The latest attempt by the Library and Archives Canada (LAC) to bring their records to the general public was sent out in press release last week which said they had digitized more records on their site for viewing.
It said that the " Library and Archives Canada (LAC) is pleased to announce the addition of 484 digitized microfilm reels representing 1,125,141 new images regarding British military and naval records (RG 8, "C" Series) to its website. These records include a wide range of documents related to the British army in Canada, Loyalist regiments, the War of 1812, the Canadian militia, and more. Both microfilm reels for the nominal card index and the archival documents have been digitized and are now accessible online. Through the research tool "microform digitization," you can browse the microfilm reels page by page".
It isn't as easy as it sounds, because you have to have the record number before you start, or else you will be hunting every record, and if you have not done this before by microfilm, it can be very tiring, and frustrating.
They have put a "Search Help" feature on http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/microform-digitization/006003-130-0005-e.html?PHPSESSID=bmihtd5h6irlfrkn8ihv61apj0, and I had to look at it because I wanted to check an immigrant who came to Saint John, New Brunswick in April, 1927. At least it gave me the the right place to search, although once again, it was a long process, and many pages were turned before I got to the right spot.
They have placed a "Brouse by Title", and have included 17 titles from Form 30, Border Entry Records, 1919-1924, to Passenger Lists: Saint John (1925 – 1935) to British Military and Naval Records (RG 8, C Series) - INDEX ONLY.
You can contact them at webservices@bac-lac.gc.ca.
They have given you a place to send your comments. They say "It is our hope to expand the selection of microform records available online. Please use the "Comments" form to provide feedback on this type of access".
A daily blog about Canadian genealogy, heritage, and history
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Start a Facebook Research Community
FamilySearch.com is asking you to start a Facebook Research Community!
They say that "We are excited to announce the creation of several online research communities powered by FamilySearch, and would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join! These communities are being created to help you and others researching in the same area to:
collaborate on your research,
ask questions of each other, and
share knowledge you have gained as you've done your own research in that area".
There isn't any for Canada right at the moment.
If you would like to start one for a region of Canada, the instructions are at https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/Join_a_Facebook_Research_Community#Questions.3F
They say that "We are excited to announce the creation of several online research communities powered by FamilySearch, and would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join! These communities are being created to help you and others researching in the same area to:
collaborate on your research,
ask questions of each other, and
share knowledge you have gained as you've done your own research in that area".
There isn't any for Canada right at the moment.
If you would like to start one for a region of Canada, the instructions are at https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/Join_a_Facebook_Research_Community#Questions.3F
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
GeneaBloggers Radio - Family Reunions and Genealogy
"Until We Meet Again! – Family Reunions and Genealogy" will be the topic on GeneaBloggers Radio http://www.geneabloggers.com/ on July 22. One of the guests will be Canadian blogger Lorine McGinnis Schulze of the Olive Tree Genealogy Website at http://olivetreegenealogy.blogspot.com/.
Thomas MacEntee says that the show will be a discussion about "how to plan your next family reunion, how to include fun activities for all ages, and how to include your genealogy research to share with family reunion participants".
The show will start at at 10pm EDT, 9pm CDT, 8pm MDT, and 7pm PDT.
Thomas MacEntee says that the show will be a discussion about "how to plan your next family reunion, how to include fun activities for all ages, and how to include your genealogy research to share with family reunion participants".
The show will start at at 10pm EDT, 9pm CDT, 8pm MDT, and 7pm PDT.
Toronto Public Library
Just had an email from Brenda Dougall Merriman on the OCAPG mailing list saying that Marian Press just forwarded the following notice to the Toronto Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society.
The message reads -
"If you love the Toronto Public Library, you need to come to her defense right now!
The cost cutting agenda of Toronto City Council could target the TPL within weeks. Local branches could be closed and some or all of the Library’s operation could be privatized, unless we act now.
I have just signed a petition at http://ourpubliclibrary.to/. I hope you will sign the petition too and forward it to your friends".
The message reads -
"If you love the Toronto Public Library, you need to come to her defense right now!
The cost cutting agenda of Toronto City Council could target the TPL within weeks. Local branches could be closed and some or all of the Library’s operation could be privatized, unless we act now.
I have just signed a petition at http://ourpubliclibrary.to/. I hope you will sign the petition too and forward it to your friends".
Royal Navy Burying Ground - Halifax
CBC News had a story on their website http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2011/07/18/ns-royal-navy-burying-ground.html yesterday of a Royal Navy Burying Ground in Halifax in CFB Stadacona. It appears it has been there since 1759.
The news that caught my eye was that "Underneath another marker lie five sailors who served aboard the HMS Shannon — the British ship that captured the American frigate, Chesapeake, during the War of 1812".
It reminded me to spend some time doing the research of Henry BLADES, a United Empire Loyalist who was supposedly pressed into naval service by the British, and served on the HMS Shannon.
He had come from Long Island in 1784,and settled in Barrington, Shelburne County, Nova Scotia. He is the maternal ancestor of mine, but I have yet to do much work on this side of the family.
It is also interesting to note that the Americans gave as one of their reasons that they went to war with Britain was because they accused the British of pressing 10,000 Americans into naval service.
The news that caught my eye was that "Underneath another marker lie five sailors who served aboard the HMS Shannon — the British ship that captured the American frigate, Chesapeake, during the War of 1812".
It reminded me to spend some time doing the research of Henry BLADES, a United Empire Loyalist who was supposedly pressed into naval service by the British, and served on the HMS Shannon.
He had come from Long Island in 1784,and settled in Barrington, Shelburne County, Nova Scotia. He is the maternal ancestor of mine, but I have yet to do much work on this side of the family.
It is also interesting to note that the Americans gave as one of their reasons that they went to war with Britain was because they accused the British of pressing 10,000 Americans into naval service.
Monday, July 18, 2011
New Canadian Blog
Kate Tivoli is a Canadian librarian who has started a blog called Genealogical Resource Reviews at http://ktivoli.blogspot.com/2011/07/welcome.html.
She says in her first post on July 10th that "I will be reviewing resources for genealogical research.Over the past few years, I have been researching family history, using different resources, many of which may be found online. The scope of content, technological ease of use and accessibility of these tools will be examined, along with specific examples of queries they may help to answer".
I am really excited, and interested to see what resources she will list, and review.
She says in her first post on July 10th that "I will be reviewing resources for genealogical research.Over the past few years, I have been researching family history, using different resources, many of which may be found online. The scope of content, technological ease of use and accessibility of these tools will be examined, along with specific examples of queries they may help to answer".
I am really excited, and interested to see what resources she will list, and review.
Gene-O-Rama 2012 Cancelled
The Ottawa Genealogical Society has put a note on it's site at http://ogsottawa.on.ca/ that they will not hold a Gene-O-Rama in 2012. The reason is because the Ottawa Branch will be co-hosting the annual OGS Conference 2012 in Kingston on 1-3 June 2012.
They also say that "Ottawa Branch will also be hosting the 2012 Region VIII Genealogy Day. It’s on a smaller scale with three lectures, the Regional Annual General Meeting and a small Marketplace on a Saturday in March or April 2012. We’ll start planning it later this year and details will be available on the website."
The Conference 2012 site is at http://www.ogs.on.ca/seminar/conference2012.php
They also say that "Ottawa Branch will also be hosting the 2012 Region VIII Genealogy Day. It’s on a smaller scale with three lectures, the Regional Annual General Meeting and a small Marketplace on a Saturday in March or April 2012. We’ll start planning it later this year and details will be available on the website."
The Conference 2012 site is at http://www.ogs.on.ca/seminar/conference2012.php
Sunday, July 17, 2011
"Janet the Researcher" Blog
Another Canadian blog is celebrating a birthday. The name of the blog is "Janet the Researcher" and it is 4 years old today! Congratulations, Janet!
Go to her blog at http://researchergal.blogspot.com/
Janet is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Ontario Chapter, Markham Berczy Settlers Association, Grey County Historical Society, the Ontario Genealogical Society and the National Genealogical Society.
She is a busy lady!
Among other topics of interest, she writes about the Billy Bishop Home and Museum, several blogs on Bruce County, the Johnston Family, and the Marham Berszy Settlers Association.
Go to her blog at http://researchergal.blogspot.com/
Janet is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Ontario Chapter, Markham Berczy Settlers Association, Grey County Historical Society, the Ontario Genealogical Society and the National Genealogical Society.
She is a busy lady!
Among other topics of interest, she writes about the Billy Bishop Home and Museum, several blogs on Bruce County, the Johnston Family, and the Marham Berszy Settlers Association.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Tech Forum Launched
The latest news from the Ontario Genealogical Society is -
"The newly formed Technical Support and Innovations Committee has launched a new forum on the OGS website. The Tech Forum is available to all OGS members and will provide a place to go to for Technical Advice and Support.
Whether you want to know more about a computer program you are using or what kind of equipment you should purchase for your branch this is the place to ask your questions. The answers will be provided by other members who have some experience or knowledge in the area you are looking for more information on.
It is hoped that this forum can also serve as a venue for members to suggest new ideas involving technology and how it can benefit the genealogical community.
To access the forum sign in to the Members Only section of the OGS website. The link to the Technical Support Message Board will appear in the green menu on the left hand side".
Steve Fulton
Technical Support and Innovations Committee
His email is tsic@ogs.on.ca
The website of the Ontario Genealogical Society is http://www.ogs.on.ca/
"The newly formed Technical Support and Innovations Committee has launched a new forum on the OGS website. The Tech Forum is available to all OGS members and will provide a place to go to for Technical Advice and Support.
Whether you want to know more about a computer program you are using or what kind of equipment you should purchase for your branch this is the place to ask your questions. The answers will be provided by other members who have some experience or knowledge in the area you are looking for more information on.
It is hoped that this forum can also serve as a venue for members to suggest new ideas involving technology and how it can benefit the genealogical community.
To access the forum sign in to the Members Only section of the OGS website. The link to the Technical Support Message Board will appear in the green menu on the left hand side".
Steve Fulton
Technical Support and Innovations Committee
His email is tsic@ogs.on.ca
The website of the Ontario Genealogical Society is http://www.ogs.on.ca/
The Swedish American Genealogist
The Swedish American Genealogist has been put online, and it is now available to search for free of charge.
The "Swedish American Genealogist is a quarterly journal devoted to Swedish American biography, genealogy, and personal history. The journal was founded in 1981 by Nils William Olsson and is currently edited by Elisabeth Thorsell. This online collection is free to the public and contains issues published as recently as 2007. Newer issues and paper subscriptions are available from the Swenson Center".
There are many articles in the journal by Canadian and American genealogists covering the close relationship between the US and Canada as far as Swedish setters are concerned.
They ask you to note that "the digital version of the journal does not include Peter Stebbins Craig's copyrighted articles on New Sweden".
You are to contact the Swenson Center at sag@augustana.edu for information on how to access these articles.
It is online at http://collections.carli.illinois.edu/cdm4/index_aug_sag.php?CISOROOT=/aug_sag
The "Swedish American Genealogist is a quarterly journal devoted to Swedish American biography, genealogy, and personal history. The journal was founded in 1981 by Nils William Olsson and is currently edited by Elisabeth Thorsell. This online collection is free to the public and contains issues published as recently as 2007. Newer issues and paper subscriptions are available from the Swenson Center".
