Thursday, September 11, 2014

Two genealogical events at Quinte Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society



There are two genealogical events taking place at the Quinte Branch of the Genealogical Society in Trenton, Ontario this month, and they are – 

Doors Open 2014

Come and check out the holdings and resources of their Genealogical Library. Meet their volunteers and find out how they can help you in your research. 

The Open House will be held on Saturday September 13th at 1:00 pm.

Everyone is welcome!

And the second event is their regular monthly meeting which will be held on Saturday September the 20th at 1:00 pm and the topic will be Discovering the Lennox & Addington Archives . The talk will be given by Shelley Respondek, Lennox & Addington County Archivist.

Local repositories are vital for researchers, providing many collections not accessible elsewhere. Knowing what is available is important as we create our research plans.

Mark your calendars for this meeting and hope to see you there!

The venue is Quinte West City Hall Library, 7 Creswell Drive, Trenton, Ontario.

The webpage is http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~canqbogs/ 

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

75th anniversary of Canada’s engagement in the Second World War

Today, September 10th, marks 75th anniversary of Canada’s engagement in the Second World War.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has issued the following statement -

“On September 10th, 1939, nine days after Germany invaded Poland, Canada made its first declaration of war as a sovereign country.

“Though still recovering from the hardship and sacrifices wrought by the First World War and the Great Depression, Canada did not hesitate to stand up for what was right.

“The Canadian contribution to the war effort was remarkable. From a population of just 11 million, over one million Canadians and Newfoundlanders served in military uniform between 1939 and 1945. By war’s end, our country possessed the fourth-largest air force and the third-largest naval surface fleet in the world.

“In the air, on land and at sea, those young Canadians served with honour and integrity, both at home and abroad. Their resolve and clarity of purpose was evident in hostile skies, on the shores of Dieppe and Normandy, in the mountains of Italy, on the frigid North Atlantic waters, and in the searing Hong Kong sun. From Europe to the Far East, they stood strong, supported by the loved ones they left behind and millions of Canadians diligently working on the home front. Freedom was won, but at a tremendous cost, with more than 45,000 Canadians giving their lives and another 55,000 wounded.

“Though decades have passed, the effects of the Second World War are still felt in Canada. The courage and sacrifice of those who served must be honoured through meaningful remembrance.

“Today, as we mark the 75th anniversary of Canada’s engagement in the Second World War, I ask all Canadians to take time to think about the enormous contributions our Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces members have made to the country we enjoy today.

“Lest we forget.”

For a history of Canada's involvement in the Second World War, please read The Canadian Encyclopedia at http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/second-world-war-wwii/  

New home for GANS


I received a notice from the Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia (GANS) (of which I am a member), that they have found a new place for their office in the Halifax – Dartmouth area of Nova Scotia.

They had received a notice of termination of their lease from their landlord dated July 1, 2014, and they only had three months to find a new office space.
As the notice says, “An earlier formed Premises Committee chaired by Vice President, Bob Davison and including Executive members Nathaniel Smith, Pam Wile, Jan Fralic-Brown, Holly Gunn and our Executive Director, Dawn Josey, was tasked with finding GANS a new home.

After an aggressive search, the Committee was successful in locating an office that meets GANS current and future needs.

The search committee established a set of criteria for the new location:

1. Room and structural integrity for expansion of research collection.

2. Quiet area for research.

3. Meeting and office administration space.

4. Separate room for processing and storing donations, acquisitions and our inventory.

5. Accessible space.

6. Lecture/large meeting room to seat 50 people.

7. Quiet building, suitable parking and street level visibility in high traffic/high profile area with potential for highly visible signage.

The Committee visited over a dozen locations throughout HRM. The office located in the Quaker Landing building at 33 Ochterloney Street, Dartmouth was the space that best met the above criteria. This 1731 square foot office will have a dedicated library area, a research room and a large meeting room where GANS can hold monthly lectures and workshops. library and collections will be protected for use by our members and the general public”.

So the new office is right downtown, just up from the ferry from Halifax, and is in the perfect place.

