Sunday, February 5, 2012

Rama-Mara History Website

On February the 16th, Rama-Mara History Society of Orillia, Ontario will meet at 7 o'clock at the Rama-Mara History Website

On February the 16th, Rama-Mara History Society of Orillia, Ontario will meet at 7 o'clock at the
Udney Community Centre at 2347 Concession Road 10, Rama Township at which Mike Crosby will conduct a "Genealogy 101 Workshop."

Recent acquisitions of the society are Fires of 1881, McKinnon Family Tree, Murphy-Heiztener Tree/genealogy site, Sebright United Cemetery, and St. John's Anglican Cemetery Atherly/Ramara Cemeteries.

They have records of 26620 individuals, 8694 families, 3759 Surnames, Photo of the Day, and 2136, Photos, and 126 Photo Albums online at www.ramarahistoricalsociety.net/index.php?module=pnTNG&func=main.

Books

I have just published two booklets: The War of 1812: Canada and the United States, and
Migration: Canada and the United States.

They are available for purchase through Global Genealogy at http://globalgenealogy.com, and the National Institute of Genealogical Studies at www.genealogicalstudies.com

For more on the booklets, please visit these links -

War of 1812 - http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2012/01/booklet-1-war-of-1812-canada-and-united.html,

and

Migration - http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2012/01/booklet-2-migration-canada-and-united.html


Saturday, February 4, 2012

Genealogical Society Study Groups

Some genealogical groups in Canada have study groups, and Brant County Branch has two such groups -

The British Isles Study Group meets at the Brant County OGS library, 114-118 Powerline Road, Brantford at 7:30pm on the 1st Tuesday of each month.

There is also The Family History Study Group meets at the Brant County OGS library at 10:00am on the 3rd Thursday of each month.

Bring what you have, and the groups will be glad to assist you. The groups are a great place to meet fellow researchers and to obtain valuable assistance in your pursuits of elusive ancestors.

The website is http://brantcountybranchogs.ca

Books

I have just published two booklets - The War of 1812: Canada and the United States, and Migration: Canada and the United States.

They are available for purchase through Global Genealogy at http://globalgenealogy.com, and the National Institute of Genealogical Studies at www.genealogicalstudies.com.

For more on the booklets, go to http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2012/01/booklet-1-war-of-1812-canada-and-united.html
and http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2012/01/booklet-2-migration-canada-and-united.html

Friday, February 3, 2012

Are You Listening to RootsTech 2012?

All keynote speakers, and people who are giving lectures in Room 155 in the Salt Palace are having their talks live streamed to us at RootsTech 2012. Are you listening to them? Lots of interesting things are being said with many new features being introduced now at the conference.

I have heard from Louis Kressler, a Canadian from Winnipeg, and founder of Behold Genealogy (who is at the conference), and have read three posts on his blog already at
www.beholdgenealogy.com/blog/?p=915. 

Follow him and his posts. He is giving a demo of his product on Saturday at 12:30 at the conference. So if you know someone there, be sure to tell them about it.

To go to the conference, click on www.rootstech.org

Remember GeneaBloggers Radio Birthday Bash tonight. It's been a year since Thomas MacEntee started the radio program, and sounds like it is going to be fun with everything that is going on at the conference.

Check www.geneabloggers.com to see the time in your area.

Books 

I have just published two booklets - The War of 1812: Canada and the United States, and Migration: Canada and the United States.

They are available for purchase through Global Genealogy at http://globalgenealogy.com, and the National Institute of Genealogical Studies at www.genealogicalstudies.com.

For more on the booklets, go to http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2012/01/booklet-1-war-of-1812-canada-and-united.html and http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2012/01/booklet-2-migration-canada-and-united.html

Thursday, February 2, 2012

2012 Bruce & Grey Branch Family Story Contest

For the second year, the KEN YOUNG FAMILY STORY FOR GREY COUNTY and the BETTY WILSON FAMILY STORY FOR BRUCE COUNTY is being sponsored by the Bruce & Grey County Branch of the OGS. 

The story must be a previously unpublished work in essay form, 800 to 1500 words in length telling of the arrival, the life, or other interesting detail of your family in Bruce or Grey County.

The entrants must be a member of BGOGS or another branch of OGS., and the winner will be announced at the Bruce Grey Annual Fall Event in September 2012

Please submit your entry by e-mail to rdclark@sympatico.ca or by regular mail to BGOGS, Box 66, Owen Sound, Ontario, N4K 5P1.

The winners will receive a Certificate of Achievement and the Township CD of their choice. The winning stories will be published in the Branch Newsletter with the author retaining the copyright. 

The Branch is also inviting members to a fall trip for research to Salt Lake City on August 12-18, 2012.



