Showing posts with label Canada. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Canada. Show all posts

Friday, September 26, 2014

Fall Events at Mackenzie House, Toronto


For those of you who do not know, Mackenzie was the last home of William Lyon Mackenzie, the city's first mayor, and one the participants in the Rebellion of 1837.

He returned from self-imposed exile to the United States as a result of his involvement in the rebellion, and the house was bought for him by his friends and supporters in 1858.

There is a host of fall events to be held at Mackenzie House, such as -

High Park Harvest Festival

Sunday, October 5, 12 to 4:30 p.m.
Visit the Mackenzie House table when you come to the High Park Harvest Festival at Colborne Lodge. They will give you information about their museum programs and the opportunity to print a special Harvest Festival souvenir on their historic proof press!

City of the Dead: The Necropolis Cemetery Tour

Sunday, October 19, 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Not recommended for children under 8 years of age.

The walk starts at the Cemetery. Meet at the main entrance.

Join them for a drama-enhanced walk through the Necropolis Cemetery to visit the graves of William Lyon Mackenzie and his family, his fellow rebels and rivals. Hear stories of murder, heartbreak and great perseverance.

After the walk, participants are invited to return to Mackenzie House, for a tour and some light refreshments. 
The Necropolis Cemetery is located at 200 Winchester Street, the west side of the Don Valley near Riverdale Farm.

Pre-registration and pre-payment required. Adults (16 yrs. & older):$12.50 plus tax; Children 8-15 yrs.: $10.50 plus tax.

Spirit Walk

Saturday, October 25 - Three times available At 6:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.

Not recommended for children under 8 years of age.

Let your imagination take over as they lead you through downtown alleys and lane ways to discover some of Toronto’s reputedly haunted buildings ….

Return to gas-lit historic Mackenzie House and soothe your goose bumps with mulled cider and biscuits as you hear about the ghost stories associated with the house.

Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Adults (16 yrs. & older): $12.50 plus tax; Children 8-15 yrs.: $10.50 plus tax

Contact them at 416-392-6915 or email machouse@toronto.ca

The webpage is at http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=8ccf1d18ed7a0410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD

Their Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/mackenziehouse
The story of of William Lyon Mackenzie is at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Lyon_Mackenzie

Friday, September 12, 2014

Blankenstein Family Heritage Centre - Ontario Jewish Archives-


Back in 1973, the Ontario Jewish Archives, known as the Blankenstein Family Heritage Centre, started to acquire, preserve and today, it is making available documentary sources related to Ontario's Jewish community. 

Now, the Government of Canada has announced that it will be providing $195,100 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund to support a renovation project undertaken by the Ontario Jewish Archives Foundation. With this funding the Foundation will retrofit the vault and redesign and furnish the public access space and document processing area in the Blankenstein Family Heritage Centre. 

The Ontario Jewish Archives is the largest professionally maintained repository of Jewish archival material in Canada.

You can search their archives where they have over 5,000 cubic feet of textual records, photos, newspapers, films, and oral histories. 


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/  

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Edmonton City as Museum Project



The Edmonton City as Museum Project will tell the ‘stories of the people, places, and things’ that make up the city of Edmonton. 

So far, the site has explored the North Saskatchewan River, told the story of the Edmonton’s Pioneer Photographers, and they will host a special exhibit on Freedom this month. 

They would like you to recommend songs that will create a sense of freedom for the visitors to the exhibit. 

The songs will be compiled into the Freedom Playlist and will be shared in the exhibit and on line. 

The last day to submit is September 27, 2014 and the exhibit will take place on September 28th from 1 – 4 pm at the Prince of Wales Armoury. 

And they want your stories! So if you have a story to contribute, you can email them at 


Thursday, July 24, 2014

60th annual Manitoba Threshermen's Reunion & Stampede


This year, an unique show will be held at the 60th annual Manitoba Threshermen’s Reunion & Stampede from today until the 27th of July at Austin, Manitoba.

