Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Join the Worldwide Indexing Event


FamilySearch is looking for new indexers to meet a specific goal that they have set for this month -  

"Join volunteers from around the world on July 20 and 21 for an international history-making event! The goal? For 50,000 indexers and arbitrators to submit at least one batch in a 24-hour period! Do more if you would like, but one batch is all that is required to be counted in the record!

This remarkable goal will require help from every current indexer and arbitrator out there, plus many new volunteers,* but it can be achieved if generous volunteers like you commit to participate. So mark your calendar and spread the word! Invite friends and family to join you. Organize an indexing party; create a fun family challenge or a society or church service project. Everyone is needed. Everyone can make a difference!

The record-setting begins at 00:00 coordinated universal time (UTC) on July 21, which is 6:00 p.m. mountain daylight time (MDT or Utah time) on Sunday, July 20. It ends 24 hours later, at 23:59 UTC (or 5:59 p.m. MDT) on Monday, July 21."

Example of some of the records that are waiting to be indexed are -
  • Canada, British Columbia—Marriages, 1937
  • Canada, Newfoundland—Vital Records, 1840–1949
  • Canada, Newfoundland—Vital Statistics Collection, 1753–1893 
Check the FamilySearch Indexing Page at https://familysearch.org/indexing.
Check the FamilySearch Facebook Events page at https://www.facebook.com/events/722157871184202 for your local start time and status updates.

Postscript: The Canada Day Contest is on until July 15th. To enter the contest, go to http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2014/07/happy-canada-day.html

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

HAPPY CANADA DAY!


Canada: Strong. Proud. Free. 

Have a Canadian brick wall you need help with?

Then here's your chance to win a research package to help you find your elusive Canadian ancestor!

This year, the contest returns for the 147th birthday of Canada, and the rules are simple -
  • provide me with your email address
  • in the email, tell me about your Canadian ancestor’s ‘brick wall’
  • answer the skill-testing question
The contest runs until 6:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday, July 15th. The lucky winner will be then be picked by random, and the name (first name and last initial) announced later that day.

The research package includes four hours' worth of research time, and a written report of the findings.

For more on my research services, please visit www.ELRS.biz.

Oh, yes! The skill testing question this year is – "This year, the name of the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Ottawa received a new name. What is the NEW name of the Canadian Museum of Civilization?"

Please send your entry marked "Contest" to genealogyresearch@aol.com

GOOD LUCK!

Monday, June 30, 2014

Canadian Week in Review 30 June 2014



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

Websites


New Website for Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI)

https://www.cci-icc.gc.ca/index-eng.aspx
The Canadian government has asked each of its departments to re-do their home pages to confirm to the standard, and the CCI is the latest department to do so

Librarian and Archivist of Canada
http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/about-us/Pages/librarian-archivist-canada.aspx
Here is an introduction to Dr. Guy Berthiaume, the new Librarian and Archivist at the LAC. He took over the position on June 6th.

And here is the last speech that was made by the former acting Librarian and Archivists (Mr. Hervé Déry) of the LAC -

Background information: Setting the Stage for the Future Speech by the Acting Librarian and Archivist of Canada to the Association des archivistes Québec at the Congrès 2014, on May 30, 2014, Laval
http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?mthd=tp&crtr.page=1&nid=853719&crtr.tp1D=970&_ga=1.180446126.88265336.1398706573

This Week in History


On June 24, 1534, the French explorer, Jacques Cartier, discovered Prince Edward Island, which he named Îles aux Oiseaux, believing that it was connected to the mainland.

Download the following PDF to read about the history of Cartier on Prince Edward Island http://137.149.200.109:8080/fedora/get/imagined:208352/OBJ
===================================================
In 1611, English explorer Henry Hudson, his son, and several sick men were set adrift by mutineers in what is now Hudson Bay.

To read more about Henry Hudson, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Hudson
===================================================
In 1904, King Edward VII allowed the North-West Mounted Police (now the RCMP) to use the prefix "Royal." 

To read more about the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North-West_Mounted_Police
===================================================
In 1918, airmail service was inaugurated in Canada with a biplane flight from Montreal to Toronto by Royal Air Force Capt. Brian Peck.

To read more on the subject, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaside_Aerodrome
===================================================
In 1916, Toronto-born actress and silect-screen star, Mary Pickford, became the first Hollywood star to produce her own movies.

To read more about the subject, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Pickford 

Social Media


Geneapalooza
http://geneapalooza.blogspot.com
A genealogy comic strip announced every Monday/Wednesday/Friday - one panel at a time!

Video: Young Vancouver historian studies Canada’s residential schools
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/world/Video+Young+Vancouver+historian+studies+Canada+residential+schools/9974464/story.html#ixzz35kAt2EhP
Vancouver Grade 7 student Ava Weinstein-Wright has produced a video “explaining the evolution and lasting effects of the residential school system". This will make her one of six students chosen by Canada’s History Society to attend this year’s Governor General’s Awards.

The Newman Family in Elgin County Ontario Canada - Part 1 - John Newman and Jane Poulter http://elgincountyogs.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-newman-family-in-elgin-county.html
They have many parts to this story of the Newman a nd Poulter family. 

Newspaper Articles


Newfoundland and Labrador

The Cupids Legacy Centre has mounted a Hooked Rug Display of Newfoundland Stamps, 1857-1949.
This exhibition by the Rug Hooking Guild of Newfoundland and Labrador, started on June 8 and runs until July 31. The exhibition is about commemorating Newfoundland’s postage stamps in hooked rugs. 

RANL art project unveiled in Burin
The Realist Artists of Newfoundland and Labrador’s (RANL) has a ew exhibit of paintings on the history of Burin at the Burin Exhibition Hall, formerly St. Patrick’s School in Burin, Newfoundland. 