Books


I have just published two booklets - The War of 1812: Canada and the United States, and Migration: Canada and the United States.

They are available for purchase through Global Genealogy at http://globalgenealogy.com, and the National Institute of Genealogical Studies at www.genealogicalstudies.com.

For more on the booklets, go to http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2012/01/booklet-1-war-of-1812-canada-and-united.html and http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2012/01/booklet-2-migration-canada-and-united.html



Spring Meetings for Toronto Branch OGS


The Branch will be presenting five courses in April and May 2012. Three are co-sponsored by the Toronto Public Library, and two are being held at the Archives of Ontario:

Going Back to Basics – A Refresher
This course will cover the basic resources used to find your family history – it will be centred on Ontario records, but can be expanded to cover participants’ areas of interest. Instructor: Ruth Burkholder

Hands-On Ontario Estate Records
Participants will follow assigned case histories to learn hands-on at the Archives of Ontario how to find estate files and land registry records. Instructor: Jane E. MacNamara

Advanced English Family History
This course will focus on the 1700-1837 period – topics will include vital events, parish research, population listings, poor relief, apprenticeship, land tenancy and inheritance records. Instructors: James F.S. Thomson and Joan Read

A Day of Technology for Family Historians
Spend a full day finding out how technology can assist family historians in finding and organizing information, and in editing and sharing photographs and other images. Instructor: Carol Nichols

Hands-On Early Ontario Land Records
Participants will learn through hands-on practice how to use the collections at the Archives of Ontario to trace ancestors’ attempts to acquire land in Upper Canada. Instructor: Jane E. MacNamara

For program details, course dates, speaker biographies and information on how to register for Toronto Branch courses, visit www.torontofamilyhistory.org/courses.html.


Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Black History Month in Canada



This year, the government of Canada will celebrate Black History Month (February) by recognizing the bicentennial anniversary of the War of 1812. It will honour the contributions of Black soldiers in the fight for Canada.

Black History Canada: War of 1812 http://blackhistorycanada.ca/events.php?themeid=21&id=5 This site gives the history of Black volunteers (Canadian) who fought for the British in the War of 1812.

Toronto Celebrates Black History Month www.toronto.ca/blackhistory As the website says, “Each year, the City of Toronto is proud to support events and exhibits scheduled for Black History Month, inviting members of the public to explore and celebrate the heritage, traditions and culture of African-Canadians”.

Black History Month www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/black-history/index-e.html Library and Archives Canada (LAC) has a list of resources as well as related Internet links on their website.

Books

I have just published two booklets with references to Blacks in Canada -
  • The War of 1812: Canada and the United States includes a section on Blacks who fought both on the Canadian and American sides during the War of 1812, and
  • Migration: Canada and the United States has a section on the migration of Blacks to Canada
    They are available for purchase through Global Genealogy at http://globalgenealogy.com, and the National Institute of Genealogical Studies at www.genealogicalstudies.com

    For more on the booklets, please visit these links -

    War of 1812 - http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2012/01/booklet-1-war-of-1812-canada-and-united.html, and

    Migration - http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2012/01/booklet-2-migration-canada-and-united.html

    Tuesday, January 31, 2012

    Upper Canada Land Petitions (1763-1865)

    The Library and Archives Canada has put the Upper Canada Land Petitions.

    They say that “Before the arrival of the Loyalists and British military settlers, the present-day Province of Ontario was an extension of the Province of Quebec. Following the Constitutional Act of 1791, the colony of Quebec was divided to create Upper Canada (today Ontario) and Lower Canada (today Quebec). Many early settlers, both military and civilian, submitted petitions to the Governor to obtain Crown land. Sons and daughters of Loyalists were also entitled to free lands.

    The Upper Canada Land Petitions contain petitions for grants or leases of land and other administrative records. This research tool provides access to more than 82,000 references to individuals who lived in present-day Ontario between 1783 and 1865”.

    For example, there is a Thomas Barclay in the database. 

    The information an him was that he was from New York, the year was 1819, Volume 43, Bundle B 12, Petition 273, Microfilm C-1625, Reference RG 1 L3.


    Books 

    I have just published two booklets - The War of 1812: Canada and the United States, and Migration: Canada and the United States.

    They are available for purchase through Global Genealogy at http://globalgenealogy.com, and the National Institute of Genealogical Studies at www.genealogicalstudies.com.

     For more on the booklets, go to http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2012/01/booklet-1-war-of-1812-canada-and-united.html and http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2012/01/booklet-2-migration-canada-and-united.html

    Monday, January 30, 2012

    Canadian Bloggers will be at RootsTech 2012

    I have deviated from the usual New/Improved Canadian Websites and Blogs for the week, so that I can wish our Canadian Official Bloggers the very best at the RootsTech 2012 in Salt Lake City starting Thursday.

