Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Digging for Gold in Toronto’s Libraries and Archives



On Saturday the 4 May 2013 from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm, there will be a  Workshop given by various members of the Toronto Branch OGS at the North York Memorial Community Hall, 5110 Yonge St., Toronto entitled Digging for Gold in Toronto’s Libraries and Archives.

It will be a one-day workshop with sessions for all skill levels – full of great reasons to visit Toronto's wonderful cluster of archives and libraries in person.

For more information, contact info is available at www.torontofamilyhistory.org

For more information on libraries and archives, you can go to

Toronto Public Library www.torontopubliclibrary.ca

Archives of Ontario (located in Toronto) www.archives.gov.on.ca/en/index.aspx

Monday, March 11, 2013

New/Updated CANADIAN Websites, Blogs, Facebook, and Newspaper Articles - 11 March 2013



I have come across the following Canadian websites, blogs, Facebook, and newspaper articles this past week that were of interest to me, and I thought you might be interested in them, too –

Websites

Atlantic Canada Genealogy Project http://chignecto.tribalpages.com This project, tracing people from Yorkshire, England in the late 1700s, to what is now Nova Scotia and New Brunswick in Canada, is still collecting information. It has been on the Internet since 2010.

Blog

Ancestral Road: Sharing the journey to know our ancestors http://ancestralroad.blogspot.ca Join Gayle as she starts the journey to gather information on her and her husband’s ancestors. She is tracing them as they immigrated to Ontario, Canada at various times between 1842 and 1912 from the United Kingdom.

Facebook

Toronto Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society   www.facebook.com/TOFamilyHistory They have just recently started a Facebook page, and the 2013 events are posted there.

Video

Piece of Canadian history sent home from Kirriemuir (Scotland) www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/angus/video-piece-of-canadian-history-sent-home-from-kirriemuir-1.73447  Bowlby Bros tin, which had been filled with “choice winter apples” from Ontario has been returned home.  


Newspaper Articles

Provincial French celebrations called the Rendez-vous de la francophonie will be taking place across Prince Edward Island starting this Friday and will continue until March 24.

Naval memorial in Halifax gets funding from Ottawa/Northumberland Fisheries Museum will also get funds www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2013/03/03/ns-naval-memorial-mackay.html
 The federal government is making a financial contribution to preserve HMCS Sackville in Halifax as a naval memorial.

Government cancels public viewing of designs for War of 1812 monument
www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Government+cancels+public+viewing+designs+1812+monument/8065516/story.html The Department of Canadian Heritage abruptly cancelled a planned public unveiling of six competing designs for a prominent new monument to the War of 1812 on Parliament Hill – no reason as to why it was cancelled was given.

Genealogist looking for long-lost members of UK woman’s family in Oakville  www.insidehalton.com/news/article/1590374--genealogist-looking-for-long-lost-members-of-uk-woman-s-family-in-oakville  Keith Morris of the Genealogical & Local History Research Service Segontium Searchers, is tracing the history of two sisters from North Wales, who immigrated to Oakville , Ontario.

A life at sea can be smooth or choppy www.northumberlandtoday.com/2013/03/06/a-life-at-sea-can-be-smooth-or-choppy A life at sea was the life for two of the ancestors discussed at the recent Mystery Ancestor Night, held annually by the Lakeshore Genealogical Society.

Look for more articles next Monday March 18th. 

Sunday, March 10, 2013

CANADIAN Newspaper Articles Every Monday



Don’t forget to check my blog every Monday morning for my New/Updated CANADIAN Websites, Blogs, and Newspaper Articles.

I love to go across this grand county of ours and pick out the interesting things that have happened in the genealogy, history, and heritage world the previous week and bring them to you. 

I also check on the latest Canadian blogs, and websites to see what is new in them.his week, I also highlight a Video too!

So don’t miss the New/Updated Websites, Blogs, and Newspaper Articles blog on Monday March 11th.

It has been a regular blog since April 23, 2012.