There are many articles in the journal by Canadian and American genealogists covering the close relationship between the US and Canada as far as Swedish setters are concerned.
They ask you to note that "the digital version of the journal does not include Peter Stebbins Craig's copyrighted articles on New Sweden".
You are to contact the Swenson Center at sag@augustana.edu for information on how to access these articles.
It is online at http://collections.carli.illinois.edu/cdm4/index_aug_sag.php?CISOROOT=/aug_sag
Anglo-Celtic Roots Summer 2011
The Summer 2011 edition of Anglo-Celtic Roots has just been issued, and it contains the 2010 Reports which were given at the AGM in June meeting as well as papers written by various members.
For instance, An Introduction to Researching Your Roots in Northern Ireland by William Roulston talks about such records as Census Records, Church Records, Irish Family History Foundation, and gives a very good examples of Administrative Divisions – Barony, County, Parish, Poor Law Union, Province, and Township.
The second article is He Wore His Buttons Well by Barbara Tose in which she relates the true story of the SS Antinoe, a freighter which was carrying wheat from New York to Ireland when she ran into a storm in the Atlantic off of the coast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The story in interesting because her great-uncle Harry Tose was the captain of the ship.
The last paper in this issue is Harry Gray's Pub by Brenda Turner in which she talks about finding out the story behind a pub that her uncle Harry used to own in London during the Second World War. She describes the help she got from the Guildhall, and the experiences her uncle witnessed during the war.
One item I found interesting to read was Stars of the 2011 BIFHSGO Conference by John D. Reid in which he talks about some of the people who will be presenting at the Conference this fall in Stars of the 2011 BIFGSGO Conference. People like Audrey Collins, Sherry Irvine, Helen Osborn, Linda Reid, and Gary Schroder have their bios in this issue of the journal.
You may contact BIFHSGO by going to http://www.bifhsgo.ca/
Thursday, July 14, 2011
August 1st - Colonel By Day
Join us on Monday, August 1st at the Bytown Museum to celebrate Colonel By Day as part of Ottawa's Rideau Canal Festival.
There will be heritage lace making and rug braiding demonstrations, musketry demonstrations, blacksmithing, tabletop exhibits from local heritage groups and museums, a Celtic Cross Commemoration Ceremony, costumed characters, and the Colonel By Day Bistro.
A number of genealogical groups will be there including the Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogy Society, so be sure to drop by and say "Hello". Admission to the museum is free.
For more information on the museum go to http://www.bytownmuseum.com/en/main.html. For more information about the Rideau Canal http://www.rideaucanalfestival.ca/site_bytown.html
There will be heritage lace making and rug braiding demonstrations, musketry demonstrations, blacksmithing, tabletop exhibits from local heritage groups and museums, a Celtic Cross Commemoration Ceremony, costumed characters, and the Colonel By Day Bistro.
A number of genealogical groups will be there including the Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogy Society, so be sure to drop by and say "Hello". Admission to the museum is free.
For more information on the museum go to http://www.bytownmuseum.com/en/main.html. For more information about the Rideau Canal http://www.rideaucanalfestival.ca/site_bytown.html
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
A New Website for The OGS British Home Children
This afternoon I checked the Ontario Genealogical Society site http://www.ogs.on.ca/ to see if there were any new items, and I saw where the British Home Children now has a website at http://www.ogs.on.ca/SIG-BHC/index.htm.
As the website says "From 1869 to 1939 various workhouses, sheltering homes, orphanages and child care organizations in Great Britain immigrated over 100,000 orphaned, abandoned, pauper children ages 1 to 18 to Canada. Known as the British Home Children (BHC), life for these children coming alone to Canada to work as domestics and farm labourers forging ahead in a new land was not always easy."
They have a Resources Link, and are going to have a "Members Only" page in the future.
The cost to join the SIG is $5.00. If you are already an OGS member just mail in your $5.00 cheque to the OGS provincial office indicating that it is for 2011 membership in the BHC SIG. You may also call the office or email Marsha, our Membership Co-ordinator at membership@ogs.on.ca to add this branch.
The email address for the British Home Children is BHC@ogs.on.ca.
As the website says "From 1869 to 1939 various workhouses, sheltering homes, orphanages and child care organizations in Great Britain immigrated over 100,000 orphaned, abandoned, pauper children ages 1 to 18 to Canada. Known as the British Home Children (BHC), life for these children coming alone to Canada to work as domestics and farm labourers forging ahead in a new land was not always easy."
They have a Resources Link, and are going to have a "Members Only" page in the future.
The cost to join the SIG is $5.00. If you are already an OGS member just mail in your $5.00 cheque to the OGS provincial office indicating that it is for 2011 membership in the BHC SIG. You may also call the office or email Marsha, our Membership Co-ordinator at membership@ogs.on.ca to add this branch.
The email address for the British Home Children is BHC@ogs.on.ca.
BCGS Walter Drayton Library Open House
The British Columbia Genealogical Society (BCGS) celebrates it's 40th anniversary this year, and as part of the celebration is to hold an Open House at the library on Sunday July 17th.
The library will be open from 2-4 pm, and everyone is welcome. Door prizes will be given including a 3 one year membership to GenealogyBank courtesy of www.GenealogyBank.com.
One thing to note is that the BCGS is giving out their first-ever book awards on Sunday, and they tell me a couple of the authors will be there.
The winner this year is Bruce McIntyre for his three-volume series, Lives Lived West of the Divide: A Biographical Dictionary of Fur Traders Working West of the Rockies, 1793-1858.
The library is located at Unit 211, 12837-76th Avenue, Surrey.
If you want more information, their website is www.bcgs.ca. The email is bcgs@bcgs.ca
The library will be open from 2-4 pm, and everyone is welcome. Door prizes will be given including a 3 one year membership to GenealogyBank courtesy of www.GenealogyBank.com.
One thing to note is that the BCGS is giving out their first-ever book awards on Sunday, and they tell me a couple of the authors will be there.
The winner this year is Bruce McIntyre for his three-volume series, Lives Lived West of the Divide: A Biographical Dictionary of Fur Traders Working West of the Rockies, 1793-1858.
The library is located at Unit 211, 12837-76th Avenue, Surrey.
If you want more information, their website is www.bcgs.ca. The email is bcgs@bcgs.ca
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Day Pass Offered at Saskatchwan Genealogical Society
This caught my eye this afternoon on the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society website this afternoon. They are now offering a $10.00 day pass for non-members to access "members only" databases!
The Burial Index, the Obituaries Index, and the Cummins Rural Directory Index are now offered.
Go to their website at http://www.saskgenealogy.com/ or contact sgslibrary@sasktel.net
The Burial Index, the Obituaries Index, and the Cummins Rural Directory Index are now offered.
Go to their website at http://www.saskgenealogy.com/ or contact sgslibrary@sasktel.net
Genealogy Week 2011
The reason I haven't put on a post in the past couple of days is because my husband, and myself have been busy hosting Genealogy Week 2011 at the Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa.
Part of the Genealogy Week Reception Sunday evening was that we passed out cards which said "This year's GenealogyWeek participants are researching the following people and places in various venues in Ottawa-Gatineau. If you have any tidbits of information to pass along, please do so. You may have a common ancestor!"
Janis Carter is looking for Archibald Trew (Ireland) Hope Twp; Thomas Carter (England) Pickering Twp; Samuel Bryson (Ireland) Clarke Twp; Charles Hood (England) Pickering Twp; Thomas Tweedie (Scotland) Pickering Twp
Nancy Cunningham is looking for William Cunningham (Ireland) Whitechurch Twp, County of York; William Fahey (Ireland) Chatham, New Brunswick; David Wilson (England) Toronto; Thomas Metcalf (England) Toronto
Kellie Love is looking for Bertrim/Bertam, William (Ireland) Lanark Twp; Cox, Thomas (Ireland) Quebec; Sharpley, David (Ireland) Quebec; Lyons, Lawrence (New York) Prince Edward County; Smith, Hamilton (USA) Erin Twp.
Ted McChesney is looking for Louis Labelle (French) Massey (ON) and Allumette & Montreal; Thomas Mousseau (France) Massey (ON) and Montreal; , (France) Allumette; Samuel McChesnay (Scotland) ???; Richard Pettifer (England) ???; Calumet Island.
If you have any of the ancestors that are being researched, please send your information to me at genealogycanada@aol.com, and I will forward your information to the people concerned.
Part of the Genealogy Week Reception Sunday evening was that we passed out cards which said "This year's GenealogyWeek participants are researching the following people and places in various venues in Ottawa-Gatineau. If you have any tidbits of information to pass along, please do so. You may have a common ancestor!"
Janis Carter is looking for Archibald Trew (Ireland) Hope Twp; Thomas Carter (England) Pickering Twp; Samuel Bryson (Ireland) Clarke Twp; Charles Hood (England) Pickering Twp; Thomas Tweedie (Scotland) Pickering Twp
Nancy Cunningham is looking for William Cunningham (Ireland) Whitechurch Twp, County of York; William Fahey (Ireland) Chatham, New Brunswick; David Wilson (England) Toronto; Thomas Metcalf (England) Toronto
Kellie Love is looking for Bertrim/Bertam, William (Ireland) Lanark Twp; Cox, Thomas (Ireland) Quebec; Sharpley, David (Ireland) Quebec; Lyons, Lawrence (New York) Prince Edward County; Smith, Hamilton (USA) Erin Twp.
Ted McChesney is looking for Louis Labelle (French) Massey (ON) and Allumette & Montreal; Thomas Mousseau (France) Massey (ON) and Montreal; , (France) Allumette; Samuel McChesnay (Scotland) ???; Richard Pettifer (England) ???; Calumet Island.
If you have any of the ancestors that are being researched, please send your information to me at genealogycanada@aol.com, and I will forward your information to the people concerned.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Open House at the City of Ottawa Archives
Here is where we plan to be tomorrow afternoon -
"The City of Ottawa’s Central Archives invite you to its open house on Saturday, July 9 from noon to 4 p.m. at 100 Tallwood Drive, corner of Woodroffe Avenue.
Hands on family activities include genealogy workshops, clay tablet creation, building tours and magical fun. The public is also invited to view a new sculpture titled Archive in the exterior garden and meet artist Don Maynard during the open house. Mr. Maynard will be available from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the lobby to discuss his work.
The Archives’ premiere exhibit, entitled, “An Archives Odyssey: making a home for the history of our communities,” will be open for viewing. The exhibit provides “a history of the City of Ottawa Archives from its humble beginnings to this beautiful state of the art facility.”
The new Central Archives has a vault that provides sufficient space for 10 years of growth, and enough space on-site to build a second vault to provide for 25 years of growth, an environmentally controlled on-site exhibit to showcase the City’s treasures, and a 200-square foot triage room to temporarily house collections that could potentially harm existing holdings.
The new building also has classroom and workshop space for school and public programming, on-site space for the Archives’ community partners, as well as a gift shop to promote public awareness of the importance of archives and generate revenue.