Carbonear artist Michelle Penney-Rowe sees a lot of potential when she looks around Carbonear and the surrounding area. 
Artist Michelle Penney-Rowe, from Carbonear, finds that there is no shortage of subjects waiting to be put to canvas.

Nova Scotia

Saint Mary's demolishes historic Halifax Infants' Home building Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia unhappy about university tearing down 115-year-old building
The home, built in 1899 for single women and their children, was bought by the university in 1998 from the Salvation Army, and used for classroom space until last fall.

Nova Scotia Week kicks off July 3rd at PEI 2014 Celebration Zone
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/2006419#ixzz35ZVggTjx 
The province of PEI will host the province of Nova Scotia, a partner of the PEI 2014 celebrations, during Nova Scotia Week, July 2nd to 6th. The performing arts community will be showcased throughout the week at the free, family-friendly Celebration Zone, and will include performances by fiddling sensation, Natalie MacMaster, and Cape Breton’s own, The Barra MacNeils, on July 4th.

Nova Scotia joy ride: Exploring the best of the Northumberland coast
http://www.commdiginews.com/travel/nova-scotia-joy-ride-exploring-the-best-of-the-northumberland-coast-20115/#0j260kYfXx2EBdG9.99 
Besides the story, there are beautiful photos here to see and admire.

Living history on the high seas
http://www.dal.ca/news/2014/06/26/living-history-on-the-high-seas.html
Hillary MacKinlay is completing her BA Honours in history at Dalhousie University, and is spending April until October guiding visitors through the exhibits at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic as a historical interpreter.

February holiday dubbed Nova Scotia Heritage Day. New holiday starts in 2015 in honour of Viola Desmond
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/february-holiday-dubbed-nova-scotia-heritage-day-1.2688258
The province's newest holiday, to be celebrated on the third Monday in February, will be known as Nova Scotia Heritage Day.

New Brunswick

Renewed cultural policy unveiled 
The document, Creative Futures: a renewal Cultural Policy for New Brunswick, highlights new investments in cultural and heritage programs supported by the province. 

Quebec

Soggy weather for St. Jean parade 
The rain did little to dampen the enthusiasm of spectators who gathered along Montreal streets to watch the annual parade in celebration of Quebec’s 180th Fête nationale. It is supposed to rain, with thunderstorms, in Ottawa tomorrow as we celebrate the country’s 147th birthday. 

Ontario

Hysterical history launches Globus summer season 
http://www.mykawartha.com/news-story/4592490-hysterical-history-launches-globus-summer-season
Theatre at Lakeview Arts Barn kicks off with tongue-in-cheek jaunt through 50,000 years of evolution with The Canada Show.

Toronto’s Shing Wah Daily News lives on in an Ottawa museum in the form of an old printing press. It printed the paper from 1930 to 1978. It is now stored at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

Canadians honoured for WW II rescue of Italian boy Gino Farnetti-Bragaglia, now 76, was cared for by members of Royal Canadian Army Service Corps 
Gino Farnetti-Bragaglia travelled all the way from his native Italy to honour a group of Canadian soldiers who saved his life when he was just five years old. 

Manitoba

Visitor centre at The Forks set for major facelift 
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/visitor-centre-at-the-forks-set-for-major-facelift-1.2688640
Construction will begin this summer, with the new visitor centre slated to open in spring 2015.

Manitoba’s rich rowing history on display
http://globalnews.ca/news/1414119/manitobas-rich-rowing-history-on-display
The Manitoba Sports Hall Of Fame is paying tribute with the new “Rhapsody On The River” rowing exhibit 

Saskatchewan

No news stories this week  

Alberta

Museum construction on budget and on schedule, Alberta culture minister reports
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Museum+construction+budget+schedule+Alberta+culture+minister+reports/9967950/story.html
The $340-million Royal Alberta Museum is under construction north of Edmonton’s City Hall, near 100 Street and 104 Avenue. It is expected to be complete by late 2017.

British Columbia

Port Moody WW I soldier honoured with living history event 
The McKnight Trench living history experience is taking place this week, and over the weekend through Canada Day, on the museum's grounds off Murray Street in Port Moody. 

Story of the Week



Tomorrow is Canada Day! 

Get ready to celebrate Canada's 147th birthday tomorrow!

And don’t forget to check out my blog tomorrow because I will have my annual Brick Wall Contest in celebration of Canada Day! 

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation has Canada Day celebrations on their website entitled, A guide to CBC's July 1, with special event coverage at http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/canada-day-on-cbc-1.2688677 

Have a great day!

Reminder: Check the Canadian Week in Review next Monday for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada. It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in country!

The next post will be on July 7, 2014.

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Canadian Week in Review

Check the Canadian Week in Review tomorrow morning for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada. 
It has the latest news covered in New/Updated Websites, History, Social Media, and Newspaper Articles.

It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in country! 

It has been a regular post every Monday morning since April 23, 2012.

Annual Accrual of Historical Vital Statistics Now Available

My father (Harold Arthur Barclay) and myself (Elizabeth Anne Barclay) in the Public Gardens in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It was a favorite place to go on Sunday afternoons. 

I have been reminded by one of my readers that the Nova Scotia Archives has put on an additional 25,589 historical vital statistics on www.novascotiagenealogy.com

These records were released on 31 December 2013 and since then have been digitized, fully indexed, and checked for quality control. This year's accruals include 14,974 births (1913), 4,233 marriages (1938), and 6,382 deaths (1963). As usual, the birth records include some 'delayed' entries for individuals born in 1913 (or earlier) but not registered until a later date.