    We have two Official Bloggers going to RootTech (that I know of right now), and they are -

    Olive Tree Genealogy Blog
    http://olivetreegenealogy.blogspot.com/2012/01/rootstech-presentation-international.html Lorine McGinnis Schulze is subbing for Joan Miller, and will be present at an International Panel slated to present a discussion of Social Media at Rootstech 2012.

    It will be her second year at RootsTech, and usually does interviews – so watch for her!


    Lynn Palermo The Armchair Genealogist http://www.thearmchairgenealogist.com/ This will be Lynn's first RootsTech, and she is planning great things at the conference. She has carried a number of posts already on RootTech. So check out her site.

    As for me, as many of you know, I am a great RootsTech follower, and this year there will be streaming videos of all the keynote speakers at http://rootstech.org/downloads, and there will sessions that will be covered. 


    Saturday, January 28, 2012

    Leeds and the Thousand Islands Archives

    It is reported that the Leeds and the Thousand Island Archives, located at the Front of Escott Township Hall in Escott, Ontario, is regularly receiving significant donations of local historical material, including both documents and over 1,500 digital images depicting the history of the area.

    They have over ten fonds available, including the Darling Family Fonds, McAlonan Family Fonds, and the Hewitt Family Fonds. As well, over ten places are listed on their website, such as Black Rapids, Ellisville, Escott, and Grenadier Island, as is information on over 40 subjects like the Loyal Orange Lodge #51, and Global Heritage Press.

    They are having an "Introduction to Digitization Workshop", on Thursday, February 9, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Elgin Community Hall, Elgin, Ontario.

    Erika Heesen, the archivist for Leeds and the Thousand Islands Archives, will talk about digitization, as will Patrick McMaster, the Digitization Co-ordinator for "Lakes & Islands Times Past Project", an ongoing digitization program. It is the largest and most comprehensive digital repository for heritage and historical documents from the area. You can search it at www.lakesandislands.ca

    The website of the archives is located at http://216.168.105.110



    I have just published two booklets - The War of 1812: Canada and the United States, and Migration: Canada and the United States.

    They are available for purchase through Global Genealogy at http://globalgenealogy.com, and the National Institute of Genealogical Studies at www.genealogicalstudies.com.

    For more on the booklets, go to http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2012/01/booklet-1-war-of-1812-canada-and-united.html and http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2012/01/booklet-2-migration-canada-and-united.html

    Friday, January 27, 2012

    Genealogy Hands-On Workshop


    A genealogy hands-on workshop will be held at Heritage Mississauga. 

    It will be held Saturday February 11th, 2012 from 10am-4pm for a fee of $10.00 per person.

    There will be three speakers at the workshop, and they are -

    Fawne Stratford-Devai - Co-Star of television's “Ancestors in the Attic”

    Dorothy Kew - Executive Member Halton Peel OGS

    Jane Webb - Executive Member Halton Peel OGS

    Sponsored by the Halton-Peel OGS at  www.halinet.on.ca/sigs/ogshp and the Heritage Mississauga at www.heritagemississauga.com.

    Thursday, January 26, 2012

    Formation of a Scottish Interest Group - OGS


    Christine Woodcock, the OGS Provincial Region IV Director, has put forward the idea of forming a Scottish Special Interest Group as part of the Ontario Genealogical Society.

    She writes that -

    "I am interested in forming a Scottish Special Interest group through the OGS. In order for the Scottish SIG to work, we will need 25 members as a minimum. I am hopeful that we will get this support. If you are aware of anyone in your respective branches, who may have an interest in joining this group, please pass along my e-mail address to them and I will be in touch with them from there.

    I am hoping that this SIG will be a supportive group in terms of those researching Scottish Ancestors, and I am also hoping that we will be able to provide some training opportunities as well.

    At this time, I would think that the membership fees will be the same as for the British Home Child SIG, which is $5 over and above your OGS annual membership".

    You may contact her at genealogytoursofscotland@gmail.com

    Wednesday, January 25, 2012

    Canadian Genealogy on Facebook

    FamilySearch.org has put Canada on Facebook! 

    Although this particular Facebook first appeared in May 2011, how of us know that it existed?

    FamilySearch says that is it a popular site, and “These pages and groups are run by experienced genealogy volunteers for those areas. These virtual communities are the online equivalent of asking for help at your local Family History Center. We grew from 4 communities to 59 over the past several months. With a minimum need of 2-3 admins per community--and a greater need for larger communities--we are at less than 50 percent "staffed." Advisers are looking to recruit more volunteers”.

