The Canadian eSIG of the Genealogical Society of Collier County (GSCC) in Naples, Florida will host the free webinar, Canadians in North America – Where They Came From and Where They Went, presented by Brian Mulcahy, on January 28 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time.
Have you ever wondered about your ancestors’ journeys to make their way to Canada? Was it Ontario? Did they go to Saskatchewan? Or perhaps the USA?
Bryan’s presentation will guide attendees through the historical, social, and economic forces that influenced migration to Canada. From the early exploration routes of Leif Erikson, Jacques Cartier, and Samuel de Champlain to the Loyalists who fled upheaval in the United States and the immigrants who escaped famine, conflict, or seeking economic opportunity, this session promises a comprehensive look at the people who helped build Canada.
This event will also illuminate the challenges faced by immigrants, such as the discriminatory policies endured by Chinese labourers or the trials of Irish Famine survivors. Participants will gain insights into diverse ethnic groups, including Indigenous peoples, Black Loyalists, Ukrainians, Scandinavians, and others, and strategies for navigating Canadian genealogy records. Whether you’re beginning your genealogy journey or are a seasoned researcher, Bryan’s expertise and practical advice will equip you with valuable tools to uncover your family’s unique story.
A particular highlight will be tips for accessing and utilizing resources, including Library and Archives Canada and other repositories, to trace ancestors through Canadian ports of entry. As part of the event, attendees will receive a study guide packed with resources for continued exploration and a presentation recording for future reference.
Bryan Mulcahy’s presentations are known for their depth and accessibility, making this event an excellent choice for genealogists of all experience levels. If you’re passionate about understanding how immigration shaped Canada’s past — and, by extension, your family’s history — this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Register to watch this webinar.
These are the other webinars planned for the Canadian eSIG’s 2025 winter/spring lineup:
February 25
Using the FamilySearch Wiki for Canadian Research by Marie Overman, GSCC President
April 22
Timeline Canada: Immigration and Impact by Jan Raska, PhD, Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
May 27
Between Friends / Entre Amis: Cousins Across the Border by Dave Obee, genealogical researcher and speaker
Canadian Genealogy eSIG
So, what’s an eSIG? It a special interest group that is available online. In the case of this eSIG, you don’t need to be a member of the GSCC to take part. The services are free and include:
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- Webinar Invitations: Regular Zoom webinars (typically eight per year) on Canadian-American genealogy, complete with handouts and recordings.
- Curated Genealogy Updates: Subscribers receive links to top virtual events, articles, and Canadian-American family history research resources.
- Collaborative Community Access: The eSIG provides a platform for global connections, mutual support, and idea-sharing among genealogy enthusiasts.
eSIG benefits
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- Genealogical Insights: Explore topics like migration routes between Canada, the United States, New England, and the Midwest.
- Specialized Research Areas: Learn about United Empire Loyalists, Métis ancestry, Les Filles du Roi, and regions like the Maritimes, British Columbia, and the Prairie provinces.
- Curated Resources: Access a regularly updated collection of links, articles, blogs, and upcoming events to boost Canadian and American genealogy research.
Learn more about what the eSIG offers on the Canadian Genealogy eSIG website.
