Showing posts with label OGS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label OGS. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Brant County Branch of OGS will hold a Spring Workshop




On Saturday April 18, 2015, the Brant County Branch of OGS will hold a SPRING WORKSHOP from 9:30 am to 4 pm at the site at 14-118 Powerline Road in Brantford, Ontario. There is a map on the homepage at http://www.ogs.on.ca/brant/index.html

The morning Guest Speaker will be Geoffrey Moyer, a librarian and local historian who has long held a passionate interest in the World Wars and their impact on his hometown. His topic will be the First World War World.

The afternoon speaker will be Terri Hunter, who is an expert on how the Facebook works , and she can tell you how to use it for personal and genealogy research.

The cost to hear these two speakers is $30.00 with lunch, or $35.00 at the door plus $5.00 for lunch.

Please pre-register for the workshop by April 11, 2015.

For your convenience you can pay through Paypal. 

Saturday, April 4, 2015

Ever been to Genealogy Summer Camp?



One of the highlights of the summer was going Summer Camp, wasn't it?

Well, did you know that Toronto Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society has had a Genealogy Summer Camp for almost twenty years?

If you didn't know, but would like to find out more about the summer camp, you can contact Jane MacNamara at her blog http://wherethestorytakesme.ca/genealogy-summer-camp/ for details.

Toronto Branch has been running this innovative program for almost two decades now - they invite out-of-town researchers to Toronto for a full week of concentrated family history research at our wonderful libraries and archives, under the guidance of local experts. More than 140 participants from England, right across Canada and many US states have attended over the years.

Local residents are welcome too, and may choose to stay with the group or attend as “day-campers”.

This year’s Genealogy Summer Camp will run from Sunday 7 June to Friday 12 June 2015.



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

If you missed this week’s edition, it is at http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2015/03/canadian-week-in-review-30-march-2015.html

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

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

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Watch Hamilton Branch of the OGS on YouTube tonight



The Hamilton Branch of the Ontario Genealogist Society is meeting tonight for their Annual General Meeting, with guest speaker Pat Blackburn, UE and the topic will be What is a United Empire Loyalist (UEL)? How do you trace your lineage?

Meeting time is 7 pm. It will be held at the Lincoln Alexander School (near the LINC and Upper Gage Ave), 50 Ravenbury Dr. Rm. 1, Hamilton, Ontario.

And the meeting will be broadcast on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uHLRrO5ejo

If you haven’t done so already, remember to check the Canadian Week in Review Monday morning for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada.

If you missed this week’s edition, it is at http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2015/01/canadian-week-in-review-12-january-2015.html

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

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

Friday, September 5, 2014

Essex Branch has a new website

The Essex Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society has a new exciting website on WordPress.

They have tagged themselves as Volunteer Genealogists: Networking & Collaborating. Advocates for Archives and Cemeteries.

They have the usual divisions of Publications, Events, Resources, and the ever-important Member’s Only page.

Plus, they highlight news of interest to people who have ancestors in the Essex area.

The Branch will celebrate it’s 35th anniversary by holding an Open House on Monday, September 8, 2014 from 6 pm – 8 pm at the Windsor Public Library, 850 Ouellette Avenue, Windsor.

If you are new to family history, or a seasoned researcher, they hope you will join them to discuss family history research, tour their library collection, hear about the branch history and their plans for the future, meet other members of the branch, other branches, and other Essex County family history-driven organizations, and, of course, enjoy some cake and good company!

So their site is at http://www.ogs.on.ca/essex/

If you wish to belong to Essex Branch, go to the Ontario Genealogical Society at http://www.ogs.on.ca/membership.php.

They are still offering a Partial Year Membership ($35.70 - available June 1 to October 31)

It is an introductory offer for brand new members that allows you to join right away rather than waiting for the next calendar year (this category is also available to those who have not been an OGS member for the past two years and would like to come back).

Saturday, August 2, 2014

The OGS picks their theme for the 2017 conference!



Our Canada-Your Family: Building A Nation is the theme which has been chosen for the 2017 Ontario Genealogical Society's conference, and what a fantastic title!

And the reason that the title of the conference was chosen is that 2017 will be the 150th birthday of the founding of Canada. It will be a super busy time in Ottawa, so why not plan at attend the conference and do some sightseeing along with your stay? 

This will be the sixth time (plus they co-hosted the 2012 conference in Kingston) that Ottawa (the nation’s capital) will have hosted the conference.

They already have a small group of volunteers, but they can always have more people join them in this effort. 