    Would you want to to help by volunteering your time to connecting researchers the world over? It looks like a good idea that FamilySearch has here. Maybe it could be a good place to post your brick wall. 

    Find out about the Facebook Community by going to "Join a Facebook Research Community" at www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Join_a_Facebook_Research_Community.



    Tuesday, January 24, 2012

    Sault Ste. Marie Public Library

    I see where the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library Community Access Program is offering free Ancestry.com workshops to members of the community.

    The one hour workshops will be available until March 29, 2012. Morning, afternoon and weekend workshops are offered. Class sizes are limited to six participants and spots are filling up quickly.

    They says that they are "pleased to bring back one of their most popular workshops “Using Ancestry.com”. This workshop will help you discover your genealogy and build your ancestral family tree. Using the library’s account on ancestry.com you have access to millions of historical records to research your family tree. This workshop will guide you through using the ancestry.com database".

    And before you go to the library, check out the Genealogy Section of their website, where they have put resources in a pdf. Some examples are "The Anishainaabe: Tracing Your Ancestral Line", and "French Canadian Genealogy".

    To sign up for a workshop, or for more information please visit the main branch of the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library or contact the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library Reference and Information Desk at (705) 759-5236.

    Their website is http://www.ssmpl.ca


    UPDATE! I see where the Ontario Genealogical Society has revamped it's front page to reflect the end of the 50th Anniversary Year, and they have put it back to the way it was before – somewhat.


    If you are looking for TONI (one of the OGSs most popular pages), go to the right, and click on the page. It use to be at the front of the page in the old configuration.

    The OGS site is www.ogs.on.ca.

    Monday, January 23, 2012

    New/Improved Canadian Websites and Blogs Week 18

    Here are some of the websites and blogs that I have come across the week ending January 23, 2012.

    Family Photo Reunion www.familyphotoreunion.blogspot.com A wonderful blog which is an "An archive of found family photos and artifacts for genealogists and historians". Carol MacKay says that she has reunited over 300 family photos with people over the past 20 years.

    Tom Hawthorn's Blog www.tomhawthorn.blogspot.com Tom is a local newspaper writer who lives in Victoria, B.C., and writes about local people and places. He also writes a twice-weekly column for the Globe and Mail.

    The Wallace B. Chung and Madeline H. Chung Collection http://chung.library.ubc.ca/news  At the Library of British Columbia, they have over 25,000 rare and unique items (documents, books, maps, posters, paintings, photographs, and other artifacts) that you can go and see.

    Out and About Nova Scotia www.outandaboutns.com Photos of Nova Scotia, with a bent towards history of the province.

    The Shoreline Journal www.theshorelinejournal.com/obits.html The Shoreline Journal is a monthly community newspaper based in Bass River, Nova Scotia, and serves the Fundy Shore/Glooscap Trail from Truro to Parrsboro. They have obituaries from 2009 to the present.

    AuthentiCity: The City of Vancouver Archives Blog http://vancouverarchives.ca This blog provides access to authentic records about the history and culture of Vancouver.

    Elmwood Cemetery: Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke County, Quebec www.interment.net/data/canada/qc/sherbrooke/elmwood/index.htm Contributed by Joan Cruickshank, with the last edition being submitted Jan 17, 2012. There are a total of 6,331 records. 

    Saturday, January 21, 2012

    New Canadian Panelist for RootsTech

    Lorine McGinnis Schulze has just posted that she will be at the Rootstech Presentation: International Panel: Genealogy 2.0 in Salt Lake City next month.

    She explains on her blog that Joan Miller, a blogger from Alberta, was to appear on the panel, but she can't make it due to illness, so Lorine will take her place.

    Lorine will appear at the Salt Palace for the presentation in Room 225B at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 3, 2012.

    If you are going to RootsTech http://rootstech.orghttp://rootstech.org be sure to say “Hello” to Lorine!

    Lorine's blog, "Olive Tree Genealogy Blog", is at http://olivetreegenealogy.blogspot.com

    And we hope that Joan will get better soon, and return to blogging! Her blog is at www.luxegen.ca

    Friday, January 20, 2012

    Simcoe Counyy Ancestor News


    The November newsletter of the Simcoe County Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society celebrates the 175th years in 2012 of the founding of the community of Bond Head, Simcoe County.

    Bond Head was originally named Wragg Corners, but in 1837 it was renamed to it's present name after Sir Frances BOND HEAD.

    The article "Half-Way Stopping Place: A pioneer Ontario Community"gives a very good history lesson about Bond Head, and the article ends with "Bond Head Presbyterian Church – Communion Roll" which gives the names on the communicants, their residence, their profession or occupation, how and when they were admitted, and how and when they removed from thr roll.  

