Ontario Ancestors and four of its branches are hosting a virtual presentation this week. All are free and open to the public. Recordings of some, if not all, of these presentations will be available afterward for members.
Times are in Eastern time.
Tuesday, March 1 – 7:30 p.m. – Durham Region Branch
Forged In The Flames of War: Captive Ancestors of North America by Jennifer DeBruin
Do you have a captive ancestor in your family tree? In fact, many North Americans can count at least one captive ancestor!
Riveting, complex and heartbreaking, the captive story is one of tragedy and triumph. As the battle for continental supremacy over the colonies in North America raged over generations, people were swept up in its wake – many of them children. The audience will be taken on a treacherous journey, exploring the many complexities of life in ancient lands, and the result of French and English claims to its riches. Time Period: Early-1600s – Mid-Late 1700s. Registration is required.
Wednesday, March 2 – 7:30 p.m. – Huron County Branch
Early Military History in Canada and Huron Involvement by Glenn Wright
Registration is required.
Thursday, March 3 – 7:00 p.m. – Ontario Ancestors
An Irish War Widow in Upper Canada by Janice Nickerson
This presentation is part of Ontario Ancestors’ monthly webinar series.
When Upper Canadian militia men died in the War of 1812 what happened to their wives and children? And how can they be traced without civil registration, census, probate, or cemetery records? This talk will use a case study to walk the audience through the research process as Ms. Nickerson discovered a wealth of information about one War of 1812 widow and her family. Audience members will be introduced to a variety of lesser-known records including crown land petitions, heir and devisee commission records, township papers, land registry office records, pension records, government correspondence, and religious newspapers. Registration is rquired.
Saturday, March 5 – 10:00 a.m. – London & Middlesex Branch
Brick Street Cemetery (1816-2022): Rediscovering the Past Using Traditional and Modern Techniques by David Long
Brick Street Cemetery, located on Commissioners Road in London Ontario is perhaps the oldest open existent burial site in the city. Located in what was the earliest settled area in Westminster township, it served as the burial ground for the first settlers. The cemetery slowly fell out of regular usage after the creation of Woodland Cemetery and Mount Pleasant Cemetery in the 1870s. The annexation of this part of Westminster township, in 1960, into the city and a shift in the land usage and residential demographics accelerated the cemeteries decline. By the early 2000s, the cemetery was in very poor condition and its future was in question. The Friends of Brick St Cemetery, a group of concerned volunteers, stepped up at this time to restore and preserve London’s Oldest Burial ground. Using traditional, as well as modern techniques, this small group has been able to document and restore the burial grounds into an interesting historical destination, and hopefully ensure its existence into the future. Registration is required.
Saturday, March 5 – 2:00 p.m. – Simcoe County Branch
History of Collingwood and area by Carole Stuart
Registration is required.