You can contact them at conference2017@ogsottawa.on.ca 

Watch for news in this blog and at the Ottawa blog at http://ogsottawa.blogspot.com/ and their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/237267743111732/?fref=ts 

The webpage is http://ogsottawa.on.ca/

Sunday, July 6, 2014

I Love London, Ontario

London, Ontario has a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vintage-London-Ontario/256233541169617

It covers many local towns in the area from their beginnings to the 1990s. Old pictures, memories, adverts....anything you might consider Vintage London or surrounding villages. You can also follow Vintage London on Twitter - https://twitter.com/VintageLondonOn 

While there you can go to the London-Middlesex Genealogical Society, and check out two websites – 

Early Settlers Project 

They have 184 pages of settlers listed who settled in Middlesex County prior to 1900. This collection, begun over 30 years ago, includes family information submitted by branch members. This list is FREE!

Family History Index

They also have a 33 page Family History Index to the family history books they have in their Resource Centre. The index covers only the most frequent surnames found in each book This list is FREE!

You can check their homepage at http://londonmiddlesex.ogs.on.ca

Friday, May 2, 2014

Reminder: Social Media Hangout On Air


Just a reminder to watch the Google+ Hangout on Air tomorrow morning at 8:00 EDT when members at the Ontario Genealogical Society will be on a panel discussion about Social Media.

The members of the panel will be Tony Bandy, Kirsty Gray, Daniel Horowitz, Chris Paton, Marian Press, and John D Reid.

Go to https://support.google.com/plus/answer/2459411?hl=en to see how you join Google +, and to get to the site on Saturday morning, go to https://plus.google.com/u/0/events/cgkbikrmmec7hi1irnenf5jmqbc?cfem=1 you must be a Google member.

See you there!

Thursday, March 13, 2014

OGS Conference 2014

Steve Fulton U.E., on behalf of the OGS Conference 2014 Committee, has sent out an invite and a reminder that the conference is almost most here! 

The Conference is between May 1 to 4th at Brock University in St Catharines, and here are some of the activities - 

  • Hank Jones Jr - Banquet Speaker - Coming from California

  • Chris Paton - Houston Lecture Speaker - Coming from Scotland

  • Saturday Morning Plenary - International Panel on Social Media

  • Thursday Board Meeting & Greet at Donnelly's Pub in Thorold


They are also providing an opportunity for those who can't come for whatever reason. They will be streaming 7 speakers onto the Internet so you can view them in your home. 

Three Speakers will be streamed in from their locations (England, Salt Lake City & British Columbia). 

Other amazing Speakers and opportunities to meet other genealogists!


Saturday, January 4, 2014

OGS Open Forum

The Ontario Genealogical Society invites members and non-members to join in an online discussion with President, Shirley Sturdevant. Ask questions and make comments about the changing face of OGS and volunteer opportunities with the Society.

The date that the forum will be held will be Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

This forum is open to anyone who is interested but you may express your interest and receive a reminder and your own copy of the login information by contacting the OGS provincial office at provoffice@ogs.on.ca.

Please use the subject line “OGS Open Forum.”

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

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Gwyneth Pearce, Secretary of the Toronto Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society, has sent the winter meeting schedule, and it is -

Tracing Your African Heritage in the British West Indies
Saturday, February 1, 2014, 1 – 5 p.m.
This half-day course will cover the basic principles of research, how to read and interpret slave registers, what to look for in vital records, church records, parish registers and much more.
Instructor: Pooran Bridgelal
Where: North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge Street, Toronto

The Social History of Medicine in 19th Century CanadaTuesdays, February 4 & 11, 2014, 2 – 4 pm
This two-part lecture series will examine life and death and the role of medicine in Canada in the nineteenth century, as well as the revolution in Canadian medical education from 1875 to 1920 that extended life span and professionalized medicine and medical training.
Instructor: Dr. Marianne Fedunkiw
Where: North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge Street, Toronto

Making the Internet Work for GenealogyWednesdays, February 12, 19 & 26 & March 5, 2014, 6:15 – 8:15 pm
This four-week course is aimed at those who have considerable experience already with using the Internet for genealogy, but who are interested in learning how to fine tune their search abilities and how to take advantage of the social networking opportunities the Internet provides.
Instructor: Marian Press
Where: Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto

Tracing Your East Indian Heritage in the British West IndiesSaturday, February 15, 2014, 1 – 5 pm
This half-day course will cover the basic principles of research, how to understand indenture contracts, what to look for in vital records, church records, parish registers and much more.
Instructor: Pooran Bridgelal
Where: North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge Street, Toronto

The Social History of Dress in 19th Century CanadaTuesdays, February 18 & 25, 2014, 2 – 4 pm
This two-part lecture series is intended as a primer to the social history of dress seen in 19th century photographs, with a special emphasis on Canadian history. The course will cover the period from 1840 to 1910.
Instructor: Ingrid Mida
Where: North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge Street, Toronto