They plan to have an Open House once everything is unpacked, and you can
contact them through the Executive Director, Dawn Josey info@novascotiaancestors.ca.

The website is http://www.novascotiaancestors.ca/

The Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/NovaScotiaAncestors

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Library and Archives Canada’s Transcription Service

Do you know that until the early 2000s, people and members of organizations such as the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec (LHSQ) travelled to Europe to scour records in British and French archives for any mention of Canada – and they copied them? 

They say that some of these “transcriptions” are on the Héritage website but they don't say which microfilm are copied. At least, I cannot find them and I would like to know. Does anyone know whichones are copied?

Ontario Genealogical Society Conference 2015 - Tracks through Time

Just a note to remind you that the deadline for papers at next year’s OGS conference is September 12, 2014.

The annual conference will be held on 29-31 May 2015 at Georgian College Campus, Barrie, ON, Canada. 

The conference theme will be Tracks through Time, and it originates from the 130th Anniversary of the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway across Canada. Many family historians have their roots in the immigrant laborers who built this railway across our vast country. 

As they say “Other ancestors were tempted by the transportation routes and migration opportunities allowed by its completion. Still others worked for the railway company itself over the years to follow. As researchers, we track our family history through time in many ways, always attempting to ensure we are tracking the right people from the right line". 

The variations on the theme Tracks through Time are endless.

You can read more about the process at http://www.ogs.on.ca/conference/call-for-speakers/

Monday, September 8, 2014

Culture Days 2014



On September 27, 2014 the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec will present Behind the Scenes of Canada’s Titanic ― The Empress of Ireland exhibition.

Go behind the scenes into the Museum’s Objects Lab and get the inside story of the making of this major exhibition. Join curator John Willis and conservator Amanda Gould and discover the historical significance behind some of the treasured artifacts from the Empress of Ireland collection.

A unique opportunity not to be missed. This is suitable for ages 10+.

Space is limited. Free. Register as soon as possible by calling 819-776-7000.

For details, go to http://www.historymuseum.ca/empress 

Canadian Week in Review 08 September 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.

History Week in Canada


Genealogists will remember that on 02 September 1752, the Gregorian calendar was adopted in England. And it changed everything: the ‘double date’ found its way into our lexicon.

For a history, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregorian_calendar
===================================================
In 1909, the Scarborough Beach Park, in suburban Toronto, hosted North America's first air show. However, the American plane, "The Flyer," was forced to make an emergency landing in Lake Ontario seconds after taking off. In 1995, seven British military airmen were killed when their RAF Nimrod jet slammed into Lake Ontario at the Canadian National Expedition Air Show in Toronto. 

===================================================

Social Media


The First World War: Excerpts from the dairy of Woodman Leonard

(Blog) The 200th Birthday of Sir George-Étienne Cartier, a Prominent Father of Confederation
Last week marked the 200th birthday of one of Canada’s most important historical figures, Sir George-Étienne Cartier, a leading Father of Confederation. Cartier was born on September 6, 1814 in Sainte-Antoine-sur-Richelieu, Lower Canada.

(Video) Sharing Prince Edward Island's black history
It’s a stage production called Tales from the Old Stock: Stories and Songs of P.E.I Black History, and after it finishes its runs at the Confederation Centre, it will be shown in Island schools.

(Video) Saskatoon landmark little known part of province’s history
Forestry Farm Park little-known part of Saskatchewan’s history.

(Blog) A Forgotten Hero of World War I 
A blog about the First World War has been written in which the author recognizes that it was an “arduous endeavor for Canada and very nearly tore it apart. But when the war was over, Canada would emerge as a stronger country even if the rest of the world’s attention was directed elsewhere”.

Newfoundland

Newfoundland’s ‘Blue Puttees’ made a name for themselves in historic First World War battles 
The former British colony and dominion raised the volunteer Newfoundland Regiment, or First 500, without official government involvement, such was the zeal to enlist.

Beothuk homes, fireplace unearthed on Exploits River 
An archeological dig on an island in the middle of Newfoundland's Exploits River is shedding light on how the Beothuk people cooked, lived, and socialized.