Background:
With its first settlement dating back to the 1790s, Ottawa is one of the oldest cities in Canada. Its archival collection is one of the most valuable holdings of information that document the development and evolution of municipal government in this area. As mandated by the provincial government, the City of Ottawa must collect and preserve its municipal records in a secure manner for public access, as well as future generations.
The collection contains photographs, microfilm, film, magnetic tapes, video and audiotapes, computer records, drawings, as well as some artefacts. Researchers, historians and the general public rely on the City’s archives as a resource for civic records, genealogy, construction history and photographs".
For more information, please visit http://www.ottawa.ca/archives
"The City of Ottawa’s Central Archives invite you to its open house on Saturday, July 9 from noon to 4 p.m. at 100 Tallwood Drive, corner of Woodroffe Avenue.
Hands on family activities include genealogy workshops, clay tablet creation, building tours and magical fun. The public is also invited to view a new sculpture titled Archive in the exterior garden and meet artist Don Maynard during the open house. Mr. Maynard will be available from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the lobby to discuss his work.
The Archives’ premiere exhibit, entitled, “An Archives Odyssey: making a home for the history of our communities,” will be open for viewing. The exhibit provides “a history of the City of Ottawa Archives from its humble beginnings to this beautiful state of the art facility.”
The new Central Archives has a vault that provides sufficient space for 10 years of growth, and enough space on-site to build a second vault to provide for 25 years of growth, an environmentally controlled on-site exhibit to showcase the City’s treasures, and a 200-square foot triage room to temporarily house collections that could potentially harm existing holdings.
The new building also has classroom and workshop space for school and public programming, on-site space for the Archives’ community partners, as well as a gift shop to promote public awareness of the importance of archives and generate revenue.
Background:
With its first settlement dating back to the 1790s, Ottawa is one of the oldest cities in Canada. Its archival collection is one of the most valuable holdings of information that document the development and evolution of municipal government in this area. As mandated by the provincial government, the City of Ottawa must collect and preserve its municipal records in a secure manner for public access, as well as future generations.
The collection contains photographs, microfilm, film, magnetic tapes, video and audiotapes, computer records, drawings, as well as some artefacts. Researchers, historians and the general public rely on the City’s archives as a resource for civic records, genealogy, construction history and photographs".
For more information, please visit http://www.ottawa.ca/archives
Society for German Genealogy in Eastern Europe Conference
A conference for people of German origin who are interested in the genealogy, culture and history of their ancestors who migrated through Russian, Poland, Volhynia, and surrounding area will be held in Winnipeg, Manitoba from August 12-14, 2011.
"From Whence We Came" is the theme of this year's conference, and there will be lectures given by Kathleen Kufeldt "Conducting Family Interviews and Documenting the Results", Bill Remus will give a lecture on "The German Migration to Volhynia", and Jim Blanchard will give a talk on "The Winnipeg German Community before the Great War"
The website of the society is http://www.sggee.org/. The email is convention@sggee.org
"From Whence We Came" is the theme of this year's conference, and there will be lectures given by Kathleen Kufeldt "Conducting Family Interviews and Documenting the Results", Bill Remus will give a lecture on "The German Migration to Volhynia", and Jim Blanchard will give a talk on "The Winnipeg German Community before the Great War"
The website of the society is http://www.sggee.org/. The email is convention@sggee.org
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Relatively Speaking
An Index and Summary for the May 2011 Relatively Speaking newsletter of the Alberta Genealogical Society are now online at http://abgensoc.ca/relativelyspeaking.html.
In fact, the Index and Summary have been been put online since 2008.
Relatively Speaking is published four times a year, and you can get the full publication if you are a member of the Alberta Genealogical Society.
The email of the newsletter is rseditor8@abgensoc.ca.
The website of the Alberta Genealogical Society is http://abgensoc.ca/
In fact, the Index and Summary have been been put online since 2008.
Relatively Speaking is published four times a year, and you can get the full publication if you are a member of the Alberta Genealogical Society.
The email of the newsletter is rseditor8@abgensoc.ca.
The website of the Alberta Genealogical Society is http://abgensoc.ca/
Toronto Trust Cemeteries Update
FamilySearch Centers has released the latest update on July 6th, and one of the projects they have been working on is the Toronto Trust Cemeteries, 1826-1935.
Index and images to the records of several Toronto cemeteries (York General Burying Ground (also called Potter’s Field), 1826-1855; Necropolis Cemetery, 1850-1912 (the index will continue to 1935); Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 1876-1933; Prospect Cemetery, 1890-1935) have nearly doubled from 7,234 to 14,864.
They say that "Currently this collection is 22% complete and includes records from Necropolis Cemetery. Additional records will be added as they are completed. This is a cooperative project with the Toronto Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society."
You can contact them at fsi@torontofamilyhistory.org if you would like to volunteer to assist in this ongoing effort. Or you can go to https://familysearch.org/search/collection/show#uri=http://hr-search-api:8080/searchapi/search/collection/1627831 and search the records.
Index and images to the records of several Toronto cemeteries (York General Burying Ground (also called Potter’s Field), 1826-1855; Necropolis Cemetery, 1850-1912 (the index will continue to 1935); Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 1876-1933; Prospect Cemetery, 1890-1935) have nearly doubled from 7,234 to 14,864.
They say that "Currently this collection is 22% complete and includes records from Necropolis Cemetery. Additional records will be added as they are completed. This is a cooperative project with the Toronto Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society."
You can contact them at fsi@torontofamilyhistory.org if you would like to volunteer to assist in this ongoing effort. Or you can go to https://familysearch.org/search/collection/show#uri=http://hr-search-api:8080/searchapi/search/collection/1627831 and search the records.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Manitoba Genealogical Society Conference
This year the Ontario Genealogical Society celebrated it's 50th Anniversary with a Conference in May, and now the Manitoba Genealogical Society is celebrating it's 35th Anniversary with a Conference in September.
"It's All Relative" will be held Friday Sept. 30 and Saturday Oct. 1, 2011 at the Silver Heights United Church, 199 Garrioch Ave. in St. James in Winnipeg. You can register now at the early bird fee of $100.00 if you do so before August 31st.
On Friday evening, there will be a lecture given by Jim Blanchard "The Role of the Family", and Dave Obee will be giving a talk “The Search for Frank Liddell: A Case Study” to close out the evening.
There will be a full day of lectures on Saturday, as well as a Marketplace.
To register, please go to http://www.mbgenealogy.com/
"It's All Relative" will be held Friday Sept. 30 and Saturday Oct. 1, 2011 at the Silver Heights United Church, 199 Garrioch Ave. in St. James in Winnipeg. You can register now at the early bird fee of $100.00 if you do so before August 31st.
On Friday evening, there will be a lecture given by Jim Blanchard "The Role of the Family", and Dave Obee will be giving a talk “The Search for Frank Liddell: A Case Study” to close out the evening.
There will be a full day of lectures on Saturday, as well as a Marketplace.
To register, please go to http://www.mbgenealogy.com/
Community Heritage and Family History Blog
In a blog that the Calgary Public Library has called the Community Heritage and Family History Blog, there are posts on The Story of the Big Ditch, City Hall Celebrates its 100th Anniversary, What's in a name?, Calgary, Alberta in 1962, and Islands in the Stream - Heritage Roundtable to name a few.
While you are there you can also go to Calgary Public Library’s Community Heritage and Family History Digital Library.
At their site, they have the Alison Jackson Photography Collection, Postcards from the Past, and the Judith Umbach Photography Collection.
You can go to http://blog.calgarypubliclibrary.com/blogs/local_history_and_genealogy/archive/2011/07/05/the-story-of-the-big-ditch.aspx
While you are there you can also go to Calgary Public Library’s Community Heritage and Family History Digital Library.
At their site, they have the Alison Jackson Photography Collection, Postcards from the Past, and the Judith Umbach Photography Collection.
You can go to http://blog.calgarypubliclibrary.com/blogs/local_history_and_genealogy/archive/2011/07/05/the-story-of-the-big-ditch.aspx
Guysborough Historical Society
On Saturday, July 16, 2011, the Guysborough Historical Society, in Guysborough, Nova Scotia will host a reception at the Old Court House Museum from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to celebrate the opening of the Research Centre.
The Research Center houses many genealogical items such as births, deaths, marriages, baptisms from Boylston, Canso, Guysborough, Manchester, Melford, New Harbour and Whitehead. There is a large selection of books and reference materials such as census records (1817, 1838, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891 and 1901), and books such as A.C. Jost’s Guysborough Sketches and Essays, John Grant’s Historic Guysborough, and Christopher Cook’s Along the Streets of Guysborough.
The Guysborough Historical Society also offers genealogical research services for a fee of $10.00 plus copying charges ($.25 per page), and they also offer free self-directed research for members.
The renovations to the basement at the Old Court House Museum and development of the interpretive panels were made possible with funding from the Municipality of the District of Guysborough, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and the Nova Scotia Office of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism.
Visit their website at http://www.guysboroughcountyheritage.ca/
The Research Center houses many genealogical items such as births, deaths, marriages, baptisms from Boylston, Canso, Guysborough, Manchester, Melford, New Harbour and Whitehead. There is a large selection of books and reference materials such as census records (1817, 1838, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891 and 1901), and books such as A.C. Jost’s Guysborough Sketches and Essays, John Grant’s Historic Guysborough, and Christopher Cook’s Along the Streets of Guysborough.
The Guysborough Historical Society also offers genealogical research services for a fee of $10.00 plus copying charges ($.25 per page), and they also offer free self-directed research for members.
The renovations to the basement at the Old Court House Museum and development of the interpretive panels were made possible with funding from the Municipality of the District of Guysborough, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and the Nova Scotia Office of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism.
Visit their website at http://www.guysboroughcountyheritage.ca/
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
The Canadian Jewish Heritage Network
The Canadian Jewish Heritage Network www.cjhn.ca says that more than 25,000 database records of the Canadian Jewish community dating back to the 18th century are now available online.
I just used the search feature, and found a family in Montreal that my father knew in the late 1940s.
The new website features the vast repositories of the Canadian Jewish Congress Charities Committee National Archives (CJC) and the Jewish Public Library Archives (JPL).
There is more than 2,000 digitized photographs and documents, as well as more than 50,000 genealogical records,and 5,000 associated images. There are also sound recordings and moving images.
The site says that the "Genealogical resources include online posting of family history resources such as Jewish Immigrant Aid Services client name lists from 1922-1952, individual farm settler reports from Western Canada and Quebec (1906-1951), translated Yiddish obituaries from the Keneder Adler (1908-1931), and Hebrew Sick Benefit Association of Montreal's membership book listings (1897-1905)".
There is also information about Jewish servicemen casualties in the Canadian armed forces during World Wars I and II.
The project was funded by the Samuel and Saidye Bronfman Family Foundation (SSBFF).
I just used the search feature, and found a family in Montreal that my father knew in the late 1940s.
The new website features the vast repositories of the Canadian Jewish Congress Charities Committee National Archives (CJC) and the Jewish Public Library Archives (JPL).
There is more than 2,000 digitized photographs and documents, as well as more than 50,000 genealogical records,and 5,000 associated images. There are also sound recordings and moving images.