Introduction to Genealogy and Family History
Saturday, February 22, 2014, 10 am – 3 pm
A fast-paced one-day course that introduces some of the type of records and techniques needed for researching your family tree. It highlights vital records (civil and church), census records and probates (wills), showing how to extract and evaluate data.
Instructor: Linda Reid
Where: North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge Street, Toronto
They are parented by the OGS and the North York Central Library.
To learn more, you can go to http://torontofamilyhistory.org/

Saturday, December 7, 2013

IMPORTANT: Ontario Genealogy Society Open Forum

This notice has just come into the office

The Ontario Genealogical Society invites members and non-members to join in an online discussion with President, Shirley Sturdevant. Ask questions and make comments about the changing face of OGS and volunteer opportunities with the Society.

Date: Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014

Time: 7:00 p.m.

More information will follow.

This forum is open to anyone who is interested but you may express your interest and receive a reminder and your own copy of the login information by contacting the OGS provincial office at provoffice@ogs.on.ca.

Please use the subject line “GS Open Forum.”

I will be there. Will you?

Friday, November 29, 2013

Niagara Branch of the OGS is host this year to the 2014 Conference whose theme is Genealogy Without Borders . It will be held May 1 to May 4, 2014 at Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario.

They have just released who they will have as speakers and the schedule, and it is quite an impressive group, such as - 

Chris Paton, the Scottish Genealogist will conduct workshops, and will give the Houston Lecture Genealogy Without Borders-Technology on Friday evening.

Hank Jones will be the keynote speaker on Saturday evening  when he gives the talk
How "Psychic Roots" became an "Unsolved Mystery".




Like the organizers say "Genealogy Without Borders" is genealogy research that does not require a passport!

Saturday, November 23, 2013

York Region Ancestors Newsletter

The York Region Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS) has just issued its November newsletter, and in this issue they have an article A View of Markham Township in 1799 in which Surveyor Augustus Jones lists the people in the township and the land they held.

There is also an article on the Early Lutheran Deaths in the Twp of Markham (1834 – 1841), and Confirmations in the Lutheran Church 1834 and 1836.

There is the family tree of John Stiver and Mary Ann Shutz, and a list of
Tavern Licenses Granted from 1855 to 1860, and a list of innkeepers for Whitchurch Township from 1803 to 1841.

Please be reminded that they have all the back issues of Ancestors from 1996 to 2006 which includes a subject index for sale, in addition to over 150 cemetery transcripts on their publications page at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~onyrbogs/pub_001.htm

You can visit their webpage at www.rootsweb.com/onyrbogs

Postscript: December is the yearly membership drive by the OGS. This year the basic membership is $61.20 which is a deal for all the benefits that you can receive from the Members Only pages at http://www.ogs.on.ca/index.php

Thursday, November 21, 2013

WWI Memorial Wall at OGS

Have you checked the WWI War Memorial Wall at OGS lately? It is starting to get populated with photos from the First World War, but the Ontario Genealogical Society is looking for more photos.

So they are asking “Do you have family members who served with the Canadian Expeditionary Force during WWI? As we approach the 100th Anniversary of the Great War, the Ontario Genealogical Society invites you to share their stories and photos on our newly created WWI Memorial Wall on the OGS Soldphotos flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ogsphotos/sets/

If you would like to share your scanned photos, letters, diaries, or require more information, please contact our Digitization Manager at scanning@ogs.on.ca

We also welcome photos and stories from all of our Canadian War Veterans, and as always, those popular Mystery Photos”.

Friday, November 15, 2013

The passing of Bob Crawford of the OGS

Late yesterday, I received the sad news of the passing of Bob Crawford of the OGS on November the 13th.

Bob was the Past-President of OGS, having served in that role from 2006-2008, as well as Past-President of the Halton-Peel Branch. He was also the Corporate Secretary since 2010.

Services will be held at the Jones Funeral Home in Georgetown, Ontario, 11582 Trafalgar Road, Georgetown, ON L7G 4Y5 Phone: 905-877-3631

Viewings are scheduled for Friday November 15, 2013, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday November 16, 2013 at 2:30 pm.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the OGS Provincial Office to be forwarded to Bob's family.

I have known and worked with Bob since 2005 in my capacity as editor of Newsleaf, and Families. He was always most helpful, and he had a vast knowledge of the daily workings of the OGS. We are all appreciative his service in the work that he did in the preservation of cemeteries in the province.

He will be missed.

Friday, November 1, 2013

OGS is seeking an individual for Publishing Committee


For many years, the OGS has had a publishing committee, and part of its mandate has been publishing genealogy resource books.

The Publishing Committee is now looking for “an energetic individual interested in the world of Canadian genealogy to chair the OGS Publishing Committee. We are looking for someone with an understanding of the publication process, and a vision for the future of OGS publishing”.