They will be commemorating the First and Second World Wars in displays, exhibits, and musical performances in the “Manitoba’s Military Heritage”. It will commemorate the impact of the 100th Anniversary of the First World War and the 75th Anniversary of the Second World War on Manitoba farms, families and communities.

The feature attraction will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that includes many unique features such as

•Manitoba’s largest assembly of operating vintage military vehicles, including 1 of 2 operating First World War era Sherman tanks in Canada and a motorized First World War field ambulance

• Live daily presentations of Life in the Trenches for a First World War soldier at 11 am and 3:30 pm

• Displays of the current and heritage capabilities of Canada’s Armed Forces from 1 RCHA and 2 PPCLI from CFB Shilo.

• Exhibits on important Manitoba military sites, people and units stationed in Manitoba

• Daily fashion show of military uniforms and civilian dress from the war years at 4 pm

• Musical performances from the RCAF Air Command Band (Friday and Saturday) and the PPCLI Regimental Drum Line (Saturday only)

Go to their website at http://ag-museum.com/

You can go to the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mbagmuseum

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Ancestry Update: South African War Land Grants, 1908-1910

Ancestry.ca has added a new historical record -

“During the South African War (or Boer War) of 1899–1902, for the first time, Canada sent troops to fight in a war overseas. About 7,300 Canadian troops and 12 nurses served in South Africa. Veterans of the war were became eligible for 320 acres of Dominion Land (or a payment of $160 in scrip) under the 1908 Volunteer Bounty Act.

This database contains applications for these bounty land grants. Applications typically include the following details:

· name

· gender

· service start date, location

· residence

· death date

· place of death

· age at death

· birth date

· birth place

· regiment

The applications are two pages long, so be sure to page forward to see the entire record.” 

One thing I did notice is that in some applicant’s forms, there are notes that you may finding helpful, and the date range of service is there also. 


The records are in the Library and Archives Canada, under the citation of Department of Veterans Affairs. Soldiers of the South African War, Land Grant Applications. Record Group 38 (vols. 117-136). Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.

Friday, July 18, 2014

FamilySearch Indexing Project is waiting for you!


Are you ready? 
FamilySearch would like to have 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!
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. 
Check the FamilySearch Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/722157871184202/ for your local start time and status updates.
Here are the statistics on indexing Canadian projects - 
  • There are 67,802 current volunteers 
  • There are 15 current projects
  • There are 7,832 Images awaiting arbitration 
  •  There have been 787,408 Canada records contributed 

Some of the project that still need indexing are –
  • British Columbia Marriages 1937
  • Newfoundland Vital Records 1840-1949
  • Prince Edward Island 1721-1905
Plan now to get involved and add your name to the record-setting event!

The Canadian projects are at https://familysearch.org/indexing/projects/country/ca  

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Ireland Canada Monument Project


Every so often, I hear from the Ireland Canada Monument Project in Vancouver, British Columbia by receiving their newsletter.

The Monument project is an historic endeavour to give recognition to those of Irish birth or descent who have given or continue to give to Canada, its provinces and the City of Vancouver.

They say that “The core work for the project is basically complete and general agreement has been reached between the Monument Society and Vancouver Parks Board on site details. Once a new site is agreed upon, the Monument Society looks forward to finalizing the site layout with Parks Board staff.”

They have a blog at http://irelandmonumentvancouver.com and you can be placed on the newsletter distribution list by writing to irelandmonumentcanada@gmail.com 

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

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 10, 2014

Print Your Family History Book at the Toronto Public Library

This is a press release from the Toronto Public Library -

“Toronto Public Library’s newest offering is Asquith Press, a book printing service that enables customers to design and print bookstore-quality paperback books. The library is offering information sessions and classes open to all: from authors and aspiring writers to anyone who would like to create a book for their own personal interest.

Located on the main floor of the Toronto Reference Library in the recently opened Digital Innovation Hub, Asquith Press is available to people of all ages and skill levels.

With the help of workshops, print and online resources, knowledgeable library staff and guest mentors, customers will be able to develop, design and publish books."

