Six of Ontario Ancestors’ branches will each host a virtual presentation this week. Two are hybrid, all but one are free, and all are open to the public. Presentations that are in-person only are not included in the list below.
Note that a couple of the times provided in the online registration link differ from the information on the branch’s website. In those cases, I used the time provided on the website.
The times are in Eastern time.
Monday, January 15, 7:00 p.m. — Sudbury District Branch
Back to Family History Research Basics — panel discussion
In response to requests from some people just getting started in their family history research, this will be a panel presentation followed by a discussion. Everyone is welcome to come to learn, and to share their knowledge of what works, and what doesn’t. This will be a hybrid event. Attend in person at Parkside Centre, 140 Durham, Sudbury or register to attend online.
Thursday, January 18, 7:00 p.m. — Hamilton Branch
How to Write Source Citations for Canadian Genealogy by Kathryn Lake Hogan
Does the thought of writing source citations make you cringe? This presentation explains how and why we need to write good source citations for our Canadian family histories. The essential components of a source citation will be discussed. Examples of source citations will be shown, featuring Canadian and Ontario records. Free for members and $10 for non-members. Register to watch online.
Friday, January 19, 7:00 p.m. — Niagara Peninsula Branch
What’s New With Family Tree Maker by Mark Olsen
Find out what’s new with this amazing Family Tree software. Join this special event with Genealogy Community Ambassador Mark Olsen for a special discount as well as door prizes. Learn how to start and build your family tree using Family Tree Maker with its easy-to-use tree-building features and tools. Register to watch online.
Saturday, January 20, 10:00 a.m. — Kingston Branch
From No Story to a Life Story — Breaking Down a Brick Wall and The Trial of William Bass by Carol Ufford
Carol Ufford, retired librarian and current Toronto Branch Chair, will share two research case studies about her Kingston ancestors. First, From No Story to a Life Story – Breaking Down a Brick Wall to fill in her great grandmother’s life story, and second, The Trial of William Bass. Carol will tell the story of the 1837 trial – what led up to it, the trial itself, and the aftermath. Register to watch online.
Saturday, January 20, 1:00 p.m. — Quinte Branch
38 Hours To Montreal — William Weller and the Governor General’s Race of 1840! by Dan Buchanan
In response to the Rebellion of 1837-38, Governor General Charles Poulett Thomson has been urgently tasked by his masters in England to modernize and improve the governments in the Canadian colonies. In just three months in Toronto, the governor general has managed to pass all the legislation he wants, but with politics heating up in Quebec and his bosses in England dangling a peerage over his head, now he must get to Montreal as fast as he can to do the same thing there.
Enter “The Stagecoach King,” William Weller, of Cobourg, who is famous for operating the Royal Mail Line of stages between Toronto and Montreal. Weller utilizes a complex system of stage stops staffed with experienced workers and is confident he can take the governor general to Montreal in under thirty-eight hours. So confident, he signed a contract!
Driving a unique sleigh, specially modified for this trip, Weller pilots the governor general and his aide-de-camp, Captain Thomas Le Marchant, over 370 miles of snowy, muddy roads, avoiding dangerous obstacles and constantly moving forward.
In a meticulously researched account of this epic trek, author Dan Buchanan spins a road trip you won’t forget. Sit on the bench with Mr. Weller and see the buildings that existed then, many still there today. Find out about each town and village along the way. Who were the movers and shakers in 1840? What hotel might have provided a stage stop? And, dare we ask? Where did the road go in 1840? Come along for the ride and see for yourself!
This will be a hybrid meeting. Attend in person at the Quinte West Public Library at 7 Creswell Drive in Trenton or register to watch online.
Saturday, January 20, 1:00 p.m. — Ottawa Branch
A New Strategy for Brick Walls by Kim Richardson
Discover how to use simple items like index cards and sticky notes to overcome confusion caused by “too much” information swirling around in your mind. Interact with research in a new way and engage in activities that transform you into a problem-solving dynamo. Register to watch online.
