The New England Historic Genealogical Society, also known as American Ancestors, will offer two Canadian-themed events before and after Canada Day.
Rise and Fall of the Hudson’s Bay Empire
On Monday, June 28, at 6:00 p.m. Eastern time, author Stephen Bown will talk about The Company: The Rise and Fall of the Hudson’s Bay Empire. It will be moderated by Jeff Breithaupt, Canadian-New Yorker songwriter, author, and podcaster.
Just before Canada Day, join us for a spirited evening featuring scholar Stephen Bown and his compelling narrative history of Canada’s famous Hudson Bay Company. Through the masterful control of a handful of English aristocrats, The Company rose from a small 1670 trading business – practical manufactured goods exchanged for furs with the Indigenous inhabitants of inland subarctic Canada – to the single biggest political and economic force in North America, ruling the lives of people from Hudson’s Bay to the Pacific Ocean. Don’t miss Bown’s illustrated presentation and insights on this rich and peopled history; and his discussion of Canada, then and now, with fellow countryman Jeff Breithaupt.
This event is free, but registration is required.
Research Acadian Ancestors
American Ancestors will host a three-part online course, Researching Acadian Ancestors, on July 7, 14, and 21, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern time. Access to course materials will be available until October 31, 2021. The instructors are Tricia Labbe, Ann Lawthers, and Rhonda R. McClure.
This course includes three 90-minute classes; exclusive access to handouts and recordings of each presentation; and in-depth Q&A sessions with the instructors.
July 7 – Class 1: A Brief Acadian History presented by Tricia Labbe.
This first class provides the foundational context of the French settlement of New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island between 1605 and 1765 and the Acadian deportation and subsequent movements across the world.
July 14 – Class 2: Acadians in Canada: Records & Research presented by Rhonda R. McClure.
While some records of our Acadian ancestors did not survive, there are still several sources — and strategies — that we can turn to. This class will discuss how to locate and utilize Acadian parish records, vital records, land deeds, notarial records, and other deportation sources in your family history research, highlighting several key references and repositories.
July 21 – Class 3: Acadian Diaspora: Records & Research presented by Ann G. Lawthers.
Following the Acadian expulsion from Canada’s maritime provinces in the 18th century, many settled in New England, Louisiana, and beyond. This final class will examine some of the key record groups that detail your ancestor’s life after resettlement and will demonstrate various research strategies in uncovering their origins in Canada.
The cost is US$85 (about CDN$105). Register by July 21.