There are two upcoming classes. The first class will be Tuesday June 17, 2014 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, and the second class will be Mon Jul 14, 2014| 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm.

The Toronto Public Library website is at www.torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131

Thursday, May 8, 2014

The United Empire Loyalists – Finding their Records

The statue of UEL in Hamilton, Ontario

The Library and Archives of Canada has prepared the following material on the United Empire Loyalists records which the LAC holds - 

The term “United Empire Loyalists” (often referred to as UEL) refers to the American colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolution, and many of which fought for Britain during that conflict. They fled the United States and settled in what are now the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Ontario. All the archives in these provinces hold records relating to Loyalists, some of which are searchable online.

Here are the records held at Library and Archives Canada (LAC) - 

Loyalists in the Maritimes – Ward Chipman Muster Master’s Office 1777-1785 
http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/loyalists/loyalists-ward-chipman/Pages/loyalist-maritimes-ward-chipman.aspx
These references include business records and papers relating to the Loyalists and to boundary commissions.

Land Records
http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/land/Pages/land-records.aspx
Many Loyalists and their descendants submitted petitions for land for their service in the war or as compensation for lands lost during the American Revolution. Databases on this subject:

· Land Petitions of Upper Canada, 1763-1865

· Land Boards of Upper Canada, 1765-1804

Sir Frederick Haldimand Fonds
http://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_c1475/1?r=0&s=1
The collection contains some provision lists and muster rolls relating mostly to Loyalists, disbanded soldiers and their families in the province of Quebec. It includes a nominal index.

Black Loyalist Refugees, 1782-1807 - Port Roseway Associates
http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/loyalists/loyalist-port-roseway/Pages/port-roseway-associates-loyalists.aspx
Many black Loyalists served and were affected by the evacuation of New York which led to their resettlement in the Port Roseway, now Shelburne, Nova Scotia.

British Headquarters papers
http://collectionscanada.gc.ca/pam_archives/index.php?fuseaction=genitem.displayItem&lang=eng&rec_nbr=105117
The records known as the Carleton Papers or the American Manuscripts contain lists of refugees in New York, lists of persons who were evacuated from New York, lists of refugees from Massachusetts and Rhode Island who were evacuated through the port of New York and numerous references to Port Roseway in Nova Scotia.

British military and naval series
http://collectionscanada.gc.ca/pam_archives/index.php?fuseaction=genitem.displayItem&lang=eng&rec_nbr=105012
These records cover the period from the American Revolution to the mid-1800s. Thenominal/subject card index (provide a brief description of the document, date, C Series volume number and a page number)

Also discover-

· Fort Howe (Flickr Album)

Friday, May 2, 2014

Royal Tour of Canada this month

Personal Flag of the Prince of Wales for use in Canada

Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will tour Canada from May 18 to May 21, 2014. They will make four official stops in three provinces – Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Manitoba. 

In Nova Scotia, they will visit 

Halifax, Nova Scotia (May 18 and 19) 

Pictou, Nova Scotia (May 19) 

In Prince Edward Island, they will visit 

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, (May 19 and 20) 

Official Welcome to Canada and Nova Scotia at the Grand Parade in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Victoria Day on May 19

Tour of Hector Heritage Quay—A Celebration of Celtic Appreciation Month in Pictou, Nova Scotia, on May 19 

Fireworks, music, and performances to celebrate Victoria Day and the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference, which paved the way to Confederation in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, on May 19 

Visit to Cornwall United Church in Cornwall, Prince Edward Island, on May 20 

In Manitoba, they will visit 

The children at the Stevenson Hangar as they learn about the principles of flight, rockets, satellites and more in Winnipeg Manitoba on May 21 

Visit to the International Polar Bear Conservation Centre at the new “Journey to Churchill” exhibit at the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg on May 21 

Taking part in the Order of Manitoba Investiture at the Manitoba Legislature in Winnipeg on May 21 

Sunday, April 27, 2014

GANS office in open this afternoon

Here is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon -

Genealogy is a great past time on a rainy day. Drop into the office this afternoon and work on your family tree.
Sunday, April 27
GANS Office Open
1:00 pm to 5:00 pm - 3258 Isleville Street, Halifax, NS

The Office is open to everyone. Stop by to chat, do some internet research, check out our library or buy a publication or membership. Bring a friend!