My surnames of interest are -

BARCLAY - Shelburne County and Yarmouth County  

BLADES - Shelburne County and Yarmouth County 

WEBSTER - Kings County

Saturday, June 28, 2014

FREE - Virtual Bloggers Conference


This weekend there is the Virtual Bloggers Conference, where there are scheduled keynote speakers who will talk about such things as –

Hootsuite and Evernote 

The State of Google Plus Hangouts 

Using Instagram Effectively 

Anyone can choose to attend and view the streaming event on Google+ or YouTube. If you miss a session, you can always go back and catch the replay.

There are 11 events today and tomorrow, and the conference is completely virtual - completely FREE! 

Friday, June 27, 2014

Ledgers of CEF Officers Transferring to Royal Flying Corps, 1915-1919

Credit: Lecture on rigging, School of Aviation, Royal Flying Corps Canada, University of Toronto

Acestry.ca says the following - 

“Canada did not have its own air force until late in the First World War, but 22,000 men from the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) were welcomed into the growing British Royal Air Force, which was formerly known as the Royal Flying Corps. 

The British Air Ministry maintained these ledgers of CEF members who transferred to the Royal Air Force. The records were later transferred to the Department of National Defence.

The records include name, address, date of birth, next of kin, the officer’s movements from unit to unit, appointments and promotions, decorations and honours, medical information, and civilian employment. Dates and notations on the ledger pages indicate records were filled out between 1918 and 1919. The activities and movements recorded in the ledgers took place between 1915 and 1919”. 

To get more information, you can go to the Ancestry.ca site at http://search.ancestry.ca/search/db.aspx?dbid=9148 

To get more information on the Royal Flying Corps Canada 

Toronto in Time

Toronto In Time is a free mobile app created by the Historica-Dominion Institute/The Canadian Encyclopedia for iOS and Android that highlights the history of Toronto through "then and now" photos, slideshows, trails, and historical stories for more than 150 sites!

You can check out the Toronto In Time on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TorontoInTime and it in on the website http://citiesintime.ca/toronto

And there is also a Vancouver In Time app at https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/vancouver-in-time/id480547811?mt=8

These apps are free!

Thursday, June 26, 2014

FLASH: Ancestry.ca offer Free Access

Free access to all 235 million Canadian records until Canada Day on July the 1st .

On the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Ancestry.ca they are asking “What key stories have you found researching your family history”?

New family and local histories books at the LAC

The Library and Archives Canada has sent out a blog post that they have acquired the following new books on the third floor where is located the Genealogy and Family History Room.

Family Histories

L'ancêtre des familles Kirouac en Amérique, son épouse et leurs fils : synthèse d'une recherche généalogique effectuée de 1978 à 2013, by François Kirouac (AMICUS 42037458)

Barthélemy Verreau, premier Verreau en Nouvelle-France, by Jean-Marie Verreault (AMICUS 42159688)

Les 100 ans de Taschereau, by the Comité du 100e anniversaire de Taschereau (AMICUS 41969714)

Dictionnaire généalogique des familles Audet et Lapointe, 1663-2013, by the Association des descendants de Nicolas Audet dit Lapointe (AMICUS 42155162)

Généalogie de la famille Bournival, by Gilbert Bournival for the Regroupement des Bournival d'Amérique (AMICUS 42214888)

George Goodson Knowlton: His Ancestors and Descendants, by Doreen A. Smillie (AMICUS 42001478)

Hanrick / Handrick / Hendrick Family of County Wicklow, Ireland and West Québec, Canada, by Della Hendrick Dupuis (AMICUS 42445077)

Labossière : descendant, 1878-2006, by the Labossière Family Association (AMICUS 42095787)

Les mariages Dumas du Québec et des régions avoisinantes, by Michèle Dumas (AMICUS 42178843)

Munchinsky Family History, by George Muchinsky (AMICUS 40824981) 

Ethnic and Local Histories

Aneroid and District, 100 Years, 1913-2013, by the Aneroid History Book Committee (AMICUS 42001472)

Beaver Tales from Castor & District, by the Castor and District History Book Committee (AMICUS 41170264)

Les filles du Roy (1663-1673) : Champlain, Batiscan, Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade, edited by Jean-Pierre Chartier (AMICUS 42039279)

Irish Palatine Pioneers in Upper Canada: Commemorating 300 Years, 1709-2009, by the Ontario Genealogical Society (AMICUS 40681965)

Municipal Records in Ontario: History and Guide, by Fraser Dunford (AMICUS 40681952)

Neubergthal: A Mennonite Street Village: A Sense of Place with Deep Roots, edited by Rose Hildebrand and Joyce Friesen (AMICUS 42247304)

Répertoire des mariages (1895-1986), baptêmes (1895-1986), sépultures (1895-2012), St-Jean-Baptiste de Cap-aux-Os : avec notes marginales, edited by Donat Fournier, Serge Ouellet, Élaine Réhel (AMICUS 42202061)

Victory and Beyond, by the Beechy History Book Committee (AMICUS 39465589)

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

British Home Children deaths database

Barnardo boy ploughing C 1900 Credit: Unknown 

The British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa (BIFHSGO) is always adding to their databases, and this time, I see where BIFHSGO has put on another database - the names of 2,284 British Home Children who died after they had immigrated to Canada. 

They give the name, date of death, the name of the society (eg Barnardo's) and (this is important) they also give the reference source with each record. 

By going through the list, I see where some of the young men died of injuries during the First World War. 

The database is accessible at http://bifhsgo.ca/cstm_homeChildrenDeaths.php 

They also have the Fegan Index, and the Middlemore Homes Index on the Home Children Site at http://www.bifhsgo.ca/cpage.php?pt=4 

Postscript: There will be a panel discussion on the Home Children at the conference of BIFHSGO held Friday September 19 to Sunday September 21st. 

