario Province of the 1871 Census on the Internet through the LAC (head of household only) at <www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/1871-ontario/index-html>, or search the whole census through Ancestry.ca.
After the lecture, we went out of the auditorium and had juice/coffee and cookies. We had our sights firmly set on Saturday and the delights it would bring. I already see where John Reid has posted a picture of me on his Anglo-Celtic Connections blog. (Yes, John, you caught me totally unprepared for that one ... touche!)
The speaker Friday evening was Dr. Bruce Curtis, a professor of Sociology at Ottawa's Carleton University. His topic was entitled, "Locating, Identifying, Knowing: Census Making in Canada in 1871".
Credit: J.M. Lapointe, CDThis was an interesting and thought-provoking talk, as it showed the thought processes behind the 1871 Census. It was called "the census with the pastoral vision" because the political people wanted to show (even if it was slightly untrue) how pastoral Canada was at that time.
And, of course, we know it was the beginning of a population shift, as millions of Canadians went south looking for work in the factories of the Northeastern States and to the Northwestern States for jobs in the lumber industry. Canada was becoming more industrialized as time went on - so the country was anything but pastoral.
He told about how the 1861 Canadian Census was such a boondoggle (it was taken in the winter, sometimes the enumerator wasn't educated, the enumerator sheets weren't protected against the weather, etc.) that the government of the day vowed that the 1871 Census was not going to be the same.
Instead, enumerators were given smaller, folded sheets to record their information, they were trained to take the answers, and it was the first time a population map was drawn up of the country.
It was also the first time also that both migration and religion were recorded. No one was allowed to put down "Canada" as their answer to the question, "Where are you from?" - you had to put down the country where you or your people were originally from so that the governent knew where their people were from.
You can access the 1871 Canada Census through inter-library loan of microfilm from the LAC, or browse the Ontario Province of the 1871 Census on the Internet through the LAC (head of household only) at <www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/1871-ontario/index-html>, or search the whole census through Ancestry.ca.
After the lecture, we went out of the auditorium and had juice/coffee and cookies. We had our sights firmly set on Saturday and the delights it would bring. I already see where John Reid has posted a picture of me on his Anglo-Celtic Connections blog. (Yes, John, you caught me totally unprepared for that one ... touche!)
Friday, March 27, 2009
Beginners Genealogy Course - Local Resources
Terry Findley—the last lecturer in the highly-successful Beginner's Course in Ottawa on March 21st—gave his lecture on "Local Resources".
As I listened to his lecture, I wondered how many of the sixty or so people who were there had actually done any research on their family histories.
Roughly three-quarters of the attendees were what we would call "first timers". That is, they hadn't done any research at all, so, naturally, they were very interested to hear about the facilities that Terry was about to mention.
The first place he spoke about was the Canadian Genealogy Centre (CGC) - www.collectionscanada.gc.ca.
He called it the "jewel of family history in Ottawa", and went on to explain that the Canadian Genealogy Centre has databases (for example - census, Canadian Passenger Lists, First World War papers), books, and now even a presence on YouTube.com and Flickr.com.
The CGC is located within the Library and Archives Canada (LAC) at 395 Wellington Street. A research pass is required for access to the rooms which hold the records.
He talked about the Mormon's Family History Library on Prince of Wales Drive, and its many holdings.
It is a welcoming place, where you might run into fellow researchers who might be related. It happens a lot at the FHL!
While you are there, feel free to order microfilm—for a nominal fee—from their main library in Salt Lake City. The knowledgeable volunteers will be glad to assist you.
The Ottawa Court House—located at the corner of Laurier and Elgin Streets, right next to Ottawa City Hall—was a surprise to many because they didn't know that it is where you find land records and might even discover some wills there, also.
The Anglican Diocese of Ottawa is located next to Christ Church Cathedral on Bronson Avenue, in the northwest part of the city.
It has such records as the BMDs of Ottawa. Its website is www.ottawa.anglican.ca/Archives.html.