Web: http://www.NovaScotiaAncestors.ca

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NovaScotiaAncestors

Twitter: @NSAncestors

Saturday, April 26, 2014

University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies Toronto’s is offering a 6-week course


The University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies is offering the six week course called Toronto’s Past, Your City, Your House, Your Family starting May 6th. 

The press release says "Are you interested in discovering the history of your house or neighbourhood, the history of your family once in Toronto, or a Toronto business or institution? Are you exploring another aspect of Toronto history? Or are you a writer or researcher? 

This course introduces established principles of local and family history research as taught worldwide, and suggests how to apply them in the Toronto context. We work our way through a variety of research projects, representative of the expressed interests of participants. In support of these practical case studies we review, in an integrated way, remarkable resources which we can draw upon, including some little-known ones. Watch yourself start to become a local history sleuth! "

For more information and to register for this course, please visit the course website at http://2learn.utoronto.ca/uoft/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=1701461

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Call for Speakers - The Toronto Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society and the Canadiana Department of the North York Central Library

                                                                                                                                                         
 Gwyneth Pearce, Secretary of the Toronto Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society, has sent me the following notice -

“The Toronto Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society and the Canadiana Department of the North York Central Library will be co-hosting a one-day workshop on the above theme of Industrial England. The time period we are particularly interested in is 1750 to 1870 although later times could also be relevant. 

We are looking for speakers who would like to be part of this workshop. We want to receive proposals from professional genealogists, historians, family historians, librarians and archivists. 

You are invited to submit proposals for lectures on topics such as migration to the cities, changes in occupations, effects of industrialization on rural communities, and changes in social organizations, cultural life, religion and education. Lectures can be about a family, an industry or about a place in England (e.g., Manchester), a county (e.g., Cornwall), a region (e.g., the Midlands) or relevant to the whole country. 

Workshop attendees will be most interested in lectures emphasizing sources and research techniques that might be useful in their own family history research. We need lectures suitable for all levels of experience. 

Each lecture session will be an hour or half-hour long, including 10 or 5 minutes for questions. Presentations should be illustrated; we will provide a computer projector or an overhead projector. Speakers will be expected to provide a handout of supporting material (up to four pages), which we will photocopy for all registrants. 

Speakers will be paid an honorarium of $100 per lecture hour ($50 for a half-hour lecture). Speakers living in the Greater Metropolitan Area of Toronto will receive an allowance of $35 for travel and incidental expenses. For speakers living further away, modest travel expenses, accommodation and incidental expenses will be reimbursed on an individual basis. 

Please submit your lecture proposals by e-mail. Please keep them brief and informal at this time. Be sure to include your mailing address, phone number and a brief biography”. 

DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS: FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. 

The workshop will be held NOVEMBER 1, 2014 at the NORTH YORK CENTRAL LIBRARY AUDITORIUM, 5120 Yonge Street, Toronto

Proposals must be sent to: courses@torontofamilyhistory.org 

For more information about the Toronto Branch of the OGS, please go tohttp://torontofamilyhistory.org                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Ancestry.ca releases Lower Canada and Canada East Census Records

  

Ancestry.ca has announced the release of more than 120,000 Canadian Census records from Lower Canada (now Quebec). These records document the lives of Canadians living in Lower Canada in 1825 and 1842 – before Canada was officially a country. 

As they say in their press release “The first national Canadian census was taken in 1871; however, many local and colonial censuses were taken before this date. The 1825 Census of Lower Canada and the 1842 Census of Canada East highlight the names of heads of the family, occupation, the number of people living in the house and other information that can help people discover more about their Canadian roots. 

Lower Canada and Canada East were vibrant and rapidly growing areas during the mid-1800s. Wheat and timber had replaced the fur trade as the main industries for export, creating a booming local economy and leading to a population that expanded by approximately 300,000 between 1784 and 1825. 