As part of the panel, there will be three experts on the subject – Patricia Roberts-Pichette, Marjorie Kohli, and Gloria Tubman.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Newfoundland images on Flickr

Credit: Reuben T. Parsons . Library and Archives Canada, PA-501457

Library and Archives Canada (LAC) has put 24 Newfoundland images on Flickr at
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lac-bac/sets/72157645156500365

Some of the events covered are Marconi kite going up on Signal Hill in St. John’s in 1901, and the landing the transatlantic cable in Heart's Content Bay in 1866.

Monday, June 23, 2014

Canadian Week in Review 23 June 2014



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


Websites


No new websites this week.

This Week in History 


On June 22, 1869, an act was passed establishing the government of the Northwest Territories, which then included much of the Prairies, and in 1905, the House of Commons passed a bill establishing Alberta and Saskatchewan as provinces, effective September 1, 1905. 

A history of Alberta and Saskatchewan is given on http://www.canadahistoryproject.ca/1905/index.html 

In 1950, the Canadian naval destroyers HMCS “Cayuga”, “Athabasca”, and “Sioux” left Vancouver—escorted by the cruiser “Ontario”—for Pearl Harbour during the Korean Conflict.

In 1930, George Stathakis died when he plummeted over Niagara Falls in a barrel. Can you imagine that the turtle he took with him - survived?


On June 22, 1955, the laying of a transatlantic telephone cable began at Clarenville, Nfld. 

To read a history of both the telegraph and the telephone, go to http://clarenville.newfoundland.ws/Clar_Telegraph.asp

Social Media



Prairie History Blog 

This blog explores many online resources, and I always find something of interest here to read about. 

The latest blog is about a First World War Walking Tour to be held in Regina on June 23rd called, Back to the Front: A Poetic Walking Tour about WW1. 


Newspaper Articles


Newfoundland and Labrador 


Celebrating with a bang! 
Bruce Haynes, from Happy Valley-Goose Bay in Labrador, and a military history enthusiast, is constructing a five-and-a-half-foot cannon to launch his fireworks on July 1.

Memorial University launches WWI commemoration program
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/memorial-university-launches-wwi-commemoration-program-1.2680789
The students and faculty of Manorial University are working on nearly 40 projects that will commemorate the First World War.

Nova Scotia 


Parrsboro students awarded for family tree projects 
Winners of the Parrsborough Shore Historical Society’s family tree project were presented with certificates and a framed historical photo of the museum property on Friday, June 20, as society member Ed Gilbert paid a visit to Parrsboro Regional High School.

Springhill mayor says plebiscite on town's dissolution unlikely 
Town to dissolve and merge with Cumberland County by March 31, 2015 
Nova Scotia’s Utility and Review Board held a preliminary hearing to look at issues surrounding the town's dissolution, planned to take place by March 31, 2015. 

Why this Nova Scotia town may make you miss the ferry
After a four-year hiatus, the overnight ferry from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia to Portland, Maine, is back in business. The new ship, Nova Star, comes complete with spa, casino, four restaurants, an art gallery, and private cabins to pass the time during the 10-hour ride. Yet with all that the ferry has to offer, find out why it's still hard to leave Yarmouth to catch it on time.

New Brunswick 


Premier David Alward Heralds Grand Re-opening and 125th Anniversary of Algonquin Resort Contemporary Celebration Commemorates Hotel's History 
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/premier-david-alward-heralds-grand-re-opening-and-125th-anniversary-of-algonquin-resort-2014-06-19?reflink=MW_news_stmp
The province recently celebrated the 125 anniversary and re-opening of the Algonquin Resort in New Brunswick. 

Quebec 


New France Festival: Celebrating History in Quebec City
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/744699-new-france-festival-celebrating-history-in-quebec-city/?photo=2
Quebec City, in the province of Quebec, is holding its 17th annual New France Festival, when Quebec's capital city celebrates its French colonial roots. 

We have been invited to visit the official summer residence of Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston. June 24 to September 1: Daily, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ontario 


Map: Canada's worst tornadoes 
Interesting site! There is a map of Canada showing the sites of Canada’s worst tornadoes.
Read about what the government is planning to spend $83-million over the remainder of this decade to commemorate Canada’s military history. 

Canadian Museum of History signs collaboration agreement with Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives
http://www.exchangemagazine.com/morningpost/2014/week24/Thursday/14061915.htm 
The Canadian Museum of History announced that it will be collaborating with the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives (CLGA) in the development of its new Canadian History Hall.

There will be a play put on at the Blyth Memorial Hall from July 2nd to August 15th about Canadian First World War flying ace, Billy Bishop. He was officially credited with seventy-two victories, making him the top pilot in the British Empire.

Canadian Forces' return to old-style ranks, insignia costs millions
New dress uniforms needed as army and navy adopt WW II-era insignias and decorations
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadian-forces-return-to-old-style-ranks-insignia-costs-millions-1.2679716 
The Forces are going to return to Second World War-era ranks and insignia, but will require new dress uniforms for Canadian soldiers and naval officers at a cost of $4.5 million.

Manitoba 


Manitoba is waiting to hear if Pimachiowin Aki—a forested site on Manitoba's easterly side, next to the province of Ontario—is going to be considered as a United Nations World Heritage Site. Canada now has 17 such UNESCO sites.

Saskatchewan 


Nutana walking tour blends history with technology 
QR codes provide historical info when scanned with smartphone 
The Broadway Business Improvement District (BBID) and the Nutana Community Association have teamed up to expand its Heritage QR Code Project from businesses on Broadway Avenue to homes, parks. and buildings in the Nutana neighbourhood of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. 

Alberta 


A battle is playing out behind the scenes over how the history of indigenous peoples will be presented at the new home of the Royal Alberta Museum, now under construction in downtown Edmonton.

Residential school abuse-claim documents should be destroyed, adjudicator argues 
There is quite a controversy brewing as some people are saying that Canada risks ‘privacy disaster’ and will cause ‘great harm’ to victims of the residential school abuse claim. 