Elizabeth

Discovery Saturday - Celtic Fest 2013


On Saturday March 16, 2013 at the Surrey Museum, 17710 - 56A Avenue, Surrey, BC,  from 1 – 4 pm, there will be an Experience all things Celtic at this Discovery Saturday Event !

Wear some green and join us at the Surrey Museum for captivating Celtic music and dancing, learn about Celtic history through local community groups, and get creative with Celtic crafts.

All ages are welcome. Donations are accepted.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

REMINDER: New/Updated CANADIAN Websites, Blogs, Facebook, and Newspaper Articles Blog

Don’t forget to check my blog every Monday morning for my New/Updated CANADIAN Genealogical, History and Heritage Websites, Blogs, Facebook, and Newspaper Articles.

There will be newspaper articles that will cover such stories as Library and Archives Canada deal with Ancestry.ca leaves personal information vulnerable, and government cancels public viewing of designs for War of 1812 monument plus Blogs, Facebook, and Websites – and even a Video about a piece of Canadian history sent home from Kirriemuir (Scotland).

There is something of interest for everyone!

Elizabeth

Dick Eastman’s Blog: Finding Acadian Resources in Books and Online

In Dick's blog this morning, there is news about a newspaper column written by Roxanne Moore Saucier in which she tells us about a great way to discover and read about our Acadian ancestors – through books and online.

As he says, “the term French Canadian describes those with Quebec ancestry, while Acadian refers to the French who occupied what is now Nova Scotia and parts of New Brunswick until the British deported them in Le Grand Derangement of 1755”.

You can read Dick’s full article at http://blog.eogn.com/eastmans_online_genealogy/2013/03/finding-acadian-resources-in-books-and-online.html

To read Roxanne Moore Saucier column, see the Living Section of the Bngor Daily News at http://bangordailynews.com/community/finding-acadian-resources-in-books-and-online

And don’t forget the more than 100 family reunions scheduled for Aug. 8-24, 2014, during the World Acadian Congress, visit http://cma2014.com/rencontres-de-familles-prog.

Friday, March 8, 2013

Atwater Library Luncheon Series Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day

On Friday, March 15 at 12:30 p.m, Dr. Dana Hearne presents readings from the best of Irish poetry and fiction, accompanied by the music magic of Andriu MacGabhann (Belfast Andi) and Patrick Hutchinson.

And on Thursday, March 21 at 12:30 p.m., there will be a talk On D'Arcy MCGee with David A. Wilson Professor of History at the University of Toronto.

Prof. Wilson will give a talk on D'Arcy McGee, based on his award-winning two-volume biography, Thomas D'Arcy McGee: Passion, Reason, and Politics, 1825–1857 and Thomas D'Arcy McGee: The Extreme Moderate, 1857-1868.

He will end his presentation by playing the Lament for the Death of the Hon. D'Arcy McGee, composed by James Stephens.

These talks will be presented at the Atwater Library and Computer Centre, 1200 Atwater Ave. at Ste-Catherine (métro Atwater), Montreal. With funding for the author from the Canada Council for the Arts.

Free admission; donations invited. Everyone is welcome.

The Atwater Library website is at www.atwaterlibrary.ca

Descendants of Francis Harris of Sandy Cove, Nova Scotia, United Empire Loyalist

Just received a note from Ross W. McCurdy in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, that he is putting together a companion piece to recently published Descendants of James & Anna (Rice) McDormand of Brier Island, Nova Scotia.

Francis was originally from Dutchess County, NY being baptized there 9 May 1740, s/o Joseph & Catharina (Hegeman) Harris. As may be expected, descendants are numerous and are spread over the U.S., Canada, and beyond.

He and fellow descendant, John Blythe Dobson, FASG, have been busy putting the compilation together, and they would like to hear from anyone who would have information on the Harris family.

Anyone with questions or wishing to contribute material may contact either party: Ross W. McCurdy at rwmccurdy@comcast.net or johnblythedobson@gmail.com

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Cosy Homesteads: The Life and Lore of Traditional Irish Dwellings

The next monthly meeting will be held on Saturday March 9, 2013 at the Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa.