One thing Terry said—which was a surprise to him when he was doing his research—was that it also contained BMDs of other religions, so if you can't find them in anywhere else in Ottawa, you should go there because they may have it.
The Ottawa Public Library www.biblioottawalibrary.ca has the Ottawa Room, where you will find newspaper indexes for such local newspapers as the Ottawa Citizen and Ottawa Journal.
He said that it will be closed for the next month while they renovate it (they are making it bigger), but it has a wealth of materials there. It's a good place to check for finding more on the social history of the city.
And, lastly, he talked about the city archives, located in the old city hall on Sussex Drive www.ottawa.ca/residents/heritage/archives/index_en.html.
It houses the libraries of the Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS), the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa (BIFHSGO), as well as the C. Robert Craig Memorial Library (a specialized railway library).
The archives is moving to a new building in the spring of 2011 near Algonquin College in the city's west end.
He gave us each a great piece of advice when going to these places to do research.
First, contact the facility to check where it facility is located (in case it moved, as noted above), what the facility has for holdings, its available parking, their hours of operation, if there are any researcher restrictions, if they have copy services, and so on.
By being prepared in advance, it will make your visit much more pleasant.
Don't forget to ask lots of questions to the staff and volunteers who man these facilities - you just may be delightfully surprised by the answers you receive! Terry punctuated this fact (the whole lecture, actually) with many well-told (and well-received) anecdotes.
Terry Findley is a lecturer and former BIFHSGO Director of Conferences and Programs. Credit: J.M. Lapointe, CD
As I listened to his lecture, I wondered how many of the sixty or so people who were there had actually done any research on their family histories.
Roughly three-quarters of the attendees were what we would call "first timers". That is, they hadn't done any research at all, so, naturally, they were very interested to hear about the facilities that Terry was about to mention.
The first place he spoke about was the Canadian Genealogy Centre (CGC) - www.collectionscanada.gc.ca.
He called it the "jewel of family history in Ottawa", and went on to explain that the Canadian Genealogy Centre has databases (for example - census, Canadian Passenger Lists, First World War papers), books, and now even a presence on YouTube.com and Flickr.com.
The CGC is located within the Library and Archives Canada (LAC) at 395 Wellington Street. A research pass is required for access to the rooms which hold the records.
He talked about the Mormon's Family History Library on Prince of Wales Drive, and its many holdings.
It is a welcoming place, where you might run into fellow researchers who might be related. It happens a lot at the FHL!
While you are there, feel free to order microfilm—for a nominal fee—from their main library in Salt Lake City. The knowledgeable volunteers will be glad to assist you.
The Ottawa Court House—located at the corner of Laurier and Elgin Streets, right next to Ottawa City Hall—was a surprise to many because they didn't know that it is where you find land records and might even discover some wills there, also.
The Anglican Diocese of Ottawa is located next to Christ Church Cathedral on Bronson Avenue, in the northwest part of the city.
It has such records as the BMDs of Ottawa. Its website is www.ottawa.anglican.ca/Archives.html.
One thing Terry said—which was a surprise to him when he was doing his research—was that it also contained BMDs of other religions, so if you can't find them in anywhere else in Ottawa, you should go there because they may have it.
The Ottawa Public Library www.biblioottawalibrary.ca has the Ottawa Room, where you will find newspaper indexes for such local newspapers as the Ottawa Citizen and Ottawa Journal.
He said that it will be closed for the next month while they renovate it (they are making it bigger), but it has a wealth of materials there. It's a good place to check for finding more on the social history of the city.
And, lastly, he talked about the city archives, located in the old city hall on Sussex Drive www.ottawa.ca/residents/heritage/archives/index_en.html.
It houses the libraries of the Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS), the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa (BIFHSGO), as well as the C. Robert Craig Memorial Library (a specialized railway library).
The archives is moving to a new building in the spring of 2011 near Algonquin College in the city's west end.
He gave us each a great piece of advice when going to these places to do research.
