This is quite a week at Ontario Ancestors with eight branches and one special interest group hosting virtual presentations, a hybrid presentation, and a virtual open house. There’s bound to be at least one topic of interest for most family historians. Almost all of the presentations are free. One has a fee for non-society members.
The times below are in Eastern time.
Monday, May 13, 7:00 p.m. — Oxford County Branch
Scottish Collection at the McLaughlin Library University of Guelph by Kathryn Harvey
Kathryn Harvey, who is an archivist in the Archival and Special Collections section of the McLaughlin Library at the University of Guelph, will take us on a virtual tour of the Scottish Collection and share how we can access information about our Scottish ancestors. Register to watch online.
Tuesday, May 14, 7:00 p.m. — Essex County Branch
A New Look at FamilySearch and Online Records by Julia A. Anderson
Julia A. Anderson is a FamilySearch research specialist who will explain key components of FamilySearch.org, demonstrate best practices for locating online records, and enable you to use FamilySearch resources to answer your research questions. Register to watch online.
Tuesday, May 14, 7:00 p.m. — Lambton County Branch
Family Tree Maker by Mark Olsen
Thursday, May 16, 1:00 p.m. — Kawartha Branch
Annual Virtual Open House Drop-In Hour
Thursday, May 16, 1:00 p.m. — Scottish SIG
Beginner Series – Breaking Brickwalls in Scottish Research by Christine Woodcock
Christine Woodcock has agreed to re-run four webinar sessions called, the Beginner Series, in May 2024. Register to watch online.
Thursday, May 16, 7:00 p.m. –Sault Ste Marie & District of Algoma Branch
On The Wright Track: Memories from C.P.R. School Car #2 by Bonnie Sitter
Bill Wright began his teaching career in a school car in Sept 1928. His first school route was from Fort William to Kenora. He spent his first five years alone in the School Car then married Helen, who was also a teacher, and together they raised four children in the converted passenger car that was their home and classroom. In 1938 his route changed and the rest of his career was in the CPR School Car #2 that traveled between the CPR Divisional Points of Chapleau and White River.
The school cars were railway passenger cars converted into a school room and living quarters for the teacher and his family. The cars were conceived early in the 1920s by Dr. J. B. MacDougall of the Ontario Ministry of Education. Their purpose was to deliver education to the children of railway workers, mostly track maintenance men, who lived and worked at isolated locations along the railways of Northern Ontario. The children of trappers, prospectors, and lumberjacks were also welcome. No child was ever turned away.
This virtual presentation is free for society members. Non-members can purchase access to the live presentation and the recording for two weeks for a nominal fee of $10. Register to watch online.
Thursday, May 16, 7:00 p.m. — Niagara Peninsula Branch
The River Runners by Darryl Learn
When it comes to daredevils and Niagara, we can imagine the barrels riding over the falls or the tightrope walkers high above the river, but the temptation of the daring extends beyond the falls themselves. The River Runners gives just a small example of some of the brave, bold, and sometimes careless who dared the Niagara River. From running a side-paddle steamer through the rapids, swimming the whirlpool, rushing the rapids in rowboat, to a jack of all trades, the acts of these daredevils dramatically changed their lives, or ended them. Register to watch online.
Saturday, May 18, 10:00 a.m. — Kingston Branch
After You’re Gone: Future Proofing Your Genealogical Research by Thomas MacEntee
Have you ever considered what will happen to your years of genealogy research once you’re gone? Learn how to ensure that your hard work carries on. Through a combination of planning, common sense, and new technologies, we’ll review how to create an action plan for preserving your genealogy. Register to watch online.
Saturday, May 18, 1:00 p.m. — Quinte Branch
Reading Handwriting and Creating Transcriptions by Cheryl Levy
What does that say? It doesn’t take long before researchers are faced with trying to decipher documents written in older scripts. How can anyone decode those old letters? Understanding and practice is required when transcribing historical records. Every genealogist and family historian must develop basic transcription skills. Mastering the art of transcriptions is essential and will enhance your effectiveness as a researcher.
This is a hybrid meeting. Register to watch online or if you plan to attend in person at the Quinte West Public Library, email Kathryn at quinteprogramme@ogs.on.ca.