The site says that the "Genealogical resources include online posting of family history resources such as Jewish Immigrant Aid Services client name lists from 1922-1952, individual farm settler reports from Western Canada and Quebec (1906-1951), translated Yiddish obituaries from the Keneder Adler (1908-1931), and Hebrew Sick Benefit Association of Montreal's membership book listings (1897-1905)".
There is also information about Jewish servicemen casualties in the Canadian armed forces during World Wars I and II.
The project was funded by the Samuel and Saidye Bronfman Family Foundation (SSBFF).
VICTORIA GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY YOUTH PROGRAM
Here is an interesting post from the Victoria Genealogical Society (VGS) at
http://www.victoriags.org/
"In December 2010 the Victoria Genealogical Society endorsed the development of a genealogical / family history program for school aged children. Two primary goals for the Youth Program have been accepted as recommended by the project’s Design Committee.
They are:
To introduce young people to the world of genealogy and family history research in a fun and engaging way;
and,
To introduce young people to the tools and techniques they can use to initiate their own research.
To meet these goals the Design Committee developed a series of recommendations which were adopted by the Victoria Genealogical Society Executive Committee. Key amongst these recommendations was “that the programs developed be age appropriate and welcoming to all family types and origins in the world - allowing young people to explore their family in any form they'd like”.
One program which is slated for this summer is Detective Adventure which starts on July 13th. It is a hands-on genealogy program for kids in grades 4 and 5. Summer registration now open. Call 250-360-2808. You can also download the 2011 poster (PDF format) by clicking on the detective image on the website.
Limited space so register early to avoid disappointment:
Detective Adventure 1: July 13, 20, 27 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Detective Adventure 2: August 3, 10, 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Resource Centre of the Victoria Genealogical Society
947 Alston Street, Victoria
Fee: $ 35, detective tools included
To Register: Email vgsprojectdirector@gmail.com
http://www.victoriags.org/
"In December 2010 the Victoria Genealogical Society endorsed the development of a genealogical / family history program for school aged children. Two primary goals for the Youth Program have been accepted as recommended by the project’s Design Committee.
They are:
To introduce young people to the world of genealogy and family history research in a fun and engaging way;
and,
To introduce young people to the tools and techniques they can use to initiate their own research.
To meet these goals the Design Committee developed a series of recommendations which were adopted by the Victoria Genealogical Society Executive Committee. Key amongst these recommendations was “that the programs developed be age appropriate and welcoming to all family types and origins in the world - allowing young people to explore their family in any form they'd like”.
One program which is slated for this summer is Detective Adventure which starts on July 13th. It is a hands-on genealogy program for kids in grades 4 and 5. Summer registration now open. Call 250-360-2808. You can also download the 2011 poster (PDF format) by clicking on the detective image on the website.
Limited space so register early to avoid disappointment:
Detective Adventure 1: July 13, 20, 27 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Detective Adventure 2: August 3, 10, 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Resource Centre of the Victoria Genealogical Society
947 Alston Street, Victoria
Fee: $ 35, detective tools included
To Register: Email vgsprojectdirector@gmail.com
Monday, July 4, 2011
Red River Colony
On Thursday, Library and Archives Canada (LAC) released a new version of the online database Immigrants to Canada. They have added 4,000 names to the database. Settlers who went to the Red River Colony (or Selkirk Settlement) in Manitoba are found in the Thomas Douglas, Earl of Selkirk fonds (MG 19 E1). The database celebrates the 200th Anniversary of the foundation of the Colony.
The database can be found at http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/immigrants-canada/index-e.html
If you want to read more about the Red River Colony, there are some websites you can go to -
The Red River Colony: Lord Selkirk has a Plan
http://www.canadiana.ca/hbc/stories/colony1_e.html
The MÉTIS & THE RED RIVER SETTLEMENT
http://firstpeoplesofcanada.com/fp_metis/fp_metis_redriver.html
Red River Colony
http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/scotsandcanada/redrivercolony/index.asp
The database can be found at http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/immigrants-canada/index-e.html
If you want to read more about the Red River Colony, there are some websites you can go to -
The Red River Colony: Lord Selkirk has a Plan
http://www.canadiana.ca/hbc/stories/colony1_e.html
The MÉTIS & THE RED RIVER SETTLEMENT
http://firstpeoplesofcanada.com/fp_metis/fp_metis_redriver.html
Red River Colony
http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/scotsandcanada/redrivercolony/index.asp
Friday, July 1, 2011
QFHS Conference 2011
On Saturday, June 4th, we went down to Montreal to take in a day with our “genealogical friends” from the Quebec Family History Society, as they put on their semi-annual conference at McGill University.
It is just a two hour drive down to Montreal from Ottawa. We took Route 148 on the Quebec side down to Grenville, and then we joined Hwy 50 to Lachute, and then on to Hwy 15 right down into Montreal, where we spent an hour navigating downtown Montreal traffic and then finding the building, and once we had found the building – then we had to find a parking spot. We finally did find underground parking (there isn't as much as you would think there would be), and then we tried to get out of the building.
As some of you know, I am in a wheelchair, and after 'wheeling” me around for what seemed like hours (there were only steps UP to Sherbrooke Street), we stopped into the shops in the complex, and found the helpful manager of the local print shop, who promptly led us through the maze of shops and hallways back to the parking area, and with a sigh of resignation, my husband pushed me up the steep ramp to the street.
So with that, we were ready, and we finally made our destination.
The first place we went to was the Marketplace.
After bumping into Gary Schroder (the QFHS President), we headed over to the Ontario Genealogical Society's table, which was manned by the recently-retired Executive Director, Fraser Dunford. He reported very good sales, and he said the crowds were steady throughout the day.
It is just a two hour drive down to Montreal from Ottawa. We took Route 148 on the Quebec side down to Grenville, and then we joined Hwy 50 to Lachute, and then on to Hwy 15 right down into Montreal, where we spent an hour navigating downtown Montreal traffic and then finding the building, and once we had found the building – then we had to find a parking spot. We finally did find underground parking (there isn't as much as you would think there would be), and then we tried to get out of the building.
As some of you know, I am in a wheelchair, and after 'wheeling” me around for what seemed like hours (there were only steps UP to Sherbrooke Street), we stopped into the shops in the complex, and found the helpful manager of the local print shop, who promptly led us through the maze of shops and hallways back to the parking area, and with a sigh of resignation, my husband pushed me up the steep ramp to the street.
So with that, we were ready, and we finally made our destination.
The first place we went to was the Marketplace.
After bumping into Gary Schroder (the QFHS President), we headed over to the Ontario Genealogical Society's table, which was manned by the recently-retired Executive Director, Fraser Dunford. He reported very good sales, and he said the crowds were steady throughout the day.
Fraser Dunford, of the OGS, talks with a potential book buyer.
Next, we went to the Moorshead Magazines http://www.moorshead.com table to see Rick Cree and his wife, Jennifer, and we had a really nice talk, as we hit them right as the people went on to hear another lecture. Ed Zapletal — usually the other half of this dynamic duo, alongside Rick — didn't come down to Montreal, as he was home in Toronto, helping his mother celebrate a very special birthday.
We then joined the crowd for lunch. It was a buffet over at l’Hotel Le Cantlie across the street, and was it ever good!
We sat with a couple of people from Ottawa who were there also, including Evelyn Burke and her friend — and after eating our tasty chicken sandwiches, lovely cream of broccoli soup, delicious brownies, and a nice cup of coffee or two — we went back to the conference, and ran into Glenn Wright signing copies of his latest book, Canadians at War 1914-1919: A Research Guide to World War One Service Records, which I reviewed in the OGS' journal, Families, (November 2010 edition), and on this blog at http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2010/12/to-continue-overview-that-i-started.html.
Glenn Wright signs a copy of his newest book, Canadians at War 1914-1919: A Research Guide to World War One Service Records, for this lucky lady.
We also dropped in to see saw Louise St. Denis of the National Institute for Genealogical Studies http://www.genealogicalstudies.com, and her husband, Michael, at their display. They reported very good sales, and the people were interested in the Social Media course she was giving away for free, and she seemed pleased with the conference. I also took the opportunity to buy the book recommended for this course, which is Social Networking for Genealogists, by Drew Smith.
We stopped to chat with Derek Hopkins of the QFHS, and then went to see his and Bob Dunn's lecture on cemeteries. It was one of the better lectures I have attended at a conference.
Derek Hopkins (left) and Bob Dunn present a lecture on Quebec Cemeteries at QFHS Conference 2011
As participants filled up the classroom, a PowerPoint presentation of Quebec Protestant Cemeteries in the Eastern Townships was shown, accompanied by soothing music– a very relaxing few minutes before the lecture began.
Both Derek and Bob made the point that they have only started to put in the transcriptions of the cemeteries into the “Members Only” section of the QFHS website http://www.qfhs.ca, and it has proven very popular with the membership.
While there, we saw more Ottawa people, including John D. Reid, of Anglo-Celtic Connections blog fame http://anglo-celtic-connections.blogspot.com, Malcolm Moody and his lovely wife of Archive CD Books http://www.archivecdbooks.ca, (where we heard more parking horror stories), Lesley Anderson from Ancestry.ca, and we said “Hi!” to people from Quinte Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society, and to people we knew from Montreal.
Since we had already had planned to go back to Ottawa for Sunday, we sadly left the conference and headed back to Ottawa.
After missing our turnoff, and getting lost near Concordia University in Montreal's west end, we stopped for directions at a local pizzeria, and got some great pizza at the same time. Then we got back on Hwy 15 to head out of the city, stopped at Blainville for supper, crossed over to Hawkesbury on the Ontario side, and came up on Hwy 417, where we stopped on the side of the road to take pictures of one of the best sunsets we had seen in many a moon, and then we were safely home around ten or so.
Sunset near Casselman, Ontario. It was even more beautiful live.
Happy 144th Canada Day!
Canadian Heritage, a department of the Canadian federal government, is celebrating Canada Day!
Visit http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1292265752243/1292265752246
If you would like to read about the evolution of Canada Day, go to http://www.pch.gc.ca/pgm/ceem-cced/jfa-ha/canada-eng.cfm
And as the site notes -
"Don't miss the Canada Day Noon Show, live on July 1, 2011, at noon. Check out the preparations with the Hill Cam!"
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Museum Newsletter
If you are coming to Ottawa this summer, be sure to visit both the Museum of Civilization, and the Canadian Museum of War. And if Ottawa is not in your vacation plans, then you should subscribe to their newsletter.
This month, some of the topics covered are the Halifax Explosion, which occurred on December 6, 1917- in an article called “Fire and Water”.
The article says that there was “A fireball 1.6 km high. A tsunami and a blazing inferno. Sixteen hundred buildings destroyed and twelve thousand damaged. Shattered windows in a village situated a full 100 km from the explosion. Thousands of dead and wounded. Images of Japan or Indonesia come to mind...and yet, this drama unfolded right here at home. Revisit the tale of an unprecedented catastrophe and recall the courage of those who braved impossible odds to save the lives of others.”
One of the other articles called “Digging up the Past” goes back 11, 000 years in Southern Ontario to the Early Paleo-Indian period. The article says that "A few hundred people are scattered across Ontario in small communities of nomadic hunters. The glaciers around them have begun to melt, revealing numerous pockets of land and creating enormous lakes - including the vast Champlain Sea to the east".