    There are 202 names on these pages of Presbyterians who were living in West Gwillimbury in 1822.

    In previous meeting in September Melissa Ellis gave a talk about the "Web Sites to further your Family History Project" in which she used Margaret Rudy (ROUTCLIFFE) EDMUND as a case study.

    You can go to their website at http://www.simcoebogs.com

    If you are interested in joining Ontario Genealogical Society, and the Simcoe County Branch there are two ways to join. Read about the two ways at http://www.ogs.on.ca/membership.php.




    Thursday, January 19, 2012

    Articles at GenealogyToday.com

    Since 2002, from time to time, I used to contribute articles on Canadian genealogy for a column called "Canadian Connections" on Illya D'Addezio's website, Genealogy Today, at www.genealogytoday.com/ca/connect/index.html

    They are still on his site, and when I took a look at them again, it brought me back to thinking of the time I spent writing for Illya, and the many pleasant memories of researching the subjects and getting them published.

    They covered all subjects, from “Canadians 'Out West'” to "Maritimers in the 'Boston States'" to "The Irish in Canada" to “Canada Remembers” to “1906 Canadian Census Released Today”, and more.

    If you get a chance to take a look at the articles I wrote, there still is lots of good information in them, and it will provide you with an interesting peek into my life as a genealogical writer.

    Tuesday, January 17, 2012

    Alberta Cemetery Records

    Have you checked the latest cemetery records at Alberta Family Histories Society?

    They say that “This database, which has been recorded over the past 25 years by numerous volunteers, is based on monument and burial information from various cemeteries in Calgary and the surrounding region”.

    They now have 168,565 records in the index, and you can check them online at http://www.afhs.ab.ca/data/cemeteries/search.php.

    The database includes the Name, Birth/Death Years and Cemetery Name.

    For a list of cemeteries transcriptions for sale on DVD http://www.afhs.ab.ca/publications/cemetery.shtml#publications

    Monday, January 16, 2012

    New/Improved Canadian Websites and Blogs Week 17


    Here are some of the websites and blogs that I have come across the week ending January 16, 2012. 

    The Legal Resource Centre http://www.legalresourcecentre.ca/blog/?page_id=34 The Blogosaurus Lex blog (Legal Resource Centre of Alberta) One subject covered the The 1929 Person’s Case

    Kinsey Family Genealogy The Kinsey.ca Blog http://kinseydotca.blogspot.com If you are related to Stephen Vaughan Kinsey, this blog is for you. The blogger writes about a newspaper report on Google News that gives an account of Kinsey's move from Saskatoon to Manitoba in 1940.  

    About Ottawa, Canada, Beechwood Cemetery Registers, 1873-1990 http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2168&cj=1&o_xid=0001029688&o_lid=0001029688
    The five burial ledgers digitized in this database document interments at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, Ontario, from 1873 to 1990. The ledgers also contain names for some people who died before 1873 (as early as 1821) whose remains were later moved to Beechwood.

    Susan’s Genealogy Blog http://www.susansgenealogyblog.com A very interesting post in June, 2011 shows Joseph Mullin and his wife, Mary Ann, their five children, and how she searched the Ontario vital records to find this information.

    Roots to the Past: Atlantic Canada's Genealogy Hub http://rootstothepast.wordpress.com/about Diane Tibert has started a new blog to go with her newspaper column Roots to the Past that appears in local Maritime newspapers.  

    The Quebec Family History Society http://qfhs.ca Just received a press release from the society which says that "the website features several new sections, such as Gary’s Genealogical Picks, research tips, surname interests, and a bulletin board. 
    QFHS members researching their ancestors in Quebec will benefit from the new Jacques Gagné Church Compilations in the members’ section. Long-time member Jacques Gagné has compiled historical information and the location of records for more than 1,000 English and French Protestant churches across the province, from 1759 to 1899".

    Sask. Archives Board Photo Blog http://sabphotos.wordpress.com The blog invites the reader to look at the photo, and see are any that they recognize. They want to know if you know a location, a date? They say that they will post new photographs approximately once a week, so please come back to take another look.



    Saturday, January 14, 2012

    William Mc/MacDonald – One Name Study


    Diane Tibet write that she has started a One Name Study on her great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather were both William McDonald from Harrigan Cove, Halifax County, Nova Scotia.

    She says that as "many of you can testify, researching common names like this add to the challenge of locating pertinent information".

    You can read about here: http://rootstothepast.wordpress.com/genealogy-news

    Diane Lynn Tibert is the author of Roots to the Past genealogy column which appears in several newspapers around Atlantic Canada.