British Columbia 


Edmonton businessman begins build on B.C. burial ground Cowichan, Saanich, and Penelakut ancestors buried on Grace Islet in Ganges Harbour 
On National Aboriginal Day, B.C. First Nations and Gulf Islanders rallied and canoed around a tiny B.C. island cemetery that is being developed into the site of a luxury home for Barry Slawsky, an Edmonton-based businessman and former owner of the San Francisco Gifts chain of stores.

Story of the Week


June 24th - St-Jean Baptiste Day – The National Holiday in Quebec 


The current flag of Quebec is based on this design, and was adopted in 1948. 

Known as Fête de la Saint-Jean-Baptiste or Saint-Jean Baptiste Day, it is held annually on June 24, is the feast day of St. John the Baptist, and it is celebrated in Quebec and other areas of French Canada. 

In 1834, Ludger Duvernay, a journalist, visited the St Patrick's Day celebrations in Montreal, and was inspired to create a similar event for French-Canadians. In 1843, he established the Saint-Jean Baptiste Society to promote the celebration of Saint-Jean Baptiste Day. It was supported by the Catholic Church, which saw it as a way to promote social and moral progress. 

During and after the First World War, Saint-Jean Baptiste Day was barely celebrated, but in 1925, Saint-Jean Baptiste Day became a provincial holiday in Quebec. 

In 1977, Saint-Jean Baptiste Day was recognized as the 'national' holiday of Quebec. 

Today, it is included in the week’s celebration as Canada gets ready for its birthday party on July 1st.

Reminder: Check the Canadian Week in Review next Monday for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada. It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in country!

The next post will be on June 30, 2014.

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Canadian Week in Review



Check the Canadian Week in Review tomorrow morning for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada. 

It has the latest news covered in New/Updated Websites, History, Social Media, and Newspaper Articles. 

Starting with this issue, the Newspaper Articles will be divided into the provinces of the county that they cover. 

It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in country!

It has been a regular post every Monday morning since April 23, 2012.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Update: OGS half-price sale on until October 31, 2014

The blog which was posted on Friday June 20, 2014 at http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2014/06/only-11-more-days-left-to-join-ontario.html should have read that the OGS half-price sale is on until October 31, 2014.

For further information, please go to http://www.ogs.on.ca/integrated/integrated_account_new_step1.php

Métis Scrip Records

The Library and Archives Canada has sent this notice to this office, and it says in part, the following –

“We are pleased to inform you that more than 24,000 references about money scrip (certificates) given to Métis family members were recently added online. 

These cancelled land scrip certificates were once issued to the Métis by the Department of the Interior in exchange for the relinquishment of certain land claims. 

A scrip would be issued “to the bearer” and could be applied to the purchase of, or as a down payment on, any Dominion lands open for entry in Manitoba and the Northwest Territories. These scrip were awarded to Métis heads of families and their children in the amounts of $240, $160 and $80 denominations.” 

Friday, June 20, 2014

Only 11 more days left to join Ontario Genealogical Society for ½ price!


Yes, that’s right – membership for half-price!

With the half-price fee, you will be entitled to a half-year membership at $35.70 CDN and you will receive all the benefits of Individual membership including their quarterly mailing for August and November – the journal Families, the newsletter Newsleaf, and e-Newsleaf, and weekly updates.

This offer is also available to those who have not been an OGS member since 2011 and would like to rejoin the OGS family. 

To take advantage of the half-year membership, please visit the OGS website at: http://www.ogs.on.ca/integrated/integrated_account_new_step1.php

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Ottawa Branch of the OGS AGM


The Ottawa Branch will hold its AGM meeting this Saturday June 21st at 1 pm. and it will be at the City of Ottawa Archives, Room 115 located at 100 Tallwood Drive in Ottawa. 

Following the business of the AGM, outgoing OGS President Shirley Sturdevant and incoming President Alan Campbell will provide an update on OGS including: governance and structure, OGS Board and Provincial Office activities and plans for 2014. 

As usual, this meeting will be live streamed to members of the Ottawa Branch of the OGS. 

For more information, go to http://ogsottawa.on.ca 

LDS Update: Ontario Births 1869-1912



The LDS church is adding indexed records to their existing collection of birth registration. Birth registration came into effect on 01 July 1869 in Ontario.

On the typical birth record, you may find the following information -

Full name of child

When the child was born

Gender

Name and surname of the father

Name and maiden surname of the mother

Occupation of father

When registered

Name of accoucheur (doctor or midwife attending the birth)

Signature description and residence of the informant

Where the birth was registered

County where the record was created

The records are at https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1784212

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

The Ryan Taylor/J. Brian Gilchrist Memorial Lecture


This office received this notice about The Ryan Taylor/J. Brian Gilchrist Memorial Lecture from Mike More, Past Chair, Ottawa Branch OGS - 

“In 2007, Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society established the annual Ryan Taylor Memorial Lecture to honour a Canadian genealogist who has enhanced our knowledge of this hobby. The first Lecture was given in October 2007 by Glenn Wright, former archivist with the federal government and a friend of Ryan’s. The second annual lecture was given by another of Ryan’s friends, Brian Gilchrist.

When Brian passed away in May 2014, Ottawa Branch decided to rename the lecture this year in honour of the two genealogists and friends: The Ryan Taylor/J. Brian Gilchrist Memorial Lecture. Both spoke extensively on genealogical topics and were several times in Ottawa, at Gene-O-Rama, OGS Seminar and BIFSGHO events. They were always willing to share their expertise and experience in our hobby.

The event will be held Saturday 25 Oct 2014 at 1:00 pm in the City of Ottawa Archives (James Bartleman Centre). 