If you want to receive the newsletter, go to http://www.civilization.ca/cmc/general-pages/newsletter/newsletter and fill out the contact page.
The two museums are absolutely fabulous! You can get a real sense of the country as you go through the two museums, and they are close enough that you can walk between the two. One suggestion: Take the walkway in back of the Civilization Museum over to the Canadian Museum of War. Across the Ottawa River you will pass by the Parliament Buildings, and you will see the Supreme Court Building, and the Library and Archives Canada. There are plenty of plaques along the way which will explain everything, and the flower gardens are absolutely wonderful.
This month, some of the topics covered are the Halifax Explosion, which occurred on December 6, 1917- in an article called “Fire and Water”.
The article says that there was “A fireball 1.6 km high. A tsunami and a blazing inferno. Sixteen hundred buildings destroyed and twelve thousand damaged. Shattered windows in a village situated a full 100 km from the explosion. Thousands of dead and wounded. Images of Japan or Indonesia come to mind...and yet, this drama unfolded right here at home. Revisit the tale of an unprecedented catastrophe and recall the courage of those who braved impossible odds to save the lives of others.”
One of the other articles called “Digging up the Past” goes back 11, 000 years in Southern Ontario to the Early Paleo-Indian period. The article says that "A few hundred people are scattered across Ontario in small communities of nomadic hunters. The glaciers around them have begun to melt, revealing numerous pockets of land and creating enormous lakes - including the vast Champlain Sea to the east".
If you want to receive the newsletter, go to http://www.civilization.ca/cmc/general-pages/newsletter/newsletter and fill out the contact page.
The two museums are absolutely fabulous! You can get a real sense of the country as you go through the two museums, and they are close enough that you can walk between the two. One suggestion: Take the walkway in back of the Civilization Museum over to the Canadian Museum of War. Across the Ottawa River you will pass by the Parliament Buildings, and you will see the Supreme Court Building, and the Library and Archives Canada. There are plenty of plaques along the way which will explain everything, and the flower gardens are absolutely wonderful.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Ancestry.ca is FREE for Royal Visit
From June 30th through to July 8th, 2011 when the Royal Couple are in Canada, Ancestry.ca will be offering free access.
To explore the free records and to sign up for a free 14 day trial, please visit www.ancestry.ca/UK.
To explore the free records and to sign up for a free 14 day trial, please visit www.ancestry.ca/UK.
The Armenian Boys' Farm Home, Georgetown, Ontario
Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust and the Armenian Community Centre of Toronto has unveiled a provincial plaque to commemorate The Armenian Boys' Farm Home, Georgetown.
"The arrival of Armenian child refugees at Cedarvale Farm in Georgetown helped to lay the groundwork for this country's international humanitarian efforts throughout the 20th century," said Dr. Thomas H.B. Symons, Chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust. "We are proud to honour this significant event in our history with this provincial plaque."
In part the plaque reads as follows:
THE ARMENIAN BOYS' FARM HOME, GEORGETOWN
On July 1, 1923, a group of 50 Armenian boys arrived at this farm site from an orphanage in Corfu, Greece. The 'Georgetown Boys,' as they came to be known, arrived in Canada between 1923 and 1927 - 109 boys in all. The orphans were survivors of the Armenian Genocide (1915-1923). Their plight touched the hearts of thousands of Canadians, who raised significant funds and lobbied the Canadian government to bring them here. Under the care and supervision of the Armenian Canadian Relief Fund's Farm and Home Committee, the children lived at Cedarvale Farm located on this property and were taught English and farming skills. By 1928, the orphans were placed with farm families in Southwestern Ontario. As adults, most of the Armenians became Canadian citizens and chose to remain in this country. By providing assistance to non-British Commonwealth refugees, the Armenian Boys' Farm Home was the first humanitarian effort of its kind in Canada.
The unveiling ceremony took place at the Armenian Youth Centre - Hamazkayin Theatre in Toronto. The plaque will be permanently installed at Cedarvale Park in Georgetown, the site of the Armenian Boys' Farm Home.
"Canada's humanitarian efforts in aiding the 109 orphaned Armenian children who survived the Armenian Genocide of 1915 must be remembered and commended," said Armenian Community Centre President Vatche Kelebozian. "This provincial plaque will immortalize the memory of the Georgetown Boys and act as a permanent reminder of Canada's proud humanitarian tradition and its unyielding commitment in aiding Armenians."
A book has been written on the Georgetown Boys by Jack Apramian, and is featured in a 1976 article in “The Georgetown Independent" on http://www.creditvalleyartisans.ca/history.html
"The arrival of Armenian child refugees at Cedarvale Farm in Georgetown helped to lay the groundwork for this country's international humanitarian efforts throughout the 20th century," said Dr. Thomas H.B. Symons, Chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust. "We are proud to honour this significant event in our history with this provincial plaque."
In part the plaque reads as follows:
THE ARMENIAN BOYS' FARM HOME, GEORGETOWN
On July 1, 1923, a group of 50 Armenian boys arrived at this farm site from an orphanage in Corfu, Greece. The 'Georgetown Boys,' as they came to be known, arrived in Canada between 1923 and 1927 - 109 boys in all. The orphans were survivors of the Armenian Genocide (1915-1923). Their plight touched the hearts of thousands of Canadians, who raised significant funds and lobbied the Canadian government to bring them here. Under the care and supervision of the Armenian Canadian Relief Fund's Farm and Home Committee, the children lived at Cedarvale Farm located on this property and were taught English and farming skills. By 1928, the orphans were placed with farm families in Southwestern Ontario. As adults, most of the Armenians became Canadian citizens and chose to remain in this country. By providing assistance to non-British Commonwealth refugees, the Armenian Boys' Farm Home was the first humanitarian effort of its kind in Canada.
The unveiling ceremony took place at the Armenian Youth Centre - Hamazkayin Theatre in Toronto. The plaque will be permanently installed at Cedarvale Park in Georgetown, the site of the Armenian Boys' Farm Home.
"Canada's humanitarian efforts in aiding the 109 orphaned Armenian children who survived the Armenian Genocide of 1915 must be remembered and commended," said Armenian Community Centre President Vatche Kelebozian. "This provincial plaque will immortalize the memory of the Georgetown Boys and act as a permanent reminder of Canada's proud humanitarian tradition and its unyielding commitment in aiding Armenians."
A book has been written on the Georgetown Boys by Jack Apramian, and is featured in a 1976 article in “The Georgetown Independent" on http://www.creditvalleyartisans.ca/history.html
Miramichi Irish Festival
The 28th annual Canada's Irish Festival will be held in Miramichi, New Brunswick from July 14th-17th, 2011
The Miramichi Branch of New Brunswick Genealogical Society will be there, as well the as Provincial Archives of New Brunswick
In the information package on the website, they say they will be “Focusing on Northumberland County, we will use the Census for the years 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891 and 1901; there will be transcriptions of every cemetery in No. Co. (over 130), thousands of obituaries (16,000), vital stats from local newspapers, some church records, complete family histories and much, much more. We also have several of our publications available for sale. Be sure to visit us at while attending the festival”.
According to the Festival information, The Provincial Archives of New Brunswick will have a “special digital film archive will be launched as part of the Provincial Archives exhibit. The North West Digital Film Archive created by Derry City Council’s Heritage & Museum Service, the Donegal Regional Cultural Center, Donegal County Museum & Archives and the Nerve Center will be available”.
They will also have a collection of almost 100 hours of searchable material including the census records, land grants information, historical photos and other research documents.
Some of the other events that will take place will be the The Red Hair Contest and Running of the Green Race
For more information, please visit their website at http://www.canadasirishfest.com/index.html
The Miramichi Branch of New Brunswick Genealogical Society will be there, as well the as Provincial Archives of New Brunswick
In the information package on the website, they say they will be “Focusing on Northumberland County, we will use the Census for the years 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891 and 1901; there will be transcriptions of every cemetery in No. Co. (over 130), thousands of obituaries (16,000), vital stats from local newspapers, some church records, complete family histories and much, much more. We also have several of our publications available for sale. Be sure to visit us at while attending the festival”.
According to the Festival information, The Provincial Archives of New Brunswick will have a “special digital film archive will be launched as part of the Provincial Archives exhibit. The North West Digital Film Archive created by Derry City Council’s Heritage & Museum Service, the Donegal Regional Cultural Center, Donegal County Museum & Archives and the Nerve Center will be available”.
They will also have a collection of almost 100 hours of searchable material including the census records, land grants information, historical photos and other research documents.
Some of the other events that will take place will be the The Red Hair Contest and Running of the Green Race
For more information, please visit their website at http://www.canadasirishfest.com/index.html
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
The Acadian Museum Recovers
I first made the acquaintance of Warren A. Perrin of Layfayette, Louisana in the aftermath of Hurricane Rita when the museum he runs called the Acadian Museum of Erath, Louisana was damaged – almost beyond repair. The genealogical material had to be reconstructed, and with the help of Stanley LeBlanc, most of the records have been repaired.
They were dark days for Warren, and the people who work at the Museum. But through hard work, and support from the Acadian descendants in Louisiana, and Acadian people who live in Canada, the Museum has come back to be better than it was before.
If you go to www.acadianmuseum.com you will see three rooms dedicated to history and genealogy (the Erath Room, the Acadian Room, and the Prairie Bayou Cajun Room), The Photo Gallery, and a list of family names held at the museum.
Another way you can keep track of the museum is by subscribing (free) to his newsletter called La Parole which is sent out on a regular basis. There is lots to read, and keep up on in the newsletter.
His email is info@acadianmuseum.com
They were dark days for Warren, and the people who work at the Museum. But through hard work, and support from the Acadian descendants in Louisiana, and Acadian people who live in Canada, the Museum has come back to be better than it was before.
If you go to www.acadianmuseum.com you will see three rooms dedicated to history and genealogy (the Erath Room, the Acadian Room, and the Prairie Bayou Cajun Room), The Photo Gallery, and a list of family names held at the museum.
Another way you can keep track of the museum is by subscribing (free) to his newsletter called La Parole which is sent out on a regular basis. There is lots to read, and keep up on in the newsletter.
His email is info@acadianmuseum.com
Monday, June 27, 2011
Upper Canada Village is 50 Years Old
This past Saturday, the historic Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg, Ontario celebrated its 50th Birthday!
Opened in 1961, it consists of building rescued from the flooded land when the St. Lawrence Seaway was built in the late 1950s. It has seen over 12-million visitors since it opened.
The village contains a sawmill, gristmill, cheese factory, farm and agricultural shops, furnished homes, churches, a general store, tavern and other historic buildings depicting a typical 19th century village along the water.
I visited the Village a number of years ago, and found it to be so interesting. I especially remember seeing the woollen mill, the cheesemaking building, and the church. I can say from a personal point of view, if you wish to see what Ontario was like in the 19th Century, and the kind of life your ancestors lived, a trip to Upper Canada Village should be the one place to visit this summer.
The former visitor center (Crysler Hall) was opened Saturday as the new exhibit area, and a new visitor centre is being built, and expects to be open in July.