    Friday, January 13, 2012

    Booklet #2 – Migration: Canada and the United States


    To continue from yesterday's post on my newly-published booklets, the second one in the "Canadian Series" has been published.

    "Migration: Canada and the United States" discusses the exchange of people who have crossed the borders even before the borders were set, as they are today.

    The first two pages of the booklet concentrate on Canadians who went to the States. Headings include - The Acadian Migration; Migration to the "Boston States"; French Canadian Migration; Migration to the Midwestern and Southwestern States; and Migration from Canada to the United States Due to War.

    The second part of the booklet is about the migration of Americans to Canada. Headings include - New England Planters to Nova Scotia; The United Empire Loyalists; The United States Migration to Central Canada; The United States Migration to Central Canada; The US Migration to the Prairie Provinces & the Yukon; Migration from the US to Canada as a Result of Wars; and Migration of Blacks from the US to Canada.

    These headings offer good examples of those who came to Canada, or of Canadians who left for the US, and why.

    The booklet gives a synopsis of what records to look for, the books written on the subject, where to find online resources, and a bonus list of some famous Canadians who migrated to the US.

    Both the Migration and the War of 1812 booklets can be purchased from Global Genealogy www.globalgenealogy.com and the National Institute for Genealogical Studies www.genealogicalstudies.com.

    The next booklet to come "off the presses" will be about Ontario's genealogical societies and groups, including some lesser-known "hidden gems", all of which may have the resources you need to help flesh out the Ontario branch of your family tree.

    For more on our first booklet, "The War of 1812: Canada and the United States", go to www.genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2012/01/booklet-1-war-of-1812-canada-and-united.html.

    Thursday, January 12, 2012

    Booklet #1 - The War of 1812: Canada and the United States


    If you've wondered why you haven't seen me around much the past few months, I've been busy writing laminated 4-page research guides on topics of interest to genealogists tracing their Canadian roots.

    Why did I write booklets instead of a book? It's because I wanted to present the information clearly in a compact format that you could take on research trips without having to worry about adding yet another bulky book to your (probably) overstuffed tote bag.

    The guides provide a basic understanding of the subject, as well as listings of relevant books and online information. In short, it's a primer that covers sources from Canada, the United States, and the UK.

    For example, the booklet, “The War of 1812: Canada and the United States”, gives a synopsis of the causes of the War, and details the battles that took place (who, where, and when), and which included British forces, Blacks, and Aboriginal warriors who fought on both sides of the conflict.

    For a list of the contents, please visit the following blog and websites -

    The booklets were mentioned on John D. Reid's Anglo-Celtic Connections blog yesterday (Jan 10th), and I thank him for the review.

    The booklets are available for sale through Global Genealogy's website, www.globalgenealogy.com, and are listed on their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/pages/GlobalGenealogycom-Inc/168601933226521?sk=wall, and in their free online newsletter, http://globalgenealogy.com/newsletter/2012-001.htm. You can also write them at sales@globalgenealogy.com, or call them toll-free at 1-800-361-5168.

    They are also available at the National Institute for Genealogical Studies website at www.genealogicalstudies.com, by email at info@GenealogicalStudies.com, or call the Institute toll-free at 1-800-580-0165.

    I am happy to say that the booklets are selling briskly!

    Tomorrow Post: Booklet #2 – Migration: Canada and the United States

    Wednesday, January 11, 2012

    Sir John A. Macdonald Dinner



    Wednesday, January 11 is the 196th birthday of Sir John A. Macdonald in Scotland – Canada's first prime minister.

    The Kinston Hisorical Society http://kingstonhistoricalsociety.ca/index.html has held, for the past 12 years, the dinner on his birthday at the Royal Military College's Senior Staff Mess.

    The dinner's guest speaker this year is Mr. Peter Milliken, retired MP for Kingston and The Islands, and former Speaker of the House of Commons. His talk will be "Sir John A. Macdonald and the Kingston Heritage".

    To find out more about Sir John A. (as he is called in Canada), here are some informative websites -  

    Sir John A. Macdonald: Canada's Patriot Statesman www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/sir-john-a-macdonald/index-e.html


    Bellevue House National Historic Site of Canada  www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/on/bellevue/index.aspx

    Tuesday, January 10, 2012

    The Street Arab – The Story of a British Home Child

    On January the 12th there will be a meeting of the Waterloo Genealogical Society at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 10 Lorraine Ave (corner of River Road) Kitchener, Ontario at 7:00 p.m.

    Sandra Joyce will give a talk on her novel called The Street Arab – the Story of a British Home Child which is about a boy from a small mining town in Scotland, whose family is torn apart by the First World War, and resulting poverty.  