The presentation this year is entitled: "A Research Journey into WWI, WWII, Medals, & eBay". Dr. Jean-Luc Pilon will describe how twists and turns in his family history research, beginning with ancestors enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, lead to the acquisition of long-lost military medals found on eBay, the story of the local ancestor to whom they were awarded in World War Two, and a moving graveside visit. A short video about this story will also be screened. Dr. Pilon is the Curator of Ontario Archaeology at the Canadian Museum of History and an Adjunct Professor at Carleton University. He studied Anthropology and Archaeology and obtained his PhD in Anthropology from the University of Toronto."

The website is at http://ogsottawa.on.ca. If you need further information, you can contact mike at pastchair@ogsottawa.on.ca

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Special Membership Offer for New Members

A membership is now available for the period February 1, 2014 to July 31, 2014 for only $35.00. This membership will give you a copy of their Summer 2014 issue of Connections magazine and full access to their website. Also, you are welcomed to come to their Library to research their many books and use special genealogy searching programs.

After printing and completing the form, mail it to them along with a cheque or money order for $35.00.

Meanwhile, the library and office of the Quebec Family History Society will be closed on Sundays from now until after Labour Day.

Please refer to their web site for their complete Summer Schedule.

The website as at http://www.qfhs.ca

Monday, June 16, 2014

Canadian Week in Review 16 June 2014





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

Websites


Niagara Historical Society
http://www.niagarahistorical.museum
Founded in 1895, this society is located at Niagara-on-the-Lake, which was the former capital of Upper Canada (Ontario), and the place where some of the battles of the War of 1812-1814 took place.

They sponsor Historical Walking Tours of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and there will be a A Garden Party on the Eve of the Great War: Commemorating the Declaration of the First World War, on Saturday, July 26, 2014.

This Week in History


In 1811, Thomas Douglas, the 5th Earl of Selkirk was granted 300,000 square kilometres of territory in an area now occupied by Manitoba, Minnesota, and North Dakota. Selkirk paid 10 shillings a year rent on the land.
To read more about the Earl of Selkirk, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Douglas,_5th_Earl_of_Selkirk

In 1925, the United Church of Canada held its inaugural service in Toronto. The united Church was formed by the merger of the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregationalist Churches.
To read more about the union, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Church_of_Canada 

In 1841, the first Canadian parliament opened in Kingston, Ontario. It was held there from 1841 to 1844.
To read the history of Canada, go to Parliament of Canada at http://archive.cityofkingston.ca/firstcapital/overview.asp

In 1886, fire razed the city of Vancouver. It started when flames from a brush-clearing fire blew into tinder-dry brush in the west of the city. It destroyed more than 1,000 wooden buildings, and it killed at least eight people, but as many as 28 may have died. 

To read more about the fire, go to Great Vancouver Fire at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Vancouver_Fire 

In 2008, the Ontario home where Lucy Maud Montgomery penned many of the books in her Anne of Green Gables series was named a national historic site.

To read more about the author, Lucy Maud Montgomery, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucy_Maud_Montgomery

Social Media


No new blogs this week.

Newspaper Articles 


Privateer Days 2014 to Set Sail in Liverpool
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1987342#ixzz34cafB0ih
Liverpool, Nova Scotia, located on Nova Scotia’s southwestern shore, will host the 29th edition of Privateer Days from June 20 to 24 this year.

Liverpool was one of British North America's leading privateer ports, and activities for the 2014 edition of Privateer Days include a live encampment, battle re-enactments by the King's Orange Rangers, tours of the Old Burial Ground, and an artisan workshop.

Two curators losing jobs at Canadian Museum of History due to reorganization
http://ottawacitizen.com/entertainment/local-arts/two-curators-losing-jobs-at-canadian-museum-of-history-due-to-reorganization
One of the curators has 38 years of experience, and was involved with such exhibits as Heart and Soul (on Quebec folk art), and a virtual exhibition called Nettie Covey Sharpe House.

Fireworks festival will proceed even if trees remain at Museum of History site
http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/fireworks-festival-will-proceed-even-if-trees-remain-at-museum-of-history-site
It looks like the National Capital Commission is not going to cut down trees by the Museum of History so that the firework festival can take place this year.

Princes bringing Canadian history to Mississippi River cruise
http://www.chathamdailynews.ca/2014/06/13/princes-bringing-canadian-history-to-mississippi-river-cruise
Shannon and Bryan Prince from North Buxton, near Windsor, Ontario, will be featured on an "Authors and History'' Mississippi River cruise in the spring of 2015. The paddlewheeler will travel from Memphis, Tennessee to New Orleans, Louisiana.

Nova Centre could get design OK

But on the other hand ...

Halifax heritage group goes to court to challenge Nova Centre design 
http://metronews.ca/news/halifax/1064318/halifax-heritage-group-goes-to-court-to-challenge-nova-centre-design

Australian War Memorial signs deal with Canada to commemorate Allied history of World War I
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-10/australia-war-memorial-canada-deal-to-tell-world-war-one-history/5511424
The Australian prime minister made an announcement during his recent visit to Ottawa that a major touring exhibition is planning to come to Ottawa from Australia for the 2017-18 season. 

Human remains found under Ottawa's Queen Street headed to museum 
The City of Ottawa are in talks with people of the Catholic, Anglican and Presbyterian faiths to figure out what to do with the remains that workers uncovered while they were doing construction work at the Queen Street site earlier this year. 

Story of the Week



Source: Table of Description of Records, Heir and Devisee Commission, RG 1 L 5, p. 4 Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa  H-1133 reel 1(http://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_h1133: accessed 15 June 2014)

Errors found in the Ontario Heir & Devisee Commission 1777-1854

Lorine McGinnis Schulze, the author of the Olive Tree Genealogy Blog at http://www.olivetreegenealogy.com/can/ont/heir-devisee-commission.shtml, asks if anyone has come across the errors that have been found in the Ontario Heir & Devisee Commission 1777-1854 papers.