The website is http://www.uppercanadavillage.com.
Opened in 1961, it consists of building rescued from the flooded land when the St. Lawrence Seaway was built in the late 1950s. It has seen over 12-million visitors since it opened.
The village contains a sawmill, gristmill, cheese factory, farm and agricultural shops, furnished homes, churches, a general store, tavern and other historic buildings depicting a typical 19th century village along the water.
I visited the Village a number of years ago, and found it to be so interesting. I especially remember seeing the woollen mill, the cheesemaking building, and the church. I can say from a personal point of view, if you wish to see what Ontario was like in the 19th Century, and the kind of life your ancestors lived, a trip to Upper Canada Village should be the one place to visit this summer.
The former visitor center (Crysler Hall) was opened Saturday as the new exhibit area, and a new visitor centre is being built, and expects to be open in July.
The website is http://www.uppercanadavillage.com.
Newfoundland and Labrador Discovery Day
Discovery Day is a provincial holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador, celebrated on the Monday nearest June 24th - and this year, it's the 27th of June – today!
It is a commemoration of the discovery of the province in 1497 by John Cabot. Since 1997, it has also been known as Cabot 500 Day.
Cabot left Europe on May 20, 1497 with one ship, the Matthew. He landed on the American east coast on June 24, 1497. We do not know exactly where he landed (could have been Cape Breton, or Maine), but he went ashore, and took possession of the land. He left on or about July 20.
On his return to England, he was given a patent for a new voyage to North America the next year, and he left in 1498, this time with five ships. But he was never heard from again, and except for one of the ships, (which landed in an Irish port), the exploration was lost.
The Matthew legacy site today is tourist attraction in Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador. A replica was built in Bristol, UK, in 1996, and it made the journey to Bonavista in 1997.
The official website of Bonvista is http://www.bonavista.net/ourhistory.php, and the website which some of the history of John Cabot is written is http://www.win.tue.nl/~engels/discovery/cabot.html
It is a commemoration of the discovery of the province in 1497 by John Cabot. Since 1997, it has also been known as Cabot 500 Day.
Cabot left Europe on May 20, 1497 with one ship, the Matthew. He landed on the American east coast on June 24, 1497. We do not know exactly where he landed (could have been Cape Breton, or Maine), but he went ashore, and took possession of the land. He left on or about July 20.
On his return to England, he was given a patent for a new voyage to North America the next year, and he left in 1498, this time with five ships. But he was never heard from again, and except for one of the ships, (which landed in an Irish port), the exploration was lost.
The Matthew legacy site today is tourist attraction in Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador. A replica was built in Bristol, UK, in 1996, and it made the journey to Bonavista in 1997.
The official website of Bonvista is http://www.bonavista.net/ourhistory.php, and the website which some of the history of John Cabot is written is http://www.win.tue.nl/~engels/discovery/cabot.html
Friday, June 24, 2011
Ontario First Parliament Buildings and War of 1812 Centre
There has been a press release concerning a new interpretive centre commemorating the site of Ontario's first parliament buildings and the War of 1812.
"This commemorative centre will provide a unique opportunity for citizens and visitors to learn about and mark significant events from our collective past - a fitting and timely initiative as we prepare for next year's celebration of both the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, events that will highlight and reinforce the Crown's important role in our parliamentary democracy," said the Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
The commemorative centre will open in February 2012 at 265 Front Street East in Toronto, on a property acquired by the province and transferred to the Ontario Heritage Trust in 2005. It and three adjoining properties comprise the site of Ontario's first purpose-built parliament buildings. Opened in 1797, the buildings were burned by invading American forces during the War of 1812. They were later rebuilt, but were destroyed by fire again in 1824.
"This new commemorative centre will not only shed light on the history of this site, it will also put that history in a provincial and national context," said the Honourable Glen Murray, Minister of Research and Innovation and MPP Toronto Centre.
"Next year's bicentennial is an ideal time to draw attention to the importance of Ontario's first parliament buildings, which were destroyed in battle during the War of 1812," said Dr. Symons. "We are delighted that the new commemorative centre will showcase this history, exploring the evolution of our democracy and the significance of the war, both of which have played major roles in shaping the province and the country we know today."
"Many citizens of Old Town Toronto and local organizations have been eager to see this site commemorated and interpreted, particularly as the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 approaches," said Rollo Myers, who has been actively involved for many years with the protection of the site of Ontario's first parliament buildings. "I'm delighted that the Trust's centre will celebrate the bicentennial and showcase the critical early years of Upper Canada, as many of Ontario's most important institutions - social, political and religious - trace their beginnings to this site."
"This commemorative centre will provide a unique opportunity for citizens and visitors to learn about and mark significant events from our collective past - a fitting and timely initiative as we prepare for next year's celebration of both the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, events that will highlight and reinforce the Crown's important role in our parliamentary democracy," said the Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
The commemorative centre will open in February 2012 at 265 Front Street East in Toronto, on a property acquired by the province and transferred to the Ontario Heritage Trust in 2005. It and three adjoining properties comprise the site of Ontario's first purpose-built parliament buildings. Opened in 1797, the buildings were burned by invading American forces during the War of 1812. They were later rebuilt, but were destroyed by fire again in 1824.
"This new commemorative centre will not only shed light on the history of this site, it will also put that history in a provincial and national context," said the Honourable Glen Murray, Minister of Research and Innovation and MPP Toronto Centre.
"Next year's bicentennial is an ideal time to draw attention to the importance of Ontario's first parliament buildings, which were destroyed in battle during the War of 1812," said Dr. Symons. "We are delighted that the new commemorative centre will showcase this history, exploring the evolution of our democracy and the significance of the war, both of which have played major roles in shaping the province and the country we know today."
"Many citizens of Old Town Toronto and local organizations have been eager to see this site commemorated and interpreted, particularly as the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 approaches," said Rollo Myers, who has been actively involved for many years with the protection of the site of Ontario's first parliament buildings. "I'm delighted that the Trust's centre will celebrate the bicentennial and showcase the critical early years of Upper Canada, as many of Ontario's most important institutions - social, political and religious - trace their beginnings to this site."
LAC Marks the Opening of the New Nitrate Film Preservation Centre
Genealogists took note that on June 21st, the Library and Archives of Canada marked the official opening of the new Nitrate Film Preservation Centre in the west end of Ottawa.
In a press release it said that “A portion of Library and Archives Canada's film and photographic negative collection is nitrate-based, a medium that can catch fire under certain conditions. This collection captures some of Canada's most significant moments up until the 1950s when the medium became obsolete. The material was in danger because it was housed in facilities that did not provide the stable, cold and dry environment essential for preservation. Until recently, the collections were stored in an outdated facility, originally built in 1947 on the former Rockcliffe Air Base in Ottawa.
The Nitrate Film Preservation Centre is an eco-designed building with various sustainable features that include a "green" roof, well- insulated walls to reduce energy consumption, high-efficiency mechanical systems to reclaim energy, and technology to reduce water use.
The nitrate-based collection consists of 5,575 reels of film, dating from as early as 1912, and close to 600,000 photographic negatives. Among the materials preserved at the new facility is one of Canada's first feature films, Back to God's Country, along with works produced by the National Film Board and photographic negatives from the collections of Yousuf Karsh”.
New images on Flickr: Nitrate Film Preservation Centre
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lac-bac/sets/72157627022868964/
In a press release it said that “A portion of Library and Archives Canada's film and photographic negative collection is nitrate-based, a medium that can catch fire under certain conditions. This collection captures some of Canada's most significant moments up until the 1950s when the medium became obsolete. The material was in danger because it was housed in facilities that did not provide the stable, cold and dry environment essential for preservation. Until recently, the collections were stored in an outdated facility, originally built in 1947 on the former Rockcliffe Air Base in Ottawa.
The Nitrate Film Preservation Centre is an eco-designed building with various sustainable features that include a "green" roof, well- insulated walls to reduce energy consumption, high-efficiency mechanical systems to reclaim energy, and technology to reduce water use.
The nitrate-based collection consists of 5,575 reels of film, dating from as early as 1912, and close to 600,000 photographic negatives. Among the materials preserved at the new facility is one of Canada's first feature films, Back to God's Country, along with works produced by the National Film Board and photographic negatives from the collections of Yousuf Karsh”.
New images on Flickr: Nitrate Film Preservation Centre
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lac-bac/sets/72157627022868964/
Thursday, June 23, 2011
BIFHSGO Conference 2011 Update
British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa (BIFHSGO) is one of the most successful genealogical societies in Canada. They have well over 500 members, and are leaders in the study of Anglo-Celtic roots in Canada.
This year from Sept. 16 to the 18th will see the 17th Annual Conference at the Library and Archives Canada on Wellington Street in Ottawa, and it will have as it's theme "England & Wales: London & the Home Countries".
On Friday, there will be the pre-conference Seminar which will feature "I can't find them anywhere!: Effective searching, sharing, and collaborating with Ancestry" with Leslie Anderson; "Storing and Preserving Family Archives and Artifacts: Arresting the deterioration of your family treasure" by Kyla Ubbink; and "Introduction to English and Welsh Family History Research: Using civil registration, census, parish register and probate records" by Linda Reid.
There are eight lectures to choose from on Saturday and Sunday, and they range from "Tracing Your English Ancestors in The National Archives", "The Fleet Registers: Clandestine Marriages in London 1667-1754", "The London Gazette: Not Just the Brave and the Bankrupt", and "Resting Peacefully in Essex - Where I Became a Better Genealogist".
Why don't you come, and join us for a really good weekend? You can find out information about your ancestor, and at $70.00 for the full conference (member's rate), or for $50.00 a day (member's rate), or at $20.00 for a single session, how could you go wrong? And don't forget, there is also a Marketplace on all three days.
This year they have a blog http://bifhsgo.ca/blog/in which they keep you up-to-date on the latest speakers, where to stay in Ottawa while at the conference, and the Marketplace is reporting a 15% jump in registration!
You can register before Aug 12th by going to the BIFHSGO website at http://www.bifhsgo.ca/.
This year from Sept. 16 to the 18th will see the 17th Annual Conference at the Library and Archives Canada on Wellington Street in Ottawa, and it will have as it's theme "England & Wales: London & the Home Countries".
On Friday, there will be the pre-conference Seminar which will feature "I can't find them anywhere!: Effective searching, sharing, and collaborating with Ancestry" with Leslie Anderson; "Storing and Preserving Family Archives and Artifacts: Arresting the deterioration of your family treasure" by Kyla Ubbink; and "Introduction to English and Welsh Family History Research: Using civil registration, census, parish register and probate records" by Linda Reid.
There are eight lectures to choose from on Saturday and Sunday, and they range from "Tracing Your English Ancestors in The National Archives", "The Fleet Registers: Clandestine Marriages in London 1667-1754", "The London Gazette: Not Just the Brave and the Bankrupt", and "Resting Peacefully in Essex - Where I Became a Better Genealogist".
Why don't you come, and join us for a really good weekend? You can find out information about your ancestor, and at $70.00 for the full conference (member's rate), or for $50.00 a day (member's rate), or at $20.00 for a single session, how could you go wrong? And don't forget, there is also a Marketplace on all three days.