    On her website http://www.sandrajoyce.com it says that "The after foraging for food one day, Robbie returns home to find his family missing and suffers a horrific accident. With strength and determination, he forges ahead and is sent, along with countless other British Home Children, to Canada to begin a new life".

    To check meetings at Waterloo Genealogical Society, their website is at http://www.waterlooogs.ca/upcoming_meetings.htm

    Monday, January 9, 2012

    New/Improved Canadian Websites and Blogs Week 16

    Here are some of the websites and blogs that I have come across the week ending January 8, 2012. 

    Toronto 1861 http://toronto1861.blogspot.com The "Old Census Scribe" continues her work in transcribing the 1861 Census, but she does more than that, she includes her "method and organization, and the social and geographical details of the area at that time". She started the blog on January 9th, 2009.

    Christopher Moore's History News http://christophermoorehistory.blogspot.com If you want an interesting view of Canada's history, then read Moore's blog.

    Toronto Public Library http://torontopubliclibrary.typepad.com/local-history-genealogy/2012/01/jewish-genealogy.html The blog has been online since 2011, and it discovers "the history of your family, your Toronto neighbourhood, or places in Ontario and across Canada".


    Diane Lynn Tibert – Handling Over the Reins http://dianetibert.com/2012/01/02/handing-over-the-reins This blog discusses history and genealogy of Nova Scotia.

    Kent County GenWeb http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~onkent As the site says "Kent County is located near the South-Western tip of Ontario, between London and Windsor. It was created in 1792 and from 1792 to 1849 was part of the Western District". There are lots of resources here for you to use.

    Sunday, January 8, 2012

    Anglo-Celtic Roots - Winter 2011



    The first article in the Winter 2011 edition of Anglo-Celtic Roots, the newsletter of the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa (BIFHSGO) www.bifhsgo.ca, belongs to Sharon Callaghan.

    While reading through "Genealogy Clues – Know Your Sources", I discovered that it is the first time I have seen Quebec records explained in this way. (This is important to me. Although my husband has had his genealogy done as far as BMDs are concerned, the article goes way beyond that, with additional records).

    She divides records into four distinct categories – Most Common Searches, which includes directories, censuses, and BMDs; Less Common Searches, which includes obituaries, coroner's reports, and wills; Uncommon Searches, which includes groups, institutions, and photographers; and Most Uncommon Searches, which includes newspapers, and notaries.

    I will be taking this copy of Anglo-Celtic Roots with me when I go to Quebec City later this year to do more research on my husband's genealogy.

    Other articles include "What Happened to the Hodge Home Children?" by Bryan D. Cook; "'Hugh' Wouldn't Thought It?" by Christine Jackson; "The Cream of the Crop" by John D. Reid; and "The Bookworm" by Betty Warburton.

    As usual, another great issue!

    Saturday, January 7, 2012

    Newspaper Vital Statistics Indexing Project - GANS


    I see where the Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia (GANS) www.chebucto.ns.ca/Recreation/GANS has put out a call for volunteers for the Newspaper Vital Statistics Indexing Project.


    They have already indexed vital statistics from 1769 to 1856, and now they need help to index and proofread the years up to 1864 because that is when the provincial government required that vital statistics be kept.

    If you can help, please contact them at gans@chebucto.ns.ca.

    They have published their Fall 2011 Newsletter, and some of the stories highlighted in this issue are "Between the Lines: The Story of Harry G. Cooke in World War I" by H. Day; "The Private Log of William Ackhurst, Jr., 1867-1868" by K. Lamb; "The Braines of Queens County, Nova Scotia" by D. Cochrane; and "Collins Family Bible, Digby County" by J. Fralic-Brown.

    Friday, January 6, 2012

    World War I Veterans of Guysborough County, Nova Scotia

    A retired Social Studies teacher in Nova Scotia has started collecting the personal history of people from Guysborough County, Nova Scotia who were in World War One.

    He says that his "goal is to compile a biographical sketch of each veteran who was born and/or lived in Guysborough County"

    He has had the blog since November,2011, and so far he has posted "Pte. Arthur Ellsworth Armsworthy: A Wounded Soldier's Story", "A Soldier's Wage", and "Pte. Robert Burns: KIA November 25, 1915."

    He says he hopes to collect this material so that it will be available to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the war from 2014 to 2018.

    The blog is at http://guysboroughgreatwarveterans.blogspot.com, and if have any information, please contact him brucefrancismacdonald@gmail.com.

    Thursday, January 5, 2012

    March Workshop in Toronto – Finding Your Great War Ancestors

    Registration is now open for what may be the most authoritative Great War workshop during your genealogical lifetime!