There will be a pre-meeting that will start at 9:00 to 9:30, and it will be a Before BIFHSGO Educational Talk on Tracing Your House History by Dr Bruce Elliott.

The Discovery Tables – Ireland will be open from 9:15 to 10:00 am, and Keith Hanton and the Irish Society of the National Capital Region will be there to answer your questions about Ireland, and the monthly meeting will take place at 10:00, and will end at 11:30.

The speaker will be Dr. Rhona Richman Kenneally, and she will talk about Cosy Homesteads: The Life and Lore of Traditional Irish Dwellings.

The aim of this presentation is to overlay the experience of the Irish “cottage” as a physical space, with the symbolic associations it has been granted over time.

Dr. Richman Kenneally talks about cozy cottages, architecture and food in an interview with Brian Glenn at www.bifhsgo.ca/cpage.php?pt=106

If you wish to go the website at BIFHSGO, you  may go to www.bifhsgo.ca

Family Tree is Live on FamilySearch.org for All Users


In a blog entitled Family Tree is Live on FamilySearch.org for All Users, Tara Bergeson wrote about the new Family Tree on FamilySearch.org.

She writes that “Much has been written about Family Tree, the first of several site enhancements for FamilySearch.org, and the replacement for new.familysearch.org. We’re happy to report that Family Tree is now live on FamilySearch.org and is available to all users. This opens up the contribution, collaboration, editing, and sourcing tools of Family Tree to researchers—including potential family members— around the world”.

You can

Connect and collaborate with others on shared family lines

Edit and delete incorrect data, including relationships

Provide sources and links to online information that shows where you found family information

Preserve family tree information for future generations

Use Family Tree on behalf of someone else (helper)

Print pedigree charts, family group records, and other reports

Go to the https://familysearch.org site and click on Family Tree at the top of the page. They also have a training website to view tutorials, and access a user guide that you can check.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Breaking the Silence –British Home Children in Canada

On Saturday April 6th 2013 from 1pm to 4pm there will be a special meeting in which the Ontario East British Home Child Family in cooperation with British Home Children Advocacy & Research Association, otherorganizations and individuals from across Ontario will be presenting information on British Home Children at the Ottawa Public Library.

They will provide assistance in finding the stories associated with the over 120,000 children, who came to Canada between the 1860s and the1940s as indentured servants.

Ranging in age from 1-16 years, these impoverished children from all parts of the British Isles came to our country in hopes of a chance at a better life. It was with these hopes that many philanthropic organizations working in tandem with the government to bring these children to Canada and other British Colonies.

Hear how their stories have lay hidden for decades due to the stigma attached to them. Only now many Canadians are learning that their family member was a British Home Child.

Join us as we give these children a voice and place in Canadian History.

If you suspect that your ancestor was a Home Child, this is a meeting that you should attend. Many people were Home Children, although their family never knew that they were – and there are such great resources that have been put on the Internet by genealogists from Ottawa.

Check out the Home Children website at www.bifhsgo.ca/cpage.php?pt=4

Toronto Tax Assessment Rolls for 1853


The Toronto Branch of the OGS has produced an indexed transcription of the Toronto tax assessment rolls for 1853. The original assessment rolls for 1853 are at the City of Toronto Archives.

There are two parts of the assessment rolls -

The first part of the project is a searchable online index available on this web site www.ontarioroots.com/ogs

The index (more than 9,000 names of owners and occupiers) and images is available free of charge to researchers around the world.

The second part of the project is a book and CD version of the index with lots more information for researchers with interests in mid-19th century Toronto.

There are maps and descriptions of the wards and streets, vital records, religious records and cemeteries, land records, immigration, directories, published sources and historical background.

You can order the book or CD version Toronto in the 1850s: A transcription of the 1853 tax assessment rolls and guide to family history research. The ordering instruction are on www.torontofamilyhistory.org/otherpubs.html#assessrolls

Niagara Peninsula Branch Supports Canadian Headstones Project

Steve Fulton, the Chair of the Niagara Peninsula Branch of the OGS, tells us that the Niagara Peninsula Branch is making great progress in putting gravestones onto the CanadianHeadstones website.

