In a few days, I will leave for Ottawa to speak at the Ontario Genealogical Society’s conference, taking place at Algonquin College from June 16 to 18, to attend workshops and presentations, and get together with new and old friends.
This year’s event will feature 44 presentations and workshops, delivered by 25 speakers, and a marketplace with 39 vendors and exhibitors.
I understand there are still a few places for Using Ancestry Day, which is being held on Monday, June 19 after the main conference, and you do not need to register for the entire conference to attend this day-long session. This would make a nice Father’s Day gift.
Walk-in registrations for both the conference and Ancestry Day are welcomed.
Drouin Institute participating
Participating for the first time at an OGS conference will be the Drouin Genealogical Institute with a table in the marketplace in the Corner Lounge in Building E. Drop by to find out what they offer and ask them questions. They will be stationed next to the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa‘s table where I’ll be sitting on Saturday, June 17, from 2:00 to 2:30 p.m., and I hope to see you there.
I see the Girl Guides will also be in the Corner Lounge in Building E in the marketplace, and let’s hope they plan to sell cookies.
The marketplace will be spread out in four or five locations on the campus and it will be open to the public. Volunteers and colourful balloons will direct you from place to place.
The Drouin Institute will also provide conference delegates with free access to the websites, Genealogy Quebec and PRDH, in the Research Room. So, give these websites a test drive and bring your USB to download information you findabout your ancestors.
Sponsorship, early morning walk, and door prizes
This year, the Drouin Institute will be the only commercial enterprise to sponsor an individual presentation, and I’m tickled pink to say it just happens to be mine, The Crème de la Crème of Online Resources for Quebec Research.
My presentation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 18, in the T Building, which appears to be the farthest distance from the college residence and parking lots. So, get an early start, wear your walking shoes, and enjoy the stroll.
In fact, arrive early to visit the eight vendors and exhibitors in the T Building portion of the marketplace that opens at 8:00 a.m. Among the vendors will be the ever-friendly Lynn Palermo, The Armchair Genealogist, who can help you write your family history. She’ll be handing out cards with a link to a free email mini-course, Discover Your First Story!
To add a bit of fun to my session, the Drouin Institute has generously donated two door prizes for those attending.
Live streaming
If you can’t make it to the conference, two keynote lectures and the AGM will be streamed live for you to watch from home.
