Ontario Ancestors and four of its branches will host a virtual presentation this week. All are free and open to the public. Registration is required for each one.
The times are in Eastern time.
Tuesday, February 1 — 7:30 p.m. — Durham Branch
Finding Your Ancestors in the Anglican Diocese of Toronto by Claire Wilton, archivist and privacy officer, Anglican Diocese of Toronto
The Anglican Diocese of Toronto is quite large and holds records covering the areas of Durham, Toronto, Northumberland, York, Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough, Halton-Peel, Simcoe, and Haliburton. This talk should be of interest to a wide number of family historians.
Claire will be covering the oldest records held, as well as the types of, access to and information found in the records. She will also highlight examples of searches they have done, as well as challenges with the records. The Archives is currently working on increasing their accessible information (fonds descriptions and finding aids). Registration is required.
Wednesday, February 2, — 7:30 p.m. — Huron County Branch
Maritime Disasters on Lake Huron by Colleen Maguire
Colleen is past chair of Huron Branch and has been researching those ships that went down in Lake Huron with a focus on those from Huron County who perished. Registration is required.
Thursday, February 3 — 7:00 p.m. — Ontario Ancestors
Diaries, Journals and Calendars: Preserving and Documenting Your Ancestor’s Day-to-Day Life by Melissa Barker
Many of our ancestors recorded their day-to-day lives in diaries, journals, and calendars. Learn how to extract all the wonderful genealogical and historical information contained these sources and how to physically preserve them for the next generation. Registration is required.
Saturday, February 5 — 10:00 a.m. — London & Middlesex Branch
Why Did the Welsh Leave Wales by Dr. Penny Walters
This presentation will look at why Welsh emigrated from Wales, with a historical overview of life in Wales, maps, counties, 1720 and 1833 gazetteer descriptions, the Welsh language and culture. We will look at the steady heavy industrialisation of the beautiful rural countryside, into coal mining and the historic Merthyr Tydfil specifically. Emigration posters of the 1840s beckoned a new and better life abroad. The crucial role of DNA testing with specified regions and surname distribution will be revealed, as will language, translation tools and scripts. Censuses in Welsh will be analysed and compared to English language censuses. The feeling of connectedness, diaspora, and homelands will be explored. Some traditional foods and helpful forums on Facebook groups will be given. Registration is required.
Saturday, February 5 — 2:00 p.m. — Simcoe Branch
Researching Métis Ancestors by Christine Woodcock
In the late 18th century, Scotsmen traveled to York Factory to work with the Hudson Bay Company. Being indentured for 3 to 5 years, these men often coupled with Cree women, creating the Métis Nation in Canada. The Hudson’s Bay Company’s rival, the Northwest Company, also sent men to the Red River area to trap in the winter months. These men also coupled with the Cree women, adding French blood to the Métis. Many of the Scots eventually left the Red River area, relocating to Simcoe County. In her talk, Christine will help us understand the influence the Scottish had on creating the Métis Nation and outline resources for research. Registration is required.