Currently, they are working on the Fonthill Cemetery. In the spring, they will be looking for people who enjoy taking pictures or people who can get involved from the comfort of their home, and training is available

So if you live in the Niagara Peninsula, or you have information that you would like to share with the people at the Niagara Peninsula Branch,     don’t hesitate to contact them.

The website for the Canadian Headstone Project is at http://canadianheadstones.com

The website for the Niagara Peninsula Branch OGS is at www.ogs.on.ca/niagara

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Irish Ancestry

A meeting of the Genealogical Association of Novs Scotia will be held on Saturday March 23rd, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm at the Akins A/V Room, Nova Scotia Archives, University Ave, Halifax, NS

The presented entitled “Irish Ancestry” will be given by by Dr. Terrence M. Punch, CM, D. LITT., FIGRS, FRSAI.

Join them and the esteemed genealogical expert, Terry Punch, as he discusses his research on Irish Ancestry. Terry’s lecture will dive into the migration routes from the homeland to Nova Scotia. He will explain what can be done using records here in the province and will also provide an up to date survey of major resources in Ireland.

Terry’s latest book, North America’s Maritime Funnel: The Ships That Brought the Irish 1749-1852 was released in the fall and a few copies will be available for purchase at the meeting. The price is $33.00 payable by cash or cheque.

Light refreshments to follow.

The Website of the Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia is www.novascotiaancestors.ca/events.php

UPDATE: Saskatchewan Catholic Church Records

Julia Adamson at saskgenweb@yahoo.com wrote a blog on FamilySearch.org yesterday about the announcement of Saskatchewan Catholic Church Records on Family Search.

She gives a very good history of the Catholic records (baptisms, confirmations, marriages, burials) in Saskatchewan, and other records between 1846 -1957.

If you have any ancestors in Saskatchewan, you should read the blog https://familysearch.org/blog/en/announcing-saskatchewan-catholic-church-records-family-search

Quebec Family History Society – Public Lecture

The Quebec Family History Society (QFHS) will be hosting a Public Lecture on Saturday, March 9, 2013.

From 10:30 am to 12:00 pm at the Briarwood Presbyterian Church Hall, 70 Beaconsfield Blvd., Beaconsfield (Montreal), Quebec, QFHS members will share their stories about their great genealogical discovery and describe the steps that led them to that exciting moment.

Hear how one member's research took her abroad, while the other member's discoveries were local.

Members and non-members are invited to attend and stay afterwards for conversation and light refreshments.

Admission is free.

Visit www.qfhs.ca

Monday, March 4, 2013

New/Updated Websites, Blogs, Facebook, and Newspaper Articles - 04 March 2013

I have come across the following websites, blogs, Facebook, and newspaper articles this past week that were of interest to me, and I thought you might be interested in them, too –

Websites

There aren’t any websites this week.

Blog

Legislative History of Prince Edward Island Online http://ancestraldiscoveries.blogspot.ca/2013/02/legislative-history-of-prince-edward.html As Janice Sellers points out, the digitization and posting of legislature documents from March 1894 (the beginning of the modern legislature) through 2011 is now online.

I remember you... http://itsagenealogistslife.blogspot.ca This blogger has the surnames of Jordan, Norton, McMahon, Stewart, Quigley, Norton, Jillings, Jeffery, Tipper, Dever, Loftus, McCue, Moran, Harrop, Stickle, Hodgins, Casey, Reddy, Pendergast, McGuinness, Murray, Melody, Cheatley.

Amherstburg council to consider properties to heritage registry http://blogs.windsorstar.com/2013/02/18/amherstburg-council-to-consider-addition-of-properties-to-heritage-registry The Windsor Star has a blog this week about the town council that will get its first look Tuesday at an extensive report outlining properties of “cultural heritage interest” in the downtown area.