This digitized (but not indexed) collection of 21 microfilm reels, ranging from Volume 1 to Volume 104, at the www.Canadiana.org website, on the Heritage webpage, has noticeable errors.

What she has discovered is that Canadian.org has put the incorrect volume numbers to the wrong explanation of what is inside the volumes.

So, she has been writing about this since last year, and has started to placing the correct volume number in a number of blog posts, and they are - 

Heir & Devisee Commission 1797-1854 on Canadiana.org - Listing Errors and a Workaround (August 30, 2013)

Home District Land Certificates 1787 to 1795 (May 17, 2014)

An index to Niagara area Loyalists and their Land Certificates (May 16, 2014)
http://olivetreegenealogy.blogspot.com/2014/05/an-index-to-niagara-area-loyalists-and.html#ixzz34iuUGzlL

Home District Land Claims 1803 & 1804 - Corrections to Canadiana.org Faulty Content List (May 21, 2014)
http://olivetreegenealogy.blogspot.com/2014/05/home-district-land-claims-1803-1804.html#ixzz34ivjh8wb

Home District Land Claims 1803 & 1804 - Corrections to Canadiana.org Faulty Content List Part 2 (June 14, 2014)
http://olivetreegenealogy.blogspot.com/#ixzz34ivAoeET

If you are working in these files, it is advisable that you keep aware of the corrected list, and read her blogs, because it will save you time and confusion as you work through them.

As a researcher, I and others, say “Thank you” to Lorine and her series of posts on this error that she has found with regard to these papers.

Reminder: Check the Canadian Week in Review next Monday for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada. It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in country!

The next post will be on June 23, 2014.

Sunday, June 15, 2014

The “Human Library” returns to Ottawa

I received this press release yesterday -

“The popular Human Library returns to the Museum on June 21 and 22 with 15 new living books full of fascinating stories about conflict.

Human Libraries provide an exciting opportunity for members of the public to connect one-on-one with individuals willing to share their diverse life experiences, stories and knowledge. Visitors check out a selection, just like at a public library, and spend 20 minutes in conversation to learn more about that person’s particular experience. 

Meet Ted Zuber, a sniper who served in the Korean War and was a commissioned artist in the Gulf War. 

Ask spouses John and Raymonde Davidson about their very different perspectives on his service as a peacekeeper in the former Yugoslavia. 

Find out about the long and varied military career of Gordon Ohlke, who trained in intelligence analysis and psychological operations, and learned Russian along the way. 

Hear Major Jon Hamilton describe the day he led a group of 14 soldiers on an assault against 150–200 Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan in 2006. 

Discover from Laurent Beaulieu what it was like to live under the constant threat of violence during missions in Kuwait and Sudan. 

Learn why Rachel Collishaw, a history teacher at Glebe Collegiate, won the Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching for her unique Second World War memorial project. 

And many more…!” 

For a full list of titles and more information about the living books in the Canadian War Museum’s Human Library, please visit www.warmuseum.ca.

Registration opens in the Museum Lobby at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22, 2014.

Saturday, June 14, 2014

A Tale of the Townships

Two years in the planning, the new permanent exhibition at the EATON CORNER MUSEUM (Compton County Historical Museum Society) tells the story of the early settlers in the 1800s. 

They say that when you visit “the new exhibit of carefully selected objects from our extensive collections, you will follow the story beginning with the Native Americans who fished and hunted here. It continues with the arrival of the first English speaking homesteaders from New England and then from the British Isles, in the early 1800s, and the French speaking settlers who came later. You will discover how each of these groups has left an indelible mark on our local history, culture and architecture”. 

Eaton Corner Museum (Compton County Historical Museum Society) is located at 374 Route 253 (Eaton Corner) Cookshire, and you can call 819-875-5256 for information.
 
The website is at http://www.eatoncorner.ca

Connecting through culture: 250 Years of Chronicling the Community

The Morrin Centre in Quebec City is celebrating the 250-year anniversary of the only English-language newspaper, by having historian Charles André Nadeau talk about the The Quebec Gazette – La Gazette de Québec, which was founded in 1764. It became the Quebec Chronicle-Telegraph, North America’s oldest continuous running newspaper. 

The talk will be held at the Morrin Centre on Wednesday, June 18 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information or to reserve your seat, call 418-694-9147 or visit the website at . http://www.morrin.org/en/tours/discovery-tour

Friday, June 13, 2014

Newly Digitized Microfilms on the Héritage Portal

The following is a list of digitized microfilms that have been recently added to the Héritage Portal website from the Library and Archives Canada (LAC). 

It is a long list of various LAC microfilm, and I have put in bold some of the items that may interest you, as a genealogist. 

Some of these records are difficult to research because they are not indexed, but some records, like the World War I: Veterans claim cards, are in alphabetical order.

The veteran claims are records that give a description of the land that they received, the location, and address of the land, and there is even a remarks section on the card. 

Another one to check is the Edwardsburg Township fonds, 1801 & 1818. 

It contains nominal census reports, and records from Elizabethtown Township, Edwardsburg Township, Johnstown Township and so on, and it is worth reading if you had ancestors who lived in those areas.