    Don’t miss "Finding Your Great War Ancestors", a packed full-day workshop to be held in March 2012 in Toronto, co-sponsored by the Toronto Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society and the Canadiana Department of North York Central Library.

    Choose one of three concurrent lecture streams – British Research, Canadian Research and “Case Studies and Curios” – or mix and match the topics that interest you the most.

    Where: North York Memorial Community Hall, 5110 Yonge Street, Toronto (at North York Centre subway station)

    When: Saturday 31 March 2012

    Early registration rates apply until 22 February 2012, and special discounts are available for OGS members.

    Simon Fowler, Glenn Wright, Linda Reid, and Brenda Dougall Merriman are some of the people who will lead the workshops.

    I have just read the program, and I wish I could be there. Hopefully, some people who will attend will be able to blog about it.

    For full programs details, speaker biographies and registration information, visit
    http://www.torontofamilyhistory.org/GreatWarWorkshop2012.html

    Wednesday, January 4, 2012

    NewsLeaf Goes Electronic

    GenealogyCanada has just received this news -

    "Starting in 2012, the Ontario Genealogical Society will publish NewsLeaf in electronic format. This "green initiative" will save the environment while providing members with alternate means of receiving and storing their issues".

    NewsLeaf is the newsletter of the Ontario Genealogical Society, and word is that the journal Families will still be in paper format.

    The website of the OGS is http://www.ogs.on.ca

    Tuesday, January 3, 2012

    Saskatchewan Probate Estate Files, 1887-1931


    FamilySearch.org has just released it's update on one of the Canadian records it is putting online.

    On December 22, 2011, it reports that there are now 1, 591, 193 records of Saskatchewan Probate Records Index (1887-1931) at  https://familysearch.org/search/collection/show#uri=http://familysearch.org/searchapi/search/collection/1918293

    These index, and images are of estate files from Saskatchewan judicial districts. The website says that the  "estate records contain loose papers relating to the settlement of estates including such matters as provision for heirs including minor children as well as distribution of funds, land and property. This project was indexed in partnership with the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society".



    Monday, January 2, 2012

    Happy 4th Blogiversary!



    GenealogyCanada.blogspot.com is now 4 years old!

    Thank you to all who have followed this blog over the years, and those who have posted links.

    A special invitation goes out to new visitors to stop by and take a few minutes to enjoy the 600+ posts.

    Besides myself, there are two others who have their Blogiversary on this day -

    Mary's Musings http://musingmary.blogspot.com Mary is from Phoenix, Arizona, and she started the blog in 2010. She is on google+ as Mary Warren, and she says that she is on Facebook as Mary Post Warren, if you would like to go there to see her latest news.

    The Rippers www.gyrippers.blogspot.com Another blogger from Arizona, she is a Graveyard Rabbit! She has had the blog since 2009, and there are cemeteries from all over the US.

    Congratulations to all my fellow bloggers who are celebrating a Blogiversary this year!

    New for 2012, you can now reach me on Facebook. This is where I'll be posting extra material and photos not seen on the blog.

    I invite you to drop by for a visit www.facebook.com/GenealogyCanada, and if you wish, join me as a Friend.

    Thanks again for your support. It's appreciated!

    Elizabeth

    Sunday, January 1, 2012

    Happy 2012!



    The past year of 2011 was great as far as Canadian Genealogy was concerned!

    For the Ontario Genealogy Society (OGS) www.ogs.on.ca, it was their 50th Anniversary (which was celebrated in Hamilton), the OGS and the National Institute for Genealogical Studies www.genealogicalstudies.com started a partnership, and TONI (The Ontario Names Index) www.ogs.on.ca/home/TONI.php was started.

    It was also the year of the 17th Conference of the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ontario (BIFHSGO) www.bifhsgo.ca, and the beginning of covering the Conference using Social Media tools (I was one of their Official Bloggers, which included John D. Reid of Anglo-Celtic Connections blog fame http://anglo-celtic-connections.blogspot.com, and Susan Davis, BIFHSGO's Director of Communications, and presenter of her excellent and informative lecture, “A Social Media Primer for Family Historians”).

    My blog was very successful this year: I published 326 posts, and I made many new friends over the year through the blog. It was the first year that I tried a series of blog postings for Remembrance Week www.genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2011/11/blogger-showcases-canadas-veterans-week.html, and it was extremely well-received.

    Another year has past as Editor of Families, the journal of the Ontario Genealogical Society, and I had a year of exceptional papers submitted and published. And it doesn't look like it will slow down ...

    So I wish everyone a Very Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year, and may all of those Genealogy Wishes (and you know what they are) do come true for you!

    Elizabeth

    Monday's Post: 4th Blogiverary