Facebook

Historic PEI http://www.facebook.com/HistoricPEI
You are encourages to place your own historic photos, general nostalgia and viewers personal memories that capture the history of Prince Edward Island.

Newspaper Articles

He preserved Canadian soldiers’ stories http://m.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/he-preserved-canadian-soldiers-stories/article9057231/?service=mobile Reginald Roy, a military historian, has passed away at the age of 90. The military oral history collection established by Mr. Roy now comprises more than 700 interviews with veterans who fought in wars from the First World War to Afghanistan.

The University of Victoria, British Columbia has his Military Oral History Collection, and his Lecture Series online at http://library.uvic.ca/spcoll/military/miloral.html#_Toc242253681

Cookbook An Exploration of Nova Scotia’s Food History http://zesterdaily.com/world/cookbook-an-exploration-of-nova-scotias-food-history Besides exploring Nova Scotia food history, the article has a recipe too – Blueberry Grunt.

Harry Holman is retiring from government after years of preserving the past www.theguardian.pe.ca/News/Local/2013-03-02/article-3188968/Harry-Holman-is-retiring-from-government-after-years-of-preserving-the-past/1 He has spent 10 years as provincial archivist and director of libraries with the Government of P.E.I., and as director of culture, heritage and libraries for the next 13 years before he recently retired.

Professional success is worth celebrating www.northumberlandtoday.com/2013/02/27/professional-success-is-worth-celebrating The Lakeshore Genealogical Society in Cobourg took the tine to celebrate the ‘professional success’on  behalf of their forebears, at their annual Mystery Ancestor Night in January.

Look for more articles next Monday March 11th.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Newspaper Articles Every Monday


Don’t forget to check my blog every Monday morning for my New/Updated Websites, Blogs, Facebook, and Newspaper Articles.

I love to go across this grand county of ours and pick out the interesting things that have happened in the genealogy, history, and heritage world the previous week and bring them to you.

I also check on the latest Canadian blogs, and websites to see what is new in them.

So don’t miss the New/Updated Websites, Blogs, Facebook, and Newspaper Articles blog on Monday March 4th.

It has been a regular blog since April 23, 2012.

Elizabeth

UPDATE: FamilySearch Adds British Columbia Records


FamilySearch has added 6.6 million indexed records and images in the last two weeks, and included in this, is an update to the British Columbia, Crown Land Grant Records, 1851-1874.

These records describe the sale or transfer of specific parcels of Crown land from the provincial government to private persons and organizations. Includes Hudson's Bay Company grants.

You can search by the name of ancestor, or by the place of residence.

The district/town in this collection are –

Boston Bar

Yale Colony of British Columbia: Alexandria District

Colony of Vancouver Island: Esquimalt District

Victoria District Colony of Vancouver Island: Leech River

Colony of Vancouver Island: Maple Bay

Colony of Vancouver Island: Newcastle

Colony of Vancouver Island: Newcastle

Nanaimo District Colony of Vancouver Island: Victoria Douglas

There are more than 4,567 images that can be search at
https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2138499

Saturday, March 2, 2013

REMINDER: New/Updated Websites, Blogs, Facebook, and Newspaper Articles

Don’t forget to check my blog every Monday morning for my New/Updated Websites, Blogs, Facebook, and Newspaper Articles.

There will be newspaper articles that will cover such stories as Harry Holman, an archivist from Charlottetown, PEI. who is retiring from government after years of service, an article that looks at Nova Scotia’s food history, and a storyteller that has gathered the stories of Canadian soldiers, plus Blogs, Facebook, and Websites.

There is something of interest for everyone!

Elizabeth

Set Sail on a Voyage of Discovery

Further to my post on Thursday February the 28th in which I wrote about Ancestry.ca Update: Free Indexes, this morning I checked their Facebook page, and found out more about the passenger lists in Set Sail on a Voyage of Discovery.

The Facebook page contains puzzles, a "Did You Know" section, and a Word Scramble – plus lots of information about immigration to Canada.