Here is the rest of the list –

1946 Army Central Registry
Air Ministry. Air 1 and Air 2
Albert Henry George Grey, 4th Earl Grey fonds
Archives of the Propagation of the Faith of Paris: Summary Inventory
Baroness Macdonald family papers
Beauharnois Family Collection
Bonds and securities Upper and Lower Canada, Province of Canada, and Canada
Brooke Claxton fonds
Brown Chamberlin fonds
Canadian Northern Steamships, Limited
Charles Alexander Magrath fonds
Charles Stanley Monck, 4th Viscount Monck fonds: Henry Monck correspondence
Civil Secretary's correspondence: A 1 - S Series: Quebec and Lower Canada
Colonial Conferences collection
Commissioners of Indian Affairs [meetings], Albany, New York, 1722‒1748
Commissions from Quebec, Upper and Lower Canada, Province of Canada and Canada
Department of Agriculture: Deputy Minister's letterbooks, 1888‒1916
Department of Agriculture, Dominion Chemist: Letterbooks, 1889‒1933
Department of Agriculture: Entomology and Botany Division
Department of Agriculture: general letterbooks, 1852‒1894
Department of Agriculture: semi-official letterbooks, 1871‒1893
Department of External Affairs: Office of the Under-Secretary of State for External Affairs
Department of Immigration: Soundex card index to names of children in selected first central registry files
Department of Indian Affairs, Headquarters central registry system: black series
Department of Indian Affairs: Trust fund journals, 1875‒1938
Department of Militia and Defence: Engineer Branch, correspondence and letterbooks, 1880‒1903
Department of Militia and Defence: Letterbooks, 1867‒1903
Department of Militia and Defence: Reports and memoranda of the Deputy Minister's office, 1867‒1907
Department of Public Works, Chief Architect's Office: Letterbooks, 1873‒1909
Department of Public Works, docket registry system: registered correspondence
Department of Public Works: letterbooks of the subject classification registry system, 1879‒1912
Departmental Archives of Ille-et-Vilaine [Rennes, France] Fonds
Directorate of Movements
Edwardsburg Township fonds, 1801 & 1818
Exemplifications, Upper Canada, Province of Canada and Canada, 1853‒1951
France. Fonds of the national archives. F12 Series. Commerce and industry
France. Colonial Fonds: C11E Series. General correspondence of the boundaries and positions
Gaspard-Joseph Chaussegros de Léry Fonds
George Johnson fonds
George Monro Grant fonds
George Sutton Gibbons fonds
Gilbert John Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, 4th Earl of Minto fonds
Grand Trunk Pacific Railway Company: Agreements
Great Britain. Audit Office. Declared Accounts (AO 1)
Great Britain. Colonial Office: colonial papers, general series, (CO 1) and Nova Scotia and Cape Breton, original correspondence (CO 217)
Henry James Morgan fonds
Hôtel-Dieu of Québec Fonds
Index of advocates, land surveyors and notaries public in Quebec, Lower Canada and Canada East
James Leslie and family fonds
John Charles Dent fonds
John Costigan fonds
Joseph Cardin Fonds
Joseph Frederick Wallet DesBarres fonds
Land surveyor certificates
Letters patent authorizing fairs in Canada West and Province of Canada
Licenses, Upper and Lower Canada, Canada East and Canada West and Ontario, 1817‒1867
List of Notaries Public in Upper and Lower Canada, Canada East and Canada West
Lomer Gouin Fonds
Manitoba and Red River census returns
Manuscript [from the Canadian Youth Commission], "This Is Youth"
Memoirs of Grégoire or Robert Challes
Michel-Eustache-Gaspard Chartier de Lotbinière Collection: Correspondence and other documents
Militia and Defence: Letterbooks of Quartermaster General Colonel Percy Lake, Ontario
Militia general orders, Lower Canada
Minutes of Carleton County Progressive Conservative Association, 1948‒1966
Minutes of the Council of Assiniboia
National Council of Women of Canada fonds
National Library of France. Department of Manuscripts. New French Acquisitions
Newspaper clippings relating to the Canadian Radio Broadcasting Commission
[North-West Mounted Police] Dawson City headquarters records
Notifications of changes in the names of persons in Ontario
Orders and addresses of the House of Commons and Senate
Ordinances relating to Quebec, 1772‒1792
Ottawa Transportation Company fonds
Parish registers: New Brunswick, Ontario and Quebec
Placide Gaudet Fonds
Proclamations from Quebec, Upper and Lower Canada, the Province of Canada and Canada
Prudent-L. Mercure Fonds
Records and correspondence sent from the Postmaster General
Regional and local post office records
Registrar General sous-fonds: key to the general index
Registrar of Shipping: Kingston [Ontario] 1846‒1908, St. Catharines [Ontario] 1855‒1875, Pictou [Nova Scotia] 1840‒1956, Sydney [Nova Scotia] 1788‒1932
Registrar's office files of Upper and Lower Canada, the Province of Canada and Canada
Richard Burpee Hanson fonds
Royal Canadian Air Force second central registry and file classification system
Royal Canadian Navy: Convoy Reports of Proceedings, 1939‒1945
Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism
Royal Commission on National Development in the Arts, Letters and Sciences fonds
Seaside House guest register
Secretary of State: Chief Press Censor
Senate summonses, Canada, 1867‒1953
Soldiers Settlement Board: The Platt Books
Warrants and pardons from Upper Canada, the Province of Canada and Canada
William King collection
William McDougall fonds
World War I: Veterans claim cards
Writs of election, 1949‒1953
Young Women's Christian Association of Canada

The website is http://heritage.canadiana.ca

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Canada GenWeb: Prince Edward Island & Quebec cemetery update


PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

Queen's County:

QUEBEC

Arthabaska County:

Bellechasse County:

Charlevoix County:

Dorchester County:

Drummond County:

Levis County:

L'Islet County:

Lotbiniere County:

Megantic County:

Montmorancy County:

Quebec County

The “Thanks” of the genealogy community go to Kate Ford for her help indexing, and to Albert Riezebos, Angela M. Clatworthy, Heather Mathis and Sonia Godin for taking photos of the cemeteries.

The website us at http://canadacems.blogspot.ca/2014/05/prince-edward-island-quebec-update.html