This year they have a blog http://bifhsgo.ca/blog/in which they keep you up-to-date on the latest speakers, where to stay in Ottawa while at the conference, and the Marketplace is reporting a 15% jump in registration!
You can register before Aug 12th by going to the BIFHSGO website at http://www.bifhsgo.ca/.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Scottish Nick Names in Canada
There has been an interesting notice sent in by Dianne Bergstadt to Chris Paton on his blog, Scottish GENES about Scottish Nick Names that were used by people living in Glengarry County, Ontario.
As Chris points out on the blog, there are very few “Scottish” Nick Names in the list, but it is worth reading to see if your ancestor is included in the list.
Some samples of Nick Names are -
Donald MacDonald = Big Donald The Blacksmith
Sandy MacDonald = Sandy Schoolmaster
John McPhee = Old Man of Cold
John MacDonald = Johnny Alex the Cook
Alex McDonald = Alex the Grocer
The website which has the list is http://www.bytown.net/scottishnicknamesinglengarry.htm
Many thanks to Dianne for sending a notice of the list to Chris, and my thanks to Chris for putting it on his blog this afternoon.
As Chris points out on the blog, there are very few “Scottish” Nick Names in the list, but it is worth reading to see if your ancestor is included in the list.
Some samples of Nick Names are -
Donald MacDonald = Big Donald The Blacksmith
Sandy MacDonald = Sandy Schoolmaster
John McPhee = Old Man of Cold
John MacDonald = Johnny Alex the Cook
Alex McDonald = Alex the Grocer
The website which has the list is http://www.bytown.net/scottishnicknamesinglengarry.htm
Many thanks to Dianne for sending a notice of the list to Chris, and my thanks to Chris for putting it on his blog this afternoon.
Ottawa Genealogical Society Blog
The Ottawa Genealogy Society has a new blog at http://ogsottawa.blogspot.com/.
Published since June 10th, I learned about it last evening while attending the AGM of Ottawa Genealogy Society at Library and Archives Canada.
I went to their site this morning, and found out that Mike More (the former chair of the Ottawa Genealogy Society, and the Region VIII Director), Edward Kipp (the editor of the Ottawa Genealogist, the Branch’s newsletter), Jim Stanzell (the Publications Officer), and Tom White (the Program Officer) all contribute to the blog on a regular basis.
For instant, while talking to Jim last night, I learned that he is putting on information on the War of 1812. Right now, he has the first of many postings on War of 1812, and this one will interest those who have ancestors in the 100th Regiment of Foot who settled in the Goulbourn Township, Carleton County near Ottawa.
I wish everybody concerned success in this blog. It is always good to see new genealogy blogs come on the scene with important information.
Published since June 10th, I learned about it last evening while attending the AGM of Ottawa Genealogy Society at Library and Archives Canada.
I went to their site this morning, and found out that Mike More (the former chair of the Ottawa Genealogy Society, and the Region VIII Director), Edward Kipp (the editor of the Ottawa Genealogist, the Branch’s newsletter), Jim Stanzell (the Publications Officer), and Tom White (the Program Officer) all contribute to the blog on a regular basis.
For instant, while talking to Jim last night, I learned that he is putting on information on the War of 1812. Right now, he has the first of many postings on War of 1812, and this one will interest those who have ancestors in the 100th Regiment of Foot who settled in the Goulbourn Township, Carleton County near Ottawa.
I wish everybody concerned success in this blog. It is always good to see new genealogy blogs come on the scene with important information.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
2011 Emancipation Day Bus Tour – “The Freedom Trial Celebration”
The Ontario Black History Society is pleased to invite you to join them on the following bus tour -
Date: Saturday, July 23rd
Departure Location: Yorkdale Mall by the Cineplex Entrance
Departure Time: 8:00AM
Return Time: 9:00PM
Cost: $ 65.00- Members, $75.00- Non-Members ($40 Deposit required upon reservation)
RSVP by June 22nd, 2011 to 416)-867-9420 or E-mail: admin@blackhistorysociety.ca
Sites to be visited include
St. Catharines Museum at the Welland Canals Centre
The St. Catharines Museum's award-winning exhibit, Follow the North Star, explores the black experience along the Underground Railroad and recounts the rich legacy of Niagara's African Canadians.
Anthony Burns Gravesite
The provincial historic plaque at this site honours the memory of Reverend Anthony Burns, the last person tried under the Fugitive Slave Act in Massachusetts. A verdict, which returned him to slavery, incited street riots. Boston abolitionists bought his freedom and educated him before he settled in St. Catharines and successfully ministered at Zion Baptist Church.
St. Catharines British Methodist Episcopal Church (Salem Chapel)
Its proximity to the border, access to rail lines, and employment opportunities, established St. Catharines as a large refugee centre. In 1855 their first small log church was replaced with this larger, more finished building. Its open hall plan includes a three-sided balcony, providing seating capacity for the large number of people who regularly attended, often including the famous Harriet Tubman and the newly arrived refugees whom she had led to freedom.
R. Nathaniel Dett British Methodist Episcopal Church
Constructed in 1836, this building was originally in the area of present-day Niagara Falls, then known as Fallsview. The church was designated a national historic site in 2001. The Chapel continues to be the spiritual and cultural center of the black community. It was named in honour of native-born, world-renowned musician and composer of sacred music, Robert Nathaniel Dett, who, from 1898 to 1903, was the church organist".
The Black History Society
10 Adelaide Street East Suite 402
Toronto, Ontario, M5C 1J3
Telephone: (416) 867-9420 Fax: (416) 867-8691
Website: www.blackhistorysociety
Date: Saturday, July 23rd
Departure Location: Yorkdale Mall by the Cineplex Entrance
Departure Time: 8:00AM
Return Time: 9:00PM
Cost: $ 65.00- Members, $75.00- Non-Members ($40 Deposit required upon reservation)
RSVP by June 22nd, 2011 to 416)-867-9420 or E-mail: admin@blackhistorysociety.ca
Sites to be visited include
St. Catharines Museum at the Welland Canals Centre
The St. Catharines Museum's award-winning exhibit, Follow the North Star, explores the black experience along the Underground Railroad and recounts the rich legacy of Niagara's African Canadians.
Anthony Burns Gravesite
The provincial historic plaque at this site honours the memory of Reverend Anthony Burns, the last person tried under the Fugitive Slave Act in Massachusetts. A verdict, which returned him to slavery, incited street riots. Boston abolitionists bought his freedom and educated him before he settled in St. Catharines and successfully ministered at Zion Baptist Church.
St. Catharines British Methodist Episcopal Church (Salem Chapel)
Its proximity to the border, access to rail lines, and employment opportunities, established St. Catharines as a large refugee centre. In 1855 their first small log church was replaced with this larger, more finished building. Its open hall plan includes a three-sided balcony, providing seating capacity for the large number of people who regularly attended, often including the famous Harriet Tubman and the newly arrived refugees whom she had led to freedom.
R. Nathaniel Dett British Methodist Episcopal Church
Constructed in 1836, this building was originally in the area of present-day Niagara Falls, then known as Fallsview. The church was designated a national historic site in 2001. The Chapel continues to be the spiritual and cultural center of the black community. It was named in honour of native-born, world-renowned musician and composer of sacred music, Robert Nathaniel Dett, who, from 1898 to 1903, was the church organist".
The Black History Society
10 Adelaide Street East Suite 402
Toronto, Ontario, M5C 1J3
Telephone: (416) 867-9420 Fax: (416) 867-8691
Website: www.blackhistorysociety
World Acadian Congress Family Reunions
Organizers of the L'Acadie du Monde (International World Acadian Congress, to be held in August 2014) are looking for people who can organize family reunions. They hope to bring Acadian families from all over the world to celebrate the cultural traditions by attending the Congress in August.
The theme for the 2014 Congress is "Lands and Forests", which will be held in Maine's St. John Valley, in southeast Quebec, and in northwest New Brunswick.
They are hoping for 100 family reunions, and for over 50,000 people to attend the two-week-long Congress.
Acadians are the descendants of colonial French families who were exiled from their homes in 1755 by the British government in what was called Le Grand Derangement, or The Great Displacement.
Applications for families interested in hosting a family reunion are available online at the website for the fifth World Acadian Congress at http://www.acadian.org/congres5.html.
The theme for the 2014 Congress is "Lands and Forests", which will be held in Maine's St. John Valley, in southeast Quebec, and in northwest New Brunswick.
They are hoping for 100 family reunions, and for over 50,000 people to attend the two-week-long Congress.
Acadians are the descendants of colonial French families who were exiled from their homes in 1755 by the British government in what was called Le Grand Derangement, or The Great Displacement.
Applications for families interested in hosting a family reunion are available online at the website for the fifth World Acadian Congress at http://www.acadian.org/congres5.html.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Finding Ontario Ancestors
Just received this press release from the Toronto Branch of the Ontario Genealogy Society (OGS) -
“The Toronto Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society and the Canadiana Department of the North York Central Library are co-sponsoring "Finding Ontario Ancestors", a one-day summer workshop exploring the richness of Ontario records. Find out how to get the most from familiar records or discover a new source to expand your understanding of your Ontario ancestors. You’ll enjoy this relaxed, information-packed day with speakers who revel in the intricacies and richness of records – and love to share their knowledge. The workshop will be held in the Auditorium of the North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge Street, Toronto, at the North York Centre subway station. Early registration rates are available until 15 July 2011. Discounts are available for OGS members. For program, cost and registration details, visit www.torontofamilyhistory.org/Finding_Ontario_Ancestors_2011.html. To check availability, call 416-733-2608 (voice mail) or e-mail info@torontofamilyhistory.org”.
“The Toronto Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society and the Canadiana Department of the North York Central Library are co-sponsoring "Finding Ontario Ancestors", a one-day summer workshop exploring the richness of Ontario records. Find out how to get the most from familiar records or discover a new source to expand your understanding of your Ontario ancestors. You’ll enjoy this relaxed, information-packed day with speakers who revel in the intricacies and richness of records – and love to share their knowledge. The workshop will be held in the Auditorium of the North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge Street, Toronto, at the North York Centre subway station. Early registration rates are available until 15 July 2011. Discounts are available for OGS members. For program, cost and registration details, visit www.torontofamilyhistory.org/Finding_Ontario_Ancestors_2011.html. To check availability, call 416-733-2608 (voice mail) or e-mail info@torontofamilyhistory.org”.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
War of 1812 Database
New on the Ontario Genealogy Society (OGS) site at http://ogs.on.ca/services/1812-militia.php they have a Records Page, and today, they have added a "collection of War of 1812 Militia Documents".
The person who has worked hard, and many hours transcribing the Records from the Library and Archives Canada is Genealogist Fred Blair.
The first two sets of Records are from the York Militia, and they are -
2nd Regiment of York Militia – Payroll at http://ogs.on.ca/services/pdfs/2nd-regiment-Payrolls.pdf
2nd Regiment of York Militia and 5th Regiment of Lincoln Militia - Flank Companies and Others at http://ogs.on.ca/services/pdfs/2ndYork-5thLincoln-Flank-Companies.pdf
He offered them to the OGS with the understanding that they would be available to ALL researchers – free of charge!