First, contact the facility to check where it facility is located (in case it moved, as noted above), what the facility has for holdings, its available parking, their hours of operation, if there are any researcher restrictions, if they have copy services, and so on.
By being prepared in advance, it will make your visit much more pleasant.
Don't forget to ask lots of questions to the staff and volunteers who man these facilities - you just may be delightfully surprised by the answers you receive! Terry punctuated this fact (the whole lecture, actually) with many well-told (and well-received) anecdotes.
Terry Findley is a lecturer and former BIFHSGO Director of Conferences and Programs. Credit: J.M. Lapointe, CD
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Beginners Genealogy Course - Civil Registration
I have heard Alison Hare quite often in the past, so when I saw that she was going to be one of the presenters at the recent Beginners Course in Genealogy held in Ottawa, I was delighted!
She is very good, and her lectures are always interesting. I learn quite a bit from her, as she always has little nuggets of information in her talks - but you have to listen for them.
Her lecture this time was on Civil Registration - the government's way of making sure that every individual in Canada is registered when either a birth, marriage, or death takes place.
According to Alison, these BMDs (birth, marriage, and death records) are the "main building blocks of family history".
In Canada, civil registration is a provincial responsibility. Six out of ten provinces now have them online (the provinces of British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia) but she says you can't do a really good job online unless you go to the Family History Library (FHL) in your local area and look through their books for church registrations, too. The dates vary, as well, when it was required for registration.
How reliable are the BMDs? How must trust can we place in the records?
Alison says that depends on who was registering the event, and when the event was registered.
The event—say, a birth announcement—that was registered by the father a few days after the event occurred would be more likely to hold the correct day that the child was born - than one registered a few months or years after the child was born.
And a close family member would be more likely to remember the true date of the event rather than a member of the clergy or a local doctor.
So take these things into consideration when reading a birth, marriage, or death certificate.
Also, Alison says to remember that these records are not complete, and if you cannot find someone, then maybe their first or last names are misspelled, the records themselves may be incomplete, or perhaps indexes to the records may be incomplete, especially the online ones.
She says to extend the time frame in which you look for a registration - the people may have moved or neglected to register the event.
Alison is a Certified Genealogist. Her profile is on the Association of Professional Genealogists website at www.apgen.org/directory/search_detail.htm?mbr_id=607. Credit: J.M. Lapointe, CD
Tomorrow, I will cover the presentation about Local Resources with Terry Findley.
She is very good, and her lectures are always interesting. I learn quite a bit from her, as she always has little nuggets of information in her talks - but you have to listen for them.
Her lecture this time was on Civil Registration - the government's way of making sure that every individual in Canada is registered when either a birth, marriage, or death takes place.
According to Alison, these BMDs (birth, marriage, and death records) are the "main building blocks of family history".
In Canada, civil registration is a provincial responsibility. Six out of ten provinces now have them online (the provinces of British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia) but she says you can't do a really good job online unless you go to the Family History Library (FHL) in your local area and look through their books for church registrations, too. The dates vary, as well, when it was required for registration.
How reliable are the BMDs? How must trust can we place in the records?
Alison says that depends on who was registering the event, and when the event was registered.
The event—say, a birth announcement—that was registered by the father a few days after the event occurred would be more likely to hold the correct day that the child was born - than one registered a few months or years after the child was born.
And a close family member would be more likely to remember the true date of the event rather than a member of the clergy or a local doctor.
So take these things into consideration when reading a birth, marriage, or death certificate.
Also, Alison says to remember that these records are not complete, and if you cannot find someone, then maybe their first or last names are misspelled, the records themselves may be incomplete, or perhaps indexes to the records may be incomplete, especially the online ones.
She says to extend the time frame in which you look for a registration - the people may have moved or neglected to register the event.
Alison is a Certified Genealogist. Her profile is on the Association of Professional Genealogists website at www.apgen.org/directory/search_detail.htm?mbr_id=607. Credit: J.M. Lapointe, CD
Tomorrow, I will cover the presentation about Local Resources with Terry Findley.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)