Nova Scotia

Gold River, Nova Scotia
http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/celebrating-aboriginal-arts-and-heritage-1943950.htm
The Acadia First Nation will present its 30th annual Pow Wow from September 12 to 14 in the Chester Municipal District, Nova Scotia. Aboriginal people and members of the broader community will come together to take part in activities such as traditional dancing, drumming, and a smudging ceremony. Workshops and demonstrations will highlight Mi'kmaq culture, and a sweat lodge will be open.

Quick Facts
  • Acadia First Nation is located in southwestern Nova Scotia and is made up of five Mi'kmaq reserves: Gold River, Medway, Ponhook Lake, Wildcat, and Yarmouth. These were established between 1820 and 1887.
  • Pow wows celebrate Aboriginal music, dance, crafts and food, and provide an opportunity for participants—which include Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people—to appreciate Aboriginal culture.
  • About 3,000 people are expected to attend the 2014 Gold River Pow Wow.
Sable Island: A Living Treasure
Sable Island is Canada's newest national park reserve, identified as a national treasure, preserved in legislation for future generations to enjoy. Make sure you take the time to look at the photos.

New Brunswick

New Ireland: How Maine almost became part of Canada at the end of the War of 1812
http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/09/03/new-ireland-how-maine-almost-became-part-of-canada-at-the-end-of-the-war-of-1812/
Did you know that pre-Confederation Canada seized Northern Maine during the final months of the War of 1812, sensing little local ability to resist and well aware of the strategic value of controlling the region separating Quebec and New Brunswick?

Ontario

Canada Post celebrates the Charlottetown Conference 150th anniversary with commemorative envelope
Today, Canada Post is issuing a new commemorative envelope to recognize the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference that began on September 1, 1864 – a historic milestone in Canadian history, marking the discussions of representatives from the colonies of British North America.

Cross-Canada relay salutes unit’s history
http://www.lfpress.com/2014/08/29/cross-canada-relay-salutes-units-history
Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry is running a reply as they retrace the same steps their forefathers marched on the eve of their entrance into the war.

How Toronto’s Labour Day parade began
In 1872, 10,000 people took to Toronto’s streets to fight for a nine-hour workday. And labour leaders say there’s still a reason to walk.

Ontario Creates Five New Provincial Parks
Ontario, in partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, is opening five new provincial parks and expanding three others.

British Columbia

Peace Region buildings vie for best in B.C.
http://www.alaskahighwaynews.ca/news/local/peace-region-buildings-vie-for-best-in-b-c-1.1339641
A jail, a re-imagined Post Office, a nearly century-old pub, and a grain elevator-turned-art gallery are representing the Peace Region in the BC’s Best Buildings contest put on by the Architecture Foundation of British Columbia.

Story of the Week



(Editorial) Another OGS Branch to fold?

The news in Canada this week has been full of concern as another Ontario Genealogical Society Branch may have to fold its doors. The Norfolk Branch may close.

The news in Canada this week has been full of concern as another Ontario Genealogical Society Branch may have to fold its doors. The Norfolk Branch may close.

You can get more of the story at http://www.simcoereformer.ca/2014/09/04/genealogy-society-could-fold

The closing of the Norfolk Branch will be the second to close in recent months (the Haldimand County Branch declared itself dormant), and it is hoped that Norfolk will choose the same option. The website is at http://www.ogs.on.ca/norfolk/

And now I wonder if the new word will be ‘consolidation’. Will some Branches consolidate into larger branches because the membership just isn’t there? So a Branch that has 200 members may consolidate with another Branch who has 300 members in hopes that the new Branch with 500 members can survive.

But where will it end? Will the OGS return to the way it was back in the 1960s when it first started with no branches. I feel that a conversation must be started to stop the eroding.

The word has to get out to the public that they should join these branches if they want to solve their brick walls, as they are holders of the material which will enhance what is available online, or is the material on which the online content is based. Either way, you can't do without the branches, and their holdings.

Any suggestions?

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 15 September 2014.