The Facebook page is at www.facebook.com/Ancestry.ca

The free indexes are –

Canadian Passenger Lists, 1865-1935 http://search.ancestry.ca/search/db.aspx?dbid=1263

Canada, Ocean Arrivals (Form 30A), 1919-1924
http://search.ancestry.ca/search/db.aspx?dbid=1588

Irish Canadian Emigration Records, 1823-1849 http://search.ancestry.ca/search/db.aspx?dbid=1553

Friday, March 1, 2013

What Lies Beneath: Cantley Before the Great Flood

Please join us for a joint meeting of the Gatineau Valley Historical Society and Cantley 1889 Society.

President, Marc Cockburn, will take us on multimedia voyage up the Cantley side of Gatineau river, using Google Earth and archival photos and maps to reconstruct how the river looked before much of its natural and built environment was flooded in 1927, as a result of the construction of the hydro dams at Chelsea and Farmer’s Rapids.

Come early to see a display of artifacts and images from the river and the logging era, and to stroll along, or view, the Gatineau River shoreline of La Grange.

WHEN: Monday, April 15, 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: La Grange de la Gatineau, 80 chemin Summer, Cantley (just northeast of Ottawa)

The web site of the Gatineau Valley Historical Society is www.gvhs.ca

The website of the Cantley 1889 Society is www.cantley1889.ca/english/index.html

FamilySearch Library Changes Hours

If you are going to Salt Lake City after April 13th, the Family History Library will change its Saturday hours to 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Previously, it had been open from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

“This change is being made so that valuable staff and volunteer resources can be allocated to other busier times during the week that have greater patron demand,” said Don Anderson, director of the Family History Library. “This change will facilitate better service to patrons during the high-demand hours.”

To see the hours that the library is open during the week, ifhttps://familysearch.org/locations/library_hours

National Institute for Genealogical Studies Announces New Course: Creating Genealogy Programs for Adults & the Younger Generation.

Just read this press release from Louise St. Denis –

The National Institute for Genealogical Studies is proud to announce its newest course, Creating Genealogy Programs for Adults & the Younger Generation. This course was written by genealogist Jennifer Holik, author of numerous books about developing genealogy programs for children, societies, and libraries. The first course start date is Monday, March 4, 2013 and will be offered every three months.

Engaging adults in genealogy has typically been a concern of genealogical societies rather than libraries. Today however, many libraries are creating adult genealogy groups and programs. Attendance for these programs is easier to obtain than perhaps a youth program in genealogy. But, these libraries are also looking for ways to engage the youth in genealogy. The problem lies in how to capture their interest and create a program that will convey the basics of research in a way that is both meaningful and engaging.

This course provides an example of creating an adult genealogy program first, as a way to lay the foundation for a youth program. It follows with examples of youth programs for those in grades one through twelve. The examples are laid out into one hour, one and a half-hour, half-day, and full-day workshops and cover the basics of research while also incorporating social and local history. The final result is a rich and useful youth genealogy program. Requirements and suggestions on assisting youth who are earning Scout badges follows and finally, you will take the youth workshop beyond the classroom. Suggestions for continuing your own genealogical education, create and provide additional resources for your organization, and connect with others.

About this course, instructor Jennifer Holik remarked, “This course is important because we should be reaching out to the next generation and passing down our history, stories, research skills, and love of genealogy so these things won't be lost. Through the many examples presented, students will be walked through creating various programs which will make it easier for them to get started.”

“Creating Genealogy Programs for Adults & the Younger Generation would make an excellent choice as an elective to our librarianship certificate program” says National Institute for Genealogical Studies Director, Louise St Denis. Not just limited to librarians, this course is also suitable for genealogy society leaders, archivists, professional genealogists, or teachers.

For more information, contact Louise St Denis by going to the website  www.genealogicalstudies.com or email her at
admin@genealogicalstudies.com 1-800-580-0165 (North American)416-861-0165039 018 5544 ( Australia and New Zealand)020 3239 3835 (United Kingdom)Skype: louisestd