“These records shed new light on the lives of people who helped build Quebec and can help countless Canadians discover more stories about their ancestors living in Pre-Confederation Canada,” says Lesley Anderson, genealogist and Content Specialist for Ancestry.ca. “We’re excited to be offering Canadians the chance to explore these new records and adding to what is the largest online collection of historical Canadian records available anywhere in the world.””

The website for the 1825 Census of Lower Canada is at http://search.ancestry.ca/search/db.aspx?dbid=9807

The website for the 1842 Census of Canada East is at
http://search.ancestry.ca/search/db.aspx?dbid=9808

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Parish registers: Manitoba

Heritage Canada has put more digital records online, and one of the records that you may find helpful are the parish records for Manitoba. 

Government registration of vital statistics (baptism, marriage and death) for Manitoba did not begin until the late 1800s. In this collection can be found parish registers and other church records from various churches in the province of Manitoba. 

There are three microfilm rolls - 

H- 1344

H-1812

H - 1813
 
Make sure that you read the first few pages before you start you search. It looks like they in alphabetical order, but in case you do not find the person you are looking for, you will have to go page by page to see if the person is there. Many of the records include the people of the Red River Settlement. 

To go to the records click on the website http://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_mikan_115731

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Guy Berthiaume appointed as Librarian and Archivist of Canada

The LAC has finally filled the position of the Head of Library and Archives Canada -

The Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages Shelly Glover announced yesterday that the appointment of Guy Berthiaume as the Librarian and Archivist of Canada will be for a term of five years, effective June 23, 2014. 

Dr. Berthiaume has been President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec since 2009. Before this, he spent thirty years as a senior university administrator. 

Dr. Berthiaume holds a doctorate in history from the École pratique des hautes études and the Université de Paris VIII, a Master of Arts degree from the Université Laval in Québec City and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Université du Québec à Montréal. He has published a number of articles and has served on the boards and committees of numerous organizations.

Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages say that “Having a person of Dr. Berthiaume’s calibre leading Library and Archives Canada will be a solid asset to the organization. His extensive experience in the management of large cultural organizations and his strong leadership are important qualifications for this position.” 

Please go to the LAC website at http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca 

Saturday, April 5, 2014

From Aberdeen to Albany: How Our Scott Family Ancestors Became United Empire Loyalists in Canada

The British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa (BIFHSGO) will be holding its monthly meeting next Saturday at the Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington Street, Ottawa. 

The meeting will start at 9:00 a.m. with the Before BIFHSGO Education Talk which will be given by Ken McKinlay and he will talk about Using Evernote for Genealogy Research. He will provide an overview of the online tool and how it can help with genealogy tasks.

From 9:30 until 10:00 a.m. you will be able to browse the Discovery Tables and talk to Ken McKinlay about the online tool Evernote. (Since I am a recent covert to Evernote, I will be interested to hear what Ken thinks about this newer research tool for genealogy.)

At 10:00 a.m.. Ken Harley will give a talk in which he will build on an earlier presentation he made to BIFHSGO in December 2009 during which he established how his wife Maxine's family arrived in Manitoba as original homesteaders. The first presentation traced the Scott family roots back to UEL settlers in Prince Edward County. Ontario. 

This talk will track Maxine's GGGG-grandfather's emigration from Inverurie, in Aberdeenshire Scotland through Ireland and on to the American Colonies in the early 1700s. In addition to how William Scott followed his dream, Ken tries to establish why our ancestors would emigrate to what was essentially an unsettled wilderness. 

Dave Cross’s interview with Ken Harley has been added to the BIFHSGO Podcast page. Through this interview, Ken provides you with the structure of his upcoming presentation, a bit about the research he has done with the Scott family and some of the interesting stories which might yet be uncovered.

The podcast is available at http://www.bifhsgo.ca/cpage.php?pt=106 

All monthly meetings are open to the general public, and they are free of charge.

The website is at http://www.bifhsgo.ca