The volunteer would help to

- determine current needs with regards to genealogical publications and work to develop publications to fulfill these needs,

- receive and develop publication proposals with possible authors,

- establish and follow budgets for the titles being published,

- develop marketing plans for titles

If you are interested, please contact the OGS Executive Director at ed@ogs.on.ca to discuss your skills and ideas.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

The Ottawa Genealogist July-September 2013




The latest edition of The Ottawa Genealogists was in my mail box the other day, and it covers such events as Genealogy Research in London, UK and Attending WDYTYAL Conference 2013, Step into History: The 19th Annual Beechwood Cemetery Historical Walking Tour, and the article Early Bytown Settlers Index.

One thing I have always enjoyed reading has been Edward and Elizabeth Kipp’s research trips. I have always found them informative, news worthy, and entertaining.  

This time, they were in London and went to the WDYTYAL where they saw some fellow Canadians from Ottawa  – Glenn Wright, John D. Reid, and Leslie Anderson – and took in some lectures while there too.

And they did some research too – on the BLAKE, PINCOMBE/PINKHAM, BULLER, BEARD families.

A good report was given of the Beechwood Cemetery Historical Walking Tour that took place on June 9th, and the theme was the War of 1812.

Some of the people honoured was British Army Officer William Brown Bradley, and his son Edward Sands BRADLEY, Louis-Theodore BESSERAR, and Maria HILL.

It is reported that 300 people were there e to take the walk in good weather, which was led by Kurt Johnson of the Goulburn Museum.  

Jim Stanzell continues with the Early Bytown Settlers Index, and this time he covers the letters J to L.

He gives both the surname, and given name, the reference and page number, and any notes that is included in the Information column.


There is lots of other news in the journal, and you can receive The Ottawa Genealogist by joining the Ontario Genealogical Society at http:// www.ogs.on.ca/membership.php 

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Kent Branch, OGS – Meeting & Event Info

Many societies are getting their fall meeting schedule out there for us to post, and I am busy with the November edition of Families, so the fall season is rapidly approaching for us genealogists.

The Kent Branch has speakers for September, October, and November, and the schedule is -

Date: Friday, September 13, 2013, 7:00 p.m.
Meeting: Kent Branch OGS
Location: St. Andrews Residence, 99 Park St., Chatham
Title of Talk: “Dealing with Conflicting Information”
Name of Speaker: Vicki McKay
Brief Info: Vicki McKay will walk us through some of her own family research challenges
Contact Info: www.ogs.on.ca/kent 

Date: Friday, October 11, 2013, 7:00 p.m.
Meeting: Kent Branch OGS
Location: St. Andrews Residence, 99 Park St., Chatham
Title of Talk: 150 YEARS! THE HISTORY OF THE CHATHAM GRANITE CLUB
Name of Speaker: Reg Johnson
Brief Info: Learn the history and the people involved in this 150 year old organization. .
Contact Info: www.ogs.on.ca/kent

Date: Friday, November 8, 2013, 7:00 p.m.
Meeting: Kent Branch OGS                                                            
Location: St. Andrews Residence, 99 Park St., Chatham
Title of Talk: “Major Telford Steele – WWII”
Name of Speaker: Ted Steele
Brief Info: Ted Steele will share the adventures of his uncle in WWll.
Contact Info: www.ogs.on.ca/kent 

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

History and Importance of the Duff-Baby House

The Essex Branch of the OGS will be held on Monday June 10, 2013 from 6:00 pm at the Windsor Public Library, 850 Ouellette Ave., Windsor.

The talk will be entitled History and Importance of the Duff-Baby House, and the person giving the talk will be Evelyn McLean.

The meeting will be Free, and you can go to www.essex.ogs.on.ca for up to date info the meeting.

The Buff-Baby house was built between 1792 and 1798. It is considered to be the oldest building in Windsor. The house was built by Alexander Duff as a fur trade post, and bought in 1807 by James Baby. It  and was used as the headquarters of U.S. General Harrison. The British ravaged the building during the War of 1812.

The Duff Baby House is also one of the best-preserved and oldest Georgian-style houses in Ontario. Today the building is owned by the Ontario Heritage Trust and houses government offices.

Friday, May 17, 2013

Shuttle Bus Available Saturday and Sunday at 2013 Conference

A local, family-run, bus company, DURHAMWAY, will run a handi-bus shuttle service on Saturday and Sunday during the main people moving hours of the conference. Durhamway is also running the banquet shuttle for those who purchased bus tickets

A different local business will now rent mobility aids (including scooters) during the conference.

The website is
www.ogs.on.ca/conference2013/category/announcement

The conference website is www.ogs.on.ca/conference2013/home