I went and took a look at them myself, and Fred did an impressive job. Besides transcribing the records, he also put his own notes in with the Records, and you should read them to see if they apply to the ancestor you may be looking for in your family history.
This is just the beginning of the Records he will be allowing the OGS to place on their site, so stayed tuned as Canada goes into the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812 in 2012.
The person who has worked hard, and many hours transcribing the Records from the Library and Archives Canada is Genealogist Fred Blair.
The first two sets of Records are from the York Militia, and they are -
2nd Regiment of York Militia – Payroll at http://ogs.on.ca/services/pdfs/2nd-regiment-Payrolls.pdf
2nd Regiment of York Militia and 5th Regiment of Lincoln Militia - Flank Companies and Others at http://ogs.on.ca/services/pdfs/2ndYork-5thLincoln-Flank-Companies.pdf
He offered them to the OGS with the understanding that they would be available to ALL researchers – free of charge!
I went and took a look at them myself, and Fred did an impressive job. Besides transcribing the records, he also put his own notes in with the Records, and you should read them to see if they apply to the ancestor you may be looking for in your family history.
This is just the beginning of the Records he will be allowing the OGS to place on their site, so stayed tuned as Canada goes into the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812 in 2012.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
New Version of the Lower Canada Land Petitions (1626-1865) Database
I have just received this notice from Library and Archives Canada -
Ottawa, June 8, 2011 - Library and Archives Canada is pleased to announce the release of a new version of the online database Lower Canada Land Petitions (1626-1865). This version includes digitized images of the actual petitions for all individuals listed in the database. Corrections to entries, including suggestions received from users, have also been integrated into this updated version. Many staff members contributed to the success of this project, and their efforts are much appreciated.
The database is available at:
www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/lower-canada/index-e.html.
For more information, please contact webservices@lac-bac.gc.ca.
I tested the database myself by putting in David Barclay. I found two names that matched David Barclay, and the years (1783-1804) seemed to be right.
He was the son of a United Empire Loyalist (Andrew Barclay) who settled in Shelburne, Nova Scotia, but one of his sons didn't stay, and I am alwats looking for him to show up somewhere. I have no idea where he went, so I am always searching databases worldwide to see where he went.
Ottawa, June 8, 2011 - Library and Archives Canada is pleased to announce the release of a new version of the online database Lower Canada Land Petitions (1626-1865). This version includes digitized images of the actual petitions for all individuals listed in the database. Corrections to entries, including suggestions received from users, have also been integrated into this updated version. Many staff members contributed to the success of this project, and their efforts are much appreciated.
The database is available at:
www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/lower-canada/index-e.html.
For more information, please contact webservices@lac-bac.gc.ca.
I tested the database myself by putting in David Barclay. I found two names that matched David Barclay, and the years (1783-1804) seemed to be right.
He was the son of a United Empire Loyalist (Andrew Barclay) who settled in Shelburne, Nova Scotia, but one of his sons didn't stay, and I am alwats looking for him to show up somewhere. I have no idea where he went, so I am always searching databases worldwide to see where he went.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
OGS Conference 2011 – Day 3
Although lectures did not start until 9:00 o’clock on Sunday, I had an early day, starting with the First Annual Families and NewsLeaf Breakfast at 7 o’clock.We were all set to take a picture of the group to share with you, but the conversation got so interesting, and with Dick Doherty dropping by, we plumb forgot about it.
Joyce Fingland, the new editor of NewsLeaf and e-NewsLeaf was there, as was Judy Mills, one of the associate editors of Families, along with Kathy Baker, one of the proofreaders, and a couple of other guests, including Sarah Newitt, OGS Executive Director, and Fraser Dunford, the Executive Director Emeritus.
Then I went to the marketplace to say my hellos to people I promised to stop and talk to, and it included Ed and Rick's wives (Lynne and Jennifer, respectively) at the Moorshead Magazine table (Ed and Rick were still making their way back from NGS in Charleston, South Carolina), the OGS table, and the Dundurn Press table, where I heard of the exciting year they have planned for books. I also met with Louise St. Denis of The National Institute for Genealogical Studies, having just arrived from the NGS Conference 10 minutes before I saw her.
I also had my own aha! moment at the Conference. Talking to the nice folks at the Brant Branch table, I discovered some information on John Millership Merriman, who had come over to Canada in the 1920s, and ended up writing for the local newspapers. It was the latest discovery in a line of aha! moments stemming from a "Hi! Do you have anything on John from Canada?" letter I received a couple of years ago :-) (more on this in a later post) ...
So after I had my own “Meet and Greet” session, it was time to go to the closing plenary session to hear Dave Obee talk about social networking in his talk, “Blogs, Posts, Tweets and Apps”.
It made a good closing talk because it followed Brian Gilchrist's Houston Lecture talk Friday evening in that he explored all of the technology (which he says were invented for genealogists - why else would it have been invented?).
If you want to read some of the talks given at the Conference, you will be able to do so in the August issue of Families.
If you want to read Families, but are not an OGS member, you can now join for half a year, staring in June - in addition to regular membership benefits, you will be able to receive the August and November editions of NewsLeaf and Families, and four issues of e-NewsLeaf.
You can apply for membership at http://www.ogs.on.ca/membership.php
Next year’s Conference 2012 will be held in Kingston. The theme will be Borders and Bridges, and the War of 1812 will be explored.
Friday, June 10, 2011
OGS Conference 2011 – Day 2
Saturday morning started off very early with the Opening Plenary, given by Stephen Young from FamilySearch.org.
In “Descendancy Research: Branching Out on Your Family Tree”, he talked about his Ontario family, and he stressed the importance of tracing your cousins to find out more information about your family.
After the AGM, I went to hear Brain Gilchrist's “Does Your Research Make Sense?”.
He took us on a journey through some of his research, always asking the question, “Does it make sense”? And he told us stories about the results of his own research that wouldn't make sense if you didn’t know the whole story.
For instance, if you look at his parent's divorce papers, it says that there weren't any children from the marriage. Since Brian was of the age of majority when the divorce was granted, there weren’t any children. However, there was issue from the marriage! So watch the words you use - the meaning can be very limited!
Jane MacNamara's, “Discovering Rural Ancestors”, was an interesting and informative look at the Women's Institute of Ontario and the Tweedsmuir Histories, which the Ontario Genealogical Society is about to scan and make available in the “Member's Only” section of their website.
Nuala Farrell-Griffin—in her give her talk, “Shhh! It’s a Locality File”—emphasizes creating a locality file as the basis of research, rather than in Ireland or in Canada, or anywhere for that matter.
In the evening, at the OGS Golden Anniversary Banquet, guest speaker, Dick Doherty, gave us “Serendipity: A Lighthearted Look at Genealogy”, and was it ever lighthearted! Dick had us laughing all night long at his stories, jokes, and pictures of funny epitaphs and the like. As if the banquet supper itself and the chatter we had with the many interesting people at our table wasn't good enough (and indeed, it was!), it was worth it just to listen to Dick.
Both Mario and I were honoured to have been joined by Lisa Alzo, who herself gave five lectures during the weekend. One thing she mentioned was how impressed she was by the quality and quantity of questions asked of her during her sessions.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
OGS Conference 2011 – Day 1
We went down to Hamilton last Wednesday, planning to do some research before the OGS Conference started on Friday, but the “car gods” had something to say about that - we never got to do any research!
The car broke down in the express lane of the 401 in the middle of Toronto (just past the Don Valley Parkway) in evening rush hour. After getting a ride in a tow truck to the Hamilton hotel where we were staying, we spent the next two days babysitting our car while it went through hours of testing to finally realize that it was simply a sticky throttle!
So Friday evening was the first time we were able to go to Conference.
After opening remarks by Nancy Trimble, President, and The Honourable Vivienne Poy, Senator (Honourable Patron of the OGS), the excited conference-goers sat earnestly listening to The Houston Memorial Lecture as given by J. Brian Gilchrist entitled, “Looking Forward by Looking Back: the changing face of genealogy and family history”, in which he gave a lighthearted review of where the OGS has been in the last 50 years, and where it is going in the next 50.
He has been involved in genealogy since he was 10 years old, so he answered some of my questions I have had about genealogy in Ontario - for instance, when was the first genealogy book written in Ontario (in the 1860s), who wrote the first guide books, who was the first president of OGS, etc.
He made extensive use of videos in his presentation, which kept it lively and interesting to the very last word. Anyone who has heard Brian speak knows that he is a very good speaker, and he ended his talk by asking us who will carry the OGS into the next 50 years.
Brian said that technology will carry the OGS in the next 50 years. He went through all the things technology does for us now - online databases, blogs, Twitter feeds, etc - but there will be a lot more before it is over. By the time he was finished his talk, we were as enthusiastic as he was - and looking forward to the future.
You will be able to read his Houston Lecture in the August edition of Families (of which I am its editor), along with the opening remarks given by Senator Poy.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Voices from the Dust
This family history event is being hosted on Friday, May 20th by the Ottawa Ontario Stake Family History Centre (located at Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa).
Always informative, it's a great chance to meet some very dedicated genealogists, and to take advantage of some valuable resources.
For details on speakers, topics, and location, please go to www.ottawastakefhc.on.ca/vftd.html
See you there!
Always informative, it's a great chance to meet some very dedicated genealogists, and to take advantage of some valuable resources.
For details on speakers, topics, and location, please go to www.ottawastakefhc.on.ca/vftd.html
See you there!
116th Haviland Family Reunion
Here is your chance to connect with the Haviland Family again!
The 116th Haviland Family Reunion will be held July 9th 2011 at Waterford North Conservation Area in Waterford Ontario. Here is your chance to connect with your family again
Saturday's events will start at 1:00 a.m. with registration, followed by a 12:00 noon pot luck buffet meal at the Pavilion. There will be afternoon activities for all ages: baseball, volleyball, genealogy sharing, renewing of acquaintances, viewing group photographs and the "Canadian Haviland Family Genealogy" books, and face painting.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Captain John Haviland, a United Empire Loyalist, having served the British as an artificer in the American Revoluthttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifion, moved from Haviland's Hollow on the NY/CT state line and settled in 1803 at Townsend Township, Norfolk County, near Brantford. Descendants have held a reunion annually since 1896.
For information contact: http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
David Haviland
PO Box 269
Otterville, ON N0J 1R0
or
Email him at haviland@ican.net.
The 116th Haviland Family Reunion will be held July 9th 2011 at Waterford North Conservation Area in Waterford Ontario. Here is your chance to connect with your family again
Saturday's events will start at 1:00 a.m. with registration, followed by a 12:00 noon pot luck buffet meal at the Pavilion. There will be afternoon activities for all ages: baseball, volleyball, genealogy sharing, renewing of acquaintances, viewing group photographs and the "Canadian Haviland Family Genealogy" books, and face painting.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Captain John Haviland, a United Empire Loyalist, having served the British as an artificer in the American Revoluthttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifion, moved from Haviland's Hollow on the NY/CT state line and settled in 1803 at Townsend Township, Norfolk County, near Brantford. Descendants have held a reunion annually since 1896.
For information contact: http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
David Haviland
PO Box 269
Otterville, ON N0J 1R0
or
Email him at haviland@